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

The Artifact of the Skylord is one of the key artifacts in ARK: Survival Evolved, required to summon the Dragon boss on The Island map. It is located in the North West Cave, also known as the Skylord Cave, which is situated in the northwestern part of the map. This cave is known for its challenging environment, including tight spaces, dangerous creatures, and environmental hazards. Below is a detailed guide on how to find and retrieve the Artifact of the Skylord, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips to ensure success.

To begin, you will need to prepare adequately for the cave. The North West Cave is one of the more difficult caves in the game, so proper preparation is essential. First, gather the necessary resources. You will need weapons such as a crossbow or a longneck rifle, along with plenty of ammunition. Armor is also crucial; flak armor or better is recommended to withstand the attacks from the cave's inhabitants. Bring medical supplies like stimulants, medical brews, and food to sustain yourself during the expedition. Additionally, torches or a mining helmet will help you navigate the dark cave.

One of the most important considerations is the choice of dinosaur to bring into the cave. The North West Cave has narrow passages, so larger dinosaurs like Rexes or Spinos will not fit. Instead, opt for smaller, agile creatures such as a Sabertooth, Direwolf, or Baryonyx. These dinosaurs are fast, can handle the tight spaces, and are effective in combat against the cave's creatures. A Baryonyx is particularly useful because it can swim, which is helpful for navigating the water sections of the cave. Make sure your dinosaur is well-leveled and has good stats, especially in health and melee damage.

Once you are prepared, head to the cave entrance, located at approximately 19.1 latitude and 19.0 longitude. The entrance is a small hole in the ground, so you will need to dismount and enter on foot or with your chosen dinosaur. Inside, you will encounter a variety of dangerous creatures, including Onyc, Arthropleura, and Purlovia. These creatures can deal significant damage, so stay alert and use your weapons or dinosaur to eliminate them quickly. The cave also has environmental hazards like slippery slopes and deep water, so proceed with caution.

As you navigate the cave, follow the main path, which will lead you through a series of tunnels and chambers. The Artifact of the Skylord is located in a large chamber near the end of the cave. Along the way, you may encounter loot crates that contain valuable items, so keep an eye out for them. When you reach the artifact chamber, you will need to defeat any remaining creatures and then interact with the artifact to collect it. Be cautious, as the chamber may have additional enemies or traps.

There are several common mistakes to avoid when attempting to retrieve the Artifact of the Skylord. One mistake is underestimating the cave's difficulty and entering unprepared. Always ensure you have adequate supplies and a strong dinosaur companion. Another mistake is rushing through the cave without paying attention to your surroundings. The cave's narrow passages and environmental hazards can easily lead to falls or getting stuck, so take your time and proceed carefully. Additionally, avoid bringing dinosaurs that are too large or slow, as they will hinder your progress and make it difficult to navigate the cave.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations that can make the process easier. One technique is to use grappling hooks to navigate tricky sections of the cave, especially areas with steep drops or water. Grappling hooks can help you avoid dangerous falls or quickly escape from enemies. Another optimization is to use cryopods to bring multiple dinosaurs into the cave. This allows you to switch between dinosaurs depending on the situation, such as using a Baryonyx for water sections and a Sabertooth for land combat.

In terms of tribe versus solo considerations, the cave can be tackled solo, but having a tribe can make the process easier and safer. A tribe can provide additional firepower and support, making it easier to handle the cave's challenges. If you are playing solo, make sure to take extra precautions and consider bringing a backup dinosaur in case your primary one is killed.

In conclusion, retrieving the Artifact of the Skylord requires careful preparation, strategic planning, and effective execution. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully navigate the North West Cave, defeat its inhabitants, and claim the artifact. Remember to stay alert, avoid common mistakes, and use advanced techniques to optimize your chances of success. With the Artifact of the Skylord in hand, you will be one step closer to summoning and defeating the Dragon boss.