🦖 ARK: Survival Ascended · Island Cave

ARK Central Cave — Artifact of the Clever

Near the volcano in the dead center of the map, with the Artifact of the Clever down by the pool at the back. Entrance at 40.2 / 46.6 — and one rule that decides the whole run: Megalosaurus only fights at night.

Coords: 40.2 / 46.6 Artifact: Clever Boss: Broodmother Difficulty: Easy
Central Cave entrance at Lat 40.2, Lon 46.6 on The Island in ARK: Survival Ascended
The entrance at 40.2 / 46.6, tucked into a rock outcrop near the volcano.
Best MountBaryonyx or Thylacoleo — mobs spawn in large groups here, so bring a mount with serious HP.
HazardsOnyc, Arthropleura, Megalosaurus (at night only)
GearMid-tier armor, ranged weapon, Lesser Antidotes
Artifact atThe back of the cave, down by the pool chamber

Full Central Cave Walkthrough

Located near the volcano in the dead center of the map, the Central Cave is mostly straightforward — common cave critters with the one big exception: Megalosaurus can spawn inside, and if it does, it's a real fight. The good news is Megalosaurus is only active at night, so daytime runs are dramatically safer.

The artifact is at the back of the cave, so plan to clear most of the enemy spawns to get there. Mobs spawn in large groups here, so pick a mount with serious HP and bring whistle commands you've drilled.

Pro tip: Time your run for daylight in-game. Megalosaurus only attacks at night, and the difference between a 5-minute run and a 25-minute fight is just the clock.
Artifact of the Clever by the pool chamber inside the Central Cave in ARK: Survival Ascended
The Artifact of the Clever, down by the pool at the back of the cave.

Central Cave Questions

Where is the Central Cave on The Island?
The entrance is at Lat 40.2, Lon 46.6, tucked into a rock outcrop near the volcano in the dead center of the map. Inside is the Artifact of the Clever, used to summon Broodmother Lysrix.
Is the Megalosaurus always in there?
It can spawn inside, and when it does it's the hardest thing in the cave — but it only attacks at night. Run in in-game daylight and it stays passive.
Do I need a flyer?
No — flyers can't enter any Island artifact cave. A Baryonyx or Thylacoleo handles the large spawn groups inside; the cave itself is rated Easy.

More Island Caves