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

Taming creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved that require specific weapons involves understanding the mechanics of knockout taming and preparing the right tools and resources. Some creatures, like the Triceratops or Stegosaurus, can be tamed with basic tools, but others, such as the Argentavis or Rex, require more advanced weapons like tranquilizer darts or shocking tranq darts. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you tame these creatures effectively.

First, you need to identify the creature you want to tame and the weapon required to knock it out. For example, a Rex requires a long-range weapon like a crossbow with tranq arrows or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts. Once you know the weapon, gather the necessary resources to craft it. For a crossbow, youÔÇÖll need wood, fiber, and hide. For a longneck rifle, youÔÇÖll need metal ingots, polymer, and cementing paste. Tranquilizer darts require metal ingots, narcotics, and gunpowder. Always prepare extra ammunition, as some creatures have high torpor and health, requiring multiple shots.

Next, prepare the taming food. Carnivores like the Rex prefer raw prime meat or kibble, while herbivores like the Stegosaurus prefer berries or crops. Kibble is the most effective taming food, as it speeds up the process and increases taming effectiveness. To make kibble, youÔÇÖll need eggs from specific dinosaurs, along with other ingredients like fiber and mejoberries. Stock up on narcotics or biotoxin to keep the creature unconscious during the taming process. Narcotics are made from spoiled meat and narcoberries, while biotoxin is harvested from jellyfish.

Before engaging the creature, build a taming pen or trap. This is especially important for larger or more dangerous dinosaurs. A taming pen can be made from stone or metal foundations, walls, and gates. Lure the creature into the pen using a fast mount like a Raptor or Pteranodon, then close the gate to trap it. This prevents the creature from escaping or being attacked by other predators. For flying creatures like the Argentavis, use a trap with a large opening and a door to lure it inside.

Once the creature is trapped, start knocking it out. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain and minimize damage. Be careful not to kill the creature, as some have low health relative to their torpor. Use a spyglass to monitor its health and torpor levels. After the creature is unconscious, place the taming food in its inventory. Keep an eye on its torpor level and feed it narcotics or biotoxin as needed to keep it unconscious. The taming process can take a long time, so be patient and stay alert for other predators or players.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong weapon, running out of resources, or failing to secure the area. Always double-check the creatureÔÇÖs taming requirements and prepare extra resources. Avoid using low-damage weapons like slingshots on large creatures, as they will take too long to knock out and may wake up before you can tame them. Also, avoid taming in dangerous areas without proper defenses, as other creatures or players can disrupt the process.

Advanced techniques include using taming calculators to determine the exact amount of food and time required for each creature. These tools can help you optimize your taming strategy and save resources. Another technique is to use taming effectiveness boosters like the soothing balm, which can be crafted from rare flowers and other ingredients. This item significantly increases taming speed and effectiveness, making it ideal for high-level creatures.

Resource requirements vary depending on the creature and taming method. For example, taming a Rex with kibble requires a large amount of resources, including eggs, meat, and narcotics. Always gather extra resources to account for unexpected delays or mistakes. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and protect the taming area. Solo players should focus on preparing thoroughly and using traps to minimize risks.

Specific examples include taming an Argentavis, which requires a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts and raw prime meat or kibble. Build a trap with stone or metal structures, lure the Argentavis inside, and knock it out. Place the food in its inventory and monitor its torpor level. Another example is taming a Stegosaurus, which can be knocked out with a slingshot or bow with tranq arrows and tamed with mejoberries or crops. Use a taming pen to trap it and keep it safe during the process.

In conclusion, taming creatures that require specific weapons in ARK: Survival Evolved involves careful preparation, resource management, and strategic planning. By understanding the mechanics, using traps, and monitoring the creatureÔÇÖs torpor and health, you can successfully tame even the most challenging dinosaurs. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you build a powerful team of tamed creatures to enhance your survival and progress in the game.