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

Locating the Artifact of the Devious in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding task, as this artifact is essential for summoning the Dragon boss on The Island map. The Artifact of the Devious is found in the Caverns of Lost Faith, an underwater cave located in the western part of the map. This cave is one of the more difficult underwater caves due to its depth, hostile creatures, and the need for underwater navigation. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully locate and retrieve the artifact.

To begin, you will need to prepare thoroughly for this expedition. The Caverns of Lost Faith are deep underwater, so you will need a strong aquatic mount to navigate the cave safely. Recommended mounts include the Basilosaurus, which is immune to the jellyfish and eels that can stun you, or the Megalodon, which is fast and can handle the aggressive creatures in the cave. You will also need scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder to extend your oxygen supply, as the cave is deep and requires prolonged underwater exploration. Additionally, bring weapons such as a crossbow or harpoon gun to defend yourself against hostile creatures like Megalodons, Eurypterids, and Cnidaria.

The entrance to the Caverns of Lost Faith is located in the western ocean, near coordinates 19.1 latitude and 10.7 longitude. The entrance is a large underwater tunnel that descends into the cave system. Once inside, you will need to navigate through a series of tunnels and chambers filled with dangerous creatures. The cave is relatively linear, but it can be disorienting due to its underwater environment. Keep an eye out for air pockets along the way, as these can provide a brief respite to replenish your oxygen.

As you progress through the cave, you will encounter several hostile creatures. Eurypterids, which look like giant sea scorpions, are particularly dangerous because they can drain your stamina and dismount you. Cnidaria, or jellyfish, can stun you and your mount, leaving you vulnerable to attacks. Megalodons and Piranhas are also common and will attack on sight. To deal with these threats, it is best to use a strong mount with high health and damage output. If you are using a Basilosaurus, its immunity to stuns will make the journey much easier. If you are on a Megalodon, be cautious of Cnidaria and try to avoid them.

The Artifact of the Devious is located in the deepest part of the cave, in a chamber with a glowing pedestal. The chamber is guarded by several hostile creatures, so clear the area before attempting to retrieve the artifact. Once the area is safe, approach the pedestal and interact with it to collect the artifact. Be sure to have enough inventory space, as the artifact will take up a slot.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of the cave. The Caverns of Lost Faith are not only deep but also filled with dangerous creatures that can overwhelm unprepared players. Always bring a strong mount and adequate supplies, including food, weapons, and healing items. Another mistake is not bringing enough oxygen. Even with scuba gear, it is easy to run out of oxygen in the cave, so consider bringing Lazarus Chowder or additional oxygen tanks.

For advanced players, consider using a team to tackle the cave. A tribe can divide responsibilities, with one player focusing on navigation, another on combat, and another on resource management. This can make the expedition more efficient and safer. Additionally, using a Tuso (Tusoteuthis) can be a game-changer, as it is one of the strongest aquatic mounts and can easily handle the cave's threats.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need scuba gear, weapons, and a strong aquatic mount. If you are playing solo, prioritize survivability and mobility. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to ensure everyone is prepared for the challenges ahead.

In conclusion, locating the Artifact of the Devious requires careful preparation, a strong aquatic mount, and a good understanding of the cave's layout and threats. By following this guide and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully retrieve the artifact and progress toward summoning the Dragon boss. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, the key to success is preparation and teamwork.