Where can I find the artifact of the Stalker in ARK: Survival Evolved?

The Artifact of the Stalker is one of the key artifacts in ARK: Survival Evolved, required to summon the Broodmother Lysrix, one of the game's major bosses. It is located in the Lower South Cave on The Island map. Obtaining this artifact involves navigating a dangerous cave system filled with hostile creatures, environmental hazards, and tight spaces. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to find and retrieve the Artifact of the Stalker, including preparation, strategies, and tips to ensure success.

First, you need to prepare for the cave expedition. The Lower South Cave is relatively early-game accessible, but it is still dangerous due to the presence of creatures like Onyc, Titanoboas, and Arthropleura. These creatures can deal significant damage, especially in the confined spaces of the cave. To prepare, gather essential resources such as weapons, armor, and healing items. 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 stimulants to counteract the torpor effects from Titanoboa bites. Armor is crucial, with chitin or flak armor being ideal for protection. Additionally, bring medical brews or cooked meat for healing, and a few campfires or torches to provide light in the dark cave.

For dinosaur handling, consider bringing a strong mount to help clear the cave. A high-level Sabertooth or Carnotaurus is a good choice due to their agility and damage output. However, be aware that some sections of the cave are too narrow for larger dinosaurs, so you may need to dismount and fight on foot in certain areas. Alternatively, a pack of Dimorphodons can be useful for dealing with flying enemies like Onyc. If you are playing solo, ensure your mount is well-leveled and has good health and damage stats. In a tribe, coordinate with teammates to cover each other and manage aggro from enemies.

The Lower South Cave is located in the southern part of The Island, near the coordinates 68.0, 56.0. The entrance is a small opening in a cliffside, so look carefully to find it. Once inside, follow the main path, which will lead you deeper into the cave. Be cautious of the tight spaces and sudden drops, as falling can result in significant damage or even death. Use your torch or campfire to light your way, but be mindful of your surroundings, as enemies can ambush you from the darkness.

As you progress through the cave, you will encounter various creatures. Onyc are flying bats that can swarm you, so use your ranged weapons to take them out before they get too close. Titanoboas are large snakes that can inflict torpor, so keep stimulants handy to avoid being knocked unconscious. Arthropleura are armored centipedes that can deal heavy damage and destroy your armor, so prioritize killing them quickly. Use your mount to tank damage while you attack from a safe distance.

The Artifact of the Stalker is located in a chamber near the end of the cave. You will need to navigate through a series of tunnels and chambers to reach it. Be prepared for a final fight, as the artifact room is often guarded by a group of enemies. Clear the area before attempting to retrieve the artifact. Once you have the artifact, make your way back to the entrance. Be cautious on the return trip, as respawned enemies may block your path.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the caveÔÇÖs dangers, not bringing enough supplies, and rushing through without proper preparation. Always scout the cave entrance before entering to ensure no hostile creatures are waiting outside. Additionally, avoid splitting up in a tribe, as this can lead to being overwhelmed by enemies. Advanced techniques include using grappling hooks to navigate tricky sections of the cave or bringing a cryopod to store and deploy a mount in tight spaces.

In summary, obtaining the Artifact of the Stalker requires careful preparation, strategic combat, and thorough exploration. By following these steps and tips, you can successfully retrieve the artifact and progress toward summoning the Broodmother Lysrix. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, coordination and resource management are key to surviving the Lower South Cave and achieving your goal.