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 taming, preparing the right resources, and executing a strategy that minimizes risks and maximizes efficiency. The process varies depending on whether the creature is tamed through knockout or passive methods, but the core principles remain the same. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you tame creatures that require specific food.

First, you need to identify the creature you want to tame and determine its preferred food. For example, a Carnotaurus prefers raw meat or prime meat, while a Triceratops prefers berries or crops. Some creatures, like the Argentavis, have a preference for kibble, which is a crafted food item made from eggs, fiber, and other ingredients. Kibble is often the most effective taming food as it speeds up the process and increases taming effectiveness. Once you know the preferred food, gather the necessary resources. For meat, hunt nearby creatures or use a tamed carnivore to gather meat quickly. For berries, use a berry-gathering dinosaur like a Trike or Stego. For kibble, youÔÇÖll need to collect eggs from tamed dinosaurs and craft the kibble at a cooking pot or industrial cooker.

Next, prepare the tools and resources needed for the taming process. If the creature requires knockout taming, youÔÇÖll need weapons like a slingshot, bow with tranq arrows, or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts. YouÔÇÖll also need narcotics or biotoxin to keep the creature unconscious during the taming process. Narcotics are crafted from narcoberries and spoiled meat, while biotoxin is harvested from jellyfish or Cnidaria. For passive taming, youÔÇÖll need the preferred food and possibly some armor to protect yourself from the creature or nearby predators.

For knockout taming, locate the creature and assess its surroundings. Clear the area of other predators that could interfere with the taming process. If possible, build a taming pen using stone or metal structures to trap the creature. This prevents it from running away or being attacked by other creatures. Once the creature is trapped, use your weapon to knock it out. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain. Be careful not to kill the creature, as some have low health pools. After the creature is unconscious, place the preferred food in its inventory and monitor its torpor level. Use narcotics or biotoxin to keep the torpor high enough to prevent it from waking up. The creature will eat the food over time, and the taming bar will fill up. Be patient, as some creatures take a long time to tame, especially if youÔÇÖre not using kibble.

For passive taming, approach the creature slowly and avoid sudden movements. Some creatures, like the Equus or Otter, require you to feed them without being noticed. Drop the preferred food near the creature or place it in its inventory if possible. Wait for the creature to eat the food, and repeat the process until the taming bar is full. Passive taming can be more time-consuming but is often safer since you donÔÇÖt need to knock the creature out.

Important tips and considerations include always carrying extra food and narcotics in case the taming process takes longer than expected. Use taming calculators or guides to determine the exact amount of food and time required for each creature. This helps you prepare adequately and avoid running out of resources mid-tame. Additionally, consider the creatureÔÇÖs level, as higher-level creatures require more food and time to tame but offer better stats once tamed.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong type of food, which can slow down the taming process or fail entirely. Another mistake is not monitoring the creatureÔÇÖs torpor level, which can lead to it waking up and potentially attacking you. Avoid taming in dangerous areas where other predators or players can interfere. Always scout the area and clear it of threats before starting the taming process.

Advanced techniques include using taming pens with gates or ramps to trap creatures more efficiently. You can also use taming multipliers in single-player or private servers to speed up the process. For creatures that require kibble, consider setting up an egg farm with multiple dinosaurs to ensure a steady supply of eggs. This is especially useful for taming high-level creatures or breeding.

Resource requirements and preparation vary depending on the creature and the method of taming. For knockout taming, youÔÇÖll need weapons, narcotics, and the preferred food. For passive taming, youÔÇÖll need the preferred food and possibly armor for protection. Always gather extra resources to account for any unexpected delays or mistakes.

Tribe and solo considerations include coordinating with tribe members to gather resources and protect the taming area. In solo play, youÔÇÖll need to manage everything yourself, so preparation is key. Consider taming creatures that can help with resource gathering or defense to make the process easier.

Specific examples include taming a high-level Argentavis, which requires kibble or raw prime meat. Build a taming pen, knock it out with tranq arrows or darts, and feed it the kibble while keeping it unconscious with narcotics. For a passive tame like the Equus, approach it slowly with carrots or rockarrot, and feed it until the taming bar is full.

By following these steps and strategies, you can successfully tame creatures that require specific food in ARK: Survival Evolved. Proper preparation, patience, and attention to detail are essential for a successful tame.