Where can I find the artifact of the Cunning on Scorched Earth in ARK: Survival Evolved?

The Artifact of the Cunning is one of the key artifacts required to summon the Manticore boss on Scorched Earth in ARK: Survival Evolved. Finding this artifact involves navigating a dangerous cave system, so preparation is crucial. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you locate and retrieve the Artifact of the Cunning.

The Artifact of the Cunning is located in the Old Tunnels Cave, which is situated in the northeastern part of the Scorched Earth map. The cave entrance is found at approximately 70.5 latitude and 56.0 longitude. This cave is one of the more challenging ones on the map due to its tight spaces, hostile creatures, and environmental hazards like heat and falling rocks. Before entering, youÔÇÖll need to prepare thoroughly.

First, gather the necessary resources and equipment. YouÔÇÖll need a strong mount, preferably a creature like a Sabertooth, Wolf, or Thylacoleo, as these are agile and effective in tight spaces. Alternatively, a Rock Elemental can be useful for its durability and ability to handle the caveÔÇÖs hazards. Bring plenty of food, water, and medical brews to counteract the heat and potential damage. Armor with high heat resistance is recommended, such as Desert Cloth or Ghillie armor. Weapons like shotguns, crossbows, or pikes are essential for dealing with the caveÔÇÖs inhabitants, which include Scorpions, Araneos, and occasionally high-level predators like Carnotaurus or Raptors.

Once youÔÇÖre prepared, head to the cave entrance. The Old Tunnels Cave is a vertical cave, so youÔÇÖll need to navigate downward carefully. Use grappling hooks or climbing picks if youÔÇÖre on foot, but having a mount is generally safer. As you descend, watch out for falling rocks and narrow ledges. The cave is dark, so bring a light source like a torch or a shoulder-mounted light pet such as a Bulbdog or Glowtail.

The path to the artifact is relatively straightforward but filled with dangers. Follow the main tunnel downward, clearing out enemies as you go. Be cautious of tight spaces where you might get stuck or ambushed. The artifact chamber is located at the bottom of the cave, and youÔÇÖll need to navigate through a series of tunnels and chambers to reach it. Along the way, you may encounter loot crates containing valuable items, so keep an eye out for those.

When you reach the artifact chamber, youÔÇÖll find the Artifact of the Cunning on a pedestal. Be prepared for a final wave of enemies, as the artifact is often guarded by stronger creatures. Clear the area before attempting to retrieve the artifact. Once you have it, make your way back to the surface. The return trip can be just as dangerous, so stay alert.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the caveÔÇÖs difficulty, not bringing enough supplies, or using a mount thatÔÇÖs too large for the tight spaces. Another mistake is rushing through the cave without clearing enemies, which can lead to being overwhelmed. Take your time and methodically clear each section.

Advanced techniques include using a Cryopod to bring a strong mount into the cave, even if itÔÇÖs too large to fit through the entrance. You can also use a grappling hook to bypass certain sections or escape dangerous situations. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover each other and share resources. Solo players should focus on self-sufficiency and careful planning.

In summary, retrieving the Artifact of the Cunning requires careful preparation, a strong mount, and a methodical approach. The Old Tunnels Cave is a challenging environment, but with the right strategy, you can successfully obtain the artifact and progress toward summoning the Manticore boss.