How do I tame a creature that requires cooked meat jerky in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a creature that requires cooked meat jerky in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a specific process that requires preparation, patience, and attention to detail. Cooked meat jerky is a preferred taming food for certain creatures, such as the Carnotaurus, and it is also used in some kibble recipes. To successfully tame a creature with cooked meat jerky, you need to understand the mechanics, gather the necessary resources, and follow a step-by-step approach.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of taming with cooked meat jerky. Cooked meat jerky is a high-quality food item that provides better taming effectiveness compared to raw meat. It is made by combining cooked meat, oil, and sparkpowder in a preserving bin or industrial cooker. The preserving bin requires sparkpowder to function, and the jerky takes about 40 minutes to craft. Once you have the jerky, you can use it to tame creatures that prefer it as their taming food. The taming process itself depends on whether the creature requires knockout taming or passive taming. For example, a Carnotaurus must be knocked out and fed cooked meat jerky, while a Diplodocus can be passively tamed by offering the jerky without aggression.

To begin, you need to prepare the resources for cooked meat jerky. Gather raw meat by hunting dinosaurs like Dodos, Parasaur, or other small to medium-sized creatures. Cook the meat on a campfire, grill, or industrial cooker. You will also need oil, which can be obtained from rocks in the ocean, by killing Trilobites, or by harvesting oil nodes in certain biomes. Sparkpowder is crafted by combining flint and stone in a mortar and pestle or fabricator. Once you have these resources, place the cooked meat, oil, and sparkpowder in a preserving bin to start crafting the jerky. Make sure to have enough sparkpowder to keep the preserving bin running for the duration of the crafting process.

Next, prepare for the taming process itself. If the creature requires knockout taming, gather the necessary tools to knock it out. This includes a slingshot, bow with tranq arrows, or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts. You will also need narcotics or biotoxin to keep the creature unconscious during the taming process. Narcotics are crafted from spoiled meat and narcoberries in a mortar and pestle, while biotoxin can be harvested from Cnidaria in the ocean. Build a taming pen or trap to secure the creature and prevent it from escaping or being attacked by predators. A simple taming pen can be made with stone or metal foundations, walls, and a gate.

Once the creature is knocked out and secured, place the cooked meat jerky in its inventory. Monitor its torpor level and hunger to ensure it stays unconscious and continues eating. Use narcotics or biotoxin to keep its torpor high, and avoid feeding it other food items that might lower its taming effectiveness. The taming process will take time, so be patient and stay alert for any threats in the area.

For passive taming, approach the creature carefully and offer the cooked meat jerky directly. Avoid sudden movements or getting too close, as this may startle the creature and interrupt the taming process. Passive taming is generally faster but requires more precision and caution.

Important tips and considerations include preparing extra resources in case the taming process takes longer than expected. Always carry backup tools and supplies, such as extra tranq arrows or narcotics, to handle unexpected situations. Building a secure taming pen is crucial for knockout taming, as it prevents the creature from escaping or being attacked by other predators. Additionally, using taming calculators or guides can help you determine the exact amount of cooked meat jerky and time required for each creature.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong type of food, such as raw meat instead of cooked meat jerky, which will lower taming effectiveness. Another mistake is not monitoring the creatureÔÇÖs torpor level, which can lead to it waking up prematurely. Failing to secure the area or build a taming pen can also result in the creature escaping or being killed by other predators.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using kibble instead of cooked meat jerky for faster and more effective taming. Kibble is crafted from specific eggs, crops, and other resources, and it provides the highest taming effectiveness for certain creatures. Additionally, using an industrial cooker can speed up the process of crafting cooked meat jerky, as it has a larger inventory and faster crafting times compared to a preserving bin.

Resource requirements and preparation are essential for a successful tame. Ensure you have enough cooked meat, oil, and sparkpowder to craft the jerky, as well as the necessary tools and supplies for knocking out or passively taming the creature. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and protect the taming area. Solo players should focus on preparing everything in advance and building a secure taming pen to minimize risks.

Specific examples and scenarios include taming a Carnotaurus, which requires cooked meat jerky and knockout taming. Start by crafting the jerky and preparing a taming pen. Use a bow with tranq arrows or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts to knock out the Carnotaurus, then place the jerky in its inventory and monitor its torpor and hunger. Another example is taming a Diplodocus, which can be passively tamed with cooked meat jerky. Approach the Diplodocus carefully and offer the jerky without startling it.

In conclusion, taming a creature that requires cooked meat jerky in ARK: Survival Evolved involves careful preparation, resource management, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined above and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully tame powerful creatures to aid in your survival and progression. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, mastering the mechanics of taming with cooked meat jerky will enhance your gameplay experience.