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

Locating the Artifact of the Brute in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding task that requires careful preparation, exploration, and combat readiness. The Artifact of the Brute is one of the key items needed to summon the Broodmother Lysrix, one of the game's major bosses. It is found in the Swamp Cave, one of the most dangerous caves in the game due to its hostile environment and powerful creatures. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully retrieve the artifact.

The Swamp Cave is located in the Redwood Forest biome on The Island map. To find the cave entrance, head to the coordinates 62.7 latitude and 37.3 longitude. The entrance is partially submerged in water and surrounded by dense vegetation, making it easy to miss if you're not paying attention. Once inside, you'll face a variety of threats, including high-level creatures like Arthropluera, Titanoboas, and Megalania, as well as environmental hazards like toxic gas and extreme heat.

Before entering the Swamp Cave, you need to prepare thoroughly. First, ensure you have the right gear. A full set of Ghillie Armor is highly recommended because it reduces your visibility to creatures and provides some protection against the cave's heat. Additionally, you'll need a Gas Mask to protect yourself from the toxic gas that permeates the cave. If you don't have a Gas Mask, you can use a Scuba Tank and Mask as an alternative, but this will limit your ability to use other armor pieces. Bring plenty of medical brews or cooked meat to heal yourself, as well as stimulants to counteract the torpor effects from Titanoboa bites.

For weapons, a high-damage ranged weapon like a Longneck Rifle or Compound Bow is ideal for dealing with creatures from a distance. Bring plenty of ammo, as you'll encounter many enemies. A melee weapon like a Pike or Sword can also be useful for close-quarters combat. Additionally, consider bringing a few Bola to immobilize smaller creatures like Megalania.

One of the most important considerations is your choice of dinosaur. The Swamp Cave is too narrow for most large dinosaurs, so you'll need a smaller, agile mount. A high-level Megatherium is an excellent choice because it deals bonus damage to insects, which are abundant in the cave. Alternatively, a high-level Sabertooth or Thylacoleo can also work well due to their speed and damage output. Make sure your mount has good health and damage stats, as well as a saddle for added protection.

When entering the cave, proceed cautiously. The toxic gas will drain your health over time, so keep an eye on your health bar and use medical brews as needed. Use your ranged weapon to take out Arthropluera and Titanoboas from a distance, as they can deal significant damage. Be especially careful around Titanoboas, as their bites can inflict torpor, potentially knocking you out. If you're using a mount, let it handle the smaller creatures while you focus on the larger threats.

The Artifact of the Brute is located deep within the cave, near the end of the main path. You'll need to navigate through several chambers filled with enemies and environmental hazards. Once you reach the artifact chamber, clear out any remaining creatures before approaching the artifact. Be prepared for a final wave of enemies, as the artifact is often guarded by high-level creatures.

After retrieving the artifact, make your way back to the cave entrance. Be cautious, as enemies may respawn along the way. Once outside, you can safely store the artifact in a secure location, such as a vault or a well-defended base, until you're ready to use it for summoning the Broodmother.

Common mistakes to avoid include entering the cave without proper preparation, underestimating the environmental hazards, and bringing the wrong type of mount. The Swamp Cave is one of the most dangerous areas in the game, so taking the time to prepare is crucial. Additionally, avoid rushing through the cave, as this can lead to being overwhelmed by enemies.

Advanced techniques include using a Cryopod to bring a powerful mount into the cave, even if it's too large to fit through the entrance normally. You can also use a grappling hook to navigate tricky areas or escape dangerous situations. If you're playing with a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover each other and share resources.

In summary, retrieving the Artifact of the Brute requires careful preparation, the right gear, and a strong mount. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully navigate the Swamp Cave and secure the artifact for your tribe. Whether you're playing solo or with a tribe, this task is a significant milestone in your ARK journey.