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

Gathering biotoxin in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial task for players who need it to craft items like tranquilizer darts, shocking tranquilizer darts, and other advanced gear. Biotoxin is primarily obtained from Cnidaria, which are jellyfish-like creatures found in the ocean. These creatures are dangerous due to their ability to stun and dismount players, making the process of gathering biotoxin challenging. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather biotoxin, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To start, you need to locate Cnidaria. These creatures are commonly found in the ocean, especially in deeper waters. They are often seen in groups, so be cautious when approaching them. Cnidaria are passive until provoked, but they will attack if you get too close. Their attacks can stun you and your tamed creatures, leaving you vulnerable to other predators in the water. Therefore, preparation is key.

Before heading out to gather biotoxin, ensure you have the right equipment. A strong underwater mount is essential. Creatures like the Basilosaurus, Megalodon, or Tusoteuthis are excellent choices. The Basilosaurus is particularly useful because it is immune to the Cnidaria's stun effect, making it the safest option. Additionally, bring a good set of scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder to extend your underwater breathing time. A crossbow or harpoon gun with tranq arrows can also be useful for dealing with other threats in the ocean.

When you encounter Cnidaria, approach them carefully. If you are using a Basilosaurus, you can safely attack the Cnidaria without fear of being stunned. Simply bite them to kill them, and they will drop biotoxin upon death. If you are using a different mount, be cautious not to get too close, as the Cnidaria's stun can dismount you and leave you defenseless. In this case, it is better to use ranged weapons to kill them from a distance.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the danger of Cnidaria. Even experienced players can be caught off guard by their stun ability, especially if they are not using a Basilosaurus. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid getting surrounded by multiple Cnidaria. If you are dismounted, quickly swim away and try to remount your creature before the Cnidaria can stun you again.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make to gather biotoxin more efficiently. Using a tamed Tusoteuthis is one of the best methods, as it can grab and kill Cnidaria quickly. Additionally, you can use a tamed Ichthyosaurus to scout for Cnidaria, as it is fast and can help you locate groups of them without putting yourself in too much danger. Another advanced technique is to use a tamed Anglerfish, which can harvest biotoxin more efficiently from dead Cnidaria.

Resource management is also important when gathering biotoxin. Make sure you have enough food and water for your character, as well as food for your tamed creatures. Bringing a few extra crossbow bolts or harpoons is also a good idea, in case you encounter other threats like Megalodons or Plesiosaurs. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and protect each other from dangers. Solo players should be extra cautious and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

In terms of specific scenarios, let's say you are playing on The Island map. A good location to find Cnidaria is in the ocean around the western part of the map, near the underwater caves. These areas are rich in marine life, including Cnidaria. Another example is the Ragnarok map, where Cnidaria can be found in the ocean biome near the Viking Bay area. Always be prepared for unexpected encounters with other predators, and have an escape plan in case things go wrong.

In conclusion, gathering biotoxin in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation and strategy. Using the right tamed creatures, such as the Basilosaurus or Tusoteuthis, can make the process much safer and more efficient. Always be aware of the dangers posed by Cnidaria and other ocean predators, and manage your resources wisely. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, following these tips will help you gather biotoxin effectively and safely.