What is the best way to gather deep sea resources in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering deep sea resources in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding task. The deep sea is home to valuable resources like oil, silica pearls, and black pearls, which are essential for crafting advanced items and structures. However, the ocean is also filled with dangerous creatures like Megalodons, Tusoteuthis, and Electrophorus, making preparation and strategy crucial for success.

To start, you need to prepare for the underwater environment. Oxygen is a major concern, so you should invest in a good set of scuba gear or a Lazarus Chowder recipe to extend your underwater breathing time. Scuba gear includes a tank, mask, fins, and wetsuit, which can be crafted at a Fabricator. Lazarus Chowder is a consumable that boosts oxygen regeneration and can be crafted using Cooked Meat, Savoroot, Longrass, and Stimulant. Additionally, you should bring a strong underwater mount like a Basilosaurus, Mosasaurus, or Tuso. These creatures are well-suited for deep sea exploration and can protect you from hostile creatures.

Once you are equipped, the next step is to locate deep sea resource nodes. Oil nodes are found on the ocean floor and appear as black rocks. Silica pearls are shiny, white clusters that also rest on the seabed. Black pearls, which are rarer, are dropped by certain creatures like Eurypterids or found in specific underwater caves. Use your mount to swim to these locations and gather the resources. Basilosaurus is particularly useful because it is immune to the stun effects of Electrophorus and can carry a lot of weight.

When gathering resources, always be aware of your surroundings. The deep sea is dangerous, and creatures like the Tusoteuthis can grab you or your mount, making escape difficult. Keep your mount on follow or stay close to it to avoid being separated. If you encounter a hostile creature, use your mount's attacks to defend yourself. For example, a Mosasaurus has powerful bites that can quickly dispatch threats. If you are using a Basilosaurus, its health regeneration and immunity to stuns make it a reliable choice for prolonged underwater trips.

One common mistake is venturing into the deep sea without proper preparation. Without scuba gear or a strong mount, you risk drowning or being overwhelmed by predators. Another mistake is overloading your mount with resources, which can slow it down and make it harder to escape danger. Always monitor your mount's weight and prioritize the most valuable resources if you need to make multiple trips.

For advanced players, consider building an underwater base near resource-rich areas. This can serve as a safe haven where you can store resources and repair your gear. Use foundations and walls to create a sealed structure, and place a bed or sleeping bag for quick respawns. You can also tame and breed aquatic creatures to create a fleet of resource-gathering mounts. For example, a pack of Ichthyosaurs can be used to scout the area and gather small amounts of resources quickly.

Resource requirements for deep sea exploration include scuba gear, Lazarus Chowder, and a strong underwater mount. You will also need weapons like a Crossbow or Harpoon Launcher for defense, as well as tools like a Pickaxe or Hatchet for gathering. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and protect each other from threats. Solo players should focus on efficiency and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

In specific scenarios, such as gathering black pearls, you may need to venture into underwater caves. These caves are often guarded by dangerous creatures, so bring a high-level mount and plenty of healing items. Use a light source like a Flashlight or Glow Stick to navigate the dark areas. If you are farming Eurypterids for black pearls, be cautious of their high damage and knockback effects. Use a ranged weapon to attack them from a safe distance.

In conclusion, gathering deep sea resources in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, strong mounts, and situational awareness. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently collect oil, silica pearls, and black pearls while minimizing risks. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, mastering deep sea exploration will greatly enhance your resource-gathering capabilities and overall survival in the game.