Where are the best locations to farm silica pearls and black pearls in the Ocean Biome on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Silica pearls and black pearls are valuable resources in ARK: Survival Evolved, especially for crafting advanced items like electronics, scuba gear, and tek-tier equipment. On The Island map, these resources are primarily found in the Ocean Biome, but they require careful planning and preparation to farm efficiently. Below is a detailed guide on how to locate and gather these resources, along with tips and strategies to optimize your farming efforts.

Silica pearls are commonly found in shallow underwater areas, often near the ocean floor or in clusters of glowing white shells. Black pearls, on the other hand, are rarer and typically dropped by certain creatures like trilobites, eurypterids, and alpha mosasaurs. They can also be found in small quantities in specific underwater locations. To farm these resources effectively, you will need a strong water mount, such as a basilosaurus, mosa, or tuso, as well as scuba gear or a tek suit for extended underwater exploration.

The best locations for silica pearls on The Island are in the western and northern parts of the ocean. One of the most popular spots is the underwater trench near the western coast, close to the Snow Biome. This area has abundant silica pearl clusters scattered along the ocean floor. Another good location is the underwater cave in the northeast, which contains a large number of silica pearls but is more dangerous due to hostile creatures like jellyfish and eels. For black pearls, the best farming spots are in the deeper parts of the ocean, particularly around the underwater caves and near the edges of the map. Eurypterids, which drop black pearls, are commonly found in these areas, but they are highly aggressive and can deal significant damage.

To begin farming, you should first tame a strong water mount. A basilosaurus is highly recommended because it is immune to the stun effects of jellyfish and eels, making it safer for underwater exploration. Alternatively, a mosa or tuso can be used for their high damage output and health, but they require more effort to tame. Once you have your mount, equip it with a saddle and prepare your inventory with tools like a pickaxe or metal hatchet for harvesting silica pearls. For black pearls, you will need to kill eurypterids or alpha mosasaurs, so bring weapons like a crossbow or harpoon gun.

When farming silica pearls, approach the clusters and use your tool to harvest them. Be cautious of nearby predators like megalodons or mantas, as they can attack you or your mount. For black pearls, focus on killing eurypterids, which are often found near the ocean floor or in underwater caves. Use your mount to deal damage quickly and avoid their attacks. If you encounter an alpha mosasaur, be prepared for a tough fight, as they have high health and damage output. Killing them will yield a large amount of black pearls, but it is risky without proper preparation.

One common mistake is underestimating the dangers of the Ocean Biome. Even with a strong mount, you can still be overwhelmed by groups of hostile creatures. Always keep an eye on your surroundings and avoid areas with too many predators. Another mistake is not bringing enough oxygen or food for your mount. Extended underwater trips can drain your mount's stamina and health, so bring medical brews or food to keep it alive. Additionally, avoid farming during the night, as visibility is reduced, making it harder to spot threats.

Advanced techniques include using a tek suit for underwater farming, as it provides unlimited oxygen and increased mobility. If you have access to tek gear, this can significantly speed up your farming process. Another optimization is to build an underwater base or taming pen near the farming locations. This allows you to store resources and restock supplies without returning to the surface. For tribes, coordinating with multiple players can make farming safer and more efficient. Assign roles, such as one player focusing on defense while others gather resources.

In solo play, prioritize safety and efficiency. Use a basilosaurus for its immunity to stuns and focus on smaller, less dangerous areas for farming. Avoid engaging large groups of predators unless you are confident in your mount's strength. Always have an escape plan, such as a fast mount or a nearby base, in case things go wrong.

In summary, farming silica pearls and black pearls in the Ocean Biome on The Island requires preparation, a strong water mount, and careful navigation of dangerous areas. Focus on the western and northern parts of the ocean for silica pearls, and deeper areas or underwater caves for black pearls. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating predators or neglecting your mount's needs. Use advanced techniques like tek suits or underwater bases to optimize your farming, and coordinate with your tribe for better efficiency. With these strategies, you can gather these valuable resources and progress further in the game.