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

Locating the Artifact of the Gatekeeper in ARK: Survival Evolved is a critical step for players aiming to summon the Dragon boss, one of the game's most challenging encounters. This artifact is found in the Caverns of Lost Faith, a cave system located on the western side of the Island map. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate this process, including mechanics, strategies, and tips to ensure success.

The Caverns of Lost Faith is an underwater cave, which means you will need to prepare for aquatic exploration. The cave is home to dangerous creatures such as Megalodons, Electrophorus, and Cnidaria, making it essential to bring the right equipment and tames. The artifact itself is located deep within the cave, and reaching it requires careful navigation and preparation.

To begin, you will need a strong aquatic mount. The Basilosaurus is highly recommended due to its immunity to the stun effects of Cnidaria and Electrophorus, as well as its high health pool. Alternatively, a high-level Megalodon or Tusoteuthis can also be effective, though they are more vulnerable to stuns. Equip your mount with a saddle for added protection and consider bringing a scuba tank, flippers, and Lazarus Chowder to extend your underwater breathing time and improve mobility.

Before entering the cave, gather essential resources such as medical brews, food, and weapons. A crossbow or harpoon gun with tranq arrows can be useful for dealing with aggressive creatures. Additionally, bring a few grappling hooks in case you need to escape quickly. It is also wise to set up a small base near the cave entrance with a bed for respawning and storage for extra supplies.

The entrance to the Caverns of Lost Faith is located at approximately 19.1 latitude and 85.7 longitude, just off the western coast of the Island. Once inside, follow the main tunnel downward, staying alert for hostile creatures. The cave is relatively linear, but there are a few branching paths that can lead to dead ends or additional dangers. Keep an eye out for air pockets along the way, as they can provide a brief respite to regain stamina or heal.

As you progress deeper into the cave, you will encounter tighter spaces and more aggressive creatures. Use your mount to clear out threats, but be cautious of Electrophorus, as their electric attacks can dismount you and leave you vulnerable. If you are dismounted, use your grappling hook to quickly return to your mount or escape to a safe area.

The Artifact of the Gatekeeper is located in a large chamber near the end of the cave. This chamber is often guarded by multiple creatures, so clear the area before attempting to retrieve the artifact. Once the area is secure, approach the artifact pedestal and interact with it to claim the Artifact of the Gatekeeper.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the cave's dangers and entering unprepared. Many players make the error of bringing land-based mounts or insufficient supplies, leading to unnecessary deaths and setbacks. Additionally, failing to clear the artifact chamber before attempting to retrieve the artifact can result in being overwhelmed by enemies.

Advanced techniques include using a Cryopod to bring a land-based mount into the cave, though this is risky due to the aquatic environment. Another strategy is to use a team of players to divide responsibilities, such as one player focusing on combat while another handles navigation and artifact retrieval.

Resource requirements for this expedition include a strong aquatic mount, scuba gear, medical supplies, and weapons. Preparation is key, as the cave's challenges can quickly deplete your resources if you are not adequately equipped.

For solo players, the process is more challenging but still manageable with proper preparation. Focus on maximizing your mount's effectiveness and bring extra supplies to account for the lack of backup. Tribe players can coordinate roles and share resources, making the expedition smoother and more efficient.

In summary, locating the Artifact of the Gatekeeper requires careful planning, the right equipment, and a strong aquatic mount. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully retrieve the artifact and progress toward summoning the Dragon boss.