How do I set up a tribe-wide artifact collection system in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Setting up a tribe-wide artifact collection system in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, coordination, and resource management. Artifacts are essential for summoning bosses, so organizing a system to collect and store them efficiently is crucial for tribe success. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you establish this system.

First, understand the mechanics of artifact collection. Artifacts are found in caves scattered across the map, each guarded by dangerous creatures and environmental hazards. To collect artifacts, you must navigate these caves, defeat or avoid enemies, and retrieve the artifact from its pedestal. Once collected, artifacts can be stored in a secure location for later use. Since artifacts are non-craftable and limited in number, losing them can set your tribe back significantly.

To set up a tribe-wide system, start by assigning roles. Designate specific members as artifact collectors, defenders, and transporters. Collectors should be skilled in cave navigation and combat, while defenders protect the collectors from hostile creatures or rival tribes. Transporters are responsible for safely moving artifacts back to your base. Assigning roles ensures that everyone knows their responsibilities and reduces the risk of mistakes.

Next, prepare your tribe for cave exploration. Equip collectors with high-quality armor, weapons, and tools. Grappling hooks, climbing picks, and parachutes are essential for navigating tricky cave terrain. Bring medical brews or food to heal during combat. Tamed creatures like the Baryonyx, Sabertooth, or Thylacoleo are excellent for cave exploration due to their agility and combat abilities. Ensure these creatures are leveled and equipped with saddles for maximum efficiency.

Before entering a cave, scout the area for potential threats. Some caves are more dangerous than others, and knowing the layout can save time and resources. Use a flying mount like an Argentavis or Pteranodon to survey the cave entrance and surrounding area. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, be cautious of rival tribes camping near caves. Always have a plan for retreating if things go wrong.

Once inside the cave, stick together as a team. Communication is key, so use voice chat or text chat to coordinate movements and warn each other of dangers. Clear out enemies systematically to avoid being overwhelmed. If you encounter a particularly tough creature, consider using traps or kiting strategies to defeat it safely. When you reach the artifact pedestal, have one member collect the artifact while others guard the area.

After collecting the artifact, transport it back to your base immediately. Use a fast and sturdy mount like a Raptor or Direwolf for quick travel. If the artifact is heavy, consider using a pack animal like a Paraceratherium or Mammoth to carry it. Avoid traveling through dangerous areas or near rival tribe bases to minimize the risk of losing the artifact.

Once back at your base, store the artifact in a secure location. Use a vault or reinforced storage box to protect it from theft or destruction. Assign a trusted tribe member to manage the artifact storage and keep track of which artifacts have been collected. This prevents confusion and ensures that your tribe knows which artifacts are still needed for boss fights.

To optimize your artifact collection system, consider setting up outposts near cave entrances. These outposts can serve as staging areas for cave expeditions, providing supplies and a safe place to regroup. Build small, fortified structures with storage boxes, beds, and crafting stations. This reduces the need to travel back to your main base after each expedition, saving time and resources.

Common mistakes to avoid include splitting up in caves, which can lead to members getting lost or overwhelmed by enemies. Another mistake is underestimating the difficulty of certain caves, especially those with high-level creatures or environmental hazards like lava or radiation. Always prepare thoroughly before entering a cave, and donÔÇÖt rush the process.

Advanced techniques include using tamed creatures with special abilities to make cave exploration easier. For example, a Megatherium is excellent for caves with insects, as it gains a buff when killing them. A Kaprosuchus can grab and carry smaller creatures, making it useful for dealing with swarms. Additionally, consider using cryopods to transport tamed creatures into caves that have size restrictions.

Resource requirements for artifact collection include high-quality weapons, armor, and tools, as well as food and medical supplies. YouÔÇÖll also need materials to build outposts and storage solutions. Ensure your tribe has a steady supply of these resources by assigning members to gather and craft them regularly.

In solo play, artifact collection is more challenging but still possible. Focus on taming creatures that excel in caves and invest in high-quality gear. Use stealth and strategy to avoid unnecessary combat, and always have an escape plan. Solo players should prioritize caves with fewer enemies or easier layouts to minimize risk.

In conclusion, setting up a tribe-wide artifact collection system in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, role assignment, and resource management. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, your tribe can efficiently collect and store artifacts, paving the way for successful boss fights and progression in the game.