What are the best strategies for surviving a pack of Tusoteuthis in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Surviving a pack of Tusoteuthis in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. Tusoteuthis, also known as the giant squid, is a formidable aquatic predator found in the deep ocean. They are highly aggressive, have a powerful grab attack, and can quickly drain the stamina of tamed creatures, making them a significant threat. Below is a detailed guide on how to survive and counter these dangerous creatures.

First, understanding the mechanics of Tusoteuthis is crucial. They are fast swimmers and can grab both players and tamed creatures, immobilizing them while draining stamina. If a creature runs out of stamina while grabbed, it will be instantly killed. Tusoteuthis also have a high health pool and deal significant damage, making them difficult to defeat in direct combat. They are typically found in deep ocean biomes, often near underwater caves or trenches. Knowing their behavior and attack patterns is essential for survival.

Preparation is key when dealing with Tusoteuthis. Before venturing into their territory, ensure you have the right equipment and tamed creatures. A high-level Basilosaurus is one of the best mounts for this situation. Basilosaurus are immune to the stamina drain effect of Tusoteuthis, making them ideal for countering these predators. Additionally, Basilosaurus have high health and decent damage output, allowing them to withstand and fight back against Tusoteuthis. Equip your Basilosaurus with a good saddle to increase its armor and survivability.

For solo players, having a Basilosaurus is highly recommended. If you are in a tribe, coordinating with your teammates to bring multiple Basilosaurus or other strong aquatic tames like Mosasaurus or Megalodon can make the encounter easier. Ensure all tames are well-fed and have their health and stamina fully restored before engaging. Bring medical brews or cooked meat to heal your tames during or after the fight.

When approaching Tusoteuthis, avoid swimming directly into their territory without a mount. They can easily grab and kill you if you are on foot. Instead, stay mounted on your Basilosaurus or other aquatic tame. If you encounter a pack of Tusoteuthis, try to lure them one at a time to avoid being overwhelmed. Use the Basilosaurus's mobility to keep distance and attack from a safe range. Focus on one Tusoteuthis at a time, using hit-and-run tactics to whittle down their health.

During the fight, keep an eye on your tame's stamina. While Basilosaurus are immune to stamina drain, other tames like Mosasaurus or Megalodon are not. If your tame gets grabbed, immediately attack the Tusoteuthis to free it. If your tame's stamina is low, retreat to a safe distance to let it recover before re-engaging. Avoid letting your tame get surrounded, as multiple Tusoteuthis can quickly overwhelm even the strongest mounts.

Resource management is critical during these encounters. Bring plenty of food for your tames and healing items like medical brews or cooked meat. If you are using ranged weapons like crossbows or harpoon guns, ensure you have enough ammunition. Underwater combat can be resource-intensive, so plan accordingly. If you are in a tribe, assign roles to each member, such as one person focusing on healing while others attack.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the Tusoteuthis's strength and speed. They can quickly close the distance and grab your tame, so always stay alert. Another mistake is venturing into their territory without proper preparation. Always scout the area first and ensure you have the right tames and equipment. Avoid engaging multiple Tusoteuthis at once unless you are confident in your ability to handle them.

Advanced techniques include using underwater traps or structures to isolate and fight Tusoteuthis. Building a small underwater pen with gates can allow you to trap a Tusoteuthis and attack it safely from a distance. This method requires careful planning and resources but can be highly effective. Another advanced strategy is using a high-level Tuso of your own to fight wild Tusoteuthis. Tamed Tusoteuthis are powerful and can hold their own against wild ones, but taming a Tusoteuthis is a challenging and resource-intensive process.

In summary, surviving a pack of Tusoteuthis requires preparation, the right tames, and careful combat strategies. Use a Basilosaurus or other strong aquatic mounts, avoid direct confrontation with multiple Tusoteuthis, and manage your resources effectively. With the right approach, you can overcome these dangerous predators and thrive in the deep ocean biomes of ARK: Survival Evolved.