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

Taming a high-level Raptor in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. Raptors are fast, aggressive carnivores that can be valuable companions for early to mid-game players due to their speed, agility, and pack bonus. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a high-level Raptor effectively, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

Mechanics Involved
Raptors are carnivores, so they require meat to tame. The taming process involves knocking them unconscious using tranquilizers and then feeding them their preferred food. High-level Raptors have more health and torpor, meaning they take longer to knock out and require more resources to tame. The preferred food for Raptors is raw prime meat, cooked prime meat, or kibble. Kibble, specifically made from Dodo eggs, is the most effective and speeds up the taming process significantly. However, if kibble is unavailable, raw prime meat is the next best option.

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparation: Before attempting to tame a Raptor, gather the necessary resources. You will need a ranged weapon like a bow or crossbow, tranq arrows or tranquilizer darts, narcotics or bio toxin to maintain torpor, and the preferred food (kibble, raw prime meat, or cooked prime meat). Additionally, craft a few bolas to immobilize the Raptor temporarily. Building a taming pen can also help secure the Raptor during the process.

2. Locate the Raptor: Raptors are commonly found in forests, grasslands, and near mountains. Use a flying mount like an Argentavis or Pteranodon to scout for a high-level Raptor. Aim for a level 100 or higher for the best stats.

3. Immobilize the Raptor: Once you find a Raptor, use a bola to immobilize it. This will prevent it from running away or attacking you. Be quick, as bolas only last a short time.

4. Knock It Out: While the Raptor is immobilized, shoot it with tranq arrows or tranquilizer darts. Aim for the head for maximum torpor gain. Be careful not to kill it, as Raptors have relatively low health. Monitor its torpor level and stop shooting once it is close to being knocked out.

5. Feed the Raptor: Once the Raptor is unconscious, place the preferred food in its inventory. If using raw prime meat, prioritize it over cooked meat for faster taming. Keep an eye on its torpor level and administer narcotics or bio toxin as needed to keep it unconscious.

6. Protect the Raptor: While taming, ensure the area is safe from other predators. Raptors are vulnerable when unconscious, and other creatures may attack them. Use spike walls or a taming pen to create a secure area.

7. Complete the Tame: Wait for the taming bar to fill. High-level Raptors can take a significant amount of time, especially if not using kibble. Once tamed, the Raptor will be loyal to you and can be ridden or used for combat.

Important Tips and Considerations
- Use Kibble: If possible, use Dodo egg kibble for the fastest and most efficient taming. This reduces the time and resources needed.
- Monitor Torpor: Keep a close eye on the Raptor's torpor level. If it wakes up, you will need to start the process over.
- Avoid Overdamage: Be cautious not to deal too much damage while knocking out the Raptor. Use the appropriate number of tranq arrows or darts to avoid killing it.
- Pack Bonus: Raptors gain a pack bonus when near other Raptors. Consider taming multiple Raptors to maximize their effectiveness in combat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Using Bolas: Failing to use a bola can result in the Raptor escaping or attacking you, making the taming process much harder.
- Ignoring Torpor: Neglecting to monitor and maintain the Raptor's torpor can lead to it waking up prematurely.
- Poor Preparation: Attempting to tame a Raptor without the necessary resources or tools can result in failure. Always prepare adequately before starting the taming process.

Advanced Techniques or Optimizations
- Taming Pen: Build a small taming pen with doorframes and walls to trap the Raptor. This prevents it from escaping and protects it from other predators.
- Taming Effectiveness: To maximize taming effectiveness, avoid letting the Raptor take damage after it is knocked out. Use a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics needed.
- Teamwork: If playing in a tribe, coordinate with tribe members to gather resources and protect the Raptor during the taming process.

Resource Requirements and Preparation
- Weapons: Bow or crossbow with tranq arrows or tranquilizer darts.
- Food: Dodo egg kibble, raw prime meat, or cooked prime meat.
- Narcotics: At least 20-30 narcotics or bio toxin for a high-level Raptor.
- Bolas: At least 2-3 bolas to immobilize the Raptor.
- Taming Pen: Optional but recommended for safety.

Tribe/Solo Considerations
- Solo Play: Solo players should focus on preparation and safety. Use a taming pen and ensure the area is clear of threats before starting.
- Tribe Play: Tribes can divide tasks, with one member scouting, another gathering resources, and others protecting the Raptor during taming. This makes the process faster and more efficient.

Specific Examples and Scenarios
Imagine you are on The Island map, and you spot a level 120 Raptor in the Redwood Forest. You prepare by crafting 30 tranq arrows, 25 narcotics, and 3 bolas. You also gather 10 pieces of raw prime meat from a nearby Parasaur. Using your Pteranodon, you lure the Raptor into a taming pen you built earlier. You bola it, shoot it with tranq arrows, and knock it out. You then feed it the raw prime meat and monitor its torpor, administering narcotics as needed. After 30 minutes, the Raptor is tamed and ready to join your team.

By following these steps and tips, you can successfully tame a high-level Raptor in ARK: Survival Evolved, enhancing your survival and exploration capabilities.