Where can I find the artifact of the Strong in the Lava Cave of ARK: Survival Evolved?

The Artifact of the Strong is one of the key artifacts in ARK: Survival Evolved, and it is located in the Lava Cave, also known as the Upper South Cave, on The Island map. This artifact is essential for summoning the Broodmother Lysrix, one of the game's major bosses. However, retrieving it is no easy task due to the cave's challenging environment, which includes high temperatures, lava pits, and aggressive creatures. Below is a detailed guide on how to successfully obtain the Artifact of the Strong.

First, let's discuss the mechanics involved. The Lava Cave is located in the southern part of The Island, near coordinates 70.6 latitude and 86.1 longitude. The cave is filled with dangers such as lava flows, tight spaces, and hostile creatures like Onyc, Arthropleura, and Titanoboas. The cave's temperature is extremely high, so you will need to prepare accordingly to avoid overheating. The artifact itself is located deep within the cave, requiring you to navigate through narrow pathways and avoid falling into lava.

To begin, you will need to prepare adequately. Bring a strong mount, such as a Carnotaurus or Sabertooth, as they are agile and can handle the cave's tight spaces. Alternatively, a high-level Baryonyx is an excellent choice due to its ability to swim and attack while moving, which can be useful in the cave's water sections. Equip yourself with a good set of armor, preferably Ghillie or Flak, to protect against the cave's creatures and environmental hazards. Bring plenty of medical brews, stimulants, and food to sustain yourself. A crossbow or longneck rifle with tranq darts can help deal with aggressive creatures, and a pickaxe or hatchet is useful for gathering resources like chitin or keratin from defeated enemies.

When entering the cave, be cautious of the narrow pathways and lava pits. Use your mount to navigate carefully, and dismount only when necessary. The cave is dark, so bring a torch or a light source like a mining helmet. As you progress, you will encounter Onyc, which are bat-like creatures that can swarm you. Use your ranged weapons to take them out from a distance. Arthropleura, which are large centipede-like creatures, can spit acid that damages your armor, so prioritize taking them down quickly. Titanoboas are also present and can knock you out with their venom, so keep your distance and use ranged attacks.

The artifact is located in a chamber deep within the cave, accessible by following the main path and navigating through a series of twists and turns. Be prepared to face multiple creatures at once, so use your mount's abilities to your advantage. Once you reach the artifact chamber, you will find the Artifact of the Strong on a pedestal. Approach it carefully, as the area may still have hostile creatures lurking nearby. Grab the artifact and make your way back to the cave entrance.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the cave's dangers, such as the high temperature and aggressive creatures. Failing to bring adequate supplies, like medical brews or stimulants, can lead to death and loss of progress. Another mistake is not using a mount, as navigating the cave on foot is much more dangerous and time-consuming. Additionally, rushing through the cave without caution can result in falling into lava or being overwhelmed by enemies.

Advanced techniques include using a grappling hook to navigate tricky sections of the cave, especially if you are playing solo and do not have a mount. You can also use a Cryopod to bring a larger mount into the cave, such as a Rex or Spino, which can make dealing with enemies easier. However, be mindful of the cave's tight spaces, as larger mounts may get stuck. Another optimization is to bring a tribe member to help with navigation and combat, as teamwork can make the process smoother and safer.

Resource requirements include a good set of armor, weapons, and supplies like medical brews, stimulants, and food. You will also need a strong mount and possibly a Cryopod if you plan to bring a larger creature into the cave. Preparing these items in advance will ensure a successful expedition.

Tribe considerations involve coordinating with your tribe members to divide tasks, such as one person handling navigation while another focuses on combat. Solo players should focus on preparation and caution, as the cave's dangers are amplified when playing alone.

In conclusion, obtaining the Artifact of the Strong in the Lava Cave requires careful preparation, strategic navigation, and effective combat skills. By following the steps outlined above and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully retrieve the artifact and progress further in ARK: Survival Evolved.