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

Taming a creature in ARK: Survival Evolved that requires a specific type of food involves understanding the mechanics of the taming process, preparing the necessary 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. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully tame such creatures.

First, you need to identify the creature's preferred food. Some creatures, like herbivores, prefer berries or crops, while carnivores require raw or cooked meat. Certain dinosaurs have unique preferences, such as kibble made from eggs, which significantly speeds up the taming process. Kibble is often the most efficient food for taming, as it provides the highest taming effectiveness and reduces the time required. To prepare kibble, you need to gather eggs from specific dinosaurs, combine them with other ingredients like vegetables and fiber, and cook them in a cooking pot or industrial cooker.

Once you have the required food, the next step is to approach the creature. For passive taming, you need to offer the food directly without provoking the creature. This requires patience and careful movement to avoid startling it. For example, taming a Diplodocus involves walking up to it and feeding it berries or crops from your inventory. It is crucial to stay close but not too close, as some creatures may become aggressive if you invade their personal space.

For knockout taming, you need to render the creature unconscious using tranquilizers. This can be done with weapons like slingshots, bows with tranq arrows, or tranquilizer darts from a longneck rifle. The goal is to increase the creature's torpor without killing it. Once the creature is unconscious, you can place the preferred food in its inventory and wait for it to eat. It is essential to monitor the creature's torpor level and use narcotics or narcoberries to keep it unconscious throughout the taming process.

Preparation is key to successful taming. Gather all necessary resources beforehand, including food, narcotics, and weapons. Building a taming pen can help secure the creature and prevent it from escaping or being attacked by other predators. A taming pen can be constructed using stone or metal foundations, walls, and gates. Lure the creature into the pen and close the gate behind it to create a safe environment for taming.

Monitoring the creature's hunger and torpor levels is crucial. Use a taming calculator or guide to determine the exact amount of food and time required for each dinosaur. This will help you plan your resources and avoid running out of food or narcotics mid-tame. Additionally, consider the creature's level, as higher-level dinosaurs require more food and time to tame but offer better stats and performance.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong type of food, which can slow down the taming process or fail altogether. Another mistake is not preparing enough narcotics, leading to the creature waking up before the taming is complete. Always carry extra resources to account for unexpected situations. Additionally, avoid taming in dangerous areas where other predators or hostile players can interfere.

Advanced techniques include using taming efficiency multipliers, such as taming speed boosts or taming effectiveness bonuses. These can be achieved through server settings, consumables like Sweet Vegetable Cake, or specific taming methods. For example, using kibble instead of raw meat for carnivores can significantly improve taming effectiveness. Another advanced strategy is to use a taming pen with a trapdoor or ramp system to easily lure and secure creatures.

Resource requirements vary depending on the creature and its level. For example, taming a high-level Rex may require hundreds of narcotics and several stacks of raw meat or kibble. Ensure you have enough storage and inventory space to carry all necessary items. If playing in a tribe, coordinate with other members to gather resources and protect the taming area. Solo players should prioritize safety and efficiency, using taming pens and traps to minimize risks.

Specific examples include taming a Therizinosaurus, which prefers kibble made from Therizino eggs or vegetables. Knock it out with tranq arrows or darts, place the kibble in its inventory, and monitor its torpor and hunger levels. Another example is taming a Quetzal, which requires a strategy involving a taming pen built on a platform saddle of another flying creature. Use tranq darts to knock it out and feed it kibble or raw meat.

In conclusion, taming a creature that requires specific food in ARK: Survival Evolved involves careful preparation, understanding the creature's behavior, and executing a well-planned strategy. By gathering the right resources, building a secure taming pen, and monitoring the creature's needs, you can successfully tame even the most challenging dinosaurs. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, these tips and techniques will help you build a powerful team of tamed creatures to enhance your survival and progress in the game.