What are the best ways to avoid drowning while exploring underwater in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Avoiding drowning while exploring underwater in ARK: Survival Evolved is a critical aspect of survival, especially when venturing into the ocean for resources, taming aquatic creatures, or exploring underwater caves. The gameÔÇÖs underwater mechanics involve oxygen management, pressure, and the presence of dangerous creatures, making it essential to prepare thoroughly before diving in. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you stay safe underwater.
First, understand the oxygen mechanic. Your character has an oxygen stat that determines how long you can stay underwater before drowning. When submerged, your oxygen depletes over time, and if it reaches zero, you start taking damage and will eventually die. To avoid this, you can increase your oxygen stat by leveling up and allocating points into it. Each point increases your oxygen capacity, allowing you to stay underwater longer. However, relying solely on oxygen stats is not enough for extended underwater exploration, so youÔÇÖll need additional tools and strategies.
One of the most effective ways to avoid drowning is by using scuba gear. Scuba gear is an advanced equipment set that includes a scuba tank, mask, and flippers. The scuba tank provides a constant supply of oxygen, allowing you to stay underwater indefinitely as long as the tank has air. The mask improves underwater visibility, and the flippers increase your swimming speed. To craft scuba gear, youÔÇÖll need resources like polymer, cementing paste, and crystal, which can be gathered from various sources like beaver dams, obsidian nodes, and underwater caves. Scuba gear is a game-changer for underwater exploration, but it requires significant preparation and resource gathering.
Another option is to use Lazarus Chowder, a consumable item that increases your oxygen regeneration rate and reduces oxygen consumption. This can be crafted using ingredients like sap, rare flowers, and cooked meat. While itÔÇÖs not as effective as scuba gear, itÔÇÖs a good temporary solution for shorter underwater trips. Additionally, you can use oxygen tanks, which are single-use items that provide a burst of oxygen when your levels are low. These are useful in emergencies but are not a long-term solution.
Taming aquatic creatures is another excellent way to avoid drowning. Creatures like the Ichthyosaurus, Megalodon, and Basilosaurus can be ridden underwater and provide oxygen while youÔÇÖre mounted. The Basilosaurus, in particular, is highly recommended because it has a natural resistance to the cold and pressure of deep water, making it ideal for exploring the ocean depths. Taming these creatures requires preparation, such as gathering the right food (e.g., raw meat or fish) and using appropriate taming methods like knockout or passive taming.
When exploring underwater, always keep an eye on your oxygen levels and plan your route carefully. Avoid diving too deep too quickly, as the pressure can cause damage over time. If youÔÇÖre using scuba gear, monitor the air level in your tank and return to the surface before it runs out. If youÔÇÖre relying on your oxygen stat, make sure to surface regularly to replenish your oxygen. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to carry a bed or sleeping bag with you, which can be placed on a raft or nearby land to serve as a respawn point in case you drown.
Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the dangers of underwater exploration, such as aggressive creatures like the Plesiosaur or Electrophorus. Always bring weapons or a tamed creature for protection. Another mistake is not preparing enough resources, such as extra oxygen tanks or Lazarus Chowder, which can leave you stranded underwater. Additionally, avoid diving without a clear plan or objective, as aimless exploration can lead to running out of oxygen or getting lost.
Advanced techniques include using underwater bases or rafts as staging points for exploration. Building a small underwater base with airlocks can provide a safe space to replenish oxygen and store resources. Rafts can be equipped with beds, storage, and even turrets for added security. Another advanced strategy is to use Tek gear, such as the Tek Helmet, which provides oxygen and night vision, or the Tek Suit, which allows for underwater breathing and increased mobility. However, Tek gear requires defeating bosses and gathering rare resources, making it a late-game option.
Resource requirements for underwater exploration include materials for scuba gear, oxygen tanks, and Lazarus Chowder, as well as weapons and armor for protection. If youÔÇÖre taming aquatic creatures, youÔÇÖll need the appropriate food and taming tools. For tribe play, coordinate with your teammates to share resources and responsibilities, such as one player gathering materials while another tames creatures. Solo players should focus on self-sufficiency and prioritize crafting scuba gear or taming a reliable aquatic mount.
In specific scenarios, such as exploring underwater caves, preparation is even more critical. Underwater caves often contain valuable resources and artifacts but are filled with dangerous creatures and tight spaces. Bring a strong aquatic mount, plenty of oxygen supplies, and weapons to defend yourself. Always mark your path to avoid getting lost, and consider building a small outpost near the cave entrance for quick access.
By following these strategies and preparing thoroughly, you can avoid drowning and safely explore the underwater world of ARK: Survival Evolved. Whether youÔÇÖre gathering resources, taming creatures, or hunting for artifacts, proper planning and resource management are key to surviving and thriving underwater.
First, understand the oxygen mechanic. Your character has an oxygen stat that determines how long you can stay underwater before drowning. When submerged, your oxygen depletes over time, and if it reaches zero, you start taking damage and will eventually die. To avoid this, you can increase your oxygen stat by leveling up and allocating points into it. Each point increases your oxygen capacity, allowing you to stay underwater longer. However, relying solely on oxygen stats is not enough for extended underwater exploration, so youÔÇÖll need additional tools and strategies.
One of the most effective ways to avoid drowning is by using scuba gear. Scuba gear is an advanced equipment set that includes a scuba tank, mask, and flippers. The scuba tank provides a constant supply of oxygen, allowing you to stay underwater indefinitely as long as the tank has air. The mask improves underwater visibility, and the flippers increase your swimming speed. To craft scuba gear, youÔÇÖll need resources like polymer, cementing paste, and crystal, which can be gathered from various sources like beaver dams, obsidian nodes, and underwater caves. Scuba gear is a game-changer for underwater exploration, but it requires significant preparation and resource gathering.
Another option is to use Lazarus Chowder, a consumable item that increases your oxygen regeneration rate and reduces oxygen consumption. This can be crafted using ingredients like sap, rare flowers, and cooked meat. While itÔÇÖs not as effective as scuba gear, itÔÇÖs a good temporary solution for shorter underwater trips. Additionally, you can use oxygen tanks, which are single-use items that provide a burst of oxygen when your levels are low. These are useful in emergencies but are not a long-term solution.
Taming aquatic creatures is another excellent way to avoid drowning. Creatures like the Ichthyosaurus, Megalodon, and Basilosaurus can be ridden underwater and provide oxygen while youÔÇÖre mounted. The Basilosaurus, in particular, is highly recommended because it has a natural resistance to the cold and pressure of deep water, making it ideal for exploring the ocean depths. Taming these creatures requires preparation, such as gathering the right food (e.g., raw meat or fish) and using appropriate taming methods like knockout or passive taming.
When exploring underwater, always keep an eye on your oxygen levels and plan your route carefully. Avoid diving too deep too quickly, as the pressure can cause damage over time. If youÔÇÖre using scuba gear, monitor the air level in your tank and return to the surface before it runs out. If youÔÇÖre relying on your oxygen stat, make sure to surface regularly to replenish your oxygen. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to carry a bed or sleeping bag with you, which can be placed on a raft or nearby land to serve as a respawn point in case you drown.
Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the dangers of underwater exploration, such as aggressive creatures like the Plesiosaur or Electrophorus. Always bring weapons or a tamed creature for protection. Another mistake is not preparing enough resources, such as extra oxygen tanks or Lazarus Chowder, which can leave you stranded underwater. Additionally, avoid diving without a clear plan or objective, as aimless exploration can lead to running out of oxygen or getting lost.
Advanced techniques include using underwater bases or rafts as staging points for exploration. Building a small underwater base with airlocks can provide a safe space to replenish oxygen and store resources. Rafts can be equipped with beds, storage, and even turrets for added security. Another advanced strategy is to use Tek gear, such as the Tek Helmet, which provides oxygen and night vision, or the Tek Suit, which allows for underwater breathing and increased mobility. However, Tek gear requires defeating bosses and gathering rare resources, making it a late-game option.
Resource requirements for underwater exploration include materials for scuba gear, oxygen tanks, and Lazarus Chowder, as well as weapons and armor for protection. If youÔÇÖre taming aquatic creatures, youÔÇÖll need the appropriate food and taming tools. For tribe play, coordinate with your teammates to share resources and responsibilities, such as one player gathering materials while another tames creatures. Solo players should focus on self-sufficiency and prioritize crafting scuba gear or taming a reliable aquatic mount.
In specific scenarios, such as exploring underwater caves, preparation is even more critical. Underwater caves often contain valuable resources and artifacts but are filled with dangerous creatures and tight spaces. Bring a strong aquatic mount, plenty of oxygen supplies, and weapons to defend yourself. Always mark your path to avoid getting lost, and consider building a small outpost near the cave entrance for quick access.
By following these strategies and preparing thoroughly, you can avoid drowning and safely explore the underwater world of ARK: Survival Evolved. Whether youÔÇÖre gathering resources, taming creatures, or hunting for artifacts, proper planning and resource management are key to surviving and thriving underwater.