How do I locate the artifact of the Skylord in the Jungle Cave on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Locating the Artifact of the Skylord in the Jungle Cave on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding task. This artifact is one of the key items required to summon the Dragon boss, making it essential for players aiming to progress in the game. The Jungle Cave, also known as the Central Cave, is located in the central part of the map, near coordinates 41.5 latitude and 46.9 longitude. This cave is notorious for its tight spaces, hostile creatures, and environmental hazards, so preparation is crucial.

To begin, you need to prepare adequately for the journey. The Jungle Cave is filled with dangerous creatures such as Titanoboas, Arthropleuras, and Onyc, as well as environmental hazards like falling and tight spaces. You will need a strong mount to navigate the cave effectively. A high-level Sabertooth or Thylacoleo is ideal due to their agility and damage output. Alternatively, a pack of Direwolves can be effective if you have a tribe to support you. Make sure your mount has good health, stamina, and damage stats. Additionally, bring a Cryopod or two in case you need to store and redeploy your mount in tight areas.

For solo players, it is highly recommended to bring a grappling hook and a crossbow. The grappling hook can help you navigate tricky sections of the cave, especially if you fall or need to bypass certain areas. The crossbow is useful for dealing with creatures from a distance, as melee combat in tight spaces can be risky. For tribes, coordination is key. Assign roles such as a tank to absorb damage, a healer to keep everyone alive, and DPS players to clear out enemies quickly.

Resource preparation is also critical. Bring plenty of medical brews or cooked meat to heal yourself and your mount. Armor with high durability and protection is essential, as the caveÔÇÖs creatures can deal significant damage. A good set of flak armor or better is recommended. Additionally, bring a few campfires and materials to craft more if needed, as the cave can be cold in certain areas. Torches or a mining helmet are also useful for visibility, as the cave is dark.

Once you are prepared, head to the cave entrance. The Jungle Cave entrance is a large, open hole in the ground surrounded by dense jungle. Be cautious as you approach, as hostile creatures may be lurking nearby. Enter the cave and proceed carefully. The cave is a maze of narrow passages and large chambers, so it is easy to get lost. Keep an eye on your map or use landmarks to navigate.

As you progress through the cave, you will encounter various creatures. Use your mount to deal with them quickly, but be mindful of your surroundings. Some areas are too narrow for larger mounts, so you may need to dismount and fight on foot. Use your crossbow or other ranged weapons to deal with enemies from a safe distance. Be especially cautious of Arthropleuras, as their acid spit can destroy your armor quickly.

The Artifact of the Skylord is located in a chamber deep within the cave. To reach it, you will need to navigate through a series of tunnels and chambers, some of which are filled with water. Be prepared to swim if necessary, and watch out for Piranhas and other aquatic threats. The artifact chamber is typically guarded by a group of creatures, so clear them out before attempting to retrieve the artifact.

One common mistake is underestimating the caveÔÇÖs difficulty. Many players enter without proper preparation and are quickly overwhelmed by the creatures and environmental hazards. Another mistake is not bringing enough healing items or armor repair materials. The cave can be a long and grueling journey, so it is better to overprepare than to be caught off guard.

Advanced techniques include using a Baryonyx, which is highly effective in caves due to its ability to stun creatures with its tail spin attack. Additionally, using a grappling hook to bypass certain sections of the cave can save time and resources. For tribes, having a player with a high-level Megatherium can be advantageous, as they deal extra damage to insects and are tanky enough to handle the caveÔÇÖs threats.

In conclusion, locating the Artifact of the Skylord in the Jungle Cave requires careful preparation, a strong mount, and a good understanding of the caveÔÇÖs layout. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, coordination and resource management are key to success. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully retrieve the artifact and progress further in ARK: Survival Evolved.