How do I navigate the dangerous underwater caves to find artifacts in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Navigating the dangerous underwater caves in ARK: Survival Evolved to find artifacts requires careful preparation, strategy, and understanding of the game mechanics. Underwater caves are some of the most challenging areas in the game due to the hostile creatures, limited oxygen, and complex layouts. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you successfully explore these caves and retrieve the artifacts.

First, you need to prepare for the journey. Underwater caves are filled with dangerous creatures like Megalodons, Electrophorus, and Cnidaria, which can stun or kill you quickly. You will need a strong aquatic mount, such as a Basilosaurus, Tuso (Tusoteuthis), or a high-level Megalodon. Basilosaurus is particularly useful because it is immune to the stun effects of Cnidaria and Electrophorus, making it a safer choice. Additionally, you should equip yourself with scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder to extend your oxygen supply. Bring medical brews and food to heal yourself in case of emergencies.

Before entering the cave, scout the area to identify the entrance and any potential threats. Some underwater caves have multiple entrances, so choose the one that seems the safest. Once inside, proceed cautiously. Use your mount to clear out any hostile creatures. If you encounter a large group of enemies, consider luring them out of the cave one by one to avoid being overwhelmed. Keep an eye on your oxygen levels and make sure to surface periodically if you are not using scuba gear.

The layout of underwater caves can be confusing, so itÔÇÖs a good idea to bring a few items to help you navigate. Grappling hooks can be useful for climbing out of tight spots, and glow sticks or a flashlight can help you see in the dark. Some caves have narrow passages or tight turns, so a smaller mount like an Ichthyosaurus might be necessary in certain areas. However, be aware that smaller mounts are more vulnerable to attacks.

When you reach the artifact chamber, be prepared for a fight. Many caves have a guardian creature that you must defeat to access the artifact. These guardians can be tough, so make sure your mount is well-fed and healed before engaging. Use your mountÔÇÖs abilities to your advantage. For example, a Tuso can grab and crush smaller enemies, while a Basilosaurus can deal significant damage with its attacks. Once the guardian is defeated, grab the artifact and make your way back to the surface.

There are several common mistakes to avoid when exploring underwater caves. One of the biggest mistakes is underestimating the dangers. Even with a strong mount, you can easily be overwhelmed if you rush in without a plan. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies. Running out of oxygen or food can be fatal, so always bring extra. Finally, donÔÇÖt forget to check your surroundings. Some caves have hidden dangers like traps or ambushes, so stay alert.

Advanced techniques can help you optimize your exploration. For example, using a Cryopod to bring a land-based mount into the cave can give you an advantage in certain situations. You can also use a GPS to mark your path and avoid getting lost. If you are playing with a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and protect each other. Solo players should focus on stealth and avoid unnecessary fights.

Resource requirements for underwater cave exploration include scuba gear, medical brews, food, and weapons. You will also need a strong aquatic mount and possibly a Cryopod for additional mounts. Make sure to stock up on these items before heading out.

In terms of tribe and solo considerations, tribes have the advantage of numbers and can assign roles to each member, such as a scout, healer, or fighter. Solo players need to be more self-reliant and cautious, but they can still succeed with proper preparation.

Specific examples of underwater caves include the Caverns of Lost Hope and the Caverns of Lost Faith on The Island map. These caves are known for their challenging layouts and powerful guardians. By following the strategies outlined above, you can navigate these caves and retrieve the artifacts needed for boss fights and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.