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. To successfully gather these resources, you need to prepare carefully, understand the mechanics, and use the right strategies.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of deep sea exploration. The ocean in ARK is vast and dangerous, filled with hostile creatures like Megalodons, Electrophorus, and Tusoteuthis. Oxygen is a critical factor, as your character will drown if you run out of air. Additionally, the deeper you go, the colder it gets, which can affect your temperature and health. To survive and gather resources effectively, you need to prepare with the right equipment and tames.

Step-by-step, hereÔÇÖs how to gather deep sea resources. Start by crafting scuba gear, which includes a scuba tank, mask, fins, and leggings. The scuba gear provides oxygen and reduces the effects of cold water, making it essential for deep sea exploration. YouÔÇÖll also need a strong underwater mount, such as a Basilosaurus or a Tuso. The Basilosaurus is highly recommended because it has high health, good speed, and immunity to the ElectrophorusÔÇÖ stun effect. The Tuso is another excellent choice due to its high damage and ability to grab smaller creatures.

Before heading into the ocean, stock up on food, water, and medical brews to sustain yourself. Bring a crossbow or harpoon gun for defense, as well as a pickaxe or hatchet for gathering resources. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider building a small underwater base or taming a Basilosaurus to act as a mobile base. For tribes, coordinate with your teammates to ensure everyone has the necessary gear and mounts.

When youÔÇÖre ready, dive into the ocean and start exploring. Oil nodes are typically found on the ocean floor, often near underwater caves or rocky formations. Silica pearls are found in clusters on the seabed, usually in shallow areas or near underwater caves. Black pearls are rarer and can be obtained by killing certain creatures like Trilobites, Ammonites, or Tusoteuthis. Use your mount to gather resources quickly and defend against hostile creatures.

Important tips and considerations include always keeping an eye on your oxygen levels and health. Avoid engaging with large predators like Mosasaurs unless youÔÇÖre confident in your mountÔÇÖs strength. Use the BasilosaurusÔÇÖ immunity to stun to your advantage when dealing with Electrophorus. If youÔÇÖre using a Tuso, use its grab ability to immobilize smaller threats. Always have an escape plan in case things go wrong, such as a fast mount or a nearby underwater base.

Common mistakes to avoid include venturing too deep without proper preparation, underestimating the dangers of the ocean, and not bringing enough supplies. Another mistake is using weak or slow mounts, which can get you killed quickly. Always scout the area before diving in, and avoid areas with too many predators.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using a Megalodon or Manta for speed and agility, though they are less durable than a Basilosaurus or Tuso. You can also use a platform saddle on a Mosasaur or Plesiosaur to create a mobile underwater base, allowing you to store resources and craft items on the go. For tribes, assign roles to each member, such as one person gathering resources while others defend against threats.

Resource requirements and preparation include gathering materials for scuba gear, such as polymer, cementing paste, and silica pearls. YouÔÇÖll also need to tame a strong underwater mount, which requires kibble or prime meat. Stock up on food, water, and medical supplies to sustain yourself during long dives.

For solo players, focus on taming a Basilosaurus as your primary mount, as it provides a good balance of speed, health, and utility. For tribes, coordinate with your teammates to ensure everyone has the necessary gear and mounts. Assign roles to maximize efficiency and safety.

Specific examples and scenarios include diving into the underwater caves on The Island map, where you can find large clusters of silica pearls and oil nodes. On the Ragnarok map, the deep ocean trenches are rich in black pearls, but they are also home to dangerous creatures like Tusoteuthis. On the Aberration map, the underground rivers contain valuable resources, but youÔÇÖll need to deal with aggressive creatures like Electrophorus.

In conclusion, gathering deep sea resources in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, the right equipment, and a strong underwater mount. By following these strategies and tips, you can safely and efficiently gather the resources you need to progress in the game. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or with a tribe, always prioritize safety and be prepared for the dangers of the deep sea.