How do I find the artifact of the Clever in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Finding the Artifact of the Clever in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding task. This artifact is one of the key items required to summon the Broodmother Lysrix, one of the game's major bosses. The Artifact of the Clever is located in the Central Cave, also known as the Lower South Cave, on The Island map. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully retrieve this artifact.

The Central Cave is situated in the southern part of The Island, near the coordinates 41.5 latitude and 46.9 longitude. This cave is relatively accessible early in the game, but it is filled with dangers such as hostile creatures, narrow pathways, and environmental hazards. The cave is home to creatures like Araneo (giant spiders), Onyc (bats), and Titanoboa (giant snakes), which can be deadly if you are unprepared.

To begin your journey, you will need to prepare adequately. First, ensure you have a strong and fast mount, such as a Raptor or Sabertooth, as these can help you navigate the cave quickly and deal with enemies. A high-level Carnotaurus or even a pack of Direwolves can also be effective. Make sure your mount has decent health and damage stats, as the cave creatures can overwhelm you if you are not careful.

Equip yourself with good armor, such as Chitin or Flak armor, to protect against the cave's hostile inhabitants. Bring a reliable weapon, like a Pike or Shotgun, to deal with enemies at close range. A Crossbow with Tranquilizer Arrows can also be useful for taming creatures or dealing with threats from a distance. Additionally, carry plenty of medical brews or cooked meat to heal yourself and your mount during the journey.

Lighting is crucial in the Central Cave, as it is dark and difficult to navigate without a light source. Bring a torch or a mining helmet to illuminate your path. Alternatively, you can use a glow pet like a Glowtail or a Bulbdog to provide light without taking up an inventory slot.

Once you enter the cave, proceed carefully. The cave is a maze of narrow tunnels and tight spaces, so it is easy to get lost. Follow the main path, and be prepared to fight off Araneo and Onyc that will attack you. Use your mount to tank damage while you deal with the enemies. If you encounter Titanoboa, try to avoid them if possible, as they can deal significant damage and inflict torpor, which can knock you out.

As you progress deeper into the cave, you will come across a large chamber with a pool of water. This is where the Artifact of the Clever is located. Be cautious, as the water is home to Piranhas and other aquatic threats. If you have a mount that can swim, such as a Baryonyx, use it to navigate the water safely. Otherwise, you may need to dismount and swim to the artifact, but be ready to fight off any creatures that attack you.

Once you reach the artifact, interact with it to collect it. Be aware that the artifact is heavy, so make sure you have enough inventory space and weight capacity to carry it. After obtaining the artifact, retrace your steps to exit the cave. Be prepared for more enemies on your way out, as the cave creatures will continue to spawn.

Common mistakes to avoid include entering the cave without proper preparation, such as insufficient armor, weapons, or healing items. Another mistake is underestimating the cave's dangers, especially the Titanoboa, which can quickly incapacitate you if you are not careful. Additionally, getting lost in the cave can be a major issue, so it is important to pay attention to your surroundings and mark your path if necessary.

Advanced techniques include using a grappling hook to navigate the cave more efficiently, especially in areas with vertical drops or tight spaces. You can also use a Cryopod to bring a strong mount into the cave, even if it cannot fit through the entrance normally. This can give you a significant advantage in combat.

Resource requirements for this task include a strong mount, good armor, weapons, healing items, and a light source. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover different roles, such as tanking, damage dealing, and healing. Solo players should focus on self-sufficiency and ensure they have everything they need before entering the cave.

In summary, retrieving the Artifact of the Clever requires careful preparation, strategic combat, and efficient navigation. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully obtain the artifact and progress further in ARK: Survival Evolved.