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

Locating the Artifact of the Skylord in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding task. This artifact is one of the key items required to summon the Dragon boss on The Island map. It is found in the North West Cave, also known as the Skylord Cave, which is located in the northwestern part of the map. This cave is known for its vertical layout, tight spaces, and dangerous creatures, making it one of the more difficult caves to navigate. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully locate and retrieve the Artifact of the Skylord.

To begin, you need to prepare adequately for the cave. The North West Cave is filled with hostile creatures such as Onyc, Arthropleura, and Titanoboa, which can deal significant damage. Additionally, the cave is cold, so you will need appropriate gear to survive the temperature. Bring a set of Fur Armor or other cold-resistant clothing, as well as a good supply of food, water, and medical brews. A strong weapon like a shotgun or crossbow is essential, along with plenty of ammunition. Grappling hooks and climbing picks can also be useful for navigating the cave's vertical sections.

The entrance to the North West Cave is located at approximately 19.1 latitude and 19.0 longitude, near the base of a large mountain. The entrance is a small hole in the ground, so you may need to crouch to enter. Once inside, you will encounter a series of narrow tunnels and vertical drops. The cave is dark, so bring a light source such as a torch or a shoulder-mounted light pet like a Bulbdog or Glowtail.

As you progress through the cave, you will need to deal with the hostile creatures. Onyc, which are bat-like creatures, will swarm you in large numbers, so be prepared to fight them off. Arthropleura can spit acid that damages your armor, so prioritize taking them out quickly. Titanoboa are slow but deal high damage, so keep your distance and use ranged weapons to eliminate them. Be cautious of the cave's tight spaces, as they can make it difficult to maneuver and avoid attacks.

The Artifact of the Skylord is located deep within the cave, near the end of the main path. You will need to navigate a series of vertical drops and narrow ledges to reach it. Use your grappling hook or climbing picks to safely descend the vertical sections. Be careful not to fall, as the drops can be fatal. Once you reach the artifact, you will need to interact with it to collect it. Be prepared for a final wave of enemies, as the artifact is often guarded by a group of Onyc or other creatures.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the cave's difficulty. The North West Cave is one of the more challenging caves in the game, and entering unprepared can lead to quick death. Make sure to bring adequate supplies and gear, and consider bringing a strong mount if possible. While most mounts cannot fit in the cave, smaller creatures like a Sabertooth or Thylacoleo can be useful for dealing with the cave's enemies.

Advanced players may consider using a Cryopod to bring a strong mount into the cave. This can make navigating the cave and dealing with enemies much easier. Additionally, using a grappling hook to bypass certain sections of the cave can save time and reduce the risk of encountering dangerous creatures.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need a good supply of ammunition, medical brews, and food. Bring at least 50 arrows or shotgun shells, 10 medical brews, and enough food to last for the duration of the cave. If you are playing in a tribe, consider bringing a teammate to help with combat and navigation. Solo players should be extra cautious and take their time to avoid unnecessary risks.

In conclusion, locating the Artifact of the Skylord requires careful preparation, strong combat skills, and good navigation. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully retrieve the artifact and progress toward summoning the Dragon boss. Remember to bring the right gear, be cautious of the cave's dangers, and use advanced techniques like Cryopods and grappling hooks to optimize your run. With the right strategy, you can conquer the North West Cave and claim the Artifact of the Skylord.