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 highly aggressive aquatic creature found in the deep ocean. It is known for its ability to grab and immobilize players and tames, making it one of the most dangerous creatures in the water. Below is a detailed guide on how to survive an encounter with a pack of Tusoteuthis.

First, understanding the mechanics of Tusoteuthis is crucial. Tusoteuthis has a grab attack that can immobilize both players and tames, rendering them unable to move or attack. It also deals significant damage over time while holding its prey. Additionally, Tusoteuthis can dismount players from their tames, leaving them vulnerable in the water. The creature is highly aggressive and will attack anything that comes too close, making it a formidable opponent in the ocean.

To prepare for an encounter with Tusoteuthis, you need to gather the right resources and equipment. High-quality scuba gear is essential for extended underwater exploration. This includes a scuba tank, flippers, and a mask to help you move quickly and breathe underwater. Additionally, you should bring a crossbow or harpoon gun with plenty of tranq arrows or harpoons to tame or neutralize the Tusoteuthis if needed. A strong underwater mount, such as a Basilosaurus or a Mosasaurus, is highly recommended for both mobility and combat. These creatures are resistant to the Tusoteuthis grab attack and can deal significant damage in return.

When approaching a pack of Tusoteuthis, it is important to maintain a safe distance and avoid aggroing multiple creatures at once. If you are on a mount, keep your distance and use ranged weapons to attack from afar. If you are on foot, stay close to your mount and be ready to mount it quickly if a Tusoteuthis grabs you. If you are grabbed, you can use a pike or sword to attack the Tusoteuthis and force it to release you. However, this is risky and should only be done as a last resort.

One effective strategy is to use a Basilosaurus as your primary mount. The Basilosaurus is immune to the Tusoteuthis grab attack and has a high health pool, making it an excellent choice for underwater combat. When riding a Basilosaurus, you can use its bite attack to deal damage to the Tusoteuthis while staying out of range of its grab. Additionally, the Basilosaurus has a natural resistance to the cold and radiation, making it ideal for deep ocean exploration.

Another strategy is to use a Mosasaurus, which is one of the strongest aquatic tames in the game. The Mosasaurus has a powerful bite attack and can easily take down a Tusoteuthis if properly leveled and equipped with a saddle. However, the Mosasaurus is vulnerable to the Tusoteuthis grab attack, so you need to be careful when engaging in combat. Use hit-and-run tactics to avoid being grabbed and focus on dealing damage from a distance.

If you are playing solo, it is important to be extra cautious when dealing with a pack of Tusoteuthis. Avoid engaging multiple creatures at once and focus on taking them down one by one. Use your mount to kite the Tusoteuthis and keep them at a distance while you attack with ranged weapons. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to divide and conquer. Have one player distract the Tusoteuthis while others attack from a safe distance. Communication and teamwork are key to surviving a pack of Tusoteuthis in a tribe setting.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the Tusoteuthis grab attack and engaging multiple creatures at once. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for other predators in the area, such as Megalodons or Plesiosaurs. Additionally, avoid using weak or low-level mounts, as they will be quickly overwhelmed by the Tusoteuthis. Always bring plenty of healing items, such as medical brews or cooked meat, to keep yourself and your mount alive during the fight.

Advanced techniques include using a tamed Tusoteuthis to fight other Tusoteuthis. A tamed Tusoteuthis can be a powerful ally in underwater combat, as it can grab and immobilize other creatures, including other Tusoteuthis. However, taming a Tusoteuthis is a difficult and time-consuming process that requires a lot of preparation and resources. You will need to bring a high-level Basilosaurus or Mosasaurus to weaken the Tusoteuthis and then feed it black pearls to tame it.

In conclusion, surviving a pack of Tusoteuthis in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, the right equipment, and a strong mount. Understanding the mechanics of the Tusoteuthis and using effective strategies, such as hit-and-run tactics and teamwork, can help you overcome this dangerous creature. Avoid common mistakes, such as engaging multiple creatures at once or using weak mounts, and always be prepared with healing items and ranged weapons. With the right approach, you can survive and even tame a Tusoteuthis to aid you in your underwater adventures.