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

Locating the Artifact of the Strong in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding task that requires careful preparation, exploration, and combat readiness. The Artifact of the Strong is one of the key items needed to summon the Broodmother Lysrix, one of the game's major bosses. It is found in the Lower South Cave, also known as the Hunter Cave, located in the southern part of The Island map. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully retrieve this artifact.

First, let's discuss the mechanics involved. The Lower South Cave is a relatively early-game cave, but it is still dangerous due to its tight spaces, hostile creatures, and environmental hazards. The cave is filled with creatures like Araneo (giant spiders), Onyc (bats), and Titanoboa, which can deal significant damage and inflict status effects like torpor. The cave also has narrow pathways, making it difficult to navigate with larger dinosaurs. The artifact itself is located deep within the cave, guarded by these creatures and requiring you to traverse through multiple chambers.

To begin your journey, you need to prepare adequately. Start by gathering essential resources such as weapons, armor, and medical supplies. A crossbow or longneck rifle with tranq arrows is useful for dealing with creatures from a distance. Bring a pike or sword for close combat, as well as a shield to block attacks. Armor is crucial to reduce damage, so craft a set of hide or chitin armor at minimum. Bring plenty of stimulants or stimberries to counteract torpor effects, as well as food and water to sustain yourself during the expedition. Torches or a mining helmet are recommended for lighting, as the cave is dark.

Next, consider your dinosaur handling strategy. While the cave is too narrow for large mounts like Rexes or Spinos, smaller creatures like a pack of Raptors or a high-level Sabertooth can be effective. Alternatively, a high-level Carnotaurus or Baryonyx can also work, as they are small enough to navigate the cave and have strong combat abilities. If you are playing solo, a Baryonyx is particularly useful due to its ability to heal by eating fish and its tail spin attack, which can stun multiple enemies. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to bring a mix of combat and utility dinosaurs, such as a Dimorphodon swarm for additional damage or a Daeodon for healing support.

When entering the cave, proceed cautiously. The entrance is located at approximately 80.2 latitude and 53.5 longitude, near the southern coast. Once inside, follow the main path, but be prepared for ambushes from Araneo and Onyc. Use your ranged weapons to take out enemies from a distance, and switch to melee weapons if they get too close. Keep an eye on your torpor levels and use stimulants if necessary. As you progress deeper, you will encounter Titanoboa, which can be particularly dangerous due to their high torpor-inducing attacks. Focus on eliminating them quickly to avoid being overwhelmed.

The artifact chamber is located at the end of the cave, past several twists and turns. Be prepared for a final wave of enemies guarding the artifact. Clear the area before attempting to retrieve it. Once you have the Artifact of the Strong, make your way back to the entrance. Be cautious on your return trip, as respawned creatures may block your path.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the cave's difficulty, bringing inappropriate dinosaurs, or failing to bring enough supplies. The cave's tight spaces and hostile creatures can quickly overwhelm unprepared players. Additionally, avoid rushing through the cave, as this can lead to getting surrounded or lost. Take your time to clear each area before moving forward.

Advanced techniques include using grappling hooks to bypass certain sections of the cave or employing a Cryopod to bring a larger dinosaur into the cave temporarily. If you are in a tribe, consider setting up a small outpost near the cave entrance to store supplies and respawn if needed.

In conclusion, retrieving the Artifact of the Strong requires careful preparation, strategic dinosaur handling, and cautious exploration. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully obtain the artifact and progress toward summoning the Broodmother Lysrix. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, this task is a significant milestone in your ARK journey.