What is the best way to tame a low-level Rex in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a low-level Rex in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding task, especially for players looking to add a powerful carnivore to their team. The Rex is one of the most formidable creatures in the game, capable of dealing massive damage and serving as a strong mount for both combat and resource gathering. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a low-level Rex, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips to ensure success.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved in taming a Rex. Rexes are carnivores, so they require meat to tame. The best food for taming a Rex is Kibble made from Rex eggs, but this is often unavailable early in the game. The next best options are raw prime meat or raw meat. Prime meat tames the Rex faster and more efficiently, but raw meat is more accessible. Rexes are aggressive creatures, so they must be knocked out before taming. This is done by using tranquilizer tools such as a slingshot, bow with tranq arrows, or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts. Once the Rex is unconscious, you must feed it the appropriate food while keeping it sedated using narcotics or narcoberries.

To begin taming a Rex, you need to prepare the necessary resources. For a low-level Rex, you will need around 50-100 tranq arrows or 10-20 tranquilizer darts, depending on your weapon. You will also need narcotics or narcoberries to keep the Rex unconscious. For food, gather as much raw prime meat or raw meat as possible. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 50-100 pieces of raw meat or 10-20 pieces of raw prime meat. Additionally, bring a few stacks of berries for emergencies, as they can be used to craft narcotics on the spot if needed.

Next, you need to locate a low-level Rex. Low-level Rexes are easier to tame because they have lower health and torpor, making them quicker to knock out and requiring less food. Once you find a Rex, the first step is to lure it into a safe area. Building a taming pen is highly recommended. A taming pen can be constructed using stone or metal foundations and walls. The pen should have a large gate or ramp to lead the Rex inside. Once the Rex is inside, close the gate to trap it. This prevents the Rex from escaping or being attacked by other predators.

With the Rex trapped, you can begin knocking it out. Use your tranq arrows or darts to shoot the Rex in the head, as this deals the most torpor. Be careful not to kill the Rex, as its health will drop as you shoot it. If the RexÔÇÖs health gets too low, wait a few seconds between shots to allow its torpor to rise without further damaging it. Once the Rex is unconscious, quickly place the meat in its inventory and start feeding it. Monitor its torpor level and add narcotics or narcoberries as needed to keep it sedated.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the RexÔÇÖs torpor drain. Rexes lose torpor quickly, so you must be prepared with plenty of narcotics or narcoberries. Another mistake is not securing the area. Wild creatures or other players can disrupt the taming process, so always ensure the area is safe before starting. Additionally, avoid using low-damage weapons like slingshots, as they may take too long to knock out the Rex, increasing the risk of it escaping or being killed.

For advanced players, using a taming calculator can help optimize the process. These tools allow you to input the RexÔÇÖs level and the type of food you are using to determine the exact amount of resources and time required. This can save you time and resources by ensuring you bring the right amount of food and narcotics. Another advanced technique is using a taming pen with a trapdoor or a bola to immobilize the Rex temporarily, making it easier to knock out.

If you are playing solo, taming a Rex can be more challenging due to the lack of support. In this case, preparation is key. Make sure you have all the necessary resources and a secure taming pen before attempting to tame the Rex. If you are in a tribe, you can divide tasks among members, such as one person gathering meat while another builds the pen. This makes the process faster and more efficient.

In conclusion, taming a low-level Rex in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and execution. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully tame a Rex and add a powerful ally to your team. Always remember to prepare thoroughly, secure the area, and monitor the RexÔÇÖs torpor and health throughout the process. With practice and experience, taming Rexes will become a routine part of your survival strategy in ARK.