What is the best way to gather rare mushrooms in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering rare mushrooms in ARK: Survival Evolved is an essential task for crafting certain items, such as Lesser Antidote, Re-Fertilizer, and Custom Consumables. Rare mushrooms are primarily found in swamp biomes, caves, and underwater locations. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather them, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Rare mushrooms are typically found in specific environments, such as swampy areas, caves, and underwater. They grow on certain plants or can be harvested from specific creatures. The most reliable way to gather rare mushrooms is by harvesting them from the swamp trees or underwater plants. Additionally, some creatures, like the Beaver and the Therizinosaurus, can gather rare mushrooms when set to harvest plants.

To start gathering rare mushrooms, you need to prepare adequately. First, ensure you have the necessary tools, such as a Metal Pick or a Chainsaw, as these tools yield more resources per harvest. If you are venturing into dangerous areas like swamps or caves, bring weapons and armor for protection. Swamps are home to aggressive creatures like Sarcosuchus, Titanoboas, and Kaprosuchus, so being prepared for combat is crucial.

When gathering rare mushrooms in swamps, look for the large, mushroom-like trees. These trees are distinct and can be harvested using a Metal Pick or Chainsaw. Approach the tree and use your tool to harvest it. Each swing will yield a small amount of rare mushrooms, so be patient. If you have a tamed creature like a Therizinosaurus, you can set it to harvest plants, and it will gather rare mushrooms more efficiently than manual harvesting.

Caves are another excellent source of rare mushrooms. However, caves are dangerous and filled with hostile creatures, so bring a strong mount like a Sabertooth or a Carnotaurus for protection. Inside caves, rare mushrooms can be found growing on the walls or harvested from specific plants. Use your tools to gather them, but be cautious of the caveÔÇÖs inhabitants.

Underwater locations, such as the ocean floor or underwater caves, also contain rare mushrooms. These can be harvested from underwater plants. To gather them, you will need Scuba Gear or a tamed aquatic creature like a Megalodon or a Basilosaurus. The Basilosaurus is particularly useful because it provides oxygen and protection from underwater threats.

One common mistake players make is not bringing enough supplies when venturing into dangerous areas. Always carry extra food, water, and medical supplies, especially when exploring swamps or caves. Another mistake is not using the right tools or creatures for harvesting. Using a Metal Pick or Chainsaw will yield more rare mushrooms than a Stone Pick, and tamed creatures like the Therizinosaurus can gather resources more efficiently.

For advanced techniques, consider breeding and leveling up a Therizinosaurus with points in Power Harvesting. This will significantly increase the amount of rare mushrooms you can gather. Additionally, setting up a small outpost near a swamp or cave entrance can serve as a safe zone to store resources and recover between harvesting runs.

Resource requirements for gathering rare mushrooms include a Metal Pick or Chainsaw, weapons for defense, and armor for protection. If you are exploring underwater, Scuba Gear or a tamed aquatic creature is necessary. For tribe play, coordinate with your tribe members to cover more ground and protect each other from threats. Solo players should focus on being well-prepared and cautious, as swamps and caves can be deadly without backup.

In specific scenarios, such as gathering rare mushrooms in the swamp biome, you might encounter a Titanoboa. These creatures are aggressive and can be dangerous, so having a strong mount or ranged weapons is essential. In caves, you might face creatures like Onyc or Arthropleura, so having a mount with high health and damage output is crucial.

In conclusion, gathering rare mushrooms in ARK: Survival Evolved requires preparation, the right tools, and a good understanding of the gameÔÇÖs mechanics. By following these strategies and tips, you can efficiently gather rare mushrooms while minimizing risks. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, being well-prepared and using the right creatures and tools will make the process much smoother.