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

Taming a high-level Iguanodon in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and execution. The Iguanodon is a versatile herbivore known for its speed, stamina, and ability to gather resources like berries and thatch. It can also switch between bipedal and quadrupedal stances, making it a valuable addition to any survivor's arsenal. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to tame one effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. Iguanodons are passive tames, meaning you do not need to knock them out. Instead, you must approach them carefully and feed them their preferred food. Iguanodons prefer vegetables, specifically crops like Rockarrot, Longrass, Savoroot, or Citronal. If you donÔÇÖt have these, they will also accept berries, but the taming process will take longer. Kibble made from Dilophosaur eggs is the most effective taming food, significantly speeding up the process. Always aim to use kibble or crops for a high-level Iguanodon to save time and resources.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need a good supply of the preferred food, as well as some backup berries in case you run out. If youÔÇÖre using kibble, prepare at least 10-15 pieces for a high-level Iguanodon. Additionally, bring a few stacks of berries to keep your inventory light and ensure you have enough food for the tame. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to wear armor for protection, as other predators in the area might attack you or the Iguanodon during the taming process.

Next, locate a high-level Iguanodon. These creatures are commonly found in grassy areas, forests, and near rivers. Once youÔÇÖve found one, approach it slowly. Iguanodons are skittish and will run away if you get too close too quickly. Crouch to reduce your visibility and move in a wide arc to avoid startling it. If the Iguanodon starts to run, stop moving and wait for it to calm down before continuing your approach.

When youÔÇÖre close enough, open your inventory and place the preferred food in the last slot of your hotbar. This makes it easier to feed the Iguanodon quickly. Once youÔÇÖre in range, press the appropriate key to feed it. After feeding, the Iguanodon will gain a small amount of taming progress. However, it will also gain a temporary buff that makes it immune to further feeding for a short time. During this cooldown period, stay close but avoid startling it. Repeat this process until the taming bar is full.

One important tip is to build a taming pen. This is especially useful if youÔÇÖre taming solo or in a dangerous area. Construct a small enclosure with walls and a gate, then lure the Iguanodon inside using a bola or by leading it in. Once itÔÇÖs trapped, you can safely feed it without worrying about it running away or being attacked by predators. Make sure the pen is large enough for you to move around but small enough to prevent the Iguanodon from escaping.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing the process or using the wrong food. Feeding the Iguanodon berries instead of crops or kibble will significantly slow down the taming process, especially for high-level creatures. Additionally, failing to monitor your surroundings can lead to attacks from other creatures, which can ruin the tame. Always keep an eye out for predators and be ready to defend yourself or the Iguanodon if necessary.

Advanced techniques include using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and time required for the tame. This can help you plan your resources and avoid running out of food mid-tame. Additionally, if youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and protect the area while you focus on taming. Solo players should prioritize building a secure taming pen and bringing extra supplies to ensure a smooth process.

In terms of resource management, always gather more food than you think youÔÇÖll need. High-level Iguanodons can take a significant amount of time to tame, and running out of food can be frustrating. If youÔÇÖre using kibble, make sure to farm Dilophosaur eggs in advance. For crops, set up a small farm with irrigation and fertilizer to ensure a steady supply.

Finally, consider the IguanodonÔÇÖs role in your base or tribe. Once tamed, it can be used for gathering resources, scouting, or even as a fast mount for exploration. Its ability to switch stances makes it adaptable to different terrains, and its high stamina allows for long-distance travel. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, assign roles to your tamed creatures to maximize efficiency. For example, use the Iguanodon for gathering while another tribe member uses a Carnotaurus for defense.

In conclusion, taming a high-level Iguanodon requires patience, preparation, and careful execution. By gathering the right resources, building a secure taming pen, and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully tame this versatile creature and enhance your survival in ARK: Survival Evolved. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the Iguanodon is a valuable asset that can greatly improve your gameplay experience.