How do I keep a creature unconscious during taming in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Keeping a creature unconscious during taming in ARK: Survival Evolved is a critical part of the taming process, especially for knockout taming. When a creature is knocked out, it enters a state of torpor, which is a measure of its unconsciousness. If the torpor drops too low, the creature will wake up, and you will lose progress on the taming process. To prevent this, you need to manage the creature's torpor effectively. HereÔÇÖs a detailed explanation of how to achieve this, along with strategies, tips, and considerations.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of torpor. Torpor is a stat that increases when you hit a creature with tranquilizing weapons like slingshots, tranq arrows, or tranquilizer darts. Once the torpor reaches a certain threshold, the creature will fall unconscious. However, torpor naturally decreases over time, so you need to replenish it to keep the creature unconscious. This is done by using narcotics or narcoberries. Narcotics are more effective and provide a larger boost to torpor, but narcoberries are easier to obtain early in the game.

To begin, you need to prepare the necessary resources. For knockout taming, you will need a weapon to knock the creature out, such as a slingshot, bow with tranq arrows, or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts. You will also need narcotics or narcoberries to maintain the creatureÔÇÖs torpor. Additionally, you should have the creatureÔÇÖs preferred food ready, such as berries for herbivores or meat for carnivores. Kibble is the most effective taming food, but it requires preparation and specific ingredients.

Once you have your resources ready, the next step is to knock the creature out. Approach the creature carefully, as some will become aggressive if you get too close. Use your tranquilizing weapon to hit the creature until its torpor reaches the threshold and it falls unconscious. Be mindful of the creatureÔÇÖs health, as too much damage can kill it. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain while minimizing health loss.

After the creature is unconscious, you need to monitor its torpor level. Open the creatureÔÇÖs inventory and check the torpor stat. If it starts to drop, you can force-feed the creature narcoberries or narcotics to increase its torpor. To do this, place the narcoberries or narcotics in the creatureÔÇÖs inventory and use the "Remote Use Item" option. This will keep the creature unconscious while you feed it its preferred food to complete the taming process.

There are several important tips to consider. First, always have extra narcotics or narcoberries on hand, as some creatures have high torpor drain rates. Second, avoid using stimulants or stimberries near the creature, as these will reduce its torpor and cause it to wake up. Third, build a taming pen to secure the creature and protect it from other predators. This is especially important in dangerous areas or when taming large creatures.

Common mistakes to avoid include letting the creatureÔÇÖs torpor drop too low, which can cause it to wake up and reset the taming progress. Another mistake is not having enough food or narcotics, which can lead to a failed tame. Additionally, avoid using weapons that deal too much damage, as this can kill the creature before it is knocked out.

Advanced techniques include using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics needed for each creature. This can help you prepare more efficiently and avoid running out of resources. Another advanced technique is using a taming pen with a trap door or gate to easily capture and secure the creature. This is especially useful for larger or more dangerous creatures.

Resource requirements vary depending on the creature you are taming. For example, taming a Triceratops will require fewer resources than taming a Rex. Always gather extra resources to account for any mistakes or unexpected events. Preparation is key, so make sure you have everything you need before starting the taming process.

Tribe and solo considerations also play a role. In a tribe, you can divide tasks, such as one person gathering resources while another knocks out the creature. This can make the process faster and more efficient. Solo players need to be more cautious and prepared, as they will have to handle everything on their own.

Specific examples include taming a Parasaur, which is relatively easy and requires only a few tranq arrows and some narcoberries. On the other hand, taming a Rex requires more preparation, including a taming pen, a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts, and a large supply of narcotics and raw meat.

In conclusion, keeping a creature unconscious during taming in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful management of its torpor. By preparing the necessary resources, using the right weapons, and monitoring the creatureÔÇÖs torpor, you can successfully tame a variety of creatures. Avoid common mistakes, use advanced techniques, and consider tribe or solo strategies to optimize your taming process. With practice and preparation, you can build a powerful team of tamed creatures to aid in your survival and exploration.