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

Locating the Artifact of the Skylord 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 Dragon boss on The Island map. It is located in the North West Cave, also known as the Skylord Cave, which is situated in the northwest region of the map, near the coast. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully retrieve the Artifact of the Skylord.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. The North West Cave is one of the more difficult caves in the game due to its tight spaces, narrow pathways, and the presence of high-level creatures such as Onyc, Arthropluera, and Titanoboas. The cave is also filled with traps like falling rocks and slippery slopes, making navigation tricky. The artifact itself is located deep within the cave, and youÔÇÖll need to navigate through these hazards to reach it. The cave is also cold, so youÔÇÖll need to prepare for the environmental conditions.

To begin, youÔÇÖll need to prepare adequately. Start by gathering the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need a good set of armor, preferably flak armor or better, to protect yourself from the caveÔÇÖs dangers. Bring a strong weapon, such as a shotgun or a longneck rifle, along with plenty of ammunition. YouÔÇÖll also need medical supplies like stimulants, med brews, and food to sustain yourself. Additionally, bring grappling hooks and climbing picks to help navigate the caveÔÇÖs vertical sections. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider bringing a strong mount like a Sabertooth or a Thylacoleo, but be aware that some parts of the cave are too narrow for larger creatures.

Once youÔÇÖre prepared, head to the cave entrance, which is located at approximately 19.1 latitude and 19.0 longitude. The entrance is a small hole in the ground, so youÔÇÖll need to dismount if youÔÇÖre using a larger creature. Enter the cave and proceed carefully. The cave is dark, so bring a light source like a torch or a mining helmet. Be cautious of the narrow pathways and the creatures that lurk in the shadows. Use your weapons to clear out any threats as you progress.

As you move deeper into the cave, youÔÇÖll encounter sections with falling rocks. These can deal significant damage, so listen for the sound of cracking rocks and move quickly to avoid them. YouÔÇÖll also come across slippery slopes and vertical drops. Use your grappling hooks and climbing picks to navigate these areas safely. Keep an eye out for loot crates along the way, as they can contain valuable items.

The artifact chamber is located at the end of the cave. YouÔÇÖll know youÔÇÖre close when you reach a large open area with a pool of water. The artifact is on a ledge above the water, so youÔÇÖll need to climb up to reach it. Be prepared for a final wave of creatures as you approach the artifact. Once youÔÇÖve secured the artifact, make your way back out of the cave. The return journey can be just as dangerous, so stay alert.

There are several common mistakes to avoid when attempting to retrieve the Artifact of the Skylord. One of the biggest mistakes is underestimating the caveÔÇÖs difficulty. Many players enter without proper preparation and are quickly overwhelmed by the creatures and environmental hazards. Another mistake is bringing the wrong type of mount. Large creatures like Rexes or Spinos are not suitable for this cave due to its narrow passages. Finally, some players forget to bring enough supplies, leading to a premature retreat or death.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make. Consider using a Cryopod to bring a strong mount into the cave and deploy it in wider sections. This can give you an edge in combat. You can also use a high-level Baryonyx, which is small enough to navigate the cave and has a powerful tail spin attack that can stun enemies. Additionally, if youÔÇÖre playing with a tribe, coordinate your efforts. Have one player focus on combat while another handles navigation and resource management.

In conclusion, retrieving the Artifact of the Skylord is a challenging but achievable task with the right preparation and strategy. By gathering the necessary resources, navigating the cave carefully, and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully obtain this valuable artifact and progress further in ARK: Survival Evolved. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or with a tribe, careful planning and execution are key to your success.