Where are the artifact caves located in the Scorched Earth map of ARK: Survival Evolved?
In ARK: Survival Evolved, the Scorched Earth map features three artifact caves, each containing a unique artifact required for summoning the Manticore boss. These caves are the Artifact of the Crag, the Artifact of the Destroyer, and the Artifact of the Gatekeeper. Each cave is located in a distinct region of the map and presents its own set of challenges, including environmental hazards, hostile creatures, and complex layouts. Below is a detailed guide on how to locate and navigate these caves, along with tips for preparation and strategies to succeed.
The Artifact of the Crag is found in the Old Tunnels cave, located in the northeastern part of the map near the border of the desert and the canyon. This cave is relatively easy to access but is filled with dangerous creatures like Scorpions, Araneos, and Onycs. The cave is dark, so bringing a light source such as a torch or a shoulder pet like the Bulbdog is essential. The path to the artifact is straightforward, but players must be cautious of narrow ledges and sudden drops. It is recommended to bring a small, agile mount like a Raptor or a Sabertooth to navigate the terrain and fend off enemies. The artifact is located in a small chamber at the end of the cave, guarded by a few creatures. Clear the area before attempting to retrieve the artifact.
The Artifact of the Destroyer is located in the Ruins of Nosti cave, situated in the southwestern part of the map near the dunes. This cave is more challenging due to its maze-like structure and the presence of stronger enemies like Carnotaurus and Rock Elementals. The cave is also extremely hot, so players should bring plenty of water and wear Desert Cloth Armor or use a Desert Goggles skin to mitigate heat damage. A strong mount like a Carnotaurus or a Thylacoleo is recommended for this cave, as it can handle the tough enemies and navigate the uneven terrain. The artifact is located deep within the cave, and players may need to dismount to reach it. Be prepared for a fight, as the chamber containing the artifact is often guarded by multiple enemies.
The Artifact of the Gatekeeper is found in the Cave of the Underground World, located in the southeastern part of the map near the edge of the desert. This cave is the most difficult of the three, featuring a combination of tight spaces, vertical drops, and powerful enemies like Wyverns and Deathworms. The cave is also filled with radiation, so players must wear a full set of Hazard Suit Armor or use a Gas Mask to avoid radiation damage. A high-level mount like a Rock Drake or a Wyvern is ideal for this cave, as it can handle the tough enemies and navigate the challenging terrain. The artifact is located in a large chamber at the bottom of the cave, and players should be prepared for a tough fight to retrieve it.
Preparation is key when attempting to retrieve artifacts from these caves. Players should bring plenty of food, water, and medical supplies, as well as weapons and armor suited to the cave's environment. It is also important to bring a mount that can handle the cave's challenges, whether it be a small, agile creature for tight spaces or a large, powerful creature for tough enemies. Additionally, players should consider bringing a tribe mate or two for backup, as the caves can be extremely dangerous for solo players.
Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the cave's dangers, not bringing enough supplies, and using the wrong type of mount. Players should also be cautious of the cave's environmental hazards, such as heat, radiation, and narrow ledges. Advanced techniques include using grappling hooks to navigate difficult terrain, using cryopods to quickly deploy and store mounts, and using explosives to clear blocked paths.
In conclusion, the artifact caves in Scorched Earth are challenging but rewarding locations that require careful preparation and strategy to navigate. By following the tips and strategies outlined above, players can successfully retrieve the artifacts and progress in the game. Whether playing solo or with a tribe, the key to success is preparation, caution, and adaptability.
The Artifact of the Crag is found in the Old Tunnels cave, located in the northeastern part of the map near the border of the desert and the canyon. This cave is relatively easy to access but is filled with dangerous creatures like Scorpions, Araneos, and Onycs. The cave is dark, so bringing a light source such as a torch or a shoulder pet like the Bulbdog is essential. The path to the artifact is straightforward, but players must be cautious of narrow ledges and sudden drops. It is recommended to bring a small, agile mount like a Raptor or a Sabertooth to navigate the terrain and fend off enemies. The artifact is located in a small chamber at the end of the cave, guarded by a few creatures. Clear the area before attempting to retrieve the artifact.
The Artifact of the Destroyer is located in the Ruins of Nosti cave, situated in the southwestern part of the map near the dunes. This cave is more challenging due to its maze-like structure and the presence of stronger enemies like Carnotaurus and Rock Elementals. The cave is also extremely hot, so players should bring plenty of water and wear Desert Cloth Armor or use a Desert Goggles skin to mitigate heat damage. A strong mount like a Carnotaurus or a Thylacoleo is recommended for this cave, as it can handle the tough enemies and navigate the uneven terrain. The artifact is located deep within the cave, and players may need to dismount to reach it. Be prepared for a fight, as the chamber containing the artifact is often guarded by multiple enemies.
The Artifact of the Gatekeeper is found in the Cave of the Underground World, located in the southeastern part of the map near the edge of the desert. This cave is the most difficult of the three, featuring a combination of tight spaces, vertical drops, and powerful enemies like Wyverns and Deathworms. The cave is also filled with radiation, so players must wear a full set of Hazard Suit Armor or use a Gas Mask to avoid radiation damage. A high-level mount like a Rock Drake or a Wyvern is ideal for this cave, as it can handle the tough enemies and navigate the challenging terrain. The artifact is located in a large chamber at the bottom of the cave, and players should be prepared for a tough fight to retrieve it.
Preparation is key when attempting to retrieve artifacts from these caves. Players should bring plenty of food, water, and medical supplies, as well as weapons and armor suited to the cave's environment. It is also important to bring a mount that can handle the cave's challenges, whether it be a small, agile creature for tight spaces or a large, powerful creature for tough enemies. Additionally, players should consider bringing a tribe mate or two for backup, as the caves can be extremely dangerous for solo players.
Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the cave's dangers, not bringing enough supplies, and using the wrong type of mount. Players should also be cautious of the cave's environmental hazards, such as heat, radiation, and narrow ledges. Advanced techniques include using grappling hooks to navigate difficult terrain, using cryopods to quickly deploy and store mounts, and using explosives to clear blocked paths.
In conclusion, the artifact caves in Scorched Earth are challenging but rewarding locations that require careful preparation and strategy to navigate. By following the tips and strategies outlined above, players can successfully retrieve the artifacts and progress in the game. Whether playing solo or with a tribe, the key to success is preparation, caution, and adaptability.