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

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

First, you need to identify the creature you want to tame and determine its preferred bait. Some creatures, like the Ichthyosaurus, require specific items such as Rare Flowers or Rare Mushrooms, while others, like the Kairuku, prefer fish meat. Researching the creature's taming requirements beforehand is crucial. You can use the in-game dossier or online resources like the ARK Wiki to find this information. Once you know the bait, gather the necessary resources. For example, if you are taming a creature that requires Rare Flowers, you will need to harvest them from specific plants or loot them from beaver dams.

Next, prepare the tools and equipment needed for the taming process. For knockout taming, you will need weapons like a slingshot, bow with tranq arrows, or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts. You will also need narcotics or biotoxin to keep the creature unconscious during the taming process. For passive taming, you will need the specific bait and possibly armor to protect yourself from other predators. Building a taming pen can be highly beneficial, especially for aggressive creatures. A taming pen is a structure made of stone or metal that traps the creature, making it easier to tame without interference from other animals.

When you are ready to begin taming, approach the creature carefully. For knockout taming, aim for the head to maximize torpor gain and minimize damage. Use your weapon to knock the creature unconscious, then quickly feed it the required bait. Monitor its torpor level and administer narcotics or biotoxin as needed to keep it unconscious. For passive taming, approach the creature slowly and avoid sudden movements. Drop the bait near the creature and wait for it to eat. Repeat this process until the taming bar is full.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, always carry extra resources in case something goes wrong. For example, bring more narcotics than you think you will need, as some creatures have high torpor drain rates. Second, be aware of your surroundings. Other predators or hostile creatures can interrupt the taming process, so clear the area beforehand if possible. Third, use taming calculators or guides to determine the exact amount of bait and time required. This will help you plan your resources and time more efficiently.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong bait, not preparing enough resources, and failing to monitor the creature's torpor level. Using the wrong bait will not progress the taming process, and running out of narcotics can result in the creature waking up and attacking you. Additionally, not monitoring torpor can lead to the creature waking up prematurely, wasting your time and resources.

Advanced techniques and optimizations can further improve your taming efficiency. For example, using kibble instead of raw meat or berries can significantly speed up the taming process and yield better taming effectiveness. Kibble is made from specific eggs and other ingredients and is the preferred food for many creatures. Another advanced technique is using a taming pen with a trapdoor or ramp to easily trap and tame larger creatures. This method is especially useful for aggressive creatures like the Carnotaurus or Allosaurus.

Resource requirements and preparation are critical for a successful tame. Ensure you have enough bait, narcotics, and weapons before starting. For example, taming a high-level creature may require hundreds of narcotics and a significant amount of bait. Preparing these resources in advance will save you time and prevent interruptions during the taming process.

Tribe and solo considerations also play a role in taming. In a tribe, you can divide tasks among members, such as one person gathering resources while another builds the taming pen. This can make the process faster and more efficient. Solo players, on the other hand, need to be more self-sufficient and may need to take extra precautions, such as building a more secure taming pen or taming smaller, less dangerous creatures first to help with resource gathering.

Specific examples and scenarios can help illustrate the taming process. For instance, taming a Baryonyx requires raw fish meat or prime fish meat. You can use a fishing rod to catch fish or hunt Coelacanths in the water. Once you have the bait, you can either knock out the Baryonyx with tranq arrows or passively tame it by feeding it fish meat. Another example is taming a Megalodon, which requires raw meat or prime meat. You can use a crossbow with tranq arrows to knock it out and then feed it the meat while keeping it unconscious with narcotics.

In conclusion, taming a creature that requires specific bait in ARK: Survival Evolved involves careful preparation, understanding the creature's behavior, and executing a well-planned strategy. By following the steps outlined above, avoiding common mistakes, and utilizing advanced techniques, you can successfully tame even the most challenging creatures. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, proper resource management and preparation are key to a successful tame.