How do I tame a creature that requires a specific type of food in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a creature in ARK: Survival Evolved that requires specific food involves understanding the mechanics of the taming process, preparing the right resources, and executing a strategy tailored to the creature's behavior. The process can vary depending on whether the creature is tamed passively or through knockout methods. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you successfully tame such creatures.

First, identify the creature you want to tame and its preferred food. For example, a Carnotaurus prefers raw meat, while a Therizinosaurus prefers rare flowers or kibble. Some creatures, like the Quetzal, require specific kibble made from eggs. Kibble is often the most efficient taming food, as it reduces taming time and increases effectiveness. To prepare kibble, you need eggs from specific dinosaurs, along with other ingredients like vegetables, berries, and fiber. Crafting kibble requires a cooking pot or industrial cooker, so ensure you have these structures built in your base.

For knockout taming, you need to render the creature unconscious. This is done using weapons like slingshots, bows with tranq arrows, or tranquilizer darts from a longneck rifle. Each creature has a torpor stat, which determines how much damage it can take before being knocked out. Monitor the creatureÔÇÖs torpor level during the process, as it will decrease over time. To keep the creature unconscious, use narcotics or narcoberries. Narcotics are crafted from spoiled meat and narcoberries in a mortar and pestle or chemistry bench. Always carry extra narcotics to avoid the creature waking up prematurely.

Once the creature is unconscious, place the preferred food in its inventory. The creature will eat the food over time, gradually increasing its taming effectiveness. Higher quality food, like kibble, will speed up the process. Avoid feeding the creature low-quality food, as this can prolong taming and reduce effectiveness. Keep an eye on the creatureÔÇÖs hunger and torpor levels, and replenish narcotics as needed. If the creatureÔÇÖs torpor drops too low, it will wake up, and youÔÇÖll have to start over.

For passive taming, approach the creature carefully without startling it. Drop the preferred food near the creature or directly into its inventory if possible. Some creatures, like the Otter, require you to feed them fish while they are in the water. Passive taming requires patience, as the creature may take time to accept the food. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises, as these can scare the creature away.

Preparation is key to successful taming. Gather all necessary resources beforehand, including food, narcotics, and weapons. Build a taming pen to trap the creature, preventing it from escaping or being attacked by predators. Use stone or metal structures for stronger creatures, as they can break through weaker materials. If youÔÇÖre taming a flying creature, consider using a trap with a large gate or a net projectile to immobilize it.

Common mistakes include underestimating the creatureÔÇÖs strength or torpor level, leading to failed taming attempts. Always carry extra supplies, as unexpected events can occur, such as other predators attacking during the process. Avoid using low-quality food, as this can significantly increase taming time and reduce effectiveness. Additionally, ensure you have enough narcotics to keep the creature unconscious throughout the taming process.

Advanced techniques include using taming calculators to determine the exact amount of food and time required for each creature. These tools can help optimize your taming strategy, ensuring you use the most efficient food and resources. For example, using kibble instead of raw meat can save time and increase taming effectiveness. Additionally, consider using taming efficiency multipliers, which can be adjusted in single-player or private server settings to speed up the process.

Resource requirements vary depending on the creature and the taming method. For knockout taming, youÔÇÖll need weapons, narcotics, and food. For passive taming, youÔÇÖll need the preferred food and possibly a trap or enclosure. Always gather extra resources to account for any mistakes or unexpected events.

Tribe and solo considerations differ based on the creatureÔÇÖs difficulty. Taming large or aggressive creatures, like a Rex or Giganotosaurus, is easier with a tribe, as multiple players can help with the process. Solo players should focus on smaller or less aggressive creatures, or use traps and advanced weapons to manage larger ones. Communication and coordination are crucial in tribe taming, as players need to work together to keep the creature unconscious and fed.

Specific examples include taming a Quetzal, which requires a trap or net projectile to immobilize it, followed by feeding it kibble. Another example is taming a Therizinosaurus, which can be aggressive and requires careful knockout taming with tranq arrows or darts. Each creature has unique behaviors and requirements, so research and preparation are essential for successful taming.

By following these steps and strategies, you can efficiently tame creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved, enhancing your survival and progression in the game. Always be prepared, patient, and attentive to the creatureÔÇÖs needs to ensure a successful tame.