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

Taming a creature that requires raw meat in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a series of steps that require preparation, patience, and careful execution. The process typically involves knocking the creature unconscious, feeding it raw meat, and maintaining its torpor to ensure it does not wake up before the taming process is complete. Below is a detailed explanation of the mechanics, strategies, and tips to successfully tame a carnivorous dinosaur.

First, you need to prepare the necessary tools and resources. For most carnivorous dinosaurs, you will need a weapon to knock them out, such as a slingshot, bow with tranq arrows, or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts. Tranq arrows and darts are more effective for larger creatures, while a slingshot may suffice for smaller ones. You will also need narcotics or narcoberries to keep the creature unconscious. Narcotics are more efficient, as they provide a larger torpor boost and last longer. Additionally, gather a significant amount of raw meat. The amount required depends on the creature's level and species, so it is advisable to carry extra. A taming calculator can help you determine the exact amount needed.

Once you have the necessary resources, locate the creature you wish to tame. Approach it cautiously, as carnivorous dinosaurs are often aggressive. If the creature is too dangerous to approach directly, consider luring it into a taming pen. A taming pen is a structure built with walls and a gate to trap the dinosaur, making it easier to knock out and tame without interference from other predators. To build a taming pen, use stone or metal structures, as wood may not withstand attacks from larger creatures.

After securing the creature in the taming pen or finding a safe spot, begin knocking it out. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain. Be mindful of the creature's torpor level, as it will decrease over time. If the torpor drops too low, the creature will wake up, and you will need to start over. To prevent this, administer narcotics or narcoberries as needed. Keep an eye on the creature's health, as excessive damage can kill it. If the creature's health is low, consider using a less damaging weapon or allowing it to regenerate health between shots.

Once the creature is unconscious, open its inventory and place the raw meat inside. The creature will eat the meat over time, gradually increasing its taming effectiveness. Taming effectiveness is a percentage that determines the creature's final stats after taming. Higher effectiveness results in better stats, so it is important to minimize factors that reduce it, such as the creature taking damage or eating spoiled meat. To maintain high effectiveness, feed the creature promptly and avoid letting it take damage during the process.

During the taming process, monitor the creature's torpor and hunger levels. If the torpor drops too low, administer more narcotics or narcoberries. If the creature's hunger is not decreasing, it may be due to a bug or server lag. In such cases, try force-feeding it narcoberries to reset its hunger timer. Be patient, as taming can take a significant amount of time, especially for higher-level creatures.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong type of food, underestimating the amount of resources needed, and failing to secure the area. Always double-check the creature's preferred food and gather extra resources to account for unexpected delays. Additionally, ensure the area is safe from other predators or hostile players, as they can disrupt the taming process or kill the creature.

Advanced techniques can optimize the taming process. For example, using kibble instead of raw meat can significantly speed up taming and improve effectiveness. Kibble is made from specific dinosaur eggs and other ingredients, and each type of kibble is preferred by different creatures. Another optimization is using a taming pen with a roof to prevent flying creatures from escaping. Additionally, consider using a taming calculator or mod to track the creature's torpor, hunger, and taming progress in real-time.

Resource requirements vary depending on the creature's level and species. For example, taming a level 150 Rex may require over 100 raw meat and a substantial amount of narcotics. Always prepare extra resources to account for potential mistakes or delays. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and protect the taming area. Solo players should prioritize safety and efficiency, as they may not have backup in case of emergencies.

Specific examples include taming a Carnotaurus, which is a mid-sized carnivore that requires raw meat. A level 50 Carnotaurus may need around 50 raw meat and 20 narcotics to tame. Another example is taming a Spinosaurus, a large aquatic carnivore that also prefers raw meat. A level 100 Spinosaurus may require over 100 raw meat and 50 narcotics. In both cases, using a taming pen and monitoring torpor levels are essential for success.

In conclusion, taming a creature that requires raw meat in ARK: Survival Evolved involves careful preparation, execution, and monitoring. By following the steps outlined above and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully tame powerful carnivorous dinosaurs to aid in your survival and progression. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, mastering these mechanics will enhance your gameplay experience and help you build a formidable team of tamed creatures.