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, a solid understanding of the game's mechanics, and the right tools and creatures to ensure success. The underwater cave, often referred to as the "Elemental Vault," is a challenging location filled with dangerous creatures, tight spaces, and valuable loot. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you navigate this cave effectively.

First, preparation is key. You will need a strong underwater mount, such as a Basilosaurus, Tuso (Tusoteuthis), or a high-level Megalodon. Basilosaurus is particularly useful because it has high health, good speed, and immunity to the Electrophorus and Cnidaria stuns. Additionally, you should bring scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder to extend your underwater breathing time. A good set of flippers will also help you move faster in the water. Bring weapons like a crossbow or harpoon gun for defense, as well as plenty of healing items like medical brews or cooked meat to restore health.

The cave entrance is located in the southwestern part of the Crystal Isles map, near the coordinates 20 LAT, 70 LON. The entrance is underwater, so youÔÇÖll need to dive down to find it. Once inside, youÔÇÖll encounter a series of tunnels filled with hostile creatures like Piranhas, Electrophorus, and Cnidaria. These creatures can be deadly if youÔÇÖre not careful, so always stay alert and keep your mountÔÇÖs health high.

As you navigate the cave, youÔÇÖll come across several branching paths. The main path leads to the artifact chamber, where you can find the Artifact of the Skylord. However, there are also side paths that contain valuable resources like silica pearls, oil nodes, and crystal deposits. If youÔÇÖre looking to farm resources, itÔÇÖs worth exploring these side paths, but be cautious as they can be more dangerous.

One important tip is to avoid getting dismounted in the cave. If youÔÇÖre knocked off your mount, youÔÇÖll be vulnerable to the caveÔÇÖs hostile creatures and may struggle to get back on. To prevent this, keep your mountÔÇÖs health high and avoid areas with large groups of Electrophorus or Cnidaria. If you do get dismounted, try to swim to a safe spot and use your weapons to defend yourself until you can remount.

Another common mistake is not bringing enough supplies. The underwater cave is a long and dangerous journey, and running out of oxygen or healing items can be fatal. Make sure to bring extra scuba tanks, Lazarus Chowder, and healing items to avoid this issue. Additionally, always keep an eye on your mountÔÇÖs stamina, as running out of stamina in the middle of the cave can leave you stranded.

For advanced players, using a Tuso can be a great strategy. The Tuso has a powerful grab attack that can immobilize and kill most creatures in the cave quickly. It also has high health and can regenerate health by eating corpses, making it a very durable mount for the cave. However, the Tuso is slower than the Basilosaurus, so youÔÇÖll need to be more cautious when navigating tight spaces.

If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordination is crucial. Assign roles to each member, such as one person focusing on navigation, another on defense, and another on resource gathering. This will help you move through the cave more efficiently and reduce the risk of getting overwhelmed by enemies. Communication is key, so make sure everyone knows the plan and stays together.

In solo play, youÔÇÖll need to be extra cautious. Stick to the main path and avoid unnecessary risks. Use your mountÔÇÖs abilities to your advantage, such as the BasilosaurusÔÇÖs immunity to stuns or the TusoÔÇÖs grab attack. Always have an escape plan in case things go wrong, and donÔÇÖt hesitate to retreat if youÔÇÖre overwhelmed.

Finally, once you reach the artifact chamber, be prepared for a fight. The chamber is guarded by powerful creatures, so make sure your mount is at full health and you have plenty of healing items. After defeating the guardians, you can claim the Artifact of the Skylord and any other loot in the chamber.

In summary, navigating the underwater cave on the Crystal Isles map requires careful preparation, the right equipment, and a strong mount. Stay alert, avoid common mistakes, and use advanced techniques to make the journey easier. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or with a tribe, coordination and communication are key to success. With the right strategy, you can conquer the underwater cave and claim its valuable rewards.