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

Taming a high-level Ichthyosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved is a relatively straightforward process compared to other creatures, but it still requires careful preparation and execution. The Ichthyosaurus, often referred to as an "Ichthy," is a small, dolphin-like marine creature that is passive and non-aggressive. It is one of the easiest creatures to tame in the game, making it an excellent choice for beginners or players looking to expand their aquatic capabilities. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a high-level Ichthyosaurus, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and more.

The Ichthyosaurus 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 preferred food for an Ichthyosaurus is Regular Kibble, which is the most effective option for taming. However, if you do not have Regular Kibble, you can also use Raw Mutton, Cooked Lamb Chop, or Raw Prime Meat. These alternatives will work but will take longer and may require more food. Regular Kibble is crafted using Dodo Eggs, which can be obtained from tamed Dodos, along with other ingredients like Fiber, Mejoberries, and Cooked Meat.

To begin the taming process, you will need to locate an Ichthyosaurus. These creatures are commonly found in shallow waters near the coastlines of most maps. They are fast swimmers, so you will need a method to keep up with them. A good strategy is to use a raft or a tamed aquatic creature like a Sarco or a Megalodon to chase and stay close to the Ichthyosaurus. Once you have located a high-level Ichthyosaurus, approach it slowly and ensure you are not carrying any weapons or tools that might scare it away. Ichthyosaurs are skittish and will swim away if you move too quickly or appear threatening.

When you are close enough, open your inventory and place the preferred food in the last slot of your hotbar. This will allow you to quickly access and feed the Ichthyosaurus. Approach the creature from behind or the side to minimize the chance of it swimming away. Once you are in range, press the appropriate button to feed it. After feeding, the Ichthyosaurus will swim away, and you will need to wait a short period before you can feed it again. This process will repeat until the taming bar is full. The higher the level of the Ichthyosaurus, the more food and time it will require to tame.

One important tip is to avoid feeding the Ichthyosaurus while it is near other aggressive marine creatures, such as Megalodons or Piranhas. These predators can attack and kill the Ichthyosaurus during the taming process, wasting your time and resources. If you are taming in a dangerous area, consider luring the Ichthyosaurus to a safer location before starting the process. Additionally, using a taming pen or enclosure can help keep the Ichthyosaurus contained and safe from predators. However, since Ichthyosaurs are aquatic, building a pen underwater can be challenging and may not always be necessary.

A common mistake players make is not having enough food prepared before starting the taming process. High-level Ichthyosaurs require a significant amount of food, so ensure you have plenty of Regular Kibble or other preferred foods on hand. Running out of food mid-tame can result in the Ichthyosaurus losing taming effectiveness, making the process longer and less efficient. Another mistake is moving too quickly or aggressively, which can scare the Ichthyosaurus away. Always approach slowly and calmly to avoid startling it.

For advanced players, using a taming calculator can help optimize the process. These tools allow you to input the level of the Ichthyosaurus and the type of food you are using to determine exactly how much food and time will be required. This can help you plan your resources and ensure a smooth taming experience. Additionally, using a taming multiplier on private servers or single-player mode can speed up the process, but this is not applicable on official servers.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need a steady supply of Regular Kibble or other preferred foods, as well as a method to chase and stay close to the Ichthyosaurus. If you are using a raft, ensure it is equipped with a bed or sleeping bag for respawn purposes in case of accidents. If you are using a tamed aquatic creature, make sure it is strong enough to fend off any potential threats in the area.

For solo players, taming an Ichthyosaurus is entirely manageable, but having a tribe can make the process easier. Tribe members can help gather resources, build taming pens, or provide backup in case of emergencies. However, the Ichthyosaurus is one of the easier creatures to tame, so solo players should not face significant challenges.

In conclusion, taming a high-level Ichthyosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved is a simple yet rewarding process. By preparing the right food, approaching the creature carefully, and ensuring its safety during the taming process, you can successfully add this fast and agile marine creature to your collection. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, the Ichthyosaurus is a valuable asset for underwater exploration and transportation.