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

Gathering biotoxin in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for players looking to craft advanced items like tranquilizer darts, shocking tranquilizer darts, and other high-tier equipment. Biotoxin is primarily obtained from Cnidaria, jellyfish-like creatures found in the ocean, and occasionally from certain other sources like Eurypterids or the Deathworm in specific maps. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather biotoxin, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips to maximize your efforts.

To start, Cnidaria are the most reliable source of biotoxin. These creatures are found in the ocean, often in shallow or deep waters depending on the map. They are passive until provoked, but their attacks can be deadly due to their ability to stun and dismount players from their tames. This makes gathering biotoxin a high-risk activity, especially for solo players or those without proper preparation. The key to success lies in understanding their behavior and using the right tools and tames to minimize risk.

The first step is preparation. Before heading into the ocean, ensure you have the necessary equipment. Scuba gear is highly recommended, as it allows you to breathe underwater and move more efficiently. A strong underwater tame is also essential. Basilosaurus is one of the best choices for this task. Basilosaurus are immune to the Cnidaria's stun effect, making them ideal for farming biotoxin. Other options include Tusoteuthis or Megalodon, though they are less effective due to their vulnerability to stun. Additionally, bring a good weapon like a crossbow or harpoon gun for emergencies, as well as a few stimulants to counteract the torpor effect if you get stunned.

Once prepared, head to the ocean and locate Cnidaria. They are often found in groups, so approach cautiously. If you are using a Basilosaurus, you can simply swim close to the Cnidaria and attack them. The Basilosaurus's immunity to stun allows you to kill the Cnidaria without risk. After killing a Cnidaria, it will drop biotoxin, which you can collect directly. Each Cnidaria typically drops 5-10 biotoxin, making this a relatively efficient method.

For players without a Basilosaurus, the process is more dangerous. You can use a fast underwater tame like an Ichthyosaurus to lure Cnidaria to shallow water, where you can kill them with ranged weapons. However, this method is riskier and requires careful positioning to avoid being stunned. Another option is to use a raft with turrets or plant species X to kill Cnidaria from a safe distance, though this is less efficient and requires more setup.

One common mistake is underestimating the danger of Cnidaria. Even experienced players can be caught off guard by their stun effect, leading to drowning or being attacked by other predators. Always keep an eye on your surroundings and avoid engaging multiple Cnidaria at once if possible. Additionally, avoid using tames that are not immune to stun, as they can quickly become incapacitated, leaving you vulnerable.

Advanced techniques include using a tamed Tusoteuthis to grab and kill Cnidaria, as they can handle multiple targets at once. Another strategy is to breed and imprint a high-level Basilosaurus for increased health and damage, making the farming process faster and safer. For tribes, coordinating with multiple players can speed up the process, with one player gathering biotoxin while others provide support or defend against threats.

Resource requirements for biotoxin farming include scuba gear, a strong underwater tame, and weapons for emergencies. If using a raft, you will also need materials to build turrets or plant species X. Preparation is key, as running out of oxygen or being caught without stimulants can lead to disaster.

In summary, gathering biotoxin in ARK requires careful planning and the right tools. Using a Basilosaurus is the safest and most efficient method, but other tames and strategies can work with proper preparation. Always be aware of the risks, and avoid common mistakes like engaging too many Cnidaria at once or using vulnerable tames. With these tips, you can efficiently gather biotoxin and craft the advanced items you need to thrive in ARK: Survival Evolved.