What is the most effective way to tame a Tapejara in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Tapejara in ARK: Survival Evolved can be a challenging but rewarding process. The Tapejara is a versatile flying creature known for its agility and ability to carry multiple passengers, making it a valuable asset for exploration and transportation. To tame a Tapejara effectively, you need to understand its unique mechanics and prepare accordingly.

The Tapejara is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you must approach it carefully and feed it the right food to gain its trust. The preferred food for taming a Tapejara is Superior Kibble, which is made from specific eggs, such as Argentavis or Spino eggs, along with other ingredients like fiber, mejoberries, and cooked meat. If you do not have Superior Kibble, you can use Raw Mutton or Raw Prime Meat as alternatives, though these will take longer and may not be as effective.

To begin the taming process, you need to locate a Tapejara. They are commonly found in mountainous or forested areas, such as the Redwood Forest or the mountains on The Island map. Once you spot one, approach it slowly and quietly. Tapejaras are skittish and will fly away if they detect you, so it is crucial to remain hidden. Using Ghillie Armor can help reduce your visibility and make it easier to get close.

When you are within range, crouch and move slowly toward the Tapejara. Once you are close enough, you can feed it the preferred food. After feeding, the Tapejara will fly away, and you will need to follow it to continue the taming process. This can be tricky, as the Tapejara may fly to hard-to-reach areas. Having a flying mount, such as an Argentavis or Pteranodon, can help you keep up with the Tapejara and continue feeding it.

One effective strategy is to build a taming pen. Construct a small enclosure using stone or metal walls and a large gate. Lure the Tapejara into the pen by aggroing it and then quickly closing the gate behind it. This will prevent the Tapejara from flying away and make the taming process much easier. Once the Tapejara is trapped, you can safely feed it without worrying about it escaping.

It is important to note that the Tapejara has a low torpor level, so you must be careful not to accidentally knock it out. Using tranquilizers or other knockout methods will ruin the taming process, as the Tapejara must be tamed passively. Additionally, make sure to have plenty of food on hand, as the taming process can take a while, especially if you are not using Superior Kibble.

For solo players, taming a Tapejara can be more challenging due to the need to follow it after each feeding. Having a flying mount and a taming pen can significantly ease the process. For tribes, coordinating with other players can make it easier to trap and feed the Tapejara, as one player can follow it while another prepares the food.

Advanced techniques include using a grappling hook to latch onto the Tapejara after feeding it. This allows you to stay close and continue the taming process without losing track of it. Another optimization is to use a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and time required, ensuring you are fully prepared.

In summary, taming a Tapejara requires patience, preparation, and careful execution. By using the right food, building a taming pen, and employing advanced techniques, you can successfully tame this agile flyer and add it to your arsenal of tamed creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved.