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

Taming creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved that require specific weapons, such as tranquilizer darts or arrows, involves a combination of preparation, strategy, and careful execution. These creatures typically need to be knocked out before they can be tamed, and the process requires attention to detail to ensure success. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame such creatures effectively.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of knockout taming. When a creature is hit with a tranquilizer weapon, such as a slingshot, bow with tranq arrows, or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts, it accumulates torpor. Torpor is a stat that increases as the creature takes damage from these weapons. Once the torpor reaches a certain threshold, the creature will fall unconscious. At this point, you can begin feeding it the appropriate food to tame it. However, you must monitor the torpor level to ensure the creature does not wake up before the taming process is complete. Narcotics or narcoberries can be used to keep the torpor high while the creature is unconscious.

To start, gather the necessary resources. For tranquilizer weapons, you will need materials like stone, wood, fiber, and flint for a slingshot or bow. For more advanced weapons like the longneck rifle, you will need metal ingots, polymer, and gunpowder. Tranquilizer arrows or darts require narcotics, which are crafted from narcoberries and spoiled meat. Additionally, prepare the food the creature prefers. Herbivores typically like berries or crops, while carnivores prefer raw meat or prime meat. Some creatures may require kibble, which is made from specific eggs and other ingredients. Having a taming calculator or guide handy can help you determine the exact amount of food and resources needed.

Next, locate the creature you want to tame. Approach it carefully, as some creatures are aggressive and will attack if provoked. If the creature is dangerous, consider building a taming pen. A taming pen is a structure made of stone or metal that traps the creature, allowing you to safely knock it out without it escaping or attacking you. To build a taming pen, place four walls and a gate in a square or rectangular shape. Lure the creature into the pen using bait or by aggroing it, then close the gate behind it.

Once the creature is trapped, begin knocking it out. Start with a slingshot or bow if you are early in the game, or use a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts for more efficiency. Aim for the head, as headshots deal more torpor. Be mindful of the creature's health, as too much damage can kill it. If the creature's health is low, wait a few seconds between shots to allow the torpor to increase without risking its death. Once the creature is unconscious, quickly access its inventory and place the preferred food inside. Monitor its torpor level and add narcotics or narcoberries as needed to keep it unconscious.

During the taming process, protect the creature from other predators. Wild creatures may attack an unconscious dinosaur, so stay nearby to fend off threats. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to guard the area and assist with the taming process. Solo players should be extra cautious and consider taming in safer areas or during quieter times when fewer predators are active.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong type of food, not preparing enough narcotics, or failing to protect the unconscious creature. Additionally, avoid using weapons that deal too much damage, as this can kill the creature before it is knocked out. Always have a backup plan, such as extra resources or a safe escape route, in case something goes wrong.

Advanced techniques include using taming efficiency multipliers, such as kibble or prime meat, to speed up the process and improve the creature's stats after taming. You can also use taming pens with ramps or traps to make capturing creatures easier. For example, a taming pen with a ramp allows you to lure flying creatures like Argentavis or Quetzals into the trap by flying over the ramp and landing inside.

In summary, taming creatures that require specific weapons in ARK: Survival Evolved involves careful preparation, strategic trapping, and attentive monitoring. Gather the necessary resources, build a taming pen if needed, and use the appropriate weapons to knock out the creature. Protect it from predators and keep it unconscious with narcotics while feeding it the preferred food. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully tame powerful creatures to aid in your survival and progression.