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

Taming a Spinosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved can be a challenging but rewarding task. The Spino is a powerful carnivore with high health, damage, and mobility, making it a valuable asset for combat, resource gathering, and transportation. However, its aggressive nature and high torpor resistance mean you need to approach the taming process carefully. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to safely knock out and tame a Spinosaurus.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Spinos are aggressive creatures that will attack you on sight if you get too close. To tame one, you must knock it unconscious using tranquilizing methods, such as tranq arrows, tranq darts, or a slingshot. Once itÔÇÖs unconscious, you need to feed it its preferred food, which is raw prime meat, raw mutton, or kibble made from Spino eggs. While itÔÇÖs eating, you must monitor its torpor level and keep it unconscious by feeding it narcotics or narcoberries. The taming process can take a significant amount of time, so preparation is key.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need a ranged weapon like a crossbow or longneck rifle, along with tranq arrows or tranq darts. Craft plenty of narcotics or gather narcoberries to maintain the SpinoÔÇÖs torpor. Bring raw prime meat, raw mutton, or Spino kibble for taming. Additionally, wear armor to protect yourself from its attacks, and consider bringing a taming pen to make the process safer.

Next, locate a Spinosaurus. They are commonly found near rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Once youÔÇÖve found one, assess the surroundings. Make sure there are no other aggressive creatures nearby that could interfere with the taming process. If the area is unsafe, consider luring the Spino to a more secure location.

To knock out the Spino, start by shooting it with tranq arrows or darts from a safe distance. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain. The Spino will likely charge at you, so be prepared to kite it while continuing to shoot. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, this can be tricky, so consider using a taming pen. Build a pen with stone or metal walls and a large gate. Lure the Spino into the pen, then close the gate behind it. This will trap the Spino, allowing you to safely shoot it without worrying about it escaping or attacking you.

Once the Spino is unconscious, quickly place the preferred food in its inventory. Monitor its torpor level and feed it narcotics or narcoberries as needed to keep it unconscious. The taming process will take time, so be patient. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, you can have other members help by gathering more resources or keeping watch for predators.

There are several important tips to keep in mind. First, always bring extra resources in case the taming process takes longer than expected. Second, avoid using low-tier weapons like slingshots, as they are inefficient against high-torpor creatures like the Spino. Third, be cautious of the SpinoÔÇÖs water mobility. If it flees into the water, it can be difficult to follow and may regain torpor quickly. Finally, consider using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics needed for the SpinoÔÇÖs level.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the SpinoÔÇÖs aggression and torpor resistance. If you donÔÇÖt prepare enough tranq arrows or darts, you may run out before the Spino is knocked out. Additionally, failing to monitor the torpor level can result in the Spino waking up and attacking you. Always stay vigilant and keep a safe distance.

For advanced techniques, consider using a taming pen with a ramp. This allows you to lure the Spino into the pen more easily. You can also use a flying mount like an Argentavis to carry the Spino to a safer location before taming. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to divide tasks, such as gathering resources, building the pen, and keeping watch.

In summary, taming a Spinosaurus requires careful preparation, patience, and strategy. Gather the necessary resources, build a secure taming pen, and use tranq arrows or darts to knock it out. Monitor its torpor level and feed it the preferred food to complete the taming process. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully tame a Spino and add a powerful ally to your team.