How do I tame a creature that requires specific environmental conditions like a Mantis in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Mantis in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique challenge due to its specific environmental and resource requirements. The Mantis is a desert-dwelling creature found primarily in the Scorched Earth map or in desert biomes on other maps like Ragnarok or Valguero. To tame a Mantis, you must meet its specific needs, which include providing the right food and ensuring the environment is suitable. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you successfully tame a Mantis.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. The Mantis is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you must approach it carefully and feed it the correct food. The Mantis prefers Deathworm Horns, which are obtained by killing Deathworms in the desert. Deathworms are aggressive and powerful creatures, so youÔÇÖll need to prepare for a tough fight. Once you have the Deathworm Horns, you can begin the taming process. The Mantis will only accept Deathworm Horns, so make sure you have enough before attempting to tame one.

Step-by-step instructions for taming a Mantis are as follows. First, locate a Mantis in the desert. They are often found wandering alone or in small groups. Approach the Mantis slowly and cautiously, as sudden movements can scare it away. Once you are close enough, open your inventory and place the Deathworm Horns in the last slot of your hotbar. This allows you to quickly access them. Feed the Mantis by selecting the Deathworm Horns and pressing the appropriate button to offer them. The Mantis will consume the horn, and its taming progress will increase. Repeat this process until the Mantis is fully tamed. Be patient, as the taming process can take some time, especially if the Mantis is a high level.

Important tips and considerations include wearing Ghillie Armor to reduce your visibility and avoid startling the Mantis. Ghillie Armor is especially useful in the desert, as it helps you blend in with the environment. Additionally, bring plenty of Deathworm Horns, as higher-level Mantises require more horns to tame. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to bring a fast mount, such as a Raptor or a Sabertooth, to help you escape if other predators attack during the taming process. Keep an eye on your surroundings, as the desert is home to many dangerous creatures, including Carnos, Wyverns, and more Deathworms.

Common mistakes to avoid include approaching the Mantis too quickly or without the proper food. If you do not have Deathworm Horns, the Mantis will not accept any other food, and the taming process will fail. Another mistake is attempting to tame a Mantis in a dangerous area without proper preparation. Always scout the area first and clear out any nearby threats before starting the taming process. Additionally, avoid taming during extreme weather conditions, such as sandstorms, as they can reduce visibility and make it harder to control the situation.

Advanced techniques or optimizations include using a taming pen to secure the Mantis during the process. Build a small enclosure with stone or metal walls to trap the Mantis and prevent it from wandering off or being attacked by other creatures. This also allows you to control the environment and reduce the risk of interruptions. Another optimization is to use a taming calculator to determine the exact number of Deathworm Horns needed for the specific level of Mantis you are taming. This helps you prepare the right amount of resources and avoid running out mid-tame.

Resource requirements and preparation are crucial for a successful Mantis tame. You will need Ghillie Armor, a fast mount, and a good weapon to kill Deathworms. Bring plenty of food, water, and medical supplies to sustain yourself in the harsh desert environment. Additionally, consider bringing a Cryopod to safely transport the tamed Mantis back to your base without risking it in the wild.

Tribe and solo considerations differ slightly. In a tribe, you can divide tasks, such as having one player gather Deathworm Horns while another prepares the taming pen. This makes the process more efficient. Solo players must handle all tasks themselves, so careful planning and preparation are essential. Regardless of your playstyle, communication and coordination are key to a successful tame.

Specific examples and scenarios include taming a high-level Mantis for combat or resource gathering. A high-level Mantis can be a powerful ally in battles, especially when equipped with weapons like swords or pikes. Additionally, Mantises are excellent gatherers, capable of harvesting resources like wood, thatch, and fiber with high efficiency. Taming a Mantis in a dangerous area, such as near Wyvern nests, requires extra caution. Always be prepared to defend yourself and your taming pen from unexpected threats.

In conclusion, taming a Mantis in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, the right resources, and a strategic approach. By following these steps and tips, you can successfully tame a Mantis and add a versatile and powerful creature to your team. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, mastering the art of Mantis taming will greatly enhance your survival and progression in the game.