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

Taming a creature that requires cooked mutton in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a specific set of steps and preparations. Cooked mutton is one of the most effective taming foods for certain carnivorous creatures, such as the Allosaurus, Carnotaurus, and Megalosaurus. It provides a significant boost to taming efficiency compared to raw meat or prime meat, making it a valuable resource for players looking to tame these creatures quickly and effectively. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a creature using cooked mutton, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and more.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of taming with cooked mutton. Cooked mutton is obtained by killing Ovis, a sheep-like creature found in various regions of the map. Once you kill an Ovis, you can harvest its body for raw mutton. Raw mutton spoils quickly, so it is essential to cook it immediately or preserve it using a preserving bin or refrigerator. Cooked mutton has a longer spoil timer and is more effective for taming than raw mutton. When used as taming food, cooked mutton significantly reduces the time required to tame a creature and increases the taming effectiveness, which directly impacts the creature's post-tame stats.

To begin the taming process, you must first locate the creature you wish to tame. For example, if you are taming an Allosaurus, you will need to find one in its natural habitat, such as mountainous or forested areas. Once you locate the creature, you need to knock it out. This is typically done using tranquilizer methods, such as a bow with tranq arrows, a crossbow with tranq arrows, or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain, but be careful not to kill the creature. After the creature is unconscious, you must protect it from other predators and ensure it remains unconscious by monitoring its torpor level. Use narcotics or narcoberries to keep the torpor high.

Next, place the cooked mutton in the creature's inventory. The creature will eat the mutton when it is hungry, and the taming bar will gradually fill. Cooked mutton is highly effective, so you will need fewer pieces compared to raw meat or prime meat. However, you should still bring extra mutton in case the taming process takes longer than expected. While the creature is taming, stay nearby to monitor its torpor and ensure no other creatures attack it. Building a taming pen or using spike walls can help protect the creature during the process.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when taming with cooked mutton. First, always carry extra narcotics or narcoberries to maintain the creature's torpor. Second, use a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of cooked mutton and time required for the specific creature you are taming. This will help you prepare adequately and avoid running out of resources. Third, consider using a taming pen to trap the creature, as this will make the process safer and more efficient. Finally, be aware of the creature's surroundings and clear any nearby threats before starting the taming process.

Common mistakes to avoid include using raw mutton instead of cooked mutton, as raw mutton is less effective and spoils quickly. Another mistake is not bringing enough narcotics, which can result in the creature waking up before the taming process is complete. Additionally, failing to protect the creature from other predators can lead to its death, wasting your time and resources. Always be prepared for unexpected challenges, such as aggressive creatures or environmental hazards.

Advanced techniques for taming with cooked mutton include using a taming pen with a trap door or gate to easily capture and contain the creature. This method allows you to safely knock out the creature without it escaping or attacking you. Another advanced technique is using a taming raft, which is a mobile base built on a raft that can be used to transport and tame creatures near water. This is particularly useful for creatures that spawn near rivers or coastlines. Additionally, using a taming calculator to optimize the taming process by calculating the exact amount of resources needed can save time and effort.

Resource requirements for taming with cooked mutton include a weapon for knocking out the creature, such as a bow or longneck rifle, tranq arrows or darts, narcotics or narcoberries, and of course, cooked mutton. You will also need materials to build a taming pen or spike walls for protection. If you are playing solo, it is essential to prepare all these resources in advance, as you will not have the help of tribe members. In a tribe, you can divide tasks, such as one player gathering mutton while another prepares narcotics, making the process more efficient.

Specific examples of creatures that benefit from cooked mutton include the Allosaurus, Carnotaurus, and Megalosaurus. For instance, taming an Allosaurus with cooked mutton can reduce the taming time significantly compared to using raw meat. Similarly, a Carnotaurus tamed with cooked mutton will have higher taming effectiveness, resulting in better stats. These creatures are powerful allies for combat and resource gathering, making the effort to tame them with cooked mutton well worth it.

In conclusion, taming a creature with cooked mutton in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, resource management, and strategic planning. By following the steps outlined above, you can efficiently tame powerful creatures and enhance your survival and progression in the game. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, mastering the use of cooked mutton for taming will give you a significant advantage in the world of ARK.