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

Taming a creature that requires cooked prime fish meat in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a specific set of steps and preparations. This process is unique because cooked prime fish meat is not as commonly used as other taming foods like raw meat or kibble. Creatures that require this food are often aquatic or semi-aquatic, such as the Baryonyx or the Ichthyosaurus. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully tame such creatures.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of taming with cooked prime fish meat. Cooked prime fish meat is a high-quality food that provides a significant taming effectiveness boost compared to regular raw meat. However, it spoils quickly, so you must prepare it shortly before the taming process. To obtain prime fish meat, you need to hunt large fish like Coelacanths, Sabertooth Salmon, or Piranhas. These fish are commonly found in rivers, lakes, or oceans. Once you kill them, harvest their bodies using a metal hatchet or a carnivorous dinosaur like a Sabertooth or a Megalodon to maximize the yield of prime fish meat.

After gathering the prime fish meat, you must cook it immediately to prevent spoilage. Use a campfire, cooking pot, or industrial grill to cook the meat. Keep in mind that cooked prime fish meat spoils faster than raw prime fish meat, so timing is crucial. You should also prepare other necessary resources, such as narcotics or biotoxin, to keep the creature unconscious during the taming process. Additionally, gather materials for a taming pen if you plan to trap the creature, as this will make the process safer and more efficient.

Next, locate the creature you wish to tame. For aquatic creatures like the Baryonyx, you may need to venture into rivers or swamps. For semi-aquatic creatures, they might be found near water sources. Once you find the creature, assess its level and decide if it is worth taming. Higher-level creatures have better stats but require more resources and time to tame. If you are playing solo, consider taming a mid-level creature to balance resource consumption and effectiveness. In a tribe, you can pool resources to tame higher-level creatures more efficiently.

To begin the taming process, you need to knock out the creature if it is not a passive tame. Use a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts or a crossbow with tranq arrows to incapacitate the creature. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain. Be cautious of the creature's torpor level, as it can wake up if not monitored. Once the creature is unconscious, place the cooked prime fish meat in its inventory. The creature will eat the meat when it is hungry, gradually increasing its taming effectiveness. Keep an eye on its torpor level and administer narcotics or biotoxin as needed to keep it unconscious.

During the taming process, protect the creature from other predators. Build a taming pen or use natural barriers to keep the area secure. If you are in a tribe, assign roles to members, such as one person guarding the area while another monitors the creature's torpor and hunger. Solo players should prioritize safety and efficiency, using tools like bear traps or bolas to immobilize threats.

Common mistakes to avoid include letting the cooked prime fish meat spoil before the creature eats it, failing to monitor the creature's torpor level, and not securing the area from predators. To optimize the process, use a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and time required. This will help you prepare the right amount of resources and avoid waste. Additionally, consider using kibble if available, as it provides the highest taming effectiveness and reduces the time required.

Advanced techniques include using a taming pen with a roof to prevent flying creatures from interfering or using a raft to create a mobile taming platform for aquatic creatures. These methods can make the process safer and more efficient, especially in dangerous areas. Resource management is also crucial. Always carry extra narcotics, food, and tools in case of emergencies.

In summary, taming a creature with cooked prime fish meat requires careful preparation, resource management, and attention to detail. By following these steps and strategies, you can successfully tame aquatic or semi-aquatic creatures to enhance your survival and exploration in ARK: Survival Evolved. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, mastering these mechanics will give you a significant advantage in the game.