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 allies for early to mid-game players due to their speed, damage output, and pack bonus when tamed in groups. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a high-level Raptor effectively.

Mechanics Involved
Raptors are carnivores, so they require meat to tame. The taming process involves knocking the Raptor unconscious using tranquilizers and then feeding it raw or cooked meat, prime meat, or kibble. Kibble, specifically made from Dodo eggs, is the most effective taming food for Raptors, as it speeds up the process and increases the taming effectiveness. Taming effectiveness determines the bonus levels and stats the Raptor gains once tamed. To keep the Raptor unconscious, you will need to monitor its torpor level and administer narcotics or narcoberries as needed.

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 narcoberries, and the appropriate food (kibble, raw prime meat, or raw meat). If you are using kibble, prepare it in advance by cooking Dodo kibble in a cooking pot. Additionally, craft a few bolas to immobilize the Raptor temporarily.

2. Locate a High-Level Raptor: High-level Raptors are more challenging to tame but offer better stats. Look for Raptors in areas like forests, beaches, or near mountains. Use a spyglass to check their level before engaging.

3. Immobilize the Raptor: Raptors are fast and can easily outrun you. Use a bola to immobilize the Raptor for a short period. Aim for its legs and throw the bola when it is close. This will give you time to knock it out without it escaping or attacking you.

4. Knock It Out: Once the Raptor is immobilized, use your bow or crossbow with tranq arrows to knock it out. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain. Be careful not to kill it, as Raptors have relatively low health. If you are using a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts, it will be more efficient and safer.

5. Feed and Monitor: After the Raptor is unconscious, place the preferred food in its inventory. Kibble is the best option, but raw prime meat or raw meat will also work. Keep an eye on its torpor level and administer narcotics or narcoberries as needed to keep it unconscious. Avoid letting its torpor drop too low, or it will wake up.

6. Protect the Taming Process: While taming, Raptors are vulnerable to attacks from other predators. Build a small taming pen or use natural barriers to protect the Raptor. Stay nearby to fend off any threats.

Important Tips and Considerations
- Bolas Are Essential: Always carry bolas when taming Raptors. They are cheap to craft and can save you from a dangerous situation.
- Use Kibble for Efficiency: If possible, use Dodo kibble to tame the Raptor. It significantly reduces taming time and increases taming effectiveness.
- Avoid Overdamaging: Be cautious with your shots. Raptors have low health, and excessive damage can kill them before they are knocked out.
- Pack Bonus: Raptors gain a pack bonus when tamed in groups. Consider taming multiple Raptors to maximize their combat effectiveness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Using Bolas: Attempting to tame a Raptor without immobilizing it first often leads to failure, as it can easily escape or kill you.
- Ignoring Torpor: Failing to monitor the Raptor's torpor can result in it waking up prematurely, wasting your resources and time.
- Poor Positioning: Taming in open areas without protection can lead to the Raptor being attacked by other predators, ruining the tame.

Advanced Techniques or Optimizations
- Taming Pens: Build a small taming pen with doorframes and walls to trap the Raptor safely. This prevents it from escaping and protects it from other creatures.
- Taming Effectiveness: To maximize taming effectiveness, avoid letting the Raptor take damage after it is knocked out. Use prime meat or kibble to ensure the highest possible bonus levels.
- Tribe Coordination: If you are in a tribe, coordinate with teammates to speed up the taming process. One player can gather resources while another monitors the Raptor.

Resource Requirements and Preparation
- Weapons: Bow or crossbow with tranq arrows, or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts.
- Food: Dodo kibble, raw prime meat, or raw meat.
- Narcotics: At least 20-30 narcotics or a stack of narcoberries.
- Bolas: At least 2-3 bolas to immobilize the Raptor.

Tribe/Solo Considerations
- Solo Play: Solo players should focus on preparation and safety. Use taming pens and bolas to minimize risks.
- Tribe Play: Tribes can divide tasks, such as gathering resources, building pens, and monitoring the Raptor, to make the process faster and more efficient.

Specific Examples and Scenarios
Imagine you are on The Island map, near the southern beaches. You spot a level 120 Raptor. You prepare by crafting bolas, tranq arrows, and gathering narcotics. You approach the Raptor, throw a bola to immobilize it, and then use your crossbow to knock it out. Once unconscious, you place Dodo kibble in its inventory and monitor its torpor. You build a small pen around it using wooden walls to protect it from other predators. After about 30 minutes, the Raptor is tamed, and you now have a powerful ally for exploration and combat.

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