What is the best way to gather kibble for taming in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering kibble for taming in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most efficient ways to tame creatures quickly and with high effectiveness. Kibble is a specialized food item that significantly reduces taming time and increases taming effectiveness compared to other foods like berries or raw meat. Each type of kibble is made from specific ingredients, primarily eggs, and is preferred by certain creatures. To gather kibble effectively, you need to understand the mechanics of egg farming, resource gathering, and crafting.

The first step in gathering kibble is to establish a reliable source of eggs. Eggs are the primary ingredient in kibble, and different types of eggs are required for different kibble recipes. To obtain eggs, you need to tame and breed dinosaurs that lay eggs. Some of the best egg-laying creatures include Dodos, Dilophosaurs, Raptors, and larger dinosaurs like Rexes and Brontos. Once tamed, these creatures will lay eggs over time, but you can increase egg production by having a male of the same species nearby, as this triggers the "mate boost" effect, which increases the frequency of egg drops.

To set up an egg farm, you will need to build a secure enclosure for your dinosaurs. This enclosure should be large enough to accommodate multiple creatures and should have walls or fences to prevent them from wandering off or being attacked by predators. You can also use structures like ramps or platforms to create multi-level enclosures, which can help maximize space. Once your egg farm is set up, you will need to regularly collect eggs and store them in preserving bins or refrigerators to prevent them from spoiling.

After gathering eggs, the next step is to craft kibble. Each type of kibble requires specific ingredients in addition to eggs. For example, Basic Kibble, which is used to tame creatures like Dodos and Paras, requires Dodo Eggs, Rockarrot, Cooked Meat, Mejoberries, Fiber, and Waterskins. To craft kibble, you will need to gather these ingredients and use a Cooking Pot or Industrial Cooker. Place the required ingredients into the Cooking Pot along with fuel like Wood or Thatch, and light the fire to start the cooking process. Once the kibble is crafted, it can be stored in preserving bins or refrigerators to extend its shelf life.

When using kibble for taming, it is important to know which type of kibble is preferred by the creature you are trying to tame. Each creature has a specific kibble preference, and using the correct kibble will maximize taming effectiveness and reduce taming time. For example, a Rex prefers Superior Kibble, which is made from Rex Eggs, while a Pteranodon prefers Simple Kibble, made from Dodo Eggs. Using the wrong type of kibble will still work, but it will be less effective and take longer.

One common mistake players make when gathering kibble is not having a diverse enough egg farm. Relying on only one type of egg can limit your ability to craft different types of kibble, so it is important to tame a variety of egg-laying creatures. Another mistake is not preserving eggs properly. Eggs spoil quickly, so it is essential to store them in preserving bins or refrigerators as soon as possible. Additionally, players often overlook the importance of mate boosting. Having a male and female of the same species in close proximity will significantly increase egg production, so make sure to pair up your dinosaurs.

Advanced techniques for optimizing kibble gathering include using Oviraptors to increase egg production. Oviraptors have a special ability that boosts the egg-laying rate of nearby creatures when they are set to wander. To use this ability, tame an Oviraptor and place it in your egg farm. Set it to wander, but make sure it cannot escape by placing it in a small enclosure or using a leash. This will increase the frequency of egg drops, allowing you to gather more eggs in less time.

Resource requirements for kibble gathering include a steady supply of food for your dinosaurs, materials for building enclosures, and fuel for cooking. You will also need to gather the additional ingredients required for each type of kibble, such as Rockarrot, Mejoberries, and Cooked Meat. It is a good idea to set up crop plots near your base to grow vegetables like Rockarrot and Longrass, as these are commonly used in kibble recipes.

For solo players, managing an egg farm can be time-consuming, but it is still achievable with proper planning. Focus on taming a few key egg-laying creatures and prioritize preserving eggs to avoid spoilage. For tribes, dividing responsibilities can make the process more efficient. One player can focus on egg collection, while another handles resource gathering and crafting. This allows the tribe to produce large quantities of kibble quickly.

In specific scenarios, such as taming a high-level Rex, having a stockpile of Superior Kibble can make the process much faster and more effective. By preparing in advance and gathering the necessary eggs and ingredients, you can ensure a smooth and successful taming experience. Overall, mastering the art of kibble gathering and crafting is essential for efficient taming in ARK: Survival Evolved, and it will greatly enhance your ability to build a powerful team of tamed creatures.