How do I safely knock out a Spinosaurus for taming in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Spinosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding process. The Spino is one of the most powerful creatures in the game, excelling in both land and water combat, as well as resource gathering. To safely knock out and tame a Spinosaurus, you need to understand the mechanics, prepare the right resources, and follow a careful strategy. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you succeed.

First, letÔÇÖs talk about the mechanics. Spinosaurus is a large carnivore, so it requires knockout taming. This means you need to render it unconscious using tranquilizers and then feed it its preferred food. The SpinoÔÇÖs preferred food is raw prime meat, raw mutton, or kibble made from Spino eggs. Using kibble will significantly speed up the taming process and yield better taming effectiveness. However, prime meat and mutton are more accessible early on. YouÔÇÖll also need narcotics or biotoxin to keep the Spino unconscious during the taming process, as its torpor will drop over time.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need a ranged weapon like a crossbow or longneck rifle, along with tranq arrows or tranquilizer darts. Tranq darts are more effective and cause less damage, making them ideal for taming high-level Spinos. YouÔÇÖll also need plenty of narcotics or biotoxin, as well as the preferred food mentioned earlier. ItÔÇÖs a good idea to bring extra supplies in case the taming process takes longer than expected. Additionally, consider bringing a taming pen or building one nearby to trap the Spino, as it can be difficult to tame in the open.

Next, locate a Spinosaurus. They are commonly found near rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Once youÔÇÖve found one, assess its level. Higher-level Spinos have better stats but take longer to tame and require more resources. If youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a small tribe, consider taming a mid-level Spino first, as it will be easier to manage.

Now, letÔÇÖs discuss the step-by-step strategy. First, build a taming pen if you donÔÇÖt already have one. A simple pen can be made using stone or metal foundations and walls, with a large gate to lure the Spino inside. Make sure the pen is large enough to accommodate the Spino but small enough to prevent it from escaping. Once the pen is ready, lure the Spino into it using a fast mount like a Raptor or Pteranodon. Be careful not to get too close, as the Spino can deal significant damage.

Once the Spino is trapped, start shooting it with tranq arrows or darts. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain while minimizing damage. Keep an eye on the SpinoÔÇÖs torpor level and health. If its health drops too low, wait a few moments before continuing to shoot. After the Spino is unconscious, quickly place the preferred food in its inventory. Monitor its torpor level and administer narcotics or biotoxin as needed to keep it unconscious.

During the taming process, be aware of your surroundings. Other predators or players may try to interfere, so itÔÇÖs a good idea to have a tribe member or tamed creature guard the area. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider taming during off-peak hours or in a less populated area to minimize the risk of interference.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong type of food, not bringing enough narcotics, or failing to secure the area. Always double-check your supplies before starting the taming process. Additionally, avoid using weapons that deal too much damage, as this can kill the Spino before itÔÇÖs knocked out.

For advanced techniques, consider using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics needed for the SpinoÔÇÖs level. You can also use a taming pen with a ramp to make it easier to lure the Spino inside. Another optimization is to use a taming effectiveness booster, such as a soothing balm or taming speed multiplier, if available on your server.

In terms of tribe or solo considerations, taming a Spino is easier with a tribe, as members can help gather resources, guard the area, and assist with the taming process. However, itÔÇÖs still possible to tame a Spino solo with proper preparation and strategy. Just make sure to have a fast mount and a secure taming pen.

In conclusion, taming a Spinosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, the right resources, and a solid strategy. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully tame a Spino and add a powerful ally to your team. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or with a tribe, the SpinoÔÇÖs versatility and strength make it a valuable asset for survival and progression in the game.