How do I locate the artifact of the Clever in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Locating the Artifact of the Clever in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding task that requires careful preparation and strategy. This artifact is one of the key items needed to summon the Broodmother Lysrix, one of the game's major bosses. The Artifact of the Clever is found in the Central Cave, also known as the Lower South Cave, located in the southern part of The Island map. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully retrieve this artifact.

The Central Cave is one of the easier caves in the game, but it still presents significant dangers, especially for unprepared players. The cave is filled with hostile creatures such as bats, spiders, and scorpions, which can quickly overwhelm you if you are not careful. The cave's environment is also hazardous, with narrow pathways, tight spaces, and areas that require jumping or careful navigation. To prepare for this expedition, you will need to gather essential resources and equipment. A good set of armor, such as chitin or flak armor, is recommended to protect against the cave's creatures. Weapons like a crossbow, pike, or shotgun are essential for dealing with enemies. Bring plenty of ammunition, healing items like medical brews or cooked meat, and torches or a mining helmet for light. It is also wise to bring grappling hooks or climbing picks to help navigate tricky sections of the cave.

Before entering the cave, consider taming a mount that can accompany you. While many caves restrict the use of larger dinosaurs, smaller creatures like the Sabertooth, Direwolf, or even a pack of Dimorphodons can be invaluable for combat support. These creatures can help you clear out enemies quickly and provide additional protection. If you are playing solo, having a strong mount can make the difference between success and failure. For tribes, coordinating with teammates to bring a mix of combat and utility dinosaurs can make the cave much easier to navigate.

Once you are prepared, head to the cave entrance located at approximately 41.5 latitude and 46.9 longitude. The entrance is a small opening in a cliffside, and it is easy to miss if you are not paying attention. As you enter, be cautious of the narrow pathways and the sudden appearance of enemies. The cave is relatively linear, but there are a few branching paths that can lead to dead ends or additional loot. Follow the main path, and you will eventually reach a large chamber with a pool of water. This is where the Artifact of the Clever is located. Be prepared for a fight, as this area is often guarded by multiple creatures.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the cave's difficulty. Even though it is considered one of the easier caves, the tight spaces and sudden enemy spawns can catch you off guard. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies. Running out of ammunition or healing items mid-cave can leave you vulnerable. To avoid these issues, always overprepare. Bring more resources than you think you will need, and consider making multiple trips if necessary.

Advanced players can optimize their approach by using specific strategies. For example, using a grappling hook to bypass certain sections of the cave can save time and reduce the risk of encountering enemies. Additionally, using a high-level mount with good stats can make combat encounters much easier. If you are playing in a tribe, assigning roles to each member can streamline the process. For example, one player can focus on combat while another handles navigation and looting.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need a good supply of weapons, armor, and healing items. Crafting these items will require materials like metal, hide, fiber, and chitin or keratin. Gathering these resources beforehand is essential. If you are playing solo, consider setting up a small base near the cave entrance to store extra supplies. For tribes, having a well-stocked base nearby can make resupplying much easier.

In conclusion, retrieving the Artifact of the Clever requires careful preparation, strategic planning, and effective execution. By gathering the necessary resources, taming strong mounts, and coordinating with your tribe, you can successfully navigate the Central Cave and claim the artifact. Remember to overprepare, stay vigilant, and use advanced techniques to optimize your approach. With these tips in mind, you will be well on your way to summoning the Broodmother Lysrix and progressing further in ARK: Survival Evolved.