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

Taming a low-level Dung Beetle in ARK: Survival Evolved is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation and execution. Dung Beetles are passive tames, meaning you do not need to knock them out. Instead, you must approach them carefully and feed them their preferred food. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a Dung Beetle effectively, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and more.

Dung Beetles are small, insect-like creatures found in caves, particularly in the Lower South Cave on The Island map. They are highly valued for their ability to convert feces into valuable resources like oil and fertilizer, making them essential for advanced farming and resource management. To tame a Dung Beetle, you need to feed it feces, which is its preferred food. The quality of the feces affects the taming efficiency, with higher-quality feces like Large Animal Feces providing better results.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. You will need a good amount of feces, preferably Large Animal Feces, as it speeds up the taming process. You can collect feces by following larger creatures like Brontosaurus or Rexes and picking up their droppings. Alternatively, you can use a Phiomia, which produces feces when force-fed Stimberries. Additionally, bring a set of Ghillie Armor to reduce your visibility, as Dung Beetles are easily startled. A Bola can also be useful to immobilize the Dung Beetle if it starts to flee.

Once you have your resources, head to a cave where Dung Beetles spawn. The Lower South Cave is a common location. Be cautious, as caves are dangerous and often filled with hostile creatures like Araneos and Titanoboas. Clear the area of threats before attempting to tame the Dung Beetle. If you are playing solo, consider bringing a tamed creature like a Sabertooth or Wolf to help with combat.

When you locate a Dung Beetle, approach it slowly while crouching. Wearing Ghillie Armor will help you stay undetected. If the Dung Beetle notices you, it may try to flee, so be ready to use a Bola to stop it. Once you are close enough, open your inventory and place the feces in the last slot of your hotbar. Approach the Dung Beetle from behind and feed it the feces. After feeding, the Dung Beetle will begin the taming process. Repeat this process until the taming bar is full.

One important tip is to avoid feeding the Dung Beetle too quickly. There is a cooldown period between feedings, so wait a few seconds before offering more feces. Overfeeding can cause the Dung Beetle to flee or reset its taming progress. Additionally, keep an eye on your surroundings, as other creatures in the cave may attack you or the Dung Beetle during the taming process.

Common mistakes include not bringing enough feces or using low-quality feces like Small Animal Feces, which significantly slows down the taming process. Another mistake is failing to clear the area of threats, which can lead to interruptions or even death. Always ensure the area is safe before starting the taming process.

For advanced players, consider using a taming pen to make the process easier. Build a small enclosure with walls and a door near the Dung Beetle's spawn location. Lure the Dung Beetle into the pen and close the door behind it. This prevents the Dung Beetle from escaping and makes the taming process more manageable. You can also use a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of feces required for the specific level of Dung Beetle you are taming.

In terms of tribe considerations, taming a Dung Beetle is generally easier with a group. One player can focus on feeding the Dung Beetle while others guard the area or gather additional resources. However, solo players can still tame a Dung Beetle effectively with proper preparation and caution.

In summary, taming a low-level Dung Beetle involves gathering high-quality feces, approaching the creature carefully, and feeding it repeatedly while avoiding detection. Clear the area of threats, use Ghillie Armor, and consider building a taming pen for added security. With patience and preparation, you can successfully tame a Dung Beetle and benefit from its resource-producing abilities.