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

Gathering rare mushrooms in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for advanced base building, as they are used in crafting recipes like Lesser Antidote, Custom Consumables, and certain advanced structures. Rare mushrooms are primarily found in swamp biomes, caves, and underwater areas. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather them, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To start, rare mushrooms are not harvested directly from the ground like other resources. Instead, they are obtained by harvesting specific plants or creatures. The most common method is to harvest swamp trees, which are found in swamp biomes. These trees look like large, twisted, and dark-colored trees with glowing mushrooms growing on them. Using a metal hatchet or a chainsaw is the most efficient way to harvest these trees, as they yield more rare mushrooms compared to stone or wood tools. Another method is to harvest the giant mushrooms found in caves, particularly in the Swamp Cave on The Island or similar cave systems on other maps. These mushrooms can be harvested with a pickaxe or hatchet.

For underwater gathering, rare mushrooms can be found by harvesting the underwater plants in the ocean or rivers. These plants resemble seaweed and can be harvested with a sickle or by hand. However, this method is less efficient than harvesting swamp trees or cave mushrooms, so itÔÇÖs best used as a supplementary method.

Preparation is key when gathering rare mushrooms. If youÔÇÖre venturing into swamp biomes or caves, ensure you have the right equipment. A strong mount like a Carnotaurus, Sabertooth, or Baryonyx is recommended for swamp areas, as they can handle the hostile creatures like Sarcosuchus, Titanoboas, and Kaprosuchus. For caves, a high-level Megatherium or Thylacoleo is ideal due to their high damage output and resistance to cave creatures like Arthropluera and Onyc. Bring plenty of healing items, such as cooked meat or medical brews, and consider wearing armor with high durability, like flak or riot gear, to protect against environmental hazards and attacks.

When gathering in swamps, focus on areas with dense clusters of swamp trees. These trees are often surrounded by dangerous creatures, so clear the area first or use your mount to fend off threats. For caves, bring a light source like a torch or mining helmet, as caves are dark and can be disorienting. Be cautious of environmental hazards like poison gas in the Swamp Cave, and consider using a Gas Mask or Scuba Tank to mitigate the effects.

A common mistake is underestimating the dangers of swamp and cave environments. Players often venture in unprepared, leading to quick deaths and loss of resources. Always scout the area beforehand and ensure you have a clear escape route. Another mistake is using low-tier tools like stone hatchets, which yield fewer rare mushrooms and waste time. Invest in a metal hatchet or chainsaw for maximum efficiency.

Advanced techniques include using tamed creatures to automate the gathering process. For example, a Therizinosaur with points invested in Power Harvesting can gather rare mushrooms efficiently from swamp trees. Similarly, a Megatherium can clear cave mushrooms quickly while also dealing with hostile creatures. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with teammates to cover more ground and protect each other from threats. Solo players should focus on taming a strong mount and using it to gather safely.

Resource requirements for gathering rare mushrooms include a metal hatchet or chainsaw, a strong mount, healing items, and armor. If youÔÇÖre venturing into caves, bring a light source and environmental protection like a Gas Mask. For underwater gathering, a sickle and Scuba Gear are recommended.

In summary, gathering rare mushrooms requires careful preparation, the right tools, and a strong mount. Focus on swamp trees and cave mushrooms for the highest yield, and always be aware of the dangers in these environments. By following these strategies, you can efficiently gather rare mushrooms for advanced base building and crafting in ARK: Survival Evolved.