What are the best ways to gather angler gel in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering angler gel in ARK: Survival Evolved is an essential task for players looking to craft certain advanced items, such as glow sticks, fishing bait, and underwater light sources. Angler gel is a resource dropped by Anglerfish, which are bioluminescent creatures found in the ocean. To efficiently gather angler gel, you need to understand the mechanics of the game, prepare adequately, and employ effective strategies. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you achieve this.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Anglerfish are aggressive creatures that inhabit the deeper parts of the ocean, particularly around underwater caves and trenches. They are not found in shallow waters, so you will need to venture into the ocean to locate them. Anglerfish are relatively slow swimmers but can deal significant damage if they catch you off guard. When killed, they drop angler gel, which is a glowing, jelly-like substance. The amount of gel dropped varies, but you can increase your yield by using certain tamed creatures or tools.

To begin gathering angler gel, you need to prepare adequately. Start by crafting or acquiring scuba gear, as it will allow you to stay underwater for extended periods. Scuba gear includes a tank, mask, and flippers, which are essential for deep-sea exploration. Additionally, consider bringing a crossbow or harpoon gun for ranged attacks, as well as a strong melee weapon like a pike or sword for close combat. If you have access to tamed aquatic creatures, such as a Megalodon, Ichthyosaurus, or Basilosaurus, they can greatly enhance your efficiency and safety.

When youÔÇÖre ready to head into the ocean, start by locating a suitable area where Anglerfish are known to spawn. Popular locations include the underwater caves on The Island map, such as the one near Herbivore Island or the trench in the northwest part of the map. Once youÔÇÖve found a good spot, dive down and begin searching for Anglerfish. They are easily identifiable by their glowing bioluminescent lights. Approach them cautiously, as they will attack if you get too close.

If youÔÇÖre using a tamed aquatic creature, such as a Megalodon, you can simply attack the Anglerfish directly. Megalodons are strong swimmers and can easily take down Anglerfish with a few bites. If youÔÇÖre on foot, use your crossbow or harpoon gun to attack from a distance. Once the Anglerfish is dead, swim over to its body and collect the angler gel. Be quick, as the body will despawn after a short time.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, always be aware of your surroundings. The ocean is home to many dangerous creatures, such as Megalodons, Plesiosaurs, and even the dreaded Leedsichthys. Having a tamed aquatic creature can help you fend off these threats. Second, manage your oxygen levels carefully. Even with scuba gear, you can run out of oxygen if you stay underwater for too long. Keep an eye on your oxygen meter and surface when necessary.

Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into the ocean unprepared. Without proper gear or a strong tamed creature, you risk being overwhelmed by the oceanÔÇÖs dangers. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies. Make sure to bring extra food, water, and medical supplies in case of emergencies. Additionally, avoid engaging multiple Anglerfish at once, as they can quickly overwhelm you.

For advanced techniques, consider using a Basilosaurus. Basilosaurus are excellent for ocean exploration due to their high health and immunity to the stun effects of jellyfish and eels. They can also carry a lot of weight, making them ideal for gathering large amounts of angler gel. Another advanced technique is to use a tamed Anglerfish itself. Tamed Anglerfish can harvest angler gel from dead Anglerfish more efficiently than you can by hand.

Resource requirements and preparation are crucial. YouÔÇÖll need scuba gear, weapons, and possibly a tamed aquatic creature. If youÔÇÖre crafting scuba gear, youÔÇÖll need materials like polymer, cementing paste, and silica pearls. For weapons, gather resources like metal, wood, and fiber. If youÔÇÖre taming a creature, prepare the necessary food and narcotics.

Tribe and solo considerations differ slightly. In a tribe, you can divide tasks, with one player focusing on gathering angler gel while others provide support or protection. Solo players need to be more self-sufficient, ensuring they have all the necessary gear and supplies before heading into the ocean.

In specific scenarios, such as when exploring underwater caves, you may encounter multiple Anglerfish in close proximity. In these cases, itÔÇÖs best to lure them out one by one to avoid being overwhelmed. Use your ranged weapon to aggro a single Anglerfish and lead it away from the group before engaging.

In conclusion, gathering angler gel in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, effective strategies, and awareness of the oceanÔÇÖs dangers. By following these steps and tips, you can efficiently collect angler gel and use it to craft valuable items. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, mastering the art of ocean exploration will greatly enhance your survival and progression in the game.