How do I locate and harvest rare resources in the deep sea in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Locating and harvesting rare resources in the deep sea in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding task. The deep sea is home to valuable resources like oil, silica pearls, black pearls, and element shards, which are essential for advanced crafting and technology. To successfully gather these resources, you need to understand the mechanics, prepare adequately, and execute a well-planned strategy.

First, you need to prepare for the dangers of the deep sea. The ocean is filled with hostile creatures like Megalodons, Electrophorus, and Tusoteuthis, which can easily overwhelm unprepared players. To survive, you will need a strong water mount. The best options are the Basilosaurus, Mosasaurus, or Tuso. The Basilosaurus is particularly useful because it has high health, good speed, and immunity to the Electrophorus' stun effect. Additionally, it provides insulation, which helps with the cold temperatures in the deep sea.

Before heading into the ocean, gather the necessary equipment. You will need scuba gear, including a scuba tank, mask, fins, and leggings, to breathe underwater and move efficiently. Bring a high-quality crossbow or harpoon gun for defense, as well as a pickaxe or metal hatchet for harvesting resources. It is also wise to bring a few cryopods in case you need to quickly deploy or store your mount in an emergency.

Once you are prepared, head to the deep sea. Oil nodes are commonly found on the ocean floor, often near underwater caves or rocky formations. Silica pearls are found in clusters on the seabed, usually in colder regions. Black pearls are rarer and can be harvested from Eurypterids or found in certain underwater caves. Element shards are exclusive to the Genesis maps and can be found in specific underwater biomes.

When harvesting, always stay alert. Keep an eye on your oxygen levels and the health of your mount. Use your mount's attacks to fend off predators while you gather resources. If you encounter a Tusoteuthis, be cautious, as it can grab and disable your mount. Use your crossbow or harpoon gun to deal damage from a distance.

One common mistake is venturing too deep without proper preparation. The deep sea is unforgiving, and running out of oxygen or losing your mount can be fatal. Always carry extra scuba tanks and have a plan for escaping to the surface if needed. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of the ocean. Even with a strong mount, you can be overwhelmed by multiple predators. Always scout the area before diving in and avoid areas with too many hostile creatures.

Advanced techniques include using a Tek suit for underwater exploration. The Tek suit provides unlimited oxygen and enhanced mobility, making it easier to navigate the deep sea. Additionally, you can use a Tek transmitter to quickly transport resources back to your base. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and protect each other from threats. Solo players should focus on efficiency and avoid unnecessary risks.

Resource requirements for deep-sea exploration include a strong water mount, scuba gear, weapons, and tools for harvesting. You will also need a base with storage and crafting stations to process the resources you gather. If you are playing on a PvP server, consider building an underwater base or hidden storage to protect your resources from other players.

Specific examples of deep-sea resource locations include the underwater caves on The Island map, which contain oil nodes and silica pearls. On the Ragnarok map, the deep ocean trenches are rich in black pearls. On the Genesis maps, the ocean biome is filled with element shards and other rare resources.

In conclusion, harvesting rare resources in the deep sea requires careful preparation, a strong water mount, and constant vigilance. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully gather the resources needed for advanced crafting and technology in ARK: Survival Evolved.