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

Taming a high-level Kairuku in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique process compared to many other creatures in the game. The Kairuku, a penguin-like creature found in the colder regions of the map, is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you must approach it carefully and feed it the right food to gain its trust. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a high-level Kairuku effectively, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and more.

The first step in taming a Kairuku is to locate one. Kairuku are typically found in snowy biomes, such as the western shores of the Island map or the snowy areas of other maps like Ragnarok or Valguero. They are small, non-aggressive creatures that waddle around in groups. Once you find a high-level Kairuku, you need to prepare the right food. Kairuku prefer raw fish meat, such as raw prime fish meat or raw fish meat. Raw prime fish meat is the most effective, as it speeds up the taming process significantly. You can obtain raw fish meat by killing fish like Coelacanths or Sabertooth Salmon in rivers or oceans.

Before approaching the Kairuku, ensure you have enough food and a safe environment. Kairuku are skittish and will run away if you move too quickly or get too close. To avoid startling them, crouch and move slowly. It is also helpful to clear the area of predators, such as wolves or sabertooths, which could attack you or the Kairuku during the taming process. If you are playing solo, consider building a small taming pen using stone or wood structures to trap the Kairuku. This will prevent it from running away and make the taming process easier.

Once you are close enough to the Kairuku, open your inventory and place the raw fish meat or raw prime fish meat in the last slot of your hotbar. Approach the Kairuku slowly and press the appropriate key to feed it. After feeding, the Kairuku will run away, and you will need to wait a short time before feeding it again. The taming progress will increase with each feeding, but the Kairuku's hunger must deplete slightly before it can eat again. This process requires patience, as high-level Kairuku can take a significant amount of time to tame, especially if you are using regular raw fish meat instead of prime fish meat.

One important tip is to use a taming calculator or app to estimate the amount of food and time required for the tame. This will help you prepare enough resources and avoid running out of food mid-tame. Additionally, consider using a taming effectiveness booster, such as a soothing balm, if available. Soothing balm can drastically reduce the time and resources needed for taming, making it a valuable tool for high-level creatures like the Kairuku.

A common mistake players make is approaching the Kairuku too quickly or without crouching, causing it to flee. Another mistake is not bringing enough food, which can result in an incomplete tame. To avoid these issues, always move slowly and bring extra food, especially if you are taming a high-level Kairuku. It is also important to monitor your surroundings, as predators or other players can disrupt the taming process.

For advanced players, consider using a taming pen with a roof to prevent the Kairuku from escaping. You can also use a grappling hook or net projectile to immobilize the Kairuku temporarily, making it easier to feed. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to create a safe taming environment. One player can distract or eliminate nearby threats while another focuses on feeding the Kairuku.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need a significant amount of raw fish meat or raw prime fish meat, depending on the Kairuku's level. For example, a level 150 Kairuku may require around 50 raw prime fish meat or over 100 regular raw fish meat. You will also need narcotics or biotoxin to keep the Kairuku unconscious if you accidentally knock it out, though this is not necessary for passive taming. Additionally, bring warm clothing or a otter to survive the cold biome where Kairuku are found.

In conclusion, taming a high-level Kairuku requires patience, preparation, and careful movement. By gathering the right food, creating a safe environment, and using advanced techniques like taming pens or soothing balm, you can successfully tame a high-level Kairuku to aid in your survival and exploration. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you master the taming process and add a valuable creature to your team.