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

Taming a creature that requires a specific type of narcotic in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a detailed process that requires preparation, patience, and careful execution. These creatures often have unique taming requirements, such as needing Narcotics or Bio Toxin to keep them unconscious during the taming process. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you successfully tame such creatures.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of taming. Most creatures that require narcotics are tamed through the knockout method. This means you must render the creature unconscious using tranquilizers, such as tranq arrows, tranq darts, or a slingshot. Once the creature is unconscious, you will need to feed it its preferred food while keeping it sedated using narcotics or bio toxin. The creature's torpor, which is its unconsciousness level, will decrease over time. If the torpor drops too low, the creature will wake up, and you will have to start the process over. To prevent this, you must monitor the torpor level and administer narcotics or bio toxin as needed.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. You will need weapons for knocking out the creature, such as a bow with tranq arrows or a longneck rifle with tranq darts. You will also need a significant amount of narcotics or bio toxin, depending on the creature's size and level. Narcotics are crafted from spoiled meat and narcoberries, while bio toxin is obtained from jellyfish or certain creatures like the Cnidaria. Additionally, prepare the creature's preferred food. For carnivores, this is usually raw meat, prime meat, or kibble. For herbivores, it is berries or crops. Having a taming calculator or guide can help you determine the exact amount of food and narcotics required.

Next, locate the creature you wish to tame. It is often helpful to build a taming pen to trap the creature, making the process easier and safer. 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. This prevents the creature from escaping or being attacked by other predators. Once the creature is trapped, begin knocking it out using your tranquilizer weapon. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain and minimize damage to the creature's health.

After the creature is unconscious, quickly access its inventory and place the preferred food inside. Monitor the creature's torpor level and administer narcotics or bio toxin as needed to keep it unconscious. The taming effectiveness, which determines the creature's stats after taming, will decrease if the creature takes damage or if you feed it the wrong food. To maintain high taming effectiveness, avoid damaging the creature after it is knocked out and only feed it its preferred food.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, always carry extra narcotics or bio toxin, as some creatures have high torpor drain rates. Second, avoid taming in dangerous areas where other predators might attack you or the unconscious creature. Third, use a taming calculator to plan your resources and time efficiently. Fourth, consider using kibble if available, as it significantly speeds up the taming process and improves taming effectiveness.

Common mistakes to avoid include not preparing enough resources, taming in unsafe locations, and failing to monitor the creature's torpor level. Running out of narcotics or bio toxin can result in the creature waking up, and taming in dangerous areas can lead to losing the creature or your own life. Additionally, not using a taming pen can make the process more difficult and risky.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using a taming pen with a trap door or ramp to easily lure and trap the creature. You can also use a taming raft, which is a mobile taming pen built on a raft, to safely tame creatures near water. Another optimization is to use a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of resources needed, reducing waste and saving time.

Resource requirements and preparation vary depending on the creature. For example, taming a high-level Rex might require hundreds of narcotics and a large amount of raw meat or kibble. On the other hand, taming a smaller creature like a Dilophosaur might only require a few narcotics and some raw meat. Always prepare more resources than you think you will need to account for any mistakes or unexpected events.

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 must handle all tasks themselves, so preparation and planning are even more critical.

Specific examples and scenarios include taming a high-level Spino, which requires a large amount of narcotics and raw meat. You would need to build a sturdy taming pen near a water source, as Spinosaurs are often found near rivers or lakes. Another example is taming a high-level Argentavis, which requires a significant amount of narcotics and raw meat or kibble. You would need to build a taming pen in a safe area, such as a flat plain, and use tranq arrows or darts to knock it out.

In conclusion, taming a creature that requires a specific type of narcotic in ARK: Survival Evolved is a detailed process that involves preparation, careful execution, and resource management. By following the steps and tips outlined above, you can successfully tame even the most challenging creatures and enhance your survival and progression in the game.