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

Navigating dangerous caves in ARK: Survival Evolved to find artifacts and rare resources requires careful preparation, strategy, and understanding of the game mechanics. Caves are some of the most challenging areas in the game, filled with hostile creatures, environmental hazards, and complex layouts. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you succeed.

First, preparation is key. Before entering a cave, ensure you have the right equipment and resources. Bring weapons like crossbows, shotguns, or pikes for close combat, and ranged weapons like long rifles for dealing with threats from a distance. Armor is essential, with flak armor being a good choice for its balance of protection and durability. Bring plenty of medical brews or cooked meat to heal, as well as stimulants to counteract torpor from creatures like scorpions or spiders. Torches or a mining helmet are necessary for visibility, as many caves are dark. Grappling hooks can help you navigate tricky terrain or escape dangerous situations. Additionally, bring a few beds or sleeping bags to set up respawn points in case you die.

Choosing the right dinosaur companions is crucial. Smaller caves may require you to leave larger dinos outside, but for larger caves, bring creatures like the Baryonyx, Sabertooth, or Thylacoleo. These dinos are agile, strong, and can handle most cave threats. The Baryonyx, in particular, is excellent for caves with water sections due to its swimming abilities. For solo players, a high-level tamed dino with good health and damage stats is essential. In a tribe, coordinate roles, such as having one player focus on healing while others handle combat.

When entering a cave, proceed cautiously. Many caves have narrow pathways, so avoid rushing in blindly. Use your weapons to clear out enemies from a distance when possible. Be aware of environmental hazards like lava, falling rocks, or tight spaces where you can get trapped. Some caves have multiple levels or hidden paths, so explore thoroughly to find artifacts and rare resources like crystal, metal, or silica pearls. Artifacts are usually located in the deepest parts of caves, often guarded by stronger creatures or in hard-to-reach areas.

Common mistakes include underestimating cave creatures, especially swarms of bats, spiders, or scorpions. These creatures can quickly overwhelm you if youÔÇÖre not prepared. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies, leading to situations where you run out of ammo, food, or healing items. Always overprepare when entering caves. Additionally, avoid splitting up in a tribe unless absolutely necessary, as itÔÇÖs easy to get lost or ambushed.

Advanced techniques include using grappling hooks to bypass dangerous areas or reach high ledges. You can also use cryopods to bring larger dinos into caves that would otherwise be inaccessible. For resource gathering, bring a pickaxe or hatchet to mine crystals or metal nodes. Some caves have underwater sections, so having a scuba tank or Lazarus chowder is helpful for extended exploration.

Resource requirements vary depending on the cave, but generally, youÔÇÖll need a good supply of weapons, armor, food, and healing items. For tribes, consider setting up a small base near the cave entrance to store extra supplies or respawn points. Solo players should focus on lightweight, essential items to avoid being overburdened.

Specific examples include the Central Cave on The Island, which is relatively easy but has tight spaces and swarms of bats. The Snow Cave is much more challenging, with freezing temperatures and powerful creatures like Yetis. For these caves, bring fur armor or otter companions to stay warm. The Swamp Cave is another tough location, filled with poisonous gas and insects, so bring gas masks or scuba gear.

In conclusion, navigating caves in ARK requires careful planning, the right equipment, and a solid strategy. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, prioritize safety, resource management, and teamwork. With the right preparation, you can successfully retrieve artifacts and rare resources while overcoming the dangers of ARKÔÇÖs caves.