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

Taming a creature that requires cooked meat jerky in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a specific process that combines preparation, patience, and careful execution. Cooked meat jerky is a preferred taming food for certain creatures, such as the Megalosaurus, and it is also used in some kibble recipes. To successfully tame a creature with cooked meat jerky, you need to understand the mechanics, gather the necessary resources, and follow a step-by-step strategy.

First, letÔÇÖs break down the mechanics of taming with cooked meat jerky. Cooked meat jerky is made by placing raw meat, sparkpowder, and oil in a preserving bin or industrial cooker. The preserving bin requires sparkpowder to function as a fuel source, and the jerky takes approximately 30 minutes to craft. Once you have the jerky, you can use it to tame creatures that prefer it as their primary or secondary food source. The taming process itself depends on whether the creature is a knockout tame or a passive tame. For knockout tames, you will need to render the creature unconscious using tranquilizers, such as tranq arrows or darts, and then feed it the jerky while it is knocked out. For passive tames, you will need to approach the creature carefully and feed it the jerky without aggroing it.

To begin, gather the resources needed to craft cooked meat jerky. You will need raw meat, which can be obtained by hunting dinosaurs like Dodos, Parasaur, or Raptors. Sparkpowder is crafted by combining flint and stone in a mortar and pestle or fabricator. Oil can be harvested from oil nodes in certain biomes, such as the snow or underwater areas, or by killing Trilobites or Basilosaurus. Once you have these resources, place them in a preserving bin or industrial cooker and wait for the jerky to be crafted. ItÔÇÖs a good idea to craft a large amount of jerky in advance, as some creatures may require a significant amount to tame.

Next, prepare for the taming process. If the creature is a knockout tame, gather the necessary tools to knock it out, such as a bow with tranq arrows or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts. You will also need narcotics or biotoxin to keep the creature unconscious during the taming process. Build a taming pen or trap to secure the creature and prevent it from escaping or being attacked by other predators. For passive tames, approach the creature slowly and avoid sudden movements. Some passive tames require you to crouch or wear specific armor, such as ghillie armor, to reduce your visibility.

When taming with cooked meat jerky, monitor the creatureÔÇÖs hunger and torpor levels. For knockout tames, ensure the creature remains unconscious by periodically feeding it narcotics or biotoxin. Feed the jerky to the creature as its hunger decreases, and avoid overfeeding, as this can waste resources. For passive tames, wait for the creature to eat the jerky on its own, and be patient, as this process can take time.

Common mistakes to avoid include not preparing enough jerky, failing to secure the creature in a taming pen, or not monitoring torpor levels. Running out of jerky mid-tame can be frustrating, so always craft extra. Additionally, failing to protect the creature from other predators or environmental hazards can result in a failed tame. Always scout the area and clear it of threats before beginning the taming process.

Advanced techniques include using taming calculators to determine the exact amount of jerky and time required for the tame. These tools can help you optimize your resources and plan accordingly. Additionally, using kibble instead of jerky can speed up the taming process and improve taming effectiveness, but this requires more preparation and resources.

Resource requirements and preparation are crucial for a successful tame. Ensure you have enough raw meat, sparkpowder, and oil to craft the jerky. Gather extra narcotics or biotoxin for knockout tames, and prepare a secure taming pen or trap. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and protect the taming area. Solo players should focus on efficiency and safety, as they will need to handle all aspects of the tame alone.

Specific examples include taming a Megalosaurus, which prefers cooked meat jerky as its primary food source. The Megalosaurus is a nocturnal creature, so it is best to tame it at night when it is active. Use a taming pen to trap it, knock it out with tranq arrows or darts, and feed it jerky while keeping it unconscious with narcotics. Another example is taming a Therizinosaurus, which can also be tamed with jerky, though it prefers kibble for faster taming.

In conclusion, taming a creature with cooked meat jerky in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, resource management, and execution. By understanding the mechanics, gathering the necessary resources, and following a step-by-step strategy, you can successfully tame creatures that prefer jerky. Avoid common mistakes, use advanced techniques to optimize your taming process, and always prioritize safety and efficiency. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, mastering this process will enhance your survival and progression in the game.