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

Taming a high-level Daeodon in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and execution due to its unique mechanics and high resource demands. The Daeodon, also known as the "healing pig," is a carnivorous creature that can heal itself and nearby allies, making it a valuable asset for tribes and solo players alike. However, taming one is a challenging process that involves knockout taming and a significant amount of food.

To begin, you need to locate a high-level Daeodon. These creatures are commonly found in the Redwood Forest, Snow Biome, and other areas with dense forests. Once you find one, the first step is to knock it out. Daeodons have high health and torpor, so you will need powerful tranquilizing tools. A crossbow with tranq arrows or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts is recommended. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain, but be cautious, as the Daeodon can deal significant damage if it gets too close. Using a taming pen can make this process easier. Build a pen with stone or metal structures to trap the Daeodon, ensuring it cannot escape or attack you while you work on knocking it out.

Once the Daeodon is unconscious, you need to feed it. Daeodons prefer raw mutton, cooked lamb chop, or kibble made from Extra Large Eggs. Raw mutton is the most effective option, as it provides the highest taming efficiency. However, it spoils quickly, so you must gather it just before starting the taming process. Cooked lamb chop is a more accessible alternative, though it will take longer to tame the Daeodon. Kibble made from Extra Large Eggs, such as Rex or Giganotosaurus kibble, is the most efficient option but requires significant preparation.

One of the most critical aspects of taming a Daeodon is managing its food consumption. Daeodons have a unique mechanic where they consume food rapidly while healing, which can drain their taming progress if not managed properly. To prevent this, avoid using the Daeodon's healing ability during the taming process. Additionally, keep a close eye on its torpor level and use narcotics or biotoxin to keep it unconscious. Daeodons lose torpor quickly, so you may need to administer narcotics frequently.

Preparation is key to successfully taming a high-level Daeodon. Gather all necessary resources beforehand, including tranq arrows or darts, narcotics, and the preferred taming food. If you are using raw mutton, hunt Ovis in advance and store the mutton in a preserving bin with preserving salts to extend its spoilage timer. For kibble, ensure you have a steady supply of Extra Large Eggs and the required ingredients to craft it. Having a taming pen ready will also save time and reduce the risk of the Daeodon escaping or being attacked by other predators.

Tribe and solo considerations play a role in taming a Daeodon. In a tribe, multiple players can work together to gather resources, build the taming pen, and monitor the Daeodon's torpor and food levels. This makes the process more manageable and reduces the risk of failure. Solo players will need to be extra prepared, as they must handle all aspects of the taming process alone. Having a fast mount, such as a Pteranodon or Argentavis, can help you gather resources quickly and escape dangerous situations.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the Daeodon's torpor drain, using the wrong type of food, or failing to secure the area. Always have extra narcotics on hand to keep the Daeodon unconscious, and avoid using its healing ability during taming. Additionally, ensure the area is clear of other predators that could interrupt the process or kill the Daeodon while it is unconscious.

Advanced techniques for taming a Daeodon include using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and time required. This can help you plan your resources and avoid running out of food mid-tame. Another optimization is to use a taming pen with a roof to prevent the Daeodon from being attacked by flying creatures. If you are taming in a dangerous area, consider bringing a tamed creature to defend against predators while you focus on the Daeodon.

In summary, taming a high-level Daeodon in ARK: Survival Evolved is a resource-intensive and time-consuming process that requires careful planning and execution. By following the steps outlined above, preparing the necessary resources, and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully tame this powerful healing creature. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, a tamed Daeodon can be a game-changing addition to your team, providing valuable support in combat and survival situations.