How do I tame a high-level Tapejara in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a high-level Tapejara in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, preparation, and execution due to its unique behavior and mobility. 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 combat. However, its tendency to flee when attacked and its ability to cling to surfaces make it a challenging tame. Below is a detailed guide to successfully tame a high-level Tapejara.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of taming a Tapejara. The Tapejara is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you must approach it carefully and feed it its preferred food. The Tapejara prefers Superior Kibble, Raw Mutton, or Raw Prime Meat for taming. Superior Kibble is the most effective, as it significantly reduces taming time and increases taming effectiveness. If you do not have Superior Kibble, Raw Mutton is the next best option, followed by Raw Prime Meat. Avoid using lower-quality foods like Raw Meat, as they will take much longer and result in a less effective tame.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. You will need a significant amount of the preferred taming food, as well as a few other items. If you are using Superior Kibble, you will need to craft it using ingredients like Extra Large Eggs, Focal Chili, and other resources. Raw Mutton can be obtained by killing Ovis, which are sheep-like creatures found in certain areas of the map. Raw Prime Meat can be harvested from larger creatures like Rexes or Carnotaurus. Additionally, you will need a flying mount, such as an Argentavis or Pteranodon, to chase and keep up with the Tapejara. A Grappling Hook or Net Projectile can also be useful for immobilizing the Tapejara temporarily.

Next, locate a high-level Tapejara. These creatures are often found in mountainous or forested areas, such as the Redwood Forest or the mountains on The Island. Once you spot one, approach it carefully. Tapejaras are skittish and will fly away if they detect you. To avoid spooking it, crouch and move slowly. If you have a Grappling Hook or Net Projectile, use it to immobilize the Tapejara. This will give you a brief window to feed it. If you do not have these tools, you will need to chase it on your flying mount.

When you are close enough, open your inventory and place the taming food in the far-right slot. Approach the Tapejara from behind and feed it. After feeding, it will fly away, and you will need to repeat the process. Each feeding increases the taming progress, but you must wait for the Tapejara to become hungry again before feeding it. This process can take some time, especially for high-level Tapejaras, so be patient.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, always carry extra food and narcotics in case the Tapejara becomes agitated or you encounter other predators. Second, avoid taming in areas with aggressive creatures, as they can interrupt the process. Third, if you are playing solo, consider building a taming pen to trap the Tapejara temporarily. This can make the process easier, as you will not need to chase it repeatedly. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to surround the Tapejara and prevent it from escaping.

Common mistakes to avoid include spooking the Tapejara by moving too quickly or making loud noises. Additionally, do not attempt to tame a Tapejara without a flying mount, as it will be nearly impossible to keep up with it on foot. Another mistake is using low-quality food, which will result in a longer taming process and a less effective tame.

Advanced techniques include using a Net Projectile to immobilize the Tapejara for a longer period, giving you more time to feed it. You can also use a taming pen with a large gate to trap the Tapejara, making the process more efficient. If you are in a tribe, assign roles to each member, such as one person to chase the Tapejara and another to feed it.

In conclusion, taming a high-level Tapejara requires preparation, patience, and strategy. By gathering the right resources, using the correct tools, and following the steps outlined above, you can successfully tame this agile and versatile creature. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the Tapejara will be a valuable addition to your team, aiding in exploration, combat, and transportation.