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

Taming a low-level Ichthyosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly taming processes in the game. The Ichthyosaurus, often called an "Ichthy," is a small, dolphin-like marine creature that is passive and non-aggressive. It is an excellent early-game mount for exploring the ocean, as it is fast and maneuverable. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a low-level Ichthyosaurus, including mechanics, strategies, tips, and considerations.

The Ichthyosaurus is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you simply swim up to it and feed it the appropriate food. The preferred food for taming an Ichthyosaurus is Regular Kibble, which is the most effective and fastest option. However, if you do not have Regular Kibble, you can use Raw Mutton, Cooked Lamb Chop, or Raw Prime Meat as alternatives. These options will take longer but are still viable. The Ichthyosaurus will eat these foods directly from your inventory when you approach it.

To begin the taming process, you will need to prepare the necessary resources. If you are using Regular Kibble, you will need to craft it using a Cooking Pot or Industrial Cooker. The recipe for Regular Kibble includes 1 Dodo Egg, 1 Rockarrot, 1 Cooked Meat, 2 Mejoberries, 3 Fiber, and 1 Waterskin or Water Jar. If you are using Raw Mutton or Raw Prime Meat, you will need to hunt Ovis or other creatures that drop these resources. It is also a good idea to bring some Narcotics or Bio Toxin to keep the Ichthyosaurus's torpor stable if it starts to wake up during the taming process, though this is rarely necessary for low-level Ichthyosaurs.

Once you have the food, head to the ocean or a body of water where Ichthyosaurs spawn. They are commonly found in shallow waters near the coast. When you spot an Ichthyosaurus, swim up to it slowly. Avoid making sudden movements or getting too close too quickly, as this can scare it away. Ichthyosaurs are skittish and will swim away if they feel threatened. Approach from behind or the side to minimize the chance of startling it.

When you are close enough, open your inventory and transfer the food (Regular Kibble, Raw Mutton, etc.) to the Ichthyosaurus's inventory. It will begin eating the food, and the taming bar will start to fill. After a short delay, the Ichthyosaurus will eat another piece of food. Repeat this process until the taming bar is full. The time between feedings depends on the level of the Ichthyosaurus and the type of food you are using. Regular Kibble will fill the taming bar much faster than Raw Mutton or Raw Prime Meat.

One important tip is to stay close to the Ichthyosaurus during the taming process. If you swim too far away, it may lose interest and swim off, resetting the taming progress. Additionally, keep an eye out for predators in the water, such as Megalodons or Piranhas, which can attack you or the Ichthyosaurus. If you are playing solo, it is a good idea to clear the area of threats before starting the taming process. If you are in a tribe, you can have a tribe member guard you while you tame the Ichthyosaurus.

A common mistake to avoid is using the wrong type of food. While the Ichthyosaurus will eat Raw Meat or Berries, these are highly inefficient and will take a very long time to tame. Always prioritize Regular Kibble, Raw Mutton, or Raw Prime Meat for the best results. Another mistake is approaching the Ichthyosaurus too quickly or from the front, which can cause it to flee. Patience and careful movement are key to a successful tame.

For advanced players, you can optimize the taming process by using a Taming Pen. While this is not necessary for Ichthyosaurs, it can be helpful if you are taming multiple creatures or want to ensure the Ichthyosaurus does not swim away. To build a Taming Pen, use Stone or Metal Foundations and Walls to create an enclosed area in shallow water. Lure the Ichthyosaurus into the pen and close the gate behind it. This will prevent it from escaping and make the taming process easier.

In terms of resource management, always gather extra food and Narcotics before starting the taming process. This ensures you are prepared for any unexpected delays or issues. If you are playing on a server with boosted taming rates, the process will be much faster, and you may not need as much food. However, on official servers or with standard rates, be prepared for a longer taming process, especially if you are not using Regular Kibble.

In conclusion, taming a low-level Ichthyosaurus is a straightforward process that requires patience, the right food, and careful movement. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully tame an Ichthyosaurus and gain a valuable early-game mount for exploring the ocean. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the Ichthyosaurus is a great addition to your team and will make underwater exploration much easier.