What are the best ways to avoid being killed by jellyfish in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Jellyfish, known as Cnidaria in ARK: Survival Evolved, are one of the most dangerous aquatic creatures due to their ability to stun and electrocute players and tamed creatures. Avoiding or surviving encounters with jellyfish requires careful planning, preparation, and understanding of their mechanics. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to avoid being killed by jellyfish in ARK.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand how jellyfish work. Cnidaria are passive creatures that float in the water, but they become aggressive if you or your tamed creature gets too close. Their attack inflicts torpor, which can quickly knock you or your mount unconscious, leaving you vulnerable to drowning or further attacks. They are commonly found in shallow and deep ocean biomes, so you need to be cautious when exploring these areas.

To avoid jellyfish, the simplest strategy is to stay out of their range. When swimming or riding a water mount, keep an eye out for their glowing, translucent bodies. They are often found in groups, so if you see one, there are likely more nearby. Avoid swimming directly through areas where jellyfish are present, and instead, navigate around them. Using a high-level water mount like a Basilosaurus or a Tuso (Tusoteuthis) can help you move quickly and avoid jellyfish more effectively.

If you must travel through areas with jellyfish, preparation is key. Equip yourself with scuba gear to extend your underwater breathing time and reduce the risk of drowning if you get stunned. Additionally, carry medical brews or stimulants to counteract the torpor effect if you are hit. For tamed creatures, having a high health pool and resistance to torpor is crucial. Basilosaurus, for example, are immune to the jellyfishÔÇÖs stun effect, making them an excellent choice for navigating jellyfish-infested waters.

When taming or fighting jellyfish, use ranged weapons like crossbows or harpoon guns to attack them from a safe distance. Avoid melee combat, as getting too close will result in being stunned. If you are riding a mount, ensure it has high health and stamina to escape if needed. For advanced players, using a Tuso to grab and kill jellyfish from a distance is an effective strategy, as it avoids direct contact with their stun attack.

Common mistakes include underestimating the jellyfishÔÇÖs range and speed, or not paying attention to your surroundings while underwater. Always scan the area before diving in, and avoid getting too close to jellyfish clusters. Another mistake is using mounts that are vulnerable to torpor, such as the Megalodon or Ichthyosaurus. These creatures can be easily stunned, leaving you stranded in the water.

For resource requirements, ensure you have enough oxygen and health items before venturing into jellyfish territory. Scuba gear requires materials like polymer, cementing paste, and silica pearls, so gather these resources in advance. Medical brews and stimulants can be crafted using narcoberries and other common ingredients, so stock up on these as well.

In terms of tribe or solo considerations, tribes have an advantage as they can coordinate efforts to clear jellyfish from an area or provide backup if a member gets stunned. Solo players should focus on preparation and using mounts that are immune to stun effects, like the Basilosaurus. Communication and teamwork are key for tribes, while solo players need to rely on careful planning and resource management.

Specific scenarios include exploring underwater caves or hunting for deep-sea loot crates, where jellyfish are often present. In these situations, having a Basilosaurus or Tuso is highly recommended. For example, when searching for the underwater artifact in the Caverns of Lost Faith, jellyfish are a common threat. Using a Basilosaurus to navigate the cave and avoid jellyfish will make the journey much safer.

In summary, avoiding jellyfish in ARK requires awareness, preparation, and the right equipment. Stay out of their range, use immune mounts like the Basilosaurus, and carry torpor-countering items. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating their threat or using vulnerable mounts. With these strategies, you can safely navigate the oceans and avoid the deadly stun of the Cnidaria.