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

Ambergris is a rare and valuable resource in ARK: Survival Evolved, primarily used for crafting certain advanced items and taming specific creatures like the Astrocetus (Space Whale) in the Genesis Part 1 DLC. Gathering ambergris requires careful planning and preparation, as it is only found in specific locations and under certain conditions. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather ambergris, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Ambergris is found in the Lunar Biome on the Genesis Part 1 map. This biome is unique due to its low-gravity environment and hostile creatures, making it a challenging area to navigate. Ambergris spawns in specific nodes that resemble glowing, crystalline formations. These nodes are scattered across the Lunar Biome, often in hard-to-reach or dangerous areas. To gather ambergris, you must harvest these nodes using a pickaxe or a creature with harvesting capabilities, such as a Metal Pick or a high-level Ankylosaurus.

Before venturing into the Lunar Biome, preparation is key. The biome is filled with aggressive creatures like Lunar Reapers and Lunar Wyverns, which can quickly overwhelm unprepared players. Equip yourself with strong armor, such as Tek or Riot gear, and bring powerful weapons like shotguns or assault rifles. Additionally, bring medical brews or custom consumables to heal quickly in case of emergencies. Oxygen is not a concern in the Lunar Biome, but temperature management is crucial. The biome has extreme cold and heat zones, so bring appropriate clothing or Tek armor with temperature regulation.

Taming a high-level creature for harvesting and transportation is highly recommended. A high-level Ankylosaurus is ideal for gathering ambergris efficiently, as it has a high melee damage stat that increases resource yield. Alternatively, a Rock Drake or a Managarmr can help you navigate the low-gravity environment and escape dangerous situations quickly. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider taming a pack of creatures like Velonasaurs for added firepower and protection.

Once youÔÇÖre prepared, head to the Lunar Biome and locate the ambergris nodes. These nodes are often found near cliffs, caves, or other elevated areas. Use your creatureÔÇÖs harvesting ability to gather ambergris from the nodes. Be cautious of nearby threats, as the biomeÔÇÖs creatures are highly aggressive and can interrupt your gathering. If youÔÇÖre using a Rock Drake or Managarmr, you can quickly move between nodes and avoid combat when necessary.

Resource management is critical when gathering ambergris. The nodes have a limited amount of ambergris, so youÔÇÖll need to visit multiple nodes to gather a significant amount. Plan your route in advance to maximize efficiency and minimize exposure to danger. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and protect each other from threats. Solo players should focus on stealth and mobility, avoiding unnecessary fights and prioritizing safe gathering spots.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the Lunar BiomeÔÇÖs dangers and overextending your resources. The biomeÔÇÖs creatures are relentless, and engaging in prolonged combat can drain your supplies quickly. Always have an escape plan and avoid gathering in areas with too many hostile creatures. Additionally, donÔÇÖt forget to bring enough food and water, as the biomeÔÇÖs extreme conditions can drain your characterÔÇÖs stats rapidly.

Advanced techniques involve using Tek equipment to optimize your gathering. Tek armor with a jetpack can help you reach high or hard-to-access nodes quickly, while a Tek Rifle can provide long-range support against aggressive creatures. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, consider setting up a small outpost near the Lunar Biome with storage and crafting stations. This allows you to store gathered ambergris and craft necessary items without traveling back to your main base.

In summary, gathering ambergris in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, efficient resource management, and strategic planning. Equip yourself with strong gear, tame high-level creatures for harvesting and transportation, and be mindful of the Lunar BiomeÔÇÖs dangers. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, prioritize safety and efficiency to maximize your ambergris yield. With the right approach, you can gather this valuable resource and use it to craft advanced items or tame powerful creatures like the Astrocetus.