How do I tame a Thylacoleo in the redwood forest in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Thylacoleo in the redwood forest in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding task. The Thylacoleo is a powerful creature known for its climbing ability, high damage output, and versatility in both combat and transportation. However, taming one requires careful preparation and execution due to its aggressive nature and the dangerous environment of the redwood forest.

The first step in taming a Thylacoleo is to locate one. Thylacoleos are commonly found in the redwood forest, often perched high in the trees. They are ambush predators, so they will leap down from the trees to attack you if you get too close. This makes them particularly dangerous, as they can quickly incapacitate you or your tames. To avoid being caught off guard, approach the redwood forest with caution, preferably on a flying mount like an Argentavis or Pteranodon. This allows you to scout the area from above and spot Thylacoleos before they spot you.

Once you have located a Thylacoleo, the next step is to prepare for the taming process. Thylacoleos are carnivores, so they require raw meat, raw prime meat, or kibble to tame. Kibble made from Extra Large Eggs, such as those from a Rex or Therizinosaurus, is the most effective and will significantly speed up the taming process. However, if you do not have access to kibble, raw prime meat is the next best option. You will also need a significant amount of narcotics or biotoxin to keep the Thylacoleo unconscious during the taming process, as well as a weapon to knock it out, such as a crossbow with tranq arrows or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts.

To knock out the Thylacoleo, you will need to engage it in combat. This is where things can get tricky, as Thylacoleos are fast and deal a lot of damage. One effective strategy is to use a taming pen. Build a small enclosure with stone or metal walls and a large gate. Lure the Thylacoleo into the pen by aggroing it and then quickly closing the gate behind it. Once it is trapped, you can safely shoot it with tranq arrows or darts from outside the pen. Be sure to aim for the head to maximize torpor gain and minimize the number of shots required.

As the Thylacoleo begins to lose consciousness, monitor its torpor level carefully. Thylacoleos have a high torpor drain rate, so you will need to administer narcotics or biotoxin regularly to keep it unconscious. Once it is fully unconscious, place the preferred taming food in its inventory and wait for the taming bar to fill. Keep an eye on its torpor and hunger levels, and be prepared to defend it from other predators in the area, as the redwood forest is home to many dangerous creatures like Carnotaurus, Raptors, and even the occasional Rex.

One common mistake players make when taming a Thylacoleo is underestimating its speed and damage. If you are not prepared, it can easily kill you or your tames before you have a chance to knock it out. Another mistake is not bringing enough narcotics or biotoxin, which can result in the Thylacoleo waking up before the taming process is complete. To avoid these issues, always come prepared with plenty of supplies and a solid plan.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make to streamline the taming process. Using a taming pen with a ramp can make it easier to lure the Thylacoleo inside, as it will naturally follow you up the ramp and into the enclosure. Additionally, using a high-damage weapon like a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts can reduce the number of shots needed to knock out the Thylacoleo, saving you time and resources. If you are playing in a tribe, consider having one player distract the Thylacoleo while another shoots it with tranq arrows or darts. This can make the process safer and more efficient.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need a significant amount of materials to successfully tame a Thylacoleo. This includes the materials to build a taming pen, a weapon capable of knocking it out, and enough food and narcotics to keep it unconscious. If you are playing solo, it is especially important to gather these resources in advance, as you will not have the support of tribe members to help you during the taming process.

Finally, once you have successfully tamed a Thylacoleo, you will have a powerful ally at your disposal. Thylacoleos are excellent for both combat and transportation, as they can climb trees and cliffs, making them ideal for navigating the redwood forest. They also have a strong attack and can carry a decent amount of weight, making them useful for gathering resources or defending your base. With proper care and training, a Thylacoleo can become an invaluable part of your survival strategy in ARK: Survival Evolved.