What are the best ways to gather basilosaurus blubber for advanced base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering basilosaurus blubber in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for advanced base building, particularly for crafting items like the Tek Generator, which requires blubber as a key resource. Basilosaurus blubber is obtained by hunting and harvesting basilosaurus, a passive aquatic creature found in the ocean. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather basilosaurus blubber, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Basilosaurus are large, whale-like creatures that inhabit the deeper parts of the ocean. They are passive and will not attack unless provoked, making them relatively easy to hunt. However, they are often accompanied by mantas, which can be aggressive and pose a threat during the hunt. Basilosaurus blubber is obtained by killing the creature and harvesting its body using a tool like a metal hatchet or a tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a Megalodon or a Baryonyx. The amount of blubber harvested depends on the tool or creature used, with higher melee damage yielding more resources.

To begin, youÔÇÖll need to prepare for an ocean expedition. Equip yourself with scuba gear or a Lazarus Chowder to extend your underwater breathing time. Bring a strong underwater mount, such as a tamed Megalodon, Baryonyx, or even a Basilosaurus itself, as these creatures are well-suited for ocean combat and resource gathering. Additionally, carry a crossbow or harpoon gun for ranged attacks, as well as a metal hatchet for harvesting. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, ensure your mount is well-leveled in health and melee damage to handle potential threats like mantas or other predators.

Once youÔÇÖre prepared, head to the ocean biome where basilosaurus spawn. Common locations include the deeper waters around the mapÔÇÖs edges, such as the western ocean on The Island or the underwater trenches on Ragnarok. Use your mount to scout the area and locate a basilosaurus. When you find one, approach cautiously, as mantas may be nearby. If mantas are present, deal with them first to avoid being overwhelmed during the hunt.

Engage the basilosaurus by attacking it with your mount or ranged weapons. Basilosaurus have a significant amount of health, so be prepared for a prolonged fight. Once the basilosaurus is defeated, use your metal hatchet or mount to harvest its body. A high-melee damage tool or creature will yield more blubber, so prioritize these for optimal resource gathering. Each basilosaurus typically provides a substantial amount of blubber, making it a worthwhile target for advanced crafting needs.

One common mistake is underestimating the dangers of the ocean biome. Players often venture into the ocean unprepared, leading to encounters with aggressive creatures like mantas, jellyfish, or even alpha predators. Always ensure you have a strong mount and adequate supplies before attempting to hunt basilosaurus. Another mistake is using low-quality tools for harvesting, which results in less blubber. Always use a metal hatchet or a high-melee damage creature to maximize your yield.

For advanced techniques, consider taming a basilosaurus to assist in future hunts. A tamed basilosaurus is immune to the effects of jellyfish and electric eels, making it an excellent companion for ocean exploration. Additionally, basilosaurus provide a steady supply of oil and blubber passively, as they generate these resources over time. This can be a more sustainable method of obtaining blubber compared to hunting wild basilosaurus.

Resource requirements for this task include scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder, a strong underwater mount, and a metal hatchet. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to divide tasks, such as scouting, combat, and harvesting. Solo players should focus on leveling their mountÔÇÖs health and melee damage to handle the oceanÔÇÖs challenges independently.

In summary, gathering basilosaurus blubber involves careful preparation, efficient hunting, and proper harvesting techniques. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can secure a steady supply of blubber for advanced base building and crafting in ARK: Survival Evolved.