The Ultimate Weight-Hauling Water Beast in Ark: Survival Evolved
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So, you’re looking for the ultimate weight-carrying champion of the Ark’s oceans? Look no further! While the Tusoteuthis (Squid) reigns supreme in combat and utility, and the Basilosaurus offers a fantastic balance, the true heavyweight champion, considering pure weight capacity and practical use, is the Basilisk. While not strictly a “water dino,” the Basilisk’s ability to be submerged and excellent weight reduction makes it incredibly useful for transporting resources from underwater caves to your base. Its fantastic weight capacity and stone weight reduction capabilities are unmatched!
Why the Basilisk is King of Aquatic Weight
Forget the mythos; in Ark, the Basilisk is a serpent of unparalleled utility. Here’s why it deserves the crown for the best weight-hauling water dino, even if it’s not strictly aquatic:
- Staggering Weight Capacity: A tamed Basilisk, especially with levels pumped into weight, can easily reach tens of thousands of units. The referenced 11,000 wt example is not uncommon, and with breeding, you can push that number even higher.
- Stone Weight Reduction: This is a game-changer. Basilisks reduce the weight of stone by 75%, allowing you to carry massive quantities of stone, obsidian, and other heavy resources gathered from underwater caves.
- Amphibious Nature: While not a dedicated swimmer, the Basilisk can survive comfortably underwater. It’s especially well-suited for traversing rivers and gathering resources in shallower waters.
- Defense: While perhaps not the BEST for combat, the Basilisk has decent health and attack, making it a relatively safe option when transporting goods compared to less-durable dinos.
- Relatively Easy Taming: While requiring fertilized Rock Drake eggs, Basilisks are not particularly difficult to tame compared to some of the other high-end dinos in Ark.
Comparing the Contenders
While the Basilisk wins on pure weight capacity and stone reduction, let’s consider the other main options:
- Tusoteuthis (Squid): Excellent all-around, with decent weight, powerful attacks, and immunity to Electrocution. However, it doesn’t get the weight reduction bonus of the Basilisk and is focused on combat.
- Basilosaurus: A great early-to-mid game option with high health and immunity to Electrocution. Its lower weight capacity and speed hold it back from truly competing with the Basilisk.
- Megalodon: Early game and effective hunter, but poor weight capacity.
- Ichthyosaurus: Early game transportation but not much in carrying capacity.
- Plesiosaur: Late game transport, but still doesn’t compare to the Basilisk’s reduction.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs. If you’re constantly battling underwater threats, the Tusoteuthis might be a better choice. But if you’re after the best possible weight-hauling solution for transporting resources, the Basilisk is your best bet.
Practical Applications
How can you best utilize the Basilisk’s weight-carrying prowess?
- Underwater Cave Expeditions: Load up your Basilisk with stone, crystal, metal, and oil from underwater caves.
- Base Building: Transport massive quantities of stone for building projects without constant trips.
- Resource Runs: Efficiently gather resources across the map.
- Trading: Haul goods to trading posts or other players’ bases.
Tips for Maximizing Weight Capacity
- Leveling: Focus your level-up points primarily into the weight stat.
- Breeding: Breed Basilisks to create a line with higher base weight stats.
- Saddles: Use a high-quality Basilisk saddle to increase its armor and survivability.
- Pack Animals: Consider bringing other dinos along for extra carrying capacity.
- Weight Buffs: Utilize consumables such as Shadow Steak Saute to increase your character’s carrying capacity for efficient loading and unloading.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your knowledge of water dinos and weight carrying in Ark:
What is the best early-game water dino for weight?
The Ichthyosaurus or Megalodon are solid early-game options. They’re relatively easy to tame, fast in the water, and can carry a decent amount of weight for early resource gathering. However, they quickly become outclassed as you progress.
Can the Basilisk be used in boss fights?
No, the Basilisk cannot be used in boss fights. Boss arenas typically have restrictions on the size and type of creatures allowed. Check your desired boss fight’s requirements to know what dinos you can bring.
How do I tame a Basilisk?
You need fertilized Rock Drake eggs or Magmasaur eggs. Place the eggs in a trough near the Basilisk and allow it to eat them while hiding to avoid aggro. This is non-violent, so you don’t need to knock it out.
What is the best food to heal a Basilisk?
Meat is the primary food source, but cooked meat provides slightly more health regeneration.
What’s the fastest way to travel underwater in Ark?
The Tusoteuthis (Squid) is generally considered one of the fastest underwater creatures, offering both speed and combat capability.
What are the dangers of using a Basilisk underwater?
The primary dangers are oxygen depletion (for your character) and attacks from hostile creatures like Tusoteuthis, Eurypterids, and Megalodons. Be prepared with scuba gear and a backup plan.
What is the best water dino for combat?
The Tusoteuthis (Squid) is widely regarded as the best combat-oriented water dino. It has powerful attacks, a grappling ability, and immunity to Electrocution.
Can I breed Basilisks?
Yes, Basilisks can be bred. The gestation period is long, and you’ll need to provide the baby Basilisk with fertilized Rock Drake eggs or Magmasaur eggs to feed it.
What is the best way to protect my water dino from Electrocution?
The Basilosaurus and Tusoteuthis are immune to Electrocution.
How do I deal with Cnidaria (jellyfish)?
Use a Basilosaurus, or use ranged weapons from a distance. They can be stunned with harpoon launchers.
What is the most versatile water dino in Ark?
The Tusoteuthis (Squid) is arguably the most versatile, combining combat ability, speed, decent weight, and utility (grappling).
What is the rarest water dino in Ark?
The Tusoteuthis is considered rare. Finding and taming a high-level one can be challenging. The Liopleurodon is also technically rare, but only spawns for a short period of time.
How do I find underwater caves?
Underwater caves are located across different maps. Consult online resources and maps to find their specific locations.
Can I use cryopods to transport water dinos?
Yes, cryopods are essential for transporting water dinos across the map.
What is the Games Learning Society and why is it relevant to Ark?
The Games Learning Society is an organization that explores the educational and social impact of games, including games like Ark: Survival Evolved. Understanding game mechanics, resource management, and teamwork are all valuable skills that can be developed and honed through playing Ark. GamesLearningSociety.org studies these connections!
Ultimately, choosing the best weight-hauling water dino is a matter of balancing your specific needs with the capabilities of the available creatures. However, for sheer weight capacity and the invaluable stone weight reduction, the Basilisk reigns supreme. Happy hauling, survivor!