What is the best way to tame a high-level Ankylosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a high-level Ankylosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. The Ankylosaurus is a valuable creature for gathering metal, flint, and other resources, making it a top priority for many players. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame one effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. The Ankylosaurus is a herbivore, so it can be tamed using berries or crops. However, the most efficient method is to use kibble, specifically Superior Kibble, which significantly reduces taming time and increases taming effectiveness. If kibble is unavailable, crops like vegetables or berries such as Mejoberries can be used, though these will take longer. The Ankylosaurus must be knocked out before taming, as it is not a passive tame. This means youÔÇÖll need to use tranquilizers, such as tranq arrows or tranquilizer darts, to render it unconscious.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. For a high-level Ankylosaurus, youÔÇÖll need a significant amount of narcotics or biotoxin to keep it unconscious during the taming process. YouÔÇÖll also need a weapon capable of delivering torpor, such as a crossbow with tranq arrows or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts. Additionally, prepare the taming food. If using kibble, ensure you have enough Superior Kibble. If using crops or berries, gather a large stack of Mejoberries or vegetables like Rockarrot or Citronal. ItÔÇÖs also wise to bring a few stimulants or stimberries to counteract torpor if you accidentally hit the Ankylosaurus too many times.

Next, locate a high-level Ankylosaurus. These creatures are commonly found in mountainous or rocky areas, such as the Volcano, the mountains near the Red Obelisk, or the Highlands on Ragnarok. Once youÔÇÖve found one, assess the area for potential threats, such as predators or other players. Clear the area of dangers to ensure a safe taming process.

Now, prepare a taming pen. Building a taming pen is highly recommended, as it prevents the Ankylosaurus from wandering off or being attacked by other creatures. A simple pen can be made using stone or metal foundations and walls. Place a large bear trap inside the pen to immobilize the Ankylosaurus once it enters. Lure the Ankylosaurus into the pen using a ranged weapon or by aggroing it and running into the pen. Once itÔÇÖs trapped, close the pen to prevent escape.

With the Ankylosaurus immobilized, begin knocking it out. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain. Use tranq arrows or darts, and monitor its torpor level carefully. Be cautious not to kill it, as the Ankylosaurus has relatively low health compared to its torpor. If its health drops too low, stop shooting and wait for its torpor to rise. Once itÔÇÖs unconscious, place the taming food in its inventory. If using kibble, start with a few pieces and monitor its hunger. If using berries or crops, place a large stack in its inventory.

During the taming process, keep an eye on its torpor. The Ankylosaurus will lose torpor over time, so youÔÇÖll need to administer narcotics or biotoxin to keep it unconscious. Check its inventory periodically and add more narcotics as needed. Avoid overloading its inventory with too many narcotics at once, as this can cause it to wake up prematurely.

Once the taming bar is full, the Ankylosaurus will be yours. At this point, you can name it and begin using it for resource gathering. A high-level Ankylosaurus is particularly effective at harvesting metal and flint, making it an invaluable addition to your team.

Here are some important tips and considerations. Always bring extra resources, such as additional tranq arrows, narcotics, and food, in case the taming process takes longer than expected. If youÔÇÖre playing on a PvP server, be cautious of other players who may try to interfere with your taming. Consider bringing a tribe member to help guard the area or assist with the taming process. If youÔÇÖre taming solo, ensure you have a safe location and a well-built taming pen to minimize risks.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong type of food, which can significantly increase taming time, or failing to monitor the AnkylosaurusÔÇÖs torpor, which can result in it waking up prematurely. Additionally, avoid taming in dangerous areas without proper preparation, as predators or other players can disrupt the process.

For advanced techniques, consider using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics required for the specific level of Ankylosaurus youÔÇÖre taming. This can help optimize the process and save resources. Additionally, if you have access to a taming pen with a roof, you can use a flying mount to safely shoot tranq arrows from above, reducing the risk of being attacked by the Ankylosaurus or other creatures.

In summary, taming a high-level Ankylosaurus requires careful preparation, including gathering the right resources, building a secure taming pen, and monitoring the creatureÔÇÖs torpor and hunger levels. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully tame a high-level Ankylosaurus and greatly enhance your resource-gathering capabilities in ARK: Survival Evolved.