How do I tame a creature that is dangerous to approach in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming dangerous creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. These creatures, such as the Rex, Spino, or Carnotaurus, are aggressive and can easily kill an unprepared player. The key to taming them lies in using knockout methods, as they cannot be tamed passively. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to tame these dangerous creatures effectively.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of knockout taming. Dangerous creatures must be rendered unconscious before you can feed them. This is done by building up their torpor, a stat that increases when they are hit with tranquilizing weapons like slingshots, bows with tranq arrows, or tranquilizer darts from a longneck rifle. Once their torpor reaches a certain threshold, they will fall unconscious. However, torpor decreases over time, so you must monitor it and use narcotics or narcoberries to keep the creature unconscious during the taming process.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. For knockout taming, you will need a weapon capable of delivering torpor damage, such as a bow or crossbow with tranq arrows, or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts. You will also need narcotics or narcoberries to maintain the creatureÔÇÖs torpor. Additionally, prepare the creatureÔÇÖs preferred food. Carnivores like the Rex or Spino prefer raw meat or prime meat, while herbivores like the Triceratops prefer berries or crops. Kibble, made from specific eggs and other ingredients, is the most effective taming food and speeds up the process significantly.

Next, scout the area where the creature is located. Dangerous creatures often roam in hazardous environments, so ensure you have adequate armor and weapons to defend yourself from other threats. Building a taming pen can be extremely helpful. A taming pen is a structure made of stone or metal pillars and walls that traps the creature, preventing it from escaping or attacking you while you tame it. To lure the creature into the pen, use a fast mount like a Raptor or Pteranodon to aggro it and lead it inside. Once trapped, close the gate and begin the knockout process.

When knocking out the creature, aim for its head if possible, as headshots deal more torpor damage. Be cautious not to kill the creature, as its health will drop with each hit. Use a combination of tranq arrows or darts and wait a few seconds between shots to allow the torpor to build up. Once the creature 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 can take a long time, especially for high-level creatures, so be patient.

There are several important tips to consider. First, always carry extra supplies, including food, water, and backup weapons, in case something goes wrong. Second, avoid taming in areas with other predators, as they can attack the unconscious creature or you. Third, use a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics required for the creatureÔÇÖs level. This will help you prepare adequately and avoid running out of resources mid-tame.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong type of food, which slows down the taming process, or failing to monitor the creatureÔÇÖs torpor, which can cause it to wake up prematurely. Additionally, avoid using low-damage weapons like slingshots on high-level creatures, as they may not deliver enough torpor before the creature kills you. Always prioritize safety and efficiency.

Advanced techniques include using traps like bear traps or bola to immobilize the creature temporarily, giving you more time to knock it out. You can also use a taming pen with a ramp, allowing you to lead the creature into the pen without aggroing it. For solo players, consider using a mount with high stamina and speed to kite the creature into the pen. In a tribe, coordinate with teammates to distract the creature while others build the pen or deliver tranq shots.

Resource requirements vary depending on the creatureÔÇÖs level and type. High-level carnivores like the Rex may require hundreds of narcotics and raw meat, while herbivores like the Triceratops may need fewer resources. Always gather more than you think youÔÇÖll need to account for unexpected delays.

In specific scenarios, such as taming a Rex in the Redwoods, you must be extra cautious due to the presence of other dangerous creatures like Thylacoleos or Carnos. Build a secure taming pen and clear the area of threats before beginning the taming process. For a Spino near water, ensure you have a fast mount to escape if it aggroes you, and consider using a raft to create a mobile taming pen.

By following these strategies and tips, you can successfully tame dangerous creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved, enhancing your survival and progression in the game.