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

Locating the Artifact of the Hunter in ARK: Survival Evolved is a critical task for players aiming to summon bosses and progress in the game. This artifact is one of several required to summon the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon bosses. The Artifact of the Hunter is found in the Hunter Cave, also known as the Central Cave, located in the central part of The Island map. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully locate and retrieve this artifact.

The Hunter Cave is situated at approximately 41.5 latitude and 46.9 longitude, near the Redwood Forest and the Volcano. This cave is one of the more challenging ones due to its narrow pathways, high-level creatures, and environmental hazards like hypothermia. Before entering, you must prepare adequately to survive the dangers inside.

First, gather the necessary resources and equipment. You will need a strong mount, preferably a high-level Carnotaurus, Sabertooth, or Thylacoleo, as these creatures are agile and can handle the tight spaces and hostile creatures in the cave. Alternatively, a pack of Direwolves or a high-level Baryonyx can also be effective. Ensure your mount has good health, stamina, and damage output. Additionally, bring weapons like a crossbow, shotgun, or assault rifle, along with plenty of ammunition. Armor is essential to protect against the cold and enemy attacks, so craft a set of Fur Armor or Ghillie Armor if possible. Bring medical brews, stimulants, and food to sustain yourself during the expedition.

Before entering the cave, consider building a small outpost nearby to store supplies and serve as a respawn point. This is especially useful if you are playing solo or with a small tribe. Place a bed, storage box, and a few tamed creatures to guard the area. This preparation ensures you can recover quickly if things go wrong inside the cave.

Once inside the Hunter Cave, proceed carefully. The cave is dark, so bring a torch or a light source like a mining helmet. The narrow pathways are filled with high-level creatures such as Arthropluera, Onyc, and Titanoboas, which can deal significant damage. Use your mount to fight these creatures, but be cautious of their attacks, especially the Arthropluera's acid spit, which can destroy your armor quickly. If you are using a Baryonyx, its tail spin attack can stun smaller creatures, making it easier to clear the path.

As you navigate deeper into the cave, you will encounter environmental hazards like water pools and tight squeezes. Some areas require you to dismount and swim, so be prepared to fight off creatures like Piranhas or Sarcosuchus. Keep an eye on your oxygen levels and health while swimming. If you are using a Baryonyx, it can swim and attack underwater, making it an excellent choice for these sections.

The Artifact of the Hunter is located in a chamber near the end of the cave. This chamber is guarded by a group of high-level creatures, so clear them out before attempting to retrieve the artifact. Once the area is safe, approach the artifact pedestal and interact with it to collect the Artifact of the Hunter. Be cautious, as more creatures may spawn after you take the artifact.

Common mistakes to avoid include entering the cave unprepared, underestimating the creatures inside, and not bringing enough supplies. Always scout the cave entrance before entering to ensure no hostile creatures are lurking nearby. Additionally, avoid rushing through the cave, as this can lead to getting overwhelmed by enemies or falling into traps.

Advanced techniques include using a grappling hook to navigate tricky sections or a cryopod to bring a powerful mount into the cave. If you are playing with a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover different roles, such as one player focusing on combat while another handles healing and support.

In summary, locating the Artifact of the Hunter requires careful preparation, a strong mount, and strategic navigation. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully retrieve the artifact and progress further in ARK: Survival Evolved.