What are the best spots to farm black pearls in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Black pearls are one of the most valuable resources in ARK: Survival Evolved, used for crafting advanced items like Tek-tier gear and saddles. Farming black pearls efficiently requires knowledge of the best locations, preparation, and the right tools or creatures to maximize your yield. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to farm black pearls effectively.

Black pearls are primarily obtained from certain creatures, such as Trilobites, Eurypterids, and Ammonites. However, the most efficient way to farm black pearls is by hunting Eurypterids, also known as sea scorpions, or by harvesting them from certain underwater creatures like Tusoteuthis or Alpha Mosasaurs. The best maps for black pearl farming are the Island, Ragnarok, and Valguero, as they have abundant underwater areas where these creatures spawn.

To begin farming black pearls, youÔÇÖll need to prepare adequately. First, ensure you have a strong underwater mount, such as a Basilosaurus, Mosasaurus, or Tusoteuthis. These creatures are essential for surviving the dangerous underwater environments where black pearls are found. A Basilosaurus is particularly useful because it has high health, immunity to jellyfish stings, and can carry a lot of weight. Additionally, bring scuba gear or a Lazarus Chowder to extend your underwater breathing time. A good crossbow or harpoon gun with tranq arrows is also helpful for taming or killing creatures that drop black pearls.

On the Island, the best spot to farm black pearls is the underwater caves, particularly the one located in the northwest part of the map. This cave is filled with Eurypterids, which drop a significant amount of black pearls when killed. To access this cave, youÔÇÖll need to navigate through the underwater trench near the coordinates 15, 55. Be cautious, as the cave is also home to dangerous creatures like Megalodons and Jellyfish. Using a Basilosaurus or a pack of strong aquatic tames can help you clear the area safely.

On Ragnarok, the best black pearl farming location is the underwater trench near the Viking Bay area. This trench is teeming with Eurypterids and Ammonites, making it a prime spot for black pearl collection. The coordinates for this area are approximately 30, 50. Again, a Basilosaurus or a strong aquatic mount is recommended for navigating this area and dealing with the hostile creatures.

Valguero also offers excellent black pearl farming opportunities in its underwater cave system, located near the coordinates 20, 80. This cave is rich in Eurypterids and other resources, but itÔÇÖs also dangerous due to the presence of aggressive creatures like Piranhas and Jellyfish. Bringing a strong aquatic mount and a team of tribemates can make this area more manageable.

When farming black pearls, itÔÇÖs important to avoid common mistakes. One mistake is underestimating the dangers of underwater environments. Always bring a strong mount and be prepared for unexpected attacks from creatures like Jellyfish or Alpha Mosasaurs. Another mistake is not bringing enough storage. Black pearls are heavy, so ensure your mount has enough weight capacity or bring additional tames to carry the loot.

Advanced techniques for optimizing black pearl farming include using a Tusoteuthis to harvest black pearls from dead creatures. The Tusoteuthis has a special ability that increases the amount of black pearls harvested from corpses, making it an excellent choice for efficient farming. Additionally, using a Megalodon or a pack of Ichthyosaurs to clear out hostile creatures before farming can make the process safer and more efficient.

For solo players, farming black pearls can be challenging due to the dangers of underwater environments. ItÔÇÖs recommended to focus on taming a strong aquatic mount like a Basilosaurus and using it to clear out areas before collecting black pearls. For tribes, coordinating with multiple players and using a combination of strong mounts and harvesting creatures like the Tusoteuthis can significantly increase efficiency.

In summary, farming black pearls in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, the right tools, and knowledge of the best locations. By using strong aquatic mounts, scuba gear, and advanced techniques like using a Tusoteuthis, you can maximize your black pearl yield and avoid common pitfalls. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or with a tribe, following these strategies will help you gather this valuable resource efficiently.