What is the best way to gather black pearls in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Black pearls are one of the most valuable resources in ARK: Survival Evolved, used for crafting advanced items like Tek-tier equipment and saddles. Gathering black pearls can be challenging due to their rarity and the dangerous creatures that drop them. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on the best ways to gather black pearls, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips for both solo players and tribes.

Black pearls are primarily obtained by killing certain creatures, such as Trilobites, Eurypterids, Ammonites, and Tusoteuthis. Eurypterids, also known as sea scorpions, are the most reliable source of black pearls, but they are found in deep ocean areas and are highly aggressive. Tusoteuthis, a giant squid, also drops a significant amount of black pearls but is extremely dangerous and requires advanced preparation to defeat. Trilobites and Ammonites are easier to kill but provide fewer black pearls.

To gather black pearls efficiently, youÔÇÖll need to prepare for underwater exploration. Crafting scuba gear or using a tamed aquatic creature like a Basilosaurus or a Megalodon is essential. Scuba gear provides oxygen and protection from the cold, while aquatic creatures offer mobility and combat support. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, a Basilosaurus is highly recommended due to its immunity to jellyfish and electric eels, making it safer for deep ocean exploration. For tribes, a team of players using high-level Megalodons or Mosasaurs can clear areas quickly and gather black pearls in large quantities.

When hunting Eurypterids, head to the deep ocean biomes, particularly around underwater caves or trenches. These areas are often teeming with Eurypterids, but they are also filled with other dangerous creatures like Cnidaria and Electrophorus. Use your tamed creature to kill the Eurypterids, and collect the black pearls they drop. Be cautious of their high damage output and ability to dismount you, which can leave you vulnerable to drowning or other predators.

For Tusoteuthis, youÔÇÖll need a strong aquatic mount like a Mosasaur or a well-coordinated team. Tusoteuthis can grab and crush smaller creatures, so avoid using mounts like Megalodons unless you have a large group. Use ranged weapons or high-damage melee attacks to defeat the Tusoteuthis, and collect the black pearls it drops. This method is more resource-intensive but yields a large amount of black pearls in one go.

Trilobites and Ammonites are easier targets but provide fewer black pearls. They can be found in shallow waters or along beaches. Use a pickaxe or a tamed creature to kill them, and collect the black pearls they drop. While this method is less efficient, itÔÇÖs a good option for early-game players or those who want to avoid the dangers of the deep ocean.

Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into deep ocean areas without proper preparation, underestimating the damage output of Eurypterids, and using weak or unsuitable mounts. Always bring extra oxygen tanks, food, and healing items when exploring underwater. Avoid engaging multiple Eurypterids at once, as their combined damage can quickly overwhelm you. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings, as other predators like Megalodons or Plesiosaurs can ambush you while youÔÇÖre focused on gathering black pearls.

Advanced techniques include using a tamed Anglerfish to harvest black pearls more efficiently. The Anglerfish has a special ability that increases the amount of black pearls harvested from Eurypterids and other sources. This makes it an excellent choice for dedicated black pearl farming. Another optimization is to set up an underwater base or taming pen near black pearl-rich areas. This allows you to store resources and respawn nearby if you die, reducing downtime.

Resource requirements for black pearl gathering include scuba gear, strong aquatic mounts, and weapons. For tribes, coordinating roles and sharing resources can make the process more efficient. Solo players should focus on building a strong aquatic mount and gathering enough supplies for extended underwater trips.

In summary, gathering black pearls in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, strong mounts, and strategic planning. Whether youÔÇÖre hunting Eurypterids in the deep ocean or targeting Tusoteuthis for a large haul, understanding the mechanics and risks involved is key to success. With the right approach, you can efficiently gather black pearls and unlock the advanced crafting options they provide.