How do I 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 unique mechanics of the creature you are trying to tame. Some creatures, like the Kairuku, require fish meat, while others, like the Achatina, prefer sweet vegetable cake. 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 and its preferred bait. This information can be found in the creature's dossier or through online resources. Once you know the bait, gather the necessary resources. For example, if you are taming a Kairuku, you will need fish meat, which can be obtained by killing fish in the water. For an Achatina, you will need to craft sweet vegetable cake, which requires ingredients like sap, honey, and vegetables.

Next, prepare the tools and resources needed for the taming process. If the creature requires 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. For passive taming, you will need the specific bait and possibly armor to protect yourself from other predators.

For knockout taming, approach the creature carefully and use your weapon to knock it out. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain. Once the creature is unconscious, place the bait in its inventory and monitor its torpor level. Use narcotics or biotoxin to keep it unconscious while it eats the bait. The taming effectiveness will increase as it consumes the bait, but be aware that taming effectiveness can drop if the creature takes damage or if you feed it the wrong food.

For passive taming, approach the creature slowly and avoid sudden movements. Drop the bait near the creature or directly into its inventory if possible. Some creatures, like the Achatina, will only eat the bait if it is placed in their inventory. Be patient and wait for the creature to eat the bait. Repeat this process until the taming bar is full.

Important tips and considerations include building a taming pen to secure the creature and protect it from other predators. This is especially useful for knockout taming. Use stone or metal structures to create a pen that the creature cannot escape from. Additionally, always carry extra bait and narcotics in case the taming process takes longer than expected.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong type of bait, which will not increase the taming bar and may even decrease taming effectiveness. Another mistake is not monitoring the creature's torpor level, which can lead to it waking up before the taming process is complete. Always keep an eye on the torpor level and be ready to administer more narcotics if needed.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using taming calculators to determine the exact amount of bait and time required for each creature. This can help you prepare the necessary resources in advance and streamline the taming process. Additionally, using kibble instead of raw bait can significantly speed up the taming process and increase taming effectiveness.

Resource requirements and preparation vary depending on the creature. For example, taming a Kairuku requires fish meat, which is relatively easy to obtain. However, taming an Achatina requires sweet vegetable cake, which involves gathering sap, honey, and vegetables. Make sure to gather all necessary resources before starting the taming process.

Tribe and solo considerations include coordinating with your tribe members to gather resources and protect the taming area. In solo play, you will need to manage all aspects of the taming process on your own, so preparation is key. Always have a backup plan in case something goes wrong, such as extra bait or a safe place to retreat if the area becomes too dangerous.

Specific examples and scenarios include taming a Kairuku in the snowy biome. You will need to gather fish meat and build a taming pen to protect the Kairuku from predators like wolves and sabertooths. Another example is taming an Achatina in the swamp biome. You will need to craft sweet vegetable cake and approach the Achatina carefully to avoid aggroing other creatures in the area.

By following these detailed steps and strategies, you can successfully tame creatures that require specific bait in ARK: Survival Evolved. Preparation, patience, and careful execution are key to mastering the taming mechanics and building a powerful team of tamed creatures to aid in your survival and exploration.