How do I safely knock out a Spinosaurus without killing it in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Spinosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding task. The Spino is one of the most powerful creatures in the game, excelling in both land and water combat, as well as resource gathering. To safely knock out a Spinosaurus without killing it, you need to understand the mechanics of torpor, the tools required, and the strategies to minimize risks. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you through the process.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. The Spinosaurus is a large carnivore with high health and damage output. To knock it out, you need to increase its torpor level until it falls unconscious. Torpor is a stat that increases when you hit the creature with tranquilizing weapons like slingshots, tranq arrows, or tranquilizer darts. However, torpor decreases over time, so you need to keep applying torpor faster than it drains. The Spino has a high torpor pool, so youÔÇÖll need a lot of tranq arrows or darts to knock it out. Additionally, its torpor drain rate is relatively fast, so you must act quickly and efficiently.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need a crossbow or longneck rifle, tranq arrows or tranquilizer darts, and narcotics or biotoxin to keep the Spino unconscious. A crossbow is more accessible early in the game, but a longneck rifle with tranq darts is more effective and faster. YouÔÇÖll also need a good amount of food for taming, such as raw prime meat or kibble. Kibble is the most effective and speeds up the taming process significantly. Prepare a taming pen or trap to make the process safer. A taming pen can be built with stone or metal structures, as the Spino can easily break wood.

Next, locate a Spinosaurus. They are commonly found near rivers and lakes. Once you find one, lure it into your taming pen. This can be done by shooting it with a tranq arrow or dart and then running into the pen. Make sure the pen has a large gate or opening to allow the Spino to enter, and then close it behind it. This prevents the Spino from escaping or attacking you while you work on knocking it out.

Now, start applying torpor. Aim for the head, as it deals more torpor damage. If youÔÇÖre using a crossbow, shoot tranq arrows one after another, keeping an eye on the SpinoÔÇÖs torpor level. If youÔÇÖre using a longneck rifle, shoot tranq darts, which are more effective and require fewer shots. Be careful not to overdamage the Spino, as too much damage can kill it before it falls unconscious. Monitor its health and torpor levels closely. If its health drops too low, stop shooting and wait for it to regenerate slightly before continuing.

Once the Spino is unconscious, quickly place the food in its inventory. Raw prime meat is a good option, but kibble is the best for faster taming. Keep an eye on its torpor level and feed it narcotics or biotoxin as needed to keep it unconscious. The taming process can take a while, so be patient and stay alert for other predators that might attack the unconscious Spino.

Here are some important tips and considerations. Always bring extra resources, as you might need more tranq arrows or darts than expected. Use a taming calculator to estimate the exact amount of resources required based on the SpinoÔÇÖs level. Avoid taming in dangerous areas with many predators, as they can interrupt the process. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider using a trap to make the process safer. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to speed up the process and protect the unconscious Spino.

Common mistakes to avoid include overdamaging the Spino, not preparing enough resources, and taming in unsafe locations. Overdamaging can kill the Spino, so always monitor its health. Not preparing enough resources can lead to a failed tame, so always bring extra. Taming in unsafe locations can result in the Spino being killed by other creatures, so choose a safe spot or build a taming pen.

Advanced techniques include using a taming pen with a ramp, which allows you to trap the Spino more easily. You can also use a flying mount to lure the Spino into the pen, reducing the risk of being attacked. Additionally, using kibble instead of raw meat can significantly speed up the taming process and improve the SpinoÔÇÖs taming effectiveness.

In conclusion, taming a Spinosaurus requires careful preparation, efficient use of resources, and strategic planning. By following these steps and tips, you can safely knock out and tame a Spino, adding a powerful ally to your team. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, mastering the art of taming will greatly enhance your survival and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.