How do I navigate the underwater cave on the Crystal Isles map in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Navigating the underwater cave on the Crystal Isles map in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, as the environment is both challenging and dangerous. The underwater cave, often referred to as the "Tropical Cave," is located in the southwestern part of the map, near the tropical biome. This cave is filled with hostile creatures, tight spaces, and valuable resources, making it a high-risk, high-reward location. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully navigate this cave.

First, you need to prepare for the journey. The underwater cave is filled with dangerous creatures like Megalodons, Electrophorus, and Cnidaria, which can stun or kill you quickly. To survive, you will need a strong underwater mount. The best options are the Basilosaurus, Tusoteuthis, or a high-level Megalodon. The Basilosaurus is particularly useful because it is immune to the stun effects of Cnidaria and Electrophorus, making it a safer choice. Additionally, you should bring scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder to extend your oxygen supply, as well as a good set of flippers to increase your swimming speed.

Before entering the cave, make sure your mount is well-equipped. A high-quality saddle is essential to reduce damage taken from hostile creatures. You should also bring medical brews or cooked meat to heal your mount during the journey. It is also a good idea to bring a few cryopods with backup mounts in case your primary mount gets overwhelmed or dies.

Once you are prepared, head to the cave entrance. The entrance is located underwater, so you will need to dive down to find it. The cave is relatively easy to spot due to its large, open entrance. As you enter, be cautious of the tight spaces and narrow pathways. These areas can be difficult to navigate, especially with larger mounts like the Tusoteuthis. Take your time and avoid rushing, as getting stuck can leave you vulnerable to attacks.

Inside the cave, you will encounter various hostile creatures. The Electrophorus is one of the most dangerous, as it can stun both you and your mount, leaving you defenseless. To deal with these creatures, use your mount's attacks to kill them quickly. If you are using a Basilosaurus, its immunity to stun effects will make this process much easier. Be sure to keep an eye on your mount's health and heal it as needed.

As you progress deeper into the cave, you will come across valuable resources like silica pearls and oil nodes. These resources are essential for crafting advanced items, so take the time to gather them. However, be mindful of your surroundings, as hostile creatures can spawn at any time. It is a good idea to clear the area of threats before stopping to gather resources.

One of the most challenging parts of the cave is the final chamber, which contains the artifact of the Brute. This chamber is guarded by a large number of hostile creatures, including Alpha Megalodons. To safely retrieve the artifact, you will need to clear the chamber of enemies. Use your mount's attacks to kill the creatures, and be prepared for a tough fight. Once the area is clear, you can safely retrieve the artifact.

When navigating the cave, there are several common mistakes to avoid. One of the biggest mistakes is rushing through the cave without proper preparation. This can lead to your mount dying or you running out of oxygen, both of which can be fatal. Another mistake is ignoring the hostile creatures. Even if you are focused on gathering resources, you should always be aware of your surroundings and ready to defend yourself.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make to improve your chances of success. One strategy is to use a pack of high-level Megalodons. While they are not immune to stun effects, their high damage output and pack bonus can make them effective in clearing the cave. Another strategy is to use a Tusoteuthis to grab and kill smaller creatures, reducing the number of threats you face.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need a strong underwater mount, scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder, a good set of flippers, and medical supplies. If you are playing in a tribe, you can divide these responsibilities among your members. For example, one player can focus on gathering resources while another handles combat. Solo players will need to be more self-sufficient, so make sure you are well-prepared before entering the cave.

In conclusion, navigating the underwater cave on the Crystal Isles map requires careful preparation and a strong underwater mount. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully navigate the cave, gather valuable resources, and retrieve the artifact of the Brute. Be sure to avoid common mistakes, use advanced strategies if possible, and always be aware of your surroundings. With the right preparation and strategy, you can conquer this challenging location and reap the rewards it offers.