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

Locating the Artifact of the Hunter in ARK: Survival Evolved is a critical task for players aiming to summon bosses and progress in the game. This artifact is one of several required to summon the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon bosses. The Artifact of the Hunter is found in the Hunter's Cave, also known as the Lower South Cave, located in the southern part of The Island map. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully locate and retrieve this artifact.

The Hunter's Cave is one of the easier caves to navigate, but it still presents challenges, especially for unprepared players. The cave is filled with hostile creatures such as bats, spiders, and scorpions, which can quickly overwhelm you if you are not careful. The cave's environment is also hazardous, with narrow pathways, tight spaces, and areas that require swimming. Proper preparation is essential to ensure a successful run.

To begin, you will need to gather the necessary resources and equipment. A good set of armor, such as chitin or flak, is recommended to protect against the cave's creatures. Weapons like a crossbow, pike, or shotgun are ideal for close-quarters combat. Bring plenty of ammunition, healing items like medical brews or cooked meat, and stimulants to counteract the torpor effects from spider and scorpion attacks. Torches or a mining helmet are also useful for lighting, as the cave is dark. If you plan to bring a dinosaur, choose one that can navigate the cave's tight spaces, such as a Sabertooth or a pack of Raptors. Larger dinosaurs like Rexes or Carnos will not fit in most areas of the cave.

Once you are prepared, head to the cave entrance located at approximately 68.1 latitude and 56.1 longitude on The Island map. The entrance is a small opening in a cliffside, easily identifiable by its rocky surroundings. Before entering, ensure your inventory is organized and you have a clear plan for navigating the cave. It is also a good idea to set up a small base or storage box near the entrance to store extra supplies or loot you may collect during your run.

Upon entering the cave, you will encounter a mix of narrow tunnels and open chambers. The first section of the cave is relatively straightforward, but you will soon encounter hostile creatures. Use your weapons to clear out bats, spiders, and scorpions as you progress. Be cautious of the tight spaces, as they can make it difficult to maneuver during combat. If you brought a dinosaur, keep it close and use it to tank damage while you deal with enemies from a distance.

As you delve deeper into the cave, you will come across a water section. This area requires swimming, so ensure you have enough stamina or bring a water-breathing dinosaur like a Baryonyx or Sarco. The water section is relatively short, but it can be dangerous if you are caught off guard by creatures like piranhas or leeches. After crossing the water, continue following the cave's path until you reach the artifact chamber. The Artifact of the Hunter is located on a small pedestal in this chamber. Approach it carefully, as the area may still have lingering enemies.

Once you have the artifact, retrace your steps to exit the cave. Be mindful of respawning creatures, as they can pose a threat on your way out. If you are playing solo, consider making multiple trips to clear the cave gradually. In a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover different roles, such as combat, healing, and resource management.

Common mistakes to avoid include entering the cave unprepared, underestimating the cave's creatures, and failing to bring adequate lighting. Advanced techniques include using grappling hooks to navigate tricky sections or taming a high-level Baryonyx to make the water section easier. Proper resource management is key, as running out of supplies mid-cave can be disastrous.

In summary, locating the Artifact of the Hunter requires careful preparation, strategic combat, and efficient navigation. By following these steps and tips, you can successfully retrieve the artifact and progress further in ARK: Survival Evolved.