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

Taming a creature in ARK: Survival Evolved that requires a specific type of weapon, such as a tranquilizer weapon, involves a combination of preparation, strategy, and careful execution. The process typically revolves around knocking the creature unconscious and then feeding it the appropriate food to gain its trust. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully tame such creatures.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of knockout taming. This method involves using weapons like slingshots, bows with tranq arrows, or tranquilizer darts to incapacitate the creature. Each weapon has different effectiveness, with tranq darts being the most efficient but also the most resource-intensive. The goal is to increase the creature's torpor level until it falls unconscious. Torpor is a stat that increases when the creature is hit by tranquilizing weapons or when it consumes narcotics. Once the creature is unconscious, you can begin feeding it its preferred food to complete the taming process.

To start, gather the necessary resources. For a bow and tranq arrows, you will need wood, fiber, thatch, and flint. For a crossbow and tranq arrows, you will need metal ingots, wood, fiber, and flint. Tranquilizer darts require a longneck rifle, which needs metal ingots, wood, and polymer, along with the darts themselves, which require metal ingots, narcotics, and gunpowder. Additionally, you will need narcotics to keep the creature unconscious during the taming process. Narcotics are made from spoiled meat and narcoberries in a mortar and pestle.

Next, prepare a taming pen. This is especially important for larger or more dangerous creatures. A taming pen can be built using stone or metal structures to trap the creature, preventing it from escaping or being attacked by other predators. Make sure the pen has a gate or ramp system to lure the creature inside. Once the creature is trapped, you can safely knock it out without worrying about it running away or being interrupted.

When you are ready to begin taming, approach the creature carefully. Use your chosen weapon to shoot it with tranq arrows or darts. Aim for the head if possible, as this will increase torpor more efficiently. Be mindful of the creature's torpor level and health. If its health drops too low, it may die before it can be knocked out. To avoid this, use weapons with lower damage but higher torpor, such as tranq darts, or space out your shots to allow the torpor to build up without dealing too much damage.

Once the creature is unconscious, quickly access its inventory and place the preferred food inside. Different creatures have different preferences, so make sure you have the correct food. For example, carnivores like raw meat or prime meat, while herbivores prefer berries or crops. Some creatures, like the Argentavis, prefer kibble, which is made from specific eggs and other ingredients. Kibble is the most effective taming food and will speed up the process significantly.

Monitor the creature's torpor level and hunger. As the creature eats, its taming effectiveness will increase, but its torpor will decrease. Use narcotics or narcoberries to keep the torpor level high. You can force-feed these items to the creature by placing them in its inventory and using the "remote use" option. Be careful not to overfeed, as this can cause the creature to wake up prematurely.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong type of food, not preparing enough narcotics, or failing to secure the area. Always scout the surroundings for potential threats, such as other predators or aggressive creatures, before starting the taming process. Additionally, avoid using weapons that deal too much damage, as this can kill the creature before it is knocked out.

Advanced techniques include using taming calculators or guides to determine the exact amount of food and time required for each creature. These tools can help you optimize the taming process by providing precise information on the creature's stats and preferences. Another advanced strategy is to use taming pens with multiple gates or traps to handle larger or more dangerous creatures, such as the Rex or Spino.

Resource requirements and preparation are crucial for a successful tame. Make sure you have enough materials for your weapons, narcotics, and food. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and protect the taming area. Solo players should focus on building a secure taming pen and preparing extra resources in case of emergencies.

Specific examples include taming a Rex, which requires a large taming pen and a significant amount of narcotics and raw meat or prime meat. Another example is taming an Argentavis, which prefers kibble and can be lured into a taming pen using a bola to immobilize it temporarily.

In conclusion, taming a creature that requires a specific type of weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved involves careful preparation, strategic execution, and constant monitoring. By following these steps and tips, you can successfully tame even the most challenging creatures and enhance your survival and progression in the game.