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

Locating the Artifact of the Gatekeeper in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial step for players aiming to summon the Dragon boss, one of the game's most challenging encounters. This artifact is found in the Caverns of Lost Faith, a cave located on the western side of the Island map. The process of obtaining the artifact involves navigating a dangerous underwater cave filled with hostile creatures, environmental hazards, and limited oxygen. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully retrieve the Artifact of the Gatekeeper.

The Caverns of Lost Faith is an underwater cave, which means you will need to prepare for an aquatic expedition. The first step is to gather the necessary resources and equipment. You will need scuba gear, including a scuba tank, flippers, and a mask, to extend your underwater breathing time and improve mobility. Additionally, bring a Lazarus Chowder or a set of oxygen tanks to further increase your oxygen supply. A strong underwater mount, such as a Basilosaurus or a Tuso (Tusoteuthis), is highly recommended for navigating the cave and dealing with hostile creatures like Megalodons, Eels, and Cnidaria. If you are playing solo, a Basilosaurus is a great choice due to its immunity to the Cnidaria's stun effect and its decent health pool. For tribes, a Tuso can be a powerful option, as it can grab and kill enemies quickly.

Before entering the cave, ensure you have a good supply of medical brews or cooked meat to heal yourself and your mount. It is also wise to bring a few cryopods in case you need to store your mount temporarily or switch to a different creature. The cave entrance is located at approximately 68.5 latitude and 56.2 longitude, near the western coast of the Island. The entrance is underwater, so you will need to dive down to find it. Once inside, the cave is relatively linear, but it is filled with tight spaces and aggressive creatures.

As you navigate the cave, keep an eye out for air pockets, which are small areas where you can surface to replenish your oxygen. These are crucial for survival, especially if you are not using scuba gear. The cave is also dark, so bring a light source like a torch or a helmet with a headlamp attachment. If you are using a Basilosaurus, its natural bioluminescence can help light the way. Be cautious of the cave's layout, as it is easy to get disoriented underwater. Marking your path with small structures or using a GPS can help you keep track of your location.

The Artifact of the Gatekeeper is located in a chamber deep within the cave. To reach it, you will need to navigate through narrow tunnels and avoid or defeat the hostile creatures that guard the artifact. Once you reach the artifact chamber, you will find the Artifact of the Gatekeeper on a pedestal. Approach it carefully, as the area is often guarded by strong creatures like Alpha Megalodons or packs of Eels. Use your mount to clear the area before attempting to retrieve the artifact.

Common mistakes to avoid include entering the cave unprepared, underestimating the dangers of the underwater environment, and failing to bring a strong mount. Without proper preparation, you risk running out of oxygen, getting overwhelmed by hostile creatures, or losing your way in the cave. Another mistake is rushing through the cave without clearing the area around the artifact, which can lead to being ambushed by powerful enemies.

Advanced techniques include using a Tuso to grab and kill enemies quickly, or using a Basilosaurus to tank damage while you focus on navigating the cave. For tribes, coordinating with multiple players can make the process easier, as one player can focus on combat while another handles navigation and artifact retrieval. Additionally, using cryopods to bring multiple mounts into the cave can provide backup in case your primary mount is injured or killed.

Resource requirements for this expedition include scuba gear, oxygen tanks or Lazarus Chowder, medical brews, and a strong underwater mount. If you are playing solo, you may need to spend extra time gathering these resources, but tribes can divide the workload to prepare more efficiently. Base building near the cave entrance can also be helpful, as it provides a safe place to store supplies and respawn if needed.

In summary, locating the Artifact of the Gatekeeper requires careful preparation, a strong underwater mount, and a clear understanding of the cave's layout and dangers. By following these steps 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, proper planning and coordination are key to overcoming the challenges of the Caverns of Lost Faith.