🦖 ARK: Survival Ascended · Island Cave

ARK Lower South Cave — Artifact of the Hunter

The easiest cave on The Island, and the one most survivors clear first. Entrance at 85.3 / 54.2, the Artifact of the Hunter at the back, and a full video run below — every hazard called out as it happens.

Coords: 85.3 / 54.2 Artifact: Hunter Boss: Megapithecus Difficulty: Easy
Best MountNone needed — it's dry and easy, so on foot or any nimble ground mount works (in ASA a Baryonyx isn't required, and its cave access is only "Limited" anyway).
HazardsTitanoboa, Pulmonoscorpius, Araneo, Arthropleura, Onyc, Sarcosuchus, Piranha
GearHide Armor, Lesser Antidotes, Stimulants, pike or crossbow, torch
Artifact atThe back of the cave, past a steep drop
Lower South Cave entrance at Lat 85.3, Lon 54.2 on The Island in ARK: Survival Ascended
The entrance at 85.3 / 54.2 — an unassuming crack in a shallow canyon wall.
The run

Full Lower South Cave Walkthrough

The full run on video — every hazard called out as it happens, door to door in under 15 minutes.

Nestled in a shallow canyon in the south, the Lower South Cave is the easiest cave on The Island and most often the first cave new survivors clear. Enemies spawn in small clusters rather than overwhelming swarms, which makes it forgiving even with mid-tier gear.

Layout note: the artifact sits at the back of the cave after a steep drop — keep an eye on your footing on the way down, since falling too early skips half the loot. Expect Titanoboas on the lower stretches; they blend into the moss.

Pro tip: Keep Lesser Antidotes on you for every Island cave — Onyc bites can give you Mega Rabies, which doesn't go away on its own. Pack Stimulants too: Pulmonoscorpius stings and Araneo bites both stack torpor fast, and you'll meet both between the entrance and the artifact.
Artifact of the Hunter glowing inside the Lower South Cave in ARK: Survival Ascended
The Artifact of the Hunter, waiting past the drop at the back.
FAQ

Lower South Cave Questions

Where is the Lower South Cave on The Island?
The entrance is at Lat 85.3, Lon 54.2 — a crack in a shallow canyon wall in the south of the map. Inside is the Artifact of the Hunter, one of the three artifacts you need to summon Megapithecus.
Is it really the easiest Island cave?
Yes — it's rated Easy and is the usual first cave. Enemies come in small clusters instead of swarms, so basic Hide Armor, a Baryonyx (or on foot), and a stack of antidotes clear it.
Do I need a flyer?
No — flyers can't enter any Island artifact cave. A ground mount like a Baryonyx works, but the Lower South is forgiving enough to run on foot.
Keep exploring The Island

More Island Caves

All 22 Island Caves → Upper South Cave (Pack) → Island Explorer Notes → Island Creature Dossiers →