All Cave Locations, Artifacts, and Survival Tips in ARK

ARK Survival Evolved servers isn't just about tools, tames, or tech, it’s also about discovery and danger. Nowhere is this more evident than in the game’s caves, where every path might lead to a cache of rare loot or a deadly ambush. These zones test your readiness, offering not only stunning scenery, but also essential materials and artifacts tied to endgame success.

TIP

ARK: Survival Evolved Gasoline Guide

Why Caves Matter in ARK

Caves in ARK serve a purpose far beyond aesthetics or storytelling. Anyone serious about facing the game’s toughest enemies must brave these depths. Most of them house artifacts - items needed to unlock boss fights such as the Broodmother or Megapithecus. These dangerous journeys also pay off in rare blueprints, high-value resources, and gear unavailable in surface biomes.

Reaching the end of a cave and emerging victorious takes more than luck, it requires planning. These environments are designed to punish mistakes, demanding proper loadouts, the right creatures for mobility and combat, and strategies that account for both geography and enemy spawns.

Types of Caves in ARK

ARK features several cave types, each offering its own set of dangers and design nuances:

Artifact Caves

These are the primary caves players seek out for progression. They’re home to one or more artifacts, but getting to them is no small feat. Expect puzzles, tight corridors, lethal traps, and waves of aggressive enemies. You’ll often encounter creatures like Arthropluera, Onyc, or Megalania, which can inflict poison, disease, or armor damage.

Resource Caves

Not every cave is built around boss prep. Some, especially underwater caves, are rich in rare resources such as black pearls or oil. These can become essential for crafting advanced gear or maintaining high-tech structures.

Building-Friendly Caves

Certain caves are attractive to PvP players or tribes looking for highly defensible bases. These usually have narrow entrances, flat ground, and natural chokepoints, making them hard to raid.

Preparing to Explore

Venturing into a cave unprepared is a recipe for disaster. Every seasoned survivor should consider:

• Weapons: High-tier guns or melee tools are essential.

• Armor: Tailored to cave climate—fur for cold, ghillie for heat.

• Creatures: Mounts like Baryonyx, Sabertooth, or Megatherium are excellent cave companions.

• Tools: Grappling hooks, scuba gear, climbing picks.

• Light and Supplies: Torches, medical brews, antidotes, and food.

Full List of  ARK Caves

Below is a complete breakdown of notable caves, artifacts, and features across key ARK maps.

The Island

• Central Cave – 41.5 / 46.9 – Artifact of the Clever

• North East Cave – 14.7 / 85.4 – Artifact of the Devourer

• Upper South Cave – 68.2 / 56.2 – Artifact of the Pack

• Lower South Cave – 80.3 / 53.5 – Artifact of the Hunter

• Swamp Cave – 62.7 / 37.3 – Artifact of the Immune

• Snow Cave – 29.1 / 31.8 – Artifact of the Strong

• Lava Cave (South East) – 70.6 / 86.1 – Artifact of the Massive

• Caverns of Lost Faith – 53.1 / 10.0 – Artifact of the Brute (underwater)

• Caverns of Lost Hope – 45.9 / 88.9 – Artifact of the Cunning (underwater)

• North West Cave – 14.1 / 13.5 – Artifact of the Skylord

TIP

How to Get Polymer in ARK

Scorched Earth

• Ruins of Nosti – 78.0 / 75.6 – Artifact of the Destroyer

• The Old Tunnels – 58.7 / 47.8 – Artifact of the Gatekeeper

• Grave of the Tyrants – 28.3 / 29.2 – Artifact of the Crag

Aberration

• Artifact of the Depths Cave – 48.4 / 27.2 – Radiation zone; Rock Drakes and Nameless

• Artifact of the Shadows Cave – 51.5 / 65.0 – Vertical layout; glider and climbing gear needed

• Artifact of the Stalker Cave – 66.6 / 72.3 – Red zone; radiation protection required

Extinction

While Extinction doesn’t feature traditional artifact caves, it contains Titan arena caves that act as gateways to boss fights:

• Ice Titan Cave – 20.3 / 61.2 – Path to Ice Titan

• Desert Titan Cave – 87.0 / 70.3 – Entry to Desert Titan arena

• Forest Titan Cave – 10.5 / 39.6 – Leads to Forest Titan

Effective Strategies for Cave Runs

• Bring backup gear and disposable armor sets.

• Use Cryopods to bring in multiple tames where allowed.

• Don’t go solo in high-level zones unless you’re fully confident - tribe coordination is vital.

Result

Caves in ARK: Survival Evolved are critical for progression, offering unique artifacts, rare resources, and access to boss battles. Successfully navigating them requires preparation, strategy, and the right gear to survive their deadly environments. Caves are spread across all major maps, like The Island, Scorched Earth, Aberration, and Extinction, each with unique layouts, biomes, and threats. Each location demands different tactics, gear, and environmental protection to survive and claim the powerful artifacts hidden within.

Enjoyed reading the guide? Visit our Blog section and learn even more exciting things about your favorite games! Play together with GODLIKE.