What is the best way to gather rare mushrooms in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering rare mushrooms in ARK: Survival Evolved is an essential task for crafting certain items, such as Lesser Antidote, Re-Fertilizer, and Custom Consumables. Rare mushrooms are primarily found in swamp biomes, caves, and underwater locations. Understanding the mechanics and strategies for efficiently collecting them is crucial for both solo players and tribes.

The mechanics of gathering rare mushrooms involve locating the right environments where they spawn. Rare mushrooms grow on specific plants, such as the tall, glowing mushrooms found in caves or the underwater plants in the ocean. They can also be harvested from certain creatures, like the Beaver Dams, which occasionally contain rare mushrooms among other resources. Additionally, tamed creatures like the Therizinosaur or Moschops can be used to gather rare mushrooms more efficiently than by hand.

To begin gathering rare mushrooms, you need to prepare adequately. First, ensure you have the necessary tools and equipment. A Metal Pick or Hatchet is ideal for harvesting mushrooms from plants, as they yield more resources than primitive tools. If you plan to explore caves or underwater areas, bring a good set of armor, weapons, and consumables like Medical Brews or Stimulants to handle potential threats. A tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a Therizinosaur, can significantly speed up the process and provide protection.

For swamp biomes, rare mushrooms can be found on the large, glowing plants scattered throughout the area. Approach these plants and use your Metal Pick or Hatchet to harvest them. Be cautious of the hostile creatures in swamps, such as Sarcosuchus, Titanoboas, and Kaprosuchus. Having a tamed mount like a Carnotaurus or Raptor can help fend off these threats while you gather resources.

In caves, rare mushrooms grow on the glowing mushroom plants found on the walls and floors. Caves are dangerous due to the presence of aggressive creatures like Arthropluera, Onyc, and Megalania. Bring a strong mount like a Sabertooth or Thylacoleo to navigate the terrain and defend yourself. Use your Metal Pick or Hatchet to harvest the mushrooms, but be mindful of your surroundings to avoid ambushes.

Underwater, rare mushrooms can be harvested from the seaweed-like plants found in the ocean. These plants are often located in deeper waters, so having a tamed aquatic creature like an Ichthyosaurus or Megalodon is essential for safe exploration. Use your Metal Pick or Hatchet to gather the mushrooms, but watch out for predators like Plesiosaurs and Electrophorus.

One common mistake is venturing into dangerous areas unprepared. Always bring adequate supplies, weapons, and a strong mount to handle the threats in swamps, caves, and underwater locations. Another mistake is using primitive tools, which yield fewer resources and take longer to gather. Upgrading to Metal tools or using tamed creatures with high harvesting efficiency is crucial for maximizing your resource collection.

Advanced techniques involve using specific tamed creatures to optimize your gathering. The Therizinosaur is one of the best creatures for harvesting rare mushrooms due to its high melee damage and harvesting efficiency. Set its harvesting settings to prioritize rare mushrooms, and it will gather large quantities quickly. The Moschops is another excellent option, as it can passively gather rare mushrooms when set to wander in swamp biomes.

Resource requirements for gathering rare mushrooms include Metal tools, armor, weapons, and consumables. If you are using tamed creatures, ensure they are well-fed and have high melee damage for efficient harvesting. For underwater gathering, having a Scuba Tank or Lazarus Chowder is beneficial to extend your underwater breathing time.

For tribes, coordinating with members to cover different areas can speed up the gathering process. Assign roles, such as one player gathering in swamps while another explores caves or underwater locations. Sharing resources and protecting each other from threats can make the process more efficient and safer. Solo players should focus on preparing thoroughly and using strong tamed creatures to handle the dangers alone.

In specific scenarios, such as preparing for boss fights or crafting advanced items, gathering rare mushrooms becomes a priority. For example, crafting Lesser Antidote requires rare mushrooms, which are essential for countering the effects of poison in certain boss fights. Planning your resource gathering trips and optimizing your methods can save time and ensure you have the necessary materials when needed.

In conclusion, gathering rare mushrooms in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, the right tools, and strong tamed creatures. Understanding the mechanics and strategies for efficient harvesting, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques can significantly improve your resource collection. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, prioritizing safety and efficiency is key to successfully gathering rare mushrooms in the game.