What is the best way to knock out a Triceratops in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Triceratops in ARK: Survival Evolved involves knocking it out and then feeding it the right food to gain its trust. The Triceratops, also known as the Trike, is a herbivore, so it prefers berries or crops for taming. It is a relatively easy creature to tame, especially for beginners, but it still requires careful planning and execution. Below is a detailed guide on how to knock out and tame a Triceratops effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of knocking out a Triceratops. The Triceratops has a torpor stat, which is a measure of how unconscious it is. To knock it out, you need to increase its torpor to the point where it collapses. This is done by using weapons that inflict torpor damage, such as a slingshot, a bow with tranq arrows, or a crossbow with tranq arrows. Tranquilizer darts from a longneck rifle are also effective but are more advanced and require more resources. The Triceratops has a moderate amount of health and torpor, so it will take several hits to knock it out. However, its torpor drains slowly, giving you time to land multiple shots without worrying too much about it waking up.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. For a slingshot, you will need wood, fiber, and hide. For a bow and tranq arrows, you will need wood, fiber, thatch, flint, and narcotics. Narcotics are made from spoiled meat and narcoberries, which are easy to gather early in the game. If you are using a crossbow or longneck rifle, you will need metal ingots, polymer, and other advanced materials. Make sure to bring plenty of ammunition, as the Triceratops can take a lot of hits before it goes down. Additionally, bring some narcotics or biotoxin to keep it unconscious once it is knocked out. You will also need a good amount of berries or crops, such as mejoberries, which are the TrikeÔÇÖs preferred food.

Next, find a Triceratops. They are common in many areas, especially in grasslands and forests. Once you locate one, approach it carefully. The Triceratops is not overly aggressive, but it will attack if provoked. If you are solo, it is best to lure the Triceratops into a taming pen. A taming pen is a simple structure made of stone or wood with walls and a gate. Lure the Trike into the pen and close the gate behind it. This will prevent it from running away or being attacked by other creatures while you tame it.

Now, start knocking it out. If you are using a slingshot, aim for the head to maximize torpor damage. Keep your distance and be ready to dodge its attacks. If you are using a bow or crossbow, aim for the body or head and fire repeatedly. The Triceratops will eventually collapse. Once it is down, quickly access its inventory and place the berries or crops inside. Keep an eye on its torpor level and feed it narcotics or biotoxin as needed to keep it unconscious. The taming process will take some time, so be patient.

There are a few common mistakes to avoid. First, do not use weapons that deal too much damage, such as a regular bow with stone arrows. These can kill the Triceratops before it is knocked out. Second, do not let the Triceratops wake up during the taming process. If its torpor drops too low, it will regain consciousness, and you will have to start over. Third, avoid taming in dangerous areas where other predators might attack you or the Triceratops. Always choose a safe location or use a taming pen.

For advanced players, there are ways to optimize the taming process. Using kibble instead of berries will significantly speed up the taming process and result in a higher taming effectiveness. Kibble is made from eggs, fiber, and other ingredients, and each creature has a preferred type. For the Triceratops, you will need dodo kibble. Additionally, using a taming calculator can help you determine the exact amount of food and narcotics needed, saving you time and resources.

If you are in a tribe, taming a Triceratops can be easier. One player can distract the Trike while another knocks it out. You can also share resources, making it easier to gather the necessary materials. However, if you are solo, make sure to prepare thoroughly and bring extra supplies in case something goes wrong.

In summary, taming a Triceratops involves knocking it out with torpor-inducing weapons, feeding it berries or crops, and keeping it unconscious with narcotics. Prepare the necessary resources, use a taming pen if possible, and avoid common mistakes like using damaging weapons or taming in unsafe areas. With patience and careful planning, you can successfully tame a Triceratops to aid you in your survival and exploration in ARK: Survival Evolved.