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

The Artifact of the Strong is one of the key artifacts in ARK: Survival Evolved, required to summon the Broodmother Lysrix, one of the game's major bosses. This artifact is located in the Lower South Cave, also known as the Hunter Cave, on The Island map. Obtaining the Artifact of the Strong involves navigating a challenging cave system filled with hostile creatures, environmental hazards, and tight spaces. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you successfully retrieve the artifact.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. The Lower South Cave is a relatively early-game cave, but it still poses significant threats. The cave is home to creatures like Araneo (giant spiders), Titanoboa (giant snakes), and Onyc (bat-like creatures). These creatures can deal high damage, inflict torpor, and swarm you in large numbers. The cave also has narrow passages, making it difficult to maneuver, especially with larger dinosaurs. Additionally, the cave has a high level of humidity, which can cause your character to overheat if not properly prepared.

To prepare for this cave, youÔÇÖll need to gather essential resources and equipment. Bring a good set of armor, such as chitin or flak armor, to protect against the caveÔÇÖs creatures. A crossbow or longneck rifle with tranq darts is useful for dealing with threats from a distance. Bring plenty of medical brews or stimulants to counteract torpor effects from spider or snake bites. Grappling hooks can be invaluable for navigating tricky sections of the cave, especially if you fall into a pit or need to escape quickly. Finally, bring a strong mount, such as a Sabertooth or Carnotaurus, to help you fight off enemies. However, be aware that some sections of the cave are too narrow for larger dinosaurs, so you may need to dismount and proceed on foot.

When entering the cave, start by clearing out any immediate threats near the entrance. Use your mount to take down spiders and snakes quickly. As you progress deeper into the cave, be cautious of narrow ledges and drops. Use your grappling hook to cross gaps or climb out of pits if necessary. The cave has multiple paths, but the main route to the artifact is relatively straightforward. Follow the path downward, and youÔÇÖll eventually reach a large chamber with a pool of water. The Artifact of the Strong is located in a small alcove near the back of this chamber.

One common mistake is underestimating the caveÔÇÖs creatures. Even though itÔÇÖs an early-game cave, the spiders and snakes can quickly overwhelm you if youÔÇÖre not careful. Always keep an eye on your torpor level and use stimulants if necessary. Another mistake is bringing a mount thatÔÇÖs too large for the cave. While a Rex or Spino might seem like a good choice, they wonÔÇÖt fit through many of the caveÔÇÖs passages, leaving you stranded. Stick to smaller, agile mounts like Sabertooths or Raptors.

For advanced players, consider using a Baryonyx as your mount. The Baryonyx is small enough to fit through most cave passages and has a powerful tail spin attack that can stun multiple enemies at once. Additionally, its ability to swim makes it useful for navigating the caveÔÇÖs water sections. Another advanced technique is to use a grappling hook to bypass certain sections of the cave entirely, allowing you to reach the artifact more quickly.

If youÔÇÖre playing solo, preparation is key. Make sure you have enough supplies to handle the caveÔÇÖs challenges on your own. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, consider bringing a teammate to help with combat and navigation. Having a second player can make it easier to deal with swarms of enemies and recover if one of you gets knocked out.

In summary, retrieving the Artifact of the Strong requires careful preparation, the right equipment, and a solid strategy. Bring a strong, agile mount, plenty of medical supplies, and tools like grappling hooks to navigate the caveÔÇÖs hazards. Be cautious of the caveÔÇÖs creatures and environmental challenges, and avoid bringing mounts that are too large for the caveÔÇÖs narrow passages. With the right approach, youÔÇÖll be able to retrieve the artifact and move one step closer to summoning the Broodmother Lysrix.