How do I locate the artifact of the Cunning in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Locating the Artifact of the Cunning in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding task that requires careful preparation and strategy. This artifact is one of the key items needed to summon the Broodmother Lysrix, one of the game's major bosses. The Artifact of the Cunning is found in the Central Cave, also known as the Lower South Cave, located in the southern part of The Island map. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully retrieve this artifact.

The Central Cave is one of the easier caves in the game, but it still presents significant dangers, especially for unprepared players. The cave is filled with hostile creatures such as bats, spiders, and scorpions, which can quickly overwhelm you if you are not careful. The cave's layout is relatively straightforward, but it is dark and narrow in places, making navigation tricky. To prepare for this expedition, you will need a strong mount, good armor, weapons, and supplies.

First, you will need to gather the necessary resources and equipment. A good set of armor, such as chitin or flak armor, is essential to protect you from the cave's hostile creatures. You will also need weapons like a crossbow, pike, or shotgun to defend yourself. Bring plenty of ammunition, as well as healing items like medical brews or cooked meat to restore health. Torches or a mining helmet are crucial for lighting, as the cave is very dark. Additionally, consider bringing grappling hooks or climbing picks to navigate tricky areas.

For your mount, a high-level Carnotaurus or Sabertooth is a good choice for this cave. These creatures are fast and strong enough to handle the cave's enemies. Alternatively, a pack of high-level Direwolves can be effective, as they deal high damage and can move quickly through the cave. Make sure your mount has good health and stamina, as you will need to fight off multiple enemies.

Once you are prepared, head to the cave entrance, which is located at approximately 68.1 latitude and 56.1 longitude. The entrance is a small opening in the side of a cliff, so you may need to dismount to enter. Inside, you will encounter bats, spiders, and scorpions almost immediately. Use your mount to fight off these creatures, but be careful not to get surrounded. The cave has narrow passages and tight corners, so positioning is key.

As you progress through the cave, you will come to a large chamber with a pool of water. This area is often filled with enemies, so clear them out before moving forward. The Artifact of the Cunning is located in a small alcove near the back of this chamber. Be cautious, as the alcove is often guarded by additional creatures. Once you have cleared the area, approach the artifact and interact with it to collect it.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the cave's dangers. Even though the Central Cave is considered one of the easier caves, it can still be deadly if you are not prepared. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies. Running out of ammunition or healing items in the middle of the cave can be fatal. Make sure to bring more than you think you will need.

Advanced players can optimize their approach by using a high-level Baryonyx. This creature is excellent for caves due to its ability to stun enemies with its tail spin attack and its decent health and damage. Additionally, using a grappling hook to bypass certain areas or escape dangerous situations can be a lifesaver.

For tribes, coordination is key. Assign roles to each member, such as one person focusing on healing, another on dealing damage, and another on navigating. This can make the expedition smoother and safer. Solo players should focus on having a strong mount and being cautious, as they will not have backup if things go wrong.

In conclusion, retrieving the Artifact of the Cunning requires careful preparation, a strong mount, and good combat skills. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully navigate the Central Cave and claim the artifact. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, this guide should help you achieve your goal and progress further in ARK: Survival Evolved.