What is the best way to tame a creature that requires a specific type of armor in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved that require specific armor, such as the Rock Drake or the Basilisk, involves unique mechanics and careful preparation. These creatures often have special taming methods that differ from standard knockout or passive taming. Below is a detailed guide on how to approach taming such creatures, with a focus on the Rock Drake as a primary example.

The Rock Drake, found in the Aberration map, requires a specific approach due to its aggressive nature and the need for Hazard Suit Armor to survive the radiation in its habitat. The first step is to prepare the necessary equipment. You will need a full set of Hazard Suit Armor, which requires materials like polymer, electronics, and gems. These resources can be gathered from various sources, such as killing Karkinos for polymer or harvesting metal and crystal for electronics. Additionally, you will need a Glider Suit or Climbing Pick to navigate the Rock Drake's environment, as well as weapons like a crossbow or longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts to knock it out.

Once you have the required gear, head to the Rock Drake's nesting area in the Radiation Zone. Be cautious of the radiation, as it will quickly drain your health without the Hazard Suit. The Rock Drake is a stealthy creature, so you must approach carefully to avoid detection. Use the Glider Suit or Climbing Pick to move through the area and locate a Rock Drake egg. Stealing an egg will immediately aggro nearby Rock Drakes, so be prepared for a fight or a quick escape. If you prefer to tame an adult Rock Drake, you will need to knock it out using tranquilizer darts or arrows. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain, and keep an eye on its torpor level to ensure it doesnÔÇÖt wake up.

After the Rock Drake is unconscious, you will need to feed it Nameless Venom, which can be obtained by killing Nameless creatures in the Aberration map. Place the venom in the Rock DrakeÔÇÖs inventory and wait for it to consume it. The taming process will take time, so be prepared to defend the area from other predators or hostile creatures. Using a taming pen can help keep the Rock Drake safe during this process. Once tamed, the Rock Drake will be a powerful ally, capable of climbing walls, gliding, and even turning invisible.

Important tips for taming creatures that require specific armor include always carrying extra resources for repairs, as the Hazard Suit can degrade quickly in harsh environments. Additionally, bring plenty of medical brews or food to sustain yourself during the taming process. Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the difficulty of the environment, such as the radiation in Aberration, or failing to prepare enough resources for the taming process. Advanced techniques include using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of resources needed and optimizing your approach by scouting the area beforehand.

Resource requirements for taming such creatures are significant, so itÔÇÖs advisable to gather materials in advance. For solo players, this can be challenging, but with careful planning and preparation, it is achievable. Tribe members can divide tasks, such as gathering resources, crafting armor, and scouting the area, to make the process more efficient. Specific scenarios, such as taming a Rock Drake in a heavily populated server, may require additional strategies, such as building a temporary base near the taming area to store resources and respawn if needed.

In conclusion, taming creatures that require specific armor in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. By understanding the mechanics, preparing the necessary resources, and following a strategic approach, you can successfully tame powerful creatures like the Rock Drake. Whether playing solo or with a tribe, careful planning and execution are key to overcoming the challenges of taming in hazardous environments.