Where can I find the artifact of the Hunter on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved?

The Artifact of the Hunter is one of the key artifacts required to summon the Broodmother Lysrix, one of the three main bosses on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved. This artifact is located in the Central Cave, also known as the Hunter Cave, which is situated in the central part of the map. Obtaining the artifact involves navigating through a dangerous cave filled with hostile creatures, environmental hazards, and tight spaces. Here is a detailed guide on how to find and retrieve the Artifact of the Hunter.

First, you need to locate the Central Cave. The entrance is found at approximately 41.5 latitude and 46.9 longitude, near the base of a large mountain. The cave is marked by a small, narrow entrance that can be easily missed if you are not paying attention. Once you find the entrance, you will need to prepare for the challenges inside. The cave is filled with creatures such as bats, spiders, scorpions, and snakes, all of which can pose a significant threat, especially in the confined spaces of the cave.

Before entering the cave, it is crucial to prepare adequately. You will need a good set of armor, preferably flak armor or better, to protect yourself from the attacks of the cave creatures. A strong weapon, such as a shotgun or a longneck rifle, is essential for dealing with the enemies you will encounter. Bring plenty of ammunition, as well as medical supplies like stimulants and med brews to counteract the torpor effects from the spiders and scorpions. Additionally, bring a few grappling hooks and a parachute, as there are sections of the cave that require careful navigation and may involve falling from heights.

One of the most effective strategies for navigating the Central Cave is to bring a small, agile dinosaur that can fit through the narrow passages. A high-level baryonyx is an excellent choice, as it can handle both land and water sections of the cave and has a powerful attack to deal with the creatures inside. Alternatively, a pack of high-level direwolves can be effective, as they are fast and can deal significant damage in groups. However, be cautious with larger dinosaurs, as some sections of the cave are too narrow for them to pass through.

As you make your way through the cave, you will encounter several tight passages and drops. Use your grappling hook to navigate these areas safely, and be prepared to fight off waves of creatures as you progress. The cave is divided into several sections, with the artifact located in the deepest part. You will need to navigate through water-filled areas, climb up and down ledges, and deal with the constant threat of enemy attacks.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of the cave. The creatures inside can quickly overwhelm you if you are not prepared, and the tight spaces can make it difficult to maneuver. It is essential to take your time and clear out enemies as you go, rather than rushing through and risking being surrounded. Another mistake is not bringing enough supplies. Running out of ammunition or medical supplies in the middle of the cave can be disastrous, so make sure to bring more than you think you will need.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make to streamline the process. Using a cryopod to bring a strong dinosaur into the cave and then releasing it once inside can give you a significant advantage. Additionally, using a high-level megalosaurus can be effective, as they are powerful and can fit through most of the cave passages. However, be aware that megalosaurs are nocturnal and will be less effective during the day.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need a good supply of metal, polymer, and other materials to craft the necessary gear and weapons. It is also a good idea to bring a few campfires and cooking pots to cook meat and replenish your health as you progress through the cave. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinating with your teammates to cover different roles, such as one person focusing on combat while another handles navigation, can make the process much smoother.

Finally, once you reach the deepest part of the cave, you will find the Artifact of the Hunter on a pedestal. Be prepared for a final wave of enemies as you approach the artifact. Once you have it, make your way back out of the cave, being careful not to lose the artifact to any remaining creatures. With the artifact in hand, you will be one step closer to summoning the Broodmother Lysrix and taking on one of the most challenging bosses in ARK: Survival Evolved.