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

Taming a high-level Tapejara in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, preparation, and execution due to its unique behavior and mobility. The Tapejara is a versatile flying creature that can carry multiple riders and is highly maneuverable, making it a valuable asset for exploration, combat, and transportation. However, its ability to fly and its tendency to flee when attacked make taming it more challenging than many other creatures. Below is a detailed guide on how to successfully tame a high-level Tapejara.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of taming a Tapejara. The Tapejara is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you must approach it carefully and feed it its preferred food. The Tapejara prefers Superior Kibble, which is the most effective taming food, but it can also be tamed with Raw Mutton, Cooked Lamb Chop, or Raw Prime Meat. Superior Kibble significantly reduces the taming time and increases the taming effectiveness, so it is highly recommended if you have access to it. To craft Superior Kibble, you will need ingredients like Extra Large Eggs (from creatures like Rex or Therizinosaurus), Sap, Fiber, and other resources.

Before attempting to tame a Tapejara, gather all the necessary resources. If you are using Superior Kibble, ensure you have enough to complete the tame. For a high-level Tapejara, you may need 20-30 kibble depending on its level. If you are using Raw Mutton or other meats, gather a large quantity, as these are less efficient and will require more food. Additionally, bring a few stacks of Narcotics or Bio Toxin to keep the Tapejara unconscious if it becomes aggressive or if you accidentally hit it. You will also need a long-range weapon like a Crossbow with Tranquilizer Arrows or a Rifle with Tranquilizer Darts to knock it out if necessary.

Next, locate a Tapejara. These creatures are commonly found in mountainous or forested areas, such as the Redwood Forest or the mountains on The Island map. Once you find a high-level Tapejara, approach it cautiously. Tapejaras are skittish and will fly away if you get too close or make sudden movements. To avoid this, crouch and move slowly toward it. If you are playing solo, consider using a Grappling Hook to anchor yourself to the ground or a nearby structure to prevent the Tapejara from flying away. If you are in a tribe, have one player distract the Tapejara while another approaches from behind to feed it.

When you are close enough, open your inventory and place the preferred food in the far-right slot. Then, feed the Tapejara by pressing the appropriate button (E on PC, Y on Xbox, or Triangle on PlayStation). After feeding, the Tapejara will gain taming progress, but it will also become temporarily aggressive. Quickly move away to avoid being attacked. Repeat this process until the taming bar is full. Be patient, as this can take several minutes, especially for high-level Tapejaras.

One common mistake is startling the Tapejara before you can feed it. To avoid this, always approach from behind and avoid making noise or sudden movements. Another mistake is not bringing enough food or narcotics. High-level Tapejaras require a significant amount of food, and running out mid-tame can be frustrating. Additionally, avoid using low-quality food like Raw Meat, as it will take much longer and result in lower taming effectiveness.

For advanced techniques, consider building a taming trap. A simple trap can be made using Stone Dinosaur Gateways and Gates. Place the gateways in a circle, leaving one side open. Lure the Tapejara into the trap using a Bola or by flying close to it, then close the gate behind it. This will prevent it from flying away and make the taming process easier. You can also use a Quetzal with a platform saddle to carry the Tapejara to a safer location for taming.

In terms of tribe considerations, taming a Tapejara is easier with multiple players. One player can distract the Tapejara while another feeds it, reducing the risk of it flying away. Solo players should focus on using traps or grappling hooks to immobilize the Tapejara temporarily.

In conclusion, taming a high-level Tapejara requires patience, preparation, and careful execution. Gather the necessary resources, approach the creature cautiously, and use traps or advanced techniques to make the process smoother. Avoid common mistakes like startling the Tapejara or running out of food, and consider tribe coordination for a more efficient tame. With a tamed Tapejara, you gain a highly versatile flying mount that can greatly enhance your survival and exploration in ARK: Survival Evolved.