What is the best food to use for taming a Quetzal in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Quetzal in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the more challenging tasks in the game due to its ability to fly and its high torpor and health stats. The Quetzal is a large flying creature that is highly sought after for its ability to carry heavy loads and serve as a mobile platform for building structures. To tame a Quetzal, you will need to use a combination of knockout taming and careful planning. The best food to use for taming a Quetzal is Superior Kibble, which is made from the eggs of large creatures like the Rex, Brontosaurus, or Therizinosaurus. If you do not have access to Superior Kibble, the next best options are Raw Mutton or Raw Prime Meat, though these will take longer and be less effective.

The first step in taming a Quetzal is to locate one. Quetzals are typically found flying high in the sky, often in the central and northern parts of the map. They are passive creatures and will not attack you, but they will flee if you get too close. Because of their flight, you will need a strategy to knock them out. The most common method is to use a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Tapejara to chase the Quetzal while another player shoots it with tranquilizer darts or arrows. Alternatively, you can use a grappling hook and a parachute to latch onto the Quetzal and shoot it while it flies.

Once you have the Quetzal in your sights, you will need to knock it out. This requires a significant amount of torpor, so you will need to use high-damage tranquilizer weapons like a Longneck Rifle with Tranquilizer Darts or a Crossbow with Tranquilizer Arrows. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain. Be prepared to use a lot of ammunition, as the Quetzal has high health and torpor resistance. It is also important to monitor the Quetzal's torpor level and use Narcotics or Narcoberries to keep it unconscious during the taming process. If the torpor drops too low, the Quetzal will wake up, and you will have to start over.

After the Quetzal is unconscious, you can begin feeding it. Place the Superior Kibble, Raw Mutton, or Raw Prime Meat in its inventory and wait for it to eat. The Quetzal will eat when its hunger drops, so you may need to wait a few minutes between feedings. During this time, keep an eye on its torpor and continue to administer Narcotics as needed. The taming process can take a long time, especially if you are not using Superior Kibble, so be patient and prepared to defend the area from predators.

One important tip is to build a taming pen or trap to make the process easier. Since the Quetzal is a flying creature, you will need to construct a large enclosure with walls and a ceiling to prevent it from escaping. You can lure the Quetzal into the trap by flying close to it and then quickly closing the entrance. This will allow you to knock it out safely without having to chase it across the map. Another tip is to bring plenty of resources, including extra ammunition, Narcotics, and food for yourself and your mount. The taming process can be resource-intensive, so it is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.

A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the amount of time and resources required to tame a Quetzal. Many players make the mistake of not bringing enough Narcotics or food, which can result in the Quetzal waking up before the taming is complete. Another mistake is not having a plan for defending the area. Predators like Raptors, Carnotaurus, or even other players can disrupt the taming process, so it is important to clear the area and set up defenses before starting.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make to speed up the taming process. Using a taming calculator can help you determine the exact amount of food and Narcotics you will need, as well as the time required. You can also use a taming effectiveness booster like the Taming Speed setting on private servers or the Taming Effectiveness stat on single-player mode to reduce the time and resources needed. Additionally, using a Quetzal platform saddle to build a mobile taming platform can make the process easier, as you can carry the Quetzal to a safe location after knocking it out.

In terms of tribe and solo considerations, taming a Quetzal is much easier with a tribe. Having multiple players to help chase, shoot, and defend the Quetzal can make the process faster and more efficient. However, it is still possible to tame a Quetzal solo with the right preparation and strategy. Solo players should focus on building a trap and using a grappling hook or parachute to latch onto the Quetzal while shooting it.

In conclusion, taming a Quetzal in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, patience, and the right resources. Using Superior Kibble is the most effective method, but Raw Mutton or Raw Prime Meat can also work. Building a trap, bringing plenty of Narcotics, and defending the area are key to a successful tame. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, following these steps and tips will help you add this powerful flying creature to your arsenal.