What is the most efficient way to gather narcotics for taming in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering narcotics efficiently in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for taming dinosaurs, as narcotics are used to keep creatures unconscious during the taming process. Narcotics are crafted from spoiled meat and narcoberries, which are relatively easy to obtain but require some preparation and strategy to gather in large quantities. Below is a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather narcotics, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To craft narcotics, you need two key resources: spoiled meat and narcoberries. Spoiled meat is obtained by letting raw meat spoil in your inventory or storage. Narcoberries are harvested from bushes, similar to other berries. The crafting recipe for narcotics is 5 spoiled meat and 5 narcoberries, which yields 1 narcotic. This process can be done in your inventory or at a mortar and pestle, with the latter being more efficient for bulk crafting.

The first step in gathering narcotics is to collect narcoberries. Narcoberries are found in bushes scattered across the map, and they are most commonly harvested using a dinosaur with high berry-gathering efficiency, such as a Trike, Stegosaurus, or Brontosaurus. These dinosaurs can gather large quantities of narcoberries quickly, making them invaluable for this task. If you do not have access to these dinosaurs, you can gather narcoberries manually, but this will be slower and less efficient.

Once you have a good supply of narcoberries, the next step is to gather spoiled meat. Spoiled meat is created by letting raw meat spoil. To maximize efficiency, you can split stacks of raw meat into smaller stacks in your inventory, as each stack spoils independently. This allows you to generate spoiled meat faster. Alternatively, you can use a preserving bin or refrigerator to store raw meat, as these structures slow down the spoiling process, giving you more control over when the meat spoils.

After gathering the necessary resources, you can craft narcotics. Using a mortar and pestle is the most efficient method, as it allows you to craft multiple narcotics at once. If you are playing solo, you will need to manage your inventory space carefully to ensure you have enough room for both the raw materials and the crafted narcotics. In a tribe, you can divide tasks among members, with some focusing on gathering narcoberries and others on collecting spoiled meat, which can significantly speed up the process.

One important tip is to use a tamed dinosaur with high weight capacity to carry large amounts of narcoberries and spoiled meat. This reduces the need for frequent trips back to your base and allows you to gather resources more efficiently. Additionally, using a tamed dinosaur with high melee damage can help you gather raw meat from kills more quickly, speeding up the process of generating spoiled meat.

A common mistake to avoid is neglecting to prepare enough narcotics before starting a taming process. Running out of narcotics during taming can lead to the creature waking up, which can be disastrous, especially for high-level dinosaurs. Always prepare more narcotics than you think you will need, as the taming process can take longer than expected, especially for larger or more aggressive creatures.

Advanced techniques for optimizing narcotic production include using industrial grinders and chemistry benches. Industrial grinders can convert unwanted items into resources, including spoiled meat, which can be useful if you have excess materials. Chemistry benches allow for faster crafting of narcotics and can process larger quantities at once, making them ideal for tribes or players with advanced technology.

Resource requirements for narcotic production include a steady supply of narcoberries and raw meat. For solo players, this means dedicating time to gathering these resources regularly. For tribes, coordination is key, with members assigned to specific tasks to ensure a steady flow of materials. Building a base near resource-rich areas, such as forests with abundant bushes or areas with frequent dinosaur spawns, can also help streamline the process.

In specific scenarios, such as taming a high-level Rex or Spino, you will need a significant amount of narcotics to keep the creature unconscious. Preparing in advance by stockpiling narcoberries and spoiled meat is crucial. Using taming calculators to estimate the required amount of narcotics can help you avoid running out during the taming process.

In conclusion, efficiently gathering narcotics in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of resource gathering, preparation, and strategic use of tools and dinosaurs. By following these steps and tips, you can ensure a steady supply of narcotics for all your taming needs, whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe. Proper planning and resource management are key to mastering this aspect of the game and successfully taming powerful creatures.