Conquer the Depths: Choosing the Best Dino for Ark Water Caves

Navigating the treacherous depths of Ark’s underwater caves requires careful planning and, most importantly, the right tame. The question isn’t simply about power; it’s about a combination of maneuverability, combat prowess, and resistance to the unique dangers lurking within those submerged tunnels. So, what is the best Dino for the water cave in Ark?

The answer, without a doubt, is the Tusoteuthis, or Tuso, for experienced players. This colossal squid is a force to be reckoned with. Its impressive reach, powerful grappling tentacles, and ability to quickly dispatch almost all enemies within the cave make it the premier choice. With a good saddle and level allocation, a Tuso can practically clear a cave single-handedly, systematically taking down threats like alpha Mosasaurs, squids, and jellyfish without breaking a sweat. It’s ability to grab enemies and crush them is simply unmatched for cave clearing efficiency.

However, the Tuso is not without its challenges. Taming one is a significant undertaking, and its large size can sometimes make maneuvering within tighter spaces a bit cumbersome. For players who may not have a tamed Tuso or are looking for a different approach, other options exist.

Exploring Alternative Water Cave Dinos

While the Tuso reigns supreme in combat and overall effectiveness, let’s delve into other viable options for Ark water caves.

The Speedy Explorer: Ichthyosaurus

If you are not focused on combat and simply wish to quickly navigate the caves, the Ichthyosaurus (Ichthy) is your best bet. This tame is incredibly easy to acquire, fast, and highly maneuverable. While it lacks significant offensive capabilities, its speed allows you to breeze past most threats. If your primary objective is to obtain resources or quickly access specific areas within the cave, a well-leveled Ichthy can get the job done efficiently. Remember to rely on speed and evasion, not combat, as the Ichthy is not designed for head-on battles.

The Tank: Basilosaurus

For players looking for more survivability without the sheer offensive might of the Tuso, the Basilosaurus (Basilo) is a solid choice. This gentle giant is not only immune to stuns from jellyfish and eels, a significant problem in most water caves, but it also has a decent health pool and good offensive capabilities. While slower than the Ichthy, it is more than capable of handling the smaller creatures within the caves. A Basilo is also a great choice for those who would prefer to avoid the complexity of a Tuso. This makes it a great alternative, especially if you are more comfortable with a slower but steadier pace.

The Unconventional Option: Exo-Mek

While not a “dino” in the traditional sense, the Exo-Mek is a worthwhile consideration for water caves. The Exo-Mek offers several benefits. The Exo-Mek is designed to not agro wild creatures which allows for easy, uniterrupted resource gathering. Unlike regular tames, it also isn’t affected by environment factors, such as jellyfish stuns.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Cave Dino

Choosing the ideal water cave dino is not just about power. Consider these additional factors:

• Taming Difficulty: Some tames, like the Tuso, are significantly harder to obtain than others, such as the Ichthy.
• Maneuverability: The complex layouts of underwater caves require good maneuverability, which is where the Ichthy excels.
• Special Abilities: Certain creatures, like the Basilo, have unique resistances that can be invaluable in a water cave environment.
• Combat Capabilities: If you intend to engage all threats, consider the Tuso for its unmatched combat capabilities.
• Resource Gathering: Some tames are better suited for specific resource gathering requirements than others.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, your playstyle and preferences are crucial in determining the “best” dino for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding water cave exploration in Ark:

1. Is the Mosasaurus a good choice for water caves?

While the Mosasaurus (Mosa) is incredibly powerful, its massive size makes it difficult to maneuver through the tight corridors of most water caves. Therefore, while strong, it isn’t considered the best option.

2. Can I use a Megalodon in water caves?

The Megalodon is faster than a Mosa and can be more easily maneuvered. It is a decent option for combat in open waters but is not as capable as the Tuso or Basilo in caves.

3. Are there any dinos that let you breathe underwater?

Yes, the Diplocaulus can be used as a mobile oxygen tank, allowing you to breathe underwater for an extended duration.

4. Can the Shadowmane go underwater?

Yes, the Shadowmane can swim underwater and gets a speed buff, making it another viable option for water caves, though it does not possess the same combat capabilities as the Tuso.

5. What is the best weapon to use underwater for taming?

The Harpoon Launcher with tranquilizer spears is the most effective way to tranquilize creatures underwater.

6. Can you tame the creatures in the water caves?

No, most creatures within the caves are untamable due to the absence of the “wild” tag on their names.

7. What about the Leedsichthys? Is it good for caves?

The Leedsichthys is an untamable giant fish. While it is massive, it’s more of a resource target and not a tame to be used for water caves.

8. Is there a fastest dino in the seas?

The Ichthyosaurus is considered the fastest dino in the seas.

9. Is the Baryonyx suitable for water caves?

Yes, the Baryonyx can breathe underwater and has a good combination of speed and attack power. It is a decent choice, but not as optimal as the Tuso or Basilo.

10. Can Ravagers break wood structures in water caves?

Yes, Ravagers can damage wood structures. However, they are not found in water caves as they are land-based creatures.

11. What is the best map for exploring underwater caves?

All maps with water caves offer unique challenges and resources. Some of the most popular are The Island, Ragnarok, and Genesis.

12. Is Ragnarok bigger than the Island map?

Yes, Ragnarok is significantly larger than The Island, approximately 2.5 times larger in terms of land mass and 4 times larger overall.

13. Can the Yeti found in the Snow Cave be tamed?

No, the Yeti variant of the Gigantopithecus found in the Snow Cave is untameable.

14. Can you ride a shark in Ark?

Yes, you can ride a Megalodon after taming it by equipping it with a saddle.

15. What is the largest map in Ark?

The Crystal Isles is one of the largest maps available for Ark players.

Conclusion

While various tames offer some advantages for Ark’s underwater caves, the Tusoteuthis stands out as the clear winner due to its unparalleled combat strength and cave-clearing ability. However, the ideal choice ultimately depends on your playstyle, preferences, and the specific goals you have for venturing into those mysterious depths. Whether you prefer to crush enemies with a Tuso, swiftly maneuver with an Ichthy, or steadily tank damage with a Basilo, ensure you are well-prepared for the dangers that lurk beneath the surface!