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

Taming a high-level Tapejara in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, preparation, and execution due to its unique behavior and mobility. The Tapejara is a versatile flying creature that can carry multiple riders and is highly maneuverable, making it a valuable asset for exploration, combat, and transportation. However, its ability to fly and its tendency to flee when attacked make taming it more challenging than other creatures. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a high-level Tapejara effectively.

First, understanding the Tapejara's mechanics is crucial. The Tapejara is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you must approach it carefully and feed it its preferred food. The Tapejara prefers Superior Kibble, which is the most effective taming food, but it can also be tamed with Raw Mutton, Cooked Lamb Chop, or Raw Prime Meat. Superior Kibble significantly reduces the taming time and increases the taming effectiveness, so it is highly recommended if you have access to it. To craft Superior Kibble, you will need a Rex Egg, Sap, Rare Flower, Fiber, Mejoberry, and Waterskin or Canteen.

Preparation is key to a successful tame. Before attempting to tame a Tapejara, gather all the necessary resources. If using Superior Kibble, ensure you have enough to last the entire taming process. For a high-level Tapejara, you may need 20-30 pieces of Superior Kibble, depending on its level. Additionally, bring a few stacks of Narcotics or Bio Toxin to keep the Tapejara's torpor high if it becomes aggressive or if you accidentally hit it. You will also need a long-range weapon like a Crossbow with Tranquilizer Arrows or a Rifle with Tranquilizer Darts in case you need to knock it out temporarily. Armor and medical supplies are also essential to protect yourself from other predators or environmental hazards.

Next, locate a Tapejara. They are commonly found in mountainous or forested areas, such as the Redwood Forest or the mountains on The Island map. Once you spot a Tapejara, approach it cautiously. Tapejaras are skittish and will fly away if you get too close or make sudden movements. To avoid this, crouch and move slowly toward it. If you are playing solo, consider using a grappling hook to anchor yourself to a nearby tree or rock to prevent the Tapejara from flying out of reach. If you are in a tribe, have one member distract the Tapejara while another feeds it.

When you are close enough, open your inventory and place the preferred food in the last slot of your hotbar. This allows you to quickly feed the Tapejara without fumbling through your inventory. Feed the Tapejara the first piece of food, then wait for it to eat again. The feeding interval varies, so be patient. During this time, keep an eye on your surroundings to ensure no other creatures interfere with the taming process. If the Tapejara starts to fly away, use your grappling hook or a flying mount to follow it and continue feeding.

One common mistake is startling the Tapejara by moving too quickly or making noise. Always crouch and move slowly to avoid this. Another mistake is not bringing enough food or resources. High-level Tapejaras require a significant amount of food, so always bring extra to avoid running out mid-tame. Additionally, failing to secure the area can lead to interruptions from predators, so clear the area of threats before starting the tame.

Advanced techniques include building a taming trap. A simple trap can be constructed using Stone Dinosaur Gateways and Gates. Place the gateways in a U-shape and lure the Tapejara into the trap using a Bola or by leading it with a flying mount. Once inside, close the gate to prevent it from escaping. This method is especially useful for solo players or when taming in dangerous areas. Another optimization is using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and time required for the tame. This helps you plan your resources and avoid wasting time.

In terms of tribe considerations, taming a Tapejara is easier with multiple players. One player can distract or trap the Tapejara while another feeds it. Tribes can also share resources, making it easier to gather the necessary food and materials. Solo players should focus on preparation and use traps or grappling hooks to manage the Tapejara's mobility.

In conclusion, taming a high-level Tapejara requires patience, preparation, and careful execution. By understanding its mechanics, gathering the right resources, and using advanced techniques like traps or grappling hooks, you can successfully tame this valuable creature. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, the Tapejara's versatility makes it a worthwhile addition to your team. Always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid common mistakes to ensure a smooth taming process. With the right approach, you can add a high-level Tapejara to your arsenal and enhance your survival and exploration in ARK: Survival Evolved.