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

Taming a high-level Baryonyx in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. The Baryonyx is a versatile and powerful creature, especially in aquatic environments, making it a valuable addition to any survivor's arsenal. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a high-level Baryonyx effectively.

First, let's discuss the mechanics involved. The Baryonyx is a carnivorous dinosaur that can be tamed through knockout taming. This means you need to render it unconscious using tranquilizers and then feed it its preferred food. The Baryonyx prefers raw prime fish meat, raw prime meat, or kibble made from Spinosaur eggs for the fastest taming efficiency. However, raw fish meat or raw meat can also be used if prime options are unavailable. The taming process involves monitoring the creature's torpor (unconsciousness level) and hunger to ensure it stays down long enough to be tamed.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. You will need a ranged weapon like a crossbow or longneck rifle, along with tranq arrows or tranquilizer darts. Narcotics or biotoxin are essential to keep the Baryonyx unconscious, as its torpor will drop over time. Bring plenty of these, especially for a high-level Baryonyx, as its torpor pool is large. Additionally, carry the preferred taming food mentioned earlier, along with a few backup options like raw meat or fish meat. Armor and healing items are also recommended, as the Baryonyx can be aggressive and may attack if provoked.

Next, locate a high-level Baryonyx. These creatures are commonly found near rivers, swamps, or coastal areas. Once you find one, assess the surroundings. It's best to lure the Baryonyx into a taming pen to prevent it from escaping or being attacked by other predators. A simple taming pen can be built using stone or metal foundations, walls, and a large gate. Place the pen in a safe area and lure the Baryonyx inside using a ranged weapon or by aggroing it. Once inside, close the gate to trap it.

Now, begin the knockout process. Use your crossbow or longneck rifle to shoot tranq arrows or darts at the Baryonyx. Aim for the head for maximum torpor gain, but be cautious of its health. High-level Baryonyx have a lot of health, so avoid over-damaging it. After each shot, wait a few seconds for the torpor to rise before shooting again. This prevents accidental overkill. Once the Baryonyx is unconscious, quickly place the taming food in its inventory and monitor its torpor. Use narcotics or biotoxin to keep it unconscious as needed.

During the taming process, keep an eye out for other predators or players that might interfere. If you're in a tribe, having a teammate guard the area can be helpful. Solo players should ensure the area is clear before starting the tame. Additionally, avoid using low-quality food like raw meat unless absolutely necessary, as it will significantly slow down the taming process.

Common mistakes to avoid include using insufficient narcotics, which can lead to the Baryonyx waking up prematurely, or not having enough taming food, which can cause the tame to fail. Another mistake is not securing the area, leaving the Baryonyx vulnerable to attacks from other creatures or players. Always prepare thoroughly before attempting to tame a high-level Baryonyx.

Advanced techniques include using taming calculators to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics needed for the specific level of Baryonyx you're taming. This can save time and resources. Additionally, using kibble made from Spinosaur eggs will drastically reduce the taming time and increase the taming effectiveness, resulting in a stronger Baryonyx with better stats. If you have access to a taming pen with a roof, it can prevent flying creatures from interfering with the tame.

In terms of resource requirements, expect to use around 50-100 tranq arrows or darts, 100-200 narcotics or biotoxin, and a significant amount of prime fish meat, prime meat, or kibble. Preparation is key, so gather these resources in advance to avoid delays during the taming process.

For tribe considerations, coordinating with your tribe can make the process smoother. One member can focus on knocking out the Baryonyx, while others guard the area or gather additional resources if needed. Solo players should prioritize safety and efficiency, ensuring they have all necessary items before starting the tame.

In specific scenarios, such as taming near water, be cautious of the Baryonyx's ability to swim and attack in aquatic environments. If it escapes into the water, it can be challenging to retrieve. Always have a plan to lure it back to land if necessary.

By following these steps and strategies, you can successfully tame a high-level Baryonyx in ARK: Survival Evolved. This powerful creature will serve as an excellent mount for both land and water exploration, making it a valuable asset for any survivor.