What are the best strategies for surviving in the deep ocean biomes in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Surviving in the deep ocean biomes in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most challenging aspects of the game due to the hostile environment, limited oxygen, and dangerous creatures. To thrive in this biome, you need to prepare thoroughly, understand the mechanics, and use the right strategies. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you survive and explore the deep ocean effectively.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of underwater survival. Oxygen is your most critical resource. Without it, you will drown, so managing your oxygen levels is essential. Your oxygen stat determines how long you can stay underwater before needing to surface. You can increase this stat by leveling up, but itÔÇÖs also important to craft items like scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder to extend your underwater time. Additionally, pressure is a factor in deep ocean areas. Without proper gear, you will take damage from the pressure, so scuba tanks or a Basilosaurus mount are necessary for deep dives.

Preparation is key before venturing into the ocean. Start by crafting scuba gear, which includes a scuba mask, tank, fins, and leggings. The scuba tank provides oxygen, the mask improves visibility, and the fins increase swim speed. Lazarus Chowder is a consumable that reduces oxygen consumption, making it useful for extended dives. You should also bring medical brews or custom consumables to heal quickly in case of emergencies. For weapons, a crossbow with tranq arrows is useful for taming underwater creatures, while a harpoon gun or speargun can help defend against aggressive predators like Megalodons or Tusoteuthis.

Taming the right creatures is crucial for ocean survival. The Basilosaurus is one of the best mounts for deep ocean exploration. It has high health, immunity to jellyfish and eel stuns, and provides oxygen when you ride it. Taming a Basilosaurus requires killing the Mantas that surround it and feeding it prime fish meat or kibble. Another excellent option is the Mosasaurus, a large aquatic predator that can handle most threats in the ocean. However, taming a Mosasaurus is more challenging and requires a secure underwater taming pen and a lot of narcotics. For resource gathering, the Anglerfish is ideal for collecting silica pearls, while the Dunkleosteus is great for harvesting oil and stone from underwater nodes.

Base building in the ocean requires careful planning. Underwater bases are vulnerable to leaks and attacks from aggressive creatures. Use metal structures to prevent damage from Leedsichthys and other threats. Place foundations and walls carefully to avoid gaps that could flood your base. Air pockets can be created by placing ceilings and pillars strategically, allowing you to breathe without surfacing. Consider building near underwater caves or resource-rich areas, but be cautious of nearby predators. A well-placed underwater base can serve as a safe haven for storing resources and taming creatures.

Resource management is critical in the ocean. Silica pearls, oil, and black pearls are valuable resources found in deep ocean biomes. Use an Anglerfish to gather silica pearls efficiently, and a Dunkleosteus for oil nodes. Black pearls are dropped by Tusoteuthis and can be harvested with a pickaxe or tamed creature. Always carry a backup oxygen source and healing items to avoid running out of supplies mid-dive. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider taming a pack of Ichthyosaurs for quick transportation and resource gathering. In a tribe, assign roles to members, such as one person gathering resources while another defends against threats.

Common mistakes to avoid include diving without proper gear, underestimating the dangers of the ocean, and venturing too deep without a reliable mount. Always scout the area before committing to a dive, and avoid engaging multiple predators at once. Another mistake is neglecting to repair your scuba gear, which can leave you stranded without oxygen. Always carry spare materials for repairs.

Advanced techniques include using underwater taming pens to safely tame creatures like Mosasaurus or Tusoteuthis. Build a pen with metal gates or behemoth gates to trap the creature, then tranquilize it from a safe distance. Another technique is using cryopods to transport tamed creatures quickly, especially if youÔÇÖre moving between the ocean and land. For PvP scenarios, consider building hidden underwater vaults to store valuable items, as they are harder to raid than land-based structures.

In summary, surviving in the deep ocean biome requires careful preparation, the right gear, and a strong understanding of the environment. Taming the right creatures, building a secure base, and managing resources efficiently are key to thriving in this dangerous area. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, following these strategies will help you conquer the depths of ARKÔÇÖs oceans.