Where can I find the artifact of the Clever in the Central Cave of ARK: Survival Evolved?

The Artifact of the Clever is one of the key artifacts in ARK: Survival Evolved, located in the Central Cave on The Island map. This artifact is essential for summoning the Broodmother Lysrix, one of the game's major bosses. Obtaining it requires careful preparation, as the Central Cave is one of the more challenging caves in the game due to its tight spaces, hostile creatures, and environmental hazards. Below is a detailed guide on how to find and retrieve the Artifact of the Clever.

First, let's discuss the mechanics involved. The Central Cave is located in the central part of The Island, near coordinates 41.5 latitude and 46.9 longitude. The cave is filled with dangerous creatures such as Titanoboas, Arthropleura, and Onyc, as well as environmental hazards like narrow pathways, slippery slopes, and deep water. The artifact itself is located deep within the cave, requiring players to navigate through these dangers to reach it. The cave is also dark, so bringing a light source is crucial.

Preparation is key to successfully retrieving the artifact. You will need a strong mount that can handle the cave's tight spaces and combat. A high-level Sabertooth or Thylacoleo is ideal due to their agility and damage output. Alternatively, a pack of Direwolves can be effective if you have a tribe to support you. Make sure your mount has good health, stamina, and damage stats. You should also bring weapons like a crossbow or shotgun, armor with high durability, and plenty of medical brews or cooked meat for healing. Grappling hooks can be useful for navigating tricky sections of the cave.

When entering the cave, start by clearing out any hostile creatures near the entrance. This will give you a safe area to retreat to if needed. Proceed carefully, as the cave is filled with tight turns and sudden drops. Use your light source to spot enemies and hazards ahead. Be cautious of Titanoboas, as they can dismount you and leave you vulnerable. Arthropleura can also be dangerous due to their acid spit, which damages your armor. Use ranged weapons to take them out from a distance.

As you progress deeper into the cave, you will encounter a large chamber with a pool of water. This area is particularly dangerous due to the presence of Onyc, which can swarm you if you are not careful. Clear out the Onyc before proceeding. The artifact is located in a small alcove near the back of this chamber. Be prepared for a fight, as there are often additional creatures guarding the artifact.

Once you have the artifact, make your way back to the entrance. Be cautious of respawning creatures, as they can catch you off guard if you are not paying attention. If you are playing solo, consider bringing a second mount or a backup plan in case your primary mount dies. For tribes, coordinate with your teammates to cover each other and ensure a safe exit.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the cave's difficulty, not bringing enough supplies, and rushing through the cave without clearing enemies. The Central Cave is not a place to take lightly, and even experienced players can be caught off guard by its challenges. Always be prepared for the unexpected.

Advanced techniques include using a Cryopod to bring a larger mount into the cave, such as a Baryonyx, which can handle both land and water sections effectively. You can also use a grappling hook to bypass certain sections of the cave, though this requires precise timing and skill. For tribes, consider assigning roles, such as one player focusing on combat while another handles navigation and healing.

Resource requirements include high-quality weapons and armor, medical supplies, and a strong mount. You may also want to bring a few extra tools, such as a pickaxe or hatchet, in case you need to gather resources while inside the cave. For tribes, coordinating resource sharing can help ensure everyone is adequately equipped.

In conclusion, retrieving the Artifact of the Clever from the Central Cave is a challenging but rewarding task. With proper preparation, a strong mount, and careful navigation, you can successfully obtain this artifact and progress toward summoning the Broodmother Lysrix. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, always be prepared for the dangers that await you in the depths of the Central Cave.