What is the best way to keep a dinosaur unconscious during taming in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Keeping a dinosaur unconscious during taming in ARK: Survival Evolved is a critical part of the taming process, especially for creatures that require knockout taming. The key to success lies in managing the dinosaur's torpor, which is the stat that determines how unconscious the creature is. If torpor drops too low, the dinosaur will wake up, and you may lose progress or even have to start over. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to keep a dinosaur unconscious effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs talk about the mechanics. Torpor is a stat that increases when you hit a dinosaur with tranquilizing tools like slingshots, tranq arrows, or tranquilizer darts. Once the torpor reaches a certain threshold, the dinosaur will fall unconscious. However, torpor decreases over time, so you need to maintain it by using narcotics or narcoberries. Narcotics are more efficient, as they provide a larger torpor boost and last longer than narcoberries. The goal is to keep the torpor level high enough so the dinosaur stays unconscious while it eats the food you provide for taming.

To begin, youÔÇÖll need to prepare the necessary resources. For early-game taming, a slingshot and rocks are sufficient for smaller creatures, but for larger or more dangerous dinosaurs, youÔÇÖll want a bow with tranq arrows or a crossbow. Tranquilizer darts are even better but require a longneck rifle, which is more advanced. YouÔÇÖll also need a good supply of narcotics or narcoberries. Narcotics are crafted in a mortar and pestle using spoiled meat and narcoberries, so gather these resources in advance. Additionally, bring the preferred food for the dinosaur youÔÇÖre taming, such as berries for herbivores or raw meat for carnivores.

Once youÔÇÖve located the dinosaur you want to tame, start by knocking it out. Use your chosen tranquilizing tool to hit the dinosaur repeatedly. Aim for the head if possible, as this increases torpor more efficiently. Be careful not to kill the creature, as some dinosaurs have low health pools. After the dinosaur falls unconscious, quickly access its inventory and place the food inside. Then, monitor its torpor level. If it starts to drop, add narcotics or narcoberries to its inventory and force-feed them by selecting the "Remote Use Item" option. This will keep the torpor high and prevent the dinosaur from waking up.

One important tip is to build a taming pen. This is especially useful for larger or more aggressive dinosaurs. A taming pen can be made from stone or metal foundations and walls, creating a secure area where the dinosaur canÔÇÖt escape or be attacked by other predators. Lure the dinosaur into the pen using a bola or by leading it in, then close the gate and proceed with knocking it out. This method is safer and more efficient, especially for solo players or small tribes.

Common mistakes to avoid include not preparing enough narcotics or food, which can lead to the dinosaur waking up or the taming process taking too long. Another mistake is not monitoring the dinosaurÔÇÖs torpor closely, as it can drop faster than expected, especially for high-level creatures. Additionally, avoid using weapons that deal too much damage, as this can kill the dinosaur before it falls unconscious. Always prioritize torpor over damage when choosing your tools.

For advanced techniques, consider using a taming calculator or app to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics needed for the dinosaur youÔÇÖre taming. This can save time and resources. Another optimization is to use kibble, which is the most effective taming food for many dinosaurs. Kibble is made from specific dinosaur eggs and other ingredients, and it significantly speeds up the taming process while also improving taming effectiveness. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and protect the taming area, as some dinosaurs may attract unwanted attention from predators or rival players.

In terms of resource requirements, always bring extra narcotics, food, and tools. For example, if youÔÇÖre taming a high-level Rex, youÔÇÖll need hundreds of narcotics and a large amount of raw meat or kibble. Preparation is key, so stockpile resources before attempting to tame larger or more dangerous creatures. For solo players, focus on building a secure taming pen and using ranged weapons to minimize risk. Tribes can assign roles, such as one player gathering resources while another monitors the dinosaurÔÇÖs torpor.

Specific examples include taming a Triceratops, which is relatively easy and requires berries and a few narcotics. For a Carnotaurus, youÔÇÖll need raw meat and a larger supply of narcotics due to its higher torpor drain. For a Quetzal, which is a flying creature, youÔÇÖll need a strategy to knock it out mid-air, such as using a grappling hook or another flying mount to shoot it down.

In conclusion, keeping a dinosaur unconscious during taming requires careful preparation, monitoring, and resource management. By understanding the mechanics, using the right tools, and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully tame even the most challenging creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you build a powerful team of tamed dinosaurs to enhance your survival and progression in the game.