ARK: Survival Evolved

Undoubtedly, ARK Survival Evolved is one of the most popular (and most replayable) survival games in recent years. That's because ARK Survival Evolved lets players roam a prehistoric island filled with dinosaurs (and some fantasy monsters), hazards, and other players. All of these unique survival features create a feeling of dread and excitement, something other survival games lack.

To explore the island, players must tame the prehistoric beasts that roam the land. Unfortunately, exploring the island on foot or an animal is quite dangerous, often leading to diseases. As a result, players die from these diseases, cutting their adventure short. The good news is that players can prevent most of these diseases and even get rid of them with the right ingredients.

How to Prevent Diseases

The most effective method of preventing Diseases in ARK Survival Evolved is investing Stat Points into Fortitude. This Stat measures a player's resistance to the Weather, Torpidity (weariness), and Disease. Oddly enough, it also reduces the chances of defecating whenever a Tyrannosaurus roars, one of the many things that don't make sense in ARK Survival Evolved.

Some players report that having at least 90 Fortitude will grant over 80% Disease Prevention. But of course, reaching 90 Fortitude isn't realistic, since that means players would have to invest in Fortitude (spending 2 Stat points) for 45 levels. It isn't the best or most balanced way of allocating Stat points.

Aside from Fortitude, the only other method of preventing Diseases is wearing a Gas Mask. Unfortunately, that only prevents Airborne-type Diseases, so getting bitten by a nasty leech will still cause a Disease.

Contagious Diseases

There are two Contagious Diseases in ARK Survival Evolved: Mega Rabies and Swamp Fever. Contagious Diseases can spread from animal to player and player to player, through touch or airborne particles.

Mega Rabies

Effects:

Drains Health & Stamina

Players can become infected with Mega Rabies by being in contact with a Megalania, bitten by an Onyc, or through airborne transmission from an infected player or tamed Dodo. Player can cure Mega Rabies by using a Lesser Antidote, drinking Wyvern Milk (not Maewings, even if they also produce milk), or sleeping in a Tek Sleeping Pod.

Swamp Fever

Effects:

20% reduction in Weight, Melee Damage, Health and Stamina.
20% increase in Movement Speed.
50% increase in Food, Water, and Oxygen consumption.

The most common way of getting Swamp Fever is coming into contact with a Diseased Leech, commonly found in swampy areas. But, infected players or tamed Dodos can also spread Swamp Fever through airborne particles. Players can cure Swamp Fever by using a Lesser Antidote, Nameless Venom, or sleeping on a Tek Sleeping Pod.

Non-contagious Diseases

There are two Non-contagious Diseases in ARK Survival Evolved: Lamprey Poison and Radiation Sickness. As players can expect, non-contagious diseases cannot be spread by any means. Only the player/animal infected by the disease will feel the effects.

Lamprey Poison

Effects:

20% reduction in Weight, Melee Damage, Health and Stamina.
50% reduction in Food, Water, and Oxygen consumption.
20% increase in Movement Speed.

Lamprey Poison shares several similarities with Swamp Fever, except there's only a 2% chance for players to become infected by a Diseased Lamprey, one of the most common creatures in ARK Survival Evolved. Nameless Venom is the only antidote that players can use to remove Lamprey Poison, but leveling up also removes this Disease.

Radiation Sickness

Effects:

Drains 1 HP per second.

The only way of getting Radiation Sickness is by entering a Elements' region of Aberration without the proper armor (Full Hazard Protection). Fortunately, there are several ways of curing Radiation Sickness, but the most common way is consuming an Auric Mushroom. Alternatively, players can avoid Radiation Sickness in ARK Survival Evolved by having an attached Lamprey. But, of course, this increases the chances of becoming infected with Lamprey Poison.