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 skill, as the ocean is filled with valuable resources, dangerous creatures, and hidden caves. The gameÔÇÖs oxygen mechanic determines how long you can stay underwater before drowning. Your oxygen stat, displayed as a blue bar, depletes over time while submerged. When it runs out, you start losing health rapidly. To survive underwater exploration, you need to manage your oxygen effectively and prepare adequately. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you avoid drowning and thrive in the depths.
First, understand the oxygen mechanic. Your characterÔÇÖs oxygen stat determines how long you can stay underwater. You can increase this stat by leveling up and allocating points into oxygen. Each point increases your oxygen capacity, allowing you to stay submerged longer. However, relying solely on oxygen stats is not enough for extended underwater exploration. YouÔÇÖll need additional tools and strategies to maximize your time underwater.
One of the most effective ways to avoid drowning is by crafting and using scuba gear. Scuba gear includes a scuba tank, mask, and flippers, which significantly extend your underwater breathing time and improve movement speed. The scuba tank is the most important piece, as it provides a large oxygen reserve. To craft scuba gear, youÔÇÖll need polymer, cementing paste, crystal, and metal ingots. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or by crafting it with organic polymer and obsidian. Cementing paste is made from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or by taming a Beelzebufo (frog) to produce it naturally. Crystal and metal ingots are gathered from mining rocks and smelting metal ore in a forge. Scuba gear is a mid-to-late-game item, so early on, youÔÇÖll need to rely on other methods.
Before you have access to scuba gear, you can use Lazarus Chowder or a water jar to extend your underwater time. Lazarus Chowder is a consumable that increases your oxygen regeneration rate, allowing you to stay underwater longer. To craft it, youÔÇÖll need cooked meat, savoroot, longrass, and a water jar. Savoroot and longrass can be grown in crop plots, and water jars are crafted from clay and hide. Keep in mind that Lazarus Chowder only delays drowning, so youÔÇÖll still need to surface eventually.
Another strategy is to tame aquatic creatures that allow you to breathe underwater while riding them. Creatures like the Ichthyosaurus, Megalodon, and Basilosaurus are excellent for underwater exploration. The Basilosaurus, in particular, is highly recommended because it provides oxygen to the rider and has high health, making it a safe option for deep dives. Taming these creatures requires preparation, such as gathering the right food (e.g., raw meat or prime meat) and crafting a saddle. Using aquatic tames not only helps you avoid drowning but also provides protection from hostile underwater creatures.
When exploring underwater, always plan your route and keep an eye on your oxygen bar. Avoid diving too deep without a clear path to the surface. If youÔÇÖre exploring underwater caves, bring multiple sources of light, such as a torch or a glow stick, as caves can be dark and disorienting. Additionally, always carry a backup plan, such as extra Lazarus Chowder or a water jar, in case you run out of oxygen unexpectedly.
A common mistake is underestimating the dangers of underwater exploration. Many players dive without proper preparation and end up drowning or being attacked by creatures like the Megalodon or Electrophorus. Always scout the area from the surface before diving, and avoid areas with large groups of aggressive creatures. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider taming a pack of Ichthyosaurs or other small aquatic creatures to accompany you for added safety. In a tribe, coordinate with teammates to ensure someone is always on the surface to assist if needed.
Advanced techniques include using underwater bases or air pockets to replenish oxygen. You can build small structures with doors or windows to create air pockets in underwater caves. These pockets allow you to catch your breath without surfacing. Additionally, you can use grappling hooks to quickly ascend to the surface if youÔÇÖre running out of oxygen. Grappling hooks can be crafted with fiber, hide, and metal ingots and are useful for both underwater and above-ground exploration.
Resource requirements for underwater exploration vary depending on your strategy. If youÔÇÖre using scuba gear, focus on gathering polymer, cementing paste, and metal ingots. For Lazarus Chowder, prioritize farming savoroot and longrass. If youÔÇÖre taming aquatic creatures, stock up on raw meat or prime meat and craft the necessary saddles. Always bring extra resources in case of emergencies, such as extra food, weapons, and tools.
In conclusion, avoiding drowning in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation and strategy. Increase your oxygen stat, craft scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder, and tame aquatic creatures to extend your underwater time. Plan your dives carefully, avoid dangerous areas, and always have a backup plan. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these tips will help you explore the ocean safely and efficiently.
First, understand the oxygen mechanic. Your characterÔÇÖs oxygen stat determines how long you can stay underwater. You can increase this stat by leveling up and allocating points into oxygen. Each point increases your oxygen capacity, allowing you to stay submerged longer. However, relying solely on oxygen stats is not enough for extended underwater exploration. YouÔÇÖll need additional tools and strategies to maximize your time underwater.
One of the most effective ways to avoid drowning is by crafting and using scuba gear. Scuba gear includes a scuba tank, mask, and flippers, which significantly extend your underwater breathing time and improve movement speed. The scuba tank is the most important piece, as it provides a large oxygen reserve. To craft scuba gear, youÔÇÖll need polymer, cementing paste, crystal, and metal ingots. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or by crafting it with organic polymer and obsidian. Cementing paste is made from chitin or keratin and stone in a mortar and pestle or by taming a Beelzebufo (frog) to produce it naturally. Crystal and metal ingots are gathered from mining rocks and smelting metal ore in a forge. Scuba gear is a mid-to-late-game item, so early on, youÔÇÖll need to rely on other methods.
Before you have access to scuba gear, you can use Lazarus Chowder or a water jar to extend your underwater time. Lazarus Chowder is a consumable that increases your oxygen regeneration rate, allowing you to stay underwater longer. To craft it, youÔÇÖll need cooked meat, savoroot, longrass, and a water jar. Savoroot and longrass can be grown in crop plots, and water jars are crafted from clay and hide. Keep in mind that Lazarus Chowder only delays drowning, so youÔÇÖll still need to surface eventually.
Another strategy is to tame aquatic creatures that allow you to breathe underwater while riding them. Creatures like the Ichthyosaurus, Megalodon, and Basilosaurus are excellent for underwater exploration. The Basilosaurus, in particular, is highly recommended because it provides oxygen to the rider and has high health, making it a safe option for deep dives. Taming these creatures requires preparation, such as gathering the right food (e.g., raw meat or prime meat) and crafting a saddle. Using aquatic tames not only helps you avoid drowning but also provides protection from hostile underwater creatures.
When exploring underwater, always plan your route and keep an eye on your oxygen bar. Avoid diving too deep without a clear path to the surface. If youÔÇÖre exploring underwater caves, bring multiple sources of light, such as a torch or a glow stick, as caves can be dark and disorienting. Additionally, always carry a backup plan, such as extra Lazarus Chowder or a water jar, in case you run out of oxygen unexpectedly.
A common mistake is underestimating the dangers of underwater exploration. Many players dive without proper preparation and end up drowning or being attacked by creatures like the Megalodon or Electrophorus. Always scout the area from the surface before diving, and avoid areas with large groups of aggressive creatures. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider taming a pack of Ichthyosaurs or other small aquatic creatures to accompany you for added safety. In a tribe, coordinate with teammates to ensure someone is always on the surface to assist if needed.
Advanced techniques include using underwater bases or air pockets to replenish oxygen. You can build small structures with doors or windows to create air pockets in underwater caves. These pockets allow you to catch your breath without surfacing. Additionally, you can use grappling hooks to quickly ascend to the surface if youÔÇÖre running out of oxygen. Grappling hooks can be crafted with fiber, hide, and metal ingots and are useful for both underwater and above-ground exploration.
Resource requirements for underwater exploration vary depending on your strategy. If youÔÇÖre using scuba gear, focus on gathering polymer, cementing paste, and metal ingots. For Lazarus Chowder, prioritize farming savoroot and longrass. If youÔÇÖre taming aquatic creatures, stock up on raw meat or prime meat and craft the necessary saddles. Always bring extra resources in case of emergencies, such as extra food, weapons, and tools.
In conclusion, avoiding drowning in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation and strategy. Increase your oxygen stat, craft scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder, and tame aquatic creatures to extend your underwater time. Plan your dives carefully, avoid dangerous areas, and always have a backup plan. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these tips will help you explore the ocean safely and efficiently.