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

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

The Lower South Cave is situated in the southern part of The Island, near the coordinates 68.0 latitude and 56.0 longitude. This cave is relatively accessible compared to others, but it is filled with dangers such as hostile creatures, narrow pathways, and environmental hazards. The cave is home to creatures like Araneo (giant spiders), Titanoboa, and Onyc (bats), which can overwhelm unprepared players. Additionally, the cave's tight spaces and low ceilings make it difficult to bring larger dinosaurs inside, so you will need to plan accordingly.

Before entering the cave, you must prepare adequately. First, gather essential resources such as weapons, armor, and medical supplies. A crossbow or longneck rifle with plenty of ammunition is recommended for dealing with enemies at a distance. Bring a pike or sword for close combat, as well as a shield to block attacks. Armor is crucial for protection, so craft a set of hide or chitin armor, or better if available. Medical brews or cooked meat will help you recover health during the cave run. Torches or a mining helmet are also useful for lighting, as the cave is dark.

For dinosaur handling, smaller and more agile creatures are ideal for navigating the cave. A pack of raptors or a high-level sabertooth can be effective for clearing enemies. Alternatively, a baryonyx is an excellent choice due to its ability to attack in water and its decent mobility in tight spaces. If you are playing solo, a baryonyx is highly recommended because it can handle both land and water sections of the cave. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to bring a mix of dinosaurs and roles, such as one player focusing on healing while others handle combat.

When entering the cave, proceed cautiously. The narrow pathways and low ceilings make it easy to get ambushed by creatures. Use your weapons to take out enemies from a distance whenever possible, and avoid rushing into large groups. The cave has several twists and turns, so keep an eye on your surroundings to avoid getting lost. The Artifact of the Shadows is located in a chamber deep within the cave, so follow the main path until you reach a large open area with a pool of water. The artifact is on a ledge in this chamber, but be prepared for a fight as enemies will likely be guarding it.

One common mistake is underestimating the cave's difficulty. Even though it is one of the easier caves, it can still be deadly if you are not prepared. Avoid bringing large dinosaurs like rexes or spinos, as they will get stuck in the narrow passages. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies. Running out of ammunition or healing items mid-cave can leave you vulnerable. Always overprepare to ensure you have enough resources to handle any situation.

Advanced techniques include using grappling hooks to navigate tricky sections of the cave or to escape dangerous situations. Grappling hooks can help you reach high ledges or cross gaps, giving you an advantage over enemies. Additionally, using a cryopod to bring a strong dinosaur into the cave and then deploying it in a safe area can give you an edge in combat. However, be cautious when using cryopods, as they have a cooldown period after deployment.

Resource requirements for this task include a good supply of weapons, armor, and healing items. You will also need tools like a pickaxe or hatchet to gather resources inside the cave, such as chitin or crystal. If you are playing in a tribe, divide responsibilities among members to ensure everyone is equipped and ready. Solo players should focus on self-sufficiency, bringing a mix of combat and utility items.

In summary, locating the Artifact of the Shadows requires careful preparation, strategic dinosaur handling, and cautious exploration. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully retrieve the artifact and progress toward summoning the Broodmother Lysrix. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, teamwork and preparation are key to overcoming the challenges of the Lower South Cave.