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Cave Exploration & Artifact Acquisition — ARK: Survival Ascended Guide
ARK: Survival Ascended

Cave Exploration & Artifact Acquisition — ARK: Survival Ascended Guide

Master cave exploration in ARK: Survival Ascended. Learn how to find and acquire artifacts, essential for progression and boss fights. Our guide covers strategies and tips for navigating treacherous caves.

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Master cave exploration in ARK: Survival Ascended. Learn how to find and acquire artifacts, essential for progression and boss fights. Our guide covers strategies and tips for navigating treacherous caves.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Locate Caves: Caves are scattered across the various maps in ARK: Survival Ascended. Look for cave entrances, often marked by distinct geological features or hidden within dense foliage.
  2. 2
    Prepare for Exploration: Before entering a cave, ensure you have adequate supplies. This includes food, water, medical supplies, torches or other light sources, and weapons for defense. Consider bringing a flyer for quick escapes or scouting.
  3. 3
    Navigate the Cave System: Caves can be complex mazes. Pay attention to landmarks, use a map if available, and be mindful of environmental hazards like dangerous creatures, pitfalls, and poisonous gas.
  4. 4
    Acquire Artifacts: Artifacts are typically found deep within caves, often guarded by powerful creatures or requiring specific tools or abilities to reach. Collect all available artifacts as they are essential for summoning bosses.
  5. 5
    Defeat Guardians: Many artifact locations are protected by challenging enemies. Prepare for combat and utilize your best gear and taming strategies to overcome them.
  6. 6
    Return Safely: Once you have acquired the artifact, make your way back to your base. Be cautious, as you may encounter new threats on your return journey.
Tips
  • Tame useful creatures: Creatures like the Megatherium are excellent for clearing out insect-based caves due to their 'Bug Killer' buff. Ankylosaurs are useful for gathering resources within caves.
  • Bring a light source: Darkness is a common hazard in caves. Torches, headlamps, or bioluminescent creatures can provide necessary light.
  • Manage your inventory: Caves often have limited space. Prioritize carrying essential items and artifacts.
  • Be aware of respawns: Enemies can respawn, so be prepared for potential encounters even after clearing an area.
  • Use the environment: Utilize narrow passages to funnel enemies or use high ground for tactical advantages.
  • Artifacts are key: Remember that artifacts are required to summon the game's bosses, so collecting them is a primary objective for progression.

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