How do I use kibble to speed up taming in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Using kibble to speed up taming in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most efficient ways to tame creatures, as it significantly reduces the time required and increases the effectiveness of the tame. Kibble is a special type of food made from eggs, which are laid by tamed dinosaurs, combined with other ingredients like vegetables, meat, and fiber. Each type of kibble is preferred by specific creatures, and using the correct kibble for a dinosaur will yield the best results. Below is a detailed explanation of how to use kibble effectively, along with strategies, tips, and considerations.

To begin, you need to understand the mechanics of kibble. Kibble is categorized into different types, such as Basic Kibble, Simple Kibble, Regular Kibble, and so on, up to Extraordinary Kibble. Each type is made using eggs from specific dinosaurs and is preferred by certain creatures. For example, Basic Kibble, made from Dodo eggs, is preferred by creatures like the Parasaur, while Extraordinary Kibble, made from Deinonychus or Yutyrannus eggs, is preferred by high-level creatures like the Giganotosaurus. Using the correct kibble for a dinosaur will not only speed up the taming process but also provide a higher taming effectiveness, which results in better stats for the tamed creature.

To use kibble for taming, you first need to prepare the necessary resources. This involves gathering eggs from tamed dinosaurs, which requires you to have a breeding pair of the specific dinosaur that lays the eggs you need. For example, if you want to make Basic Kibble, you need Dodo eggs. Once you have the eggs, you also need other ingredients like vegetables, cooked meat, fiber, and water. These ingredients are combined in a Cooking Pot or Industrial Cooker to create the kibble. It is important to note that kibble has a spoil timer, so you should only make it when you are ready to use it or store it in a preserving bin or refrigerator to extend its shelf life.

Once you have the kibble, the next step is to tame the dinosaur. For knockout taming, you need to render the creature unconscious using tranquilizers, such as tranq arrows or darts. After the creature is knocked out, you can place the kibble in its inventory and wait for it to eat. The creature will consume the kibble at regular intervals, and each time it eats, the taming bar will increase. Using kibble reduces the number of feeding intervals required, which speeds up the taming process. For passive taming, you simply approach the creature and offer the kibble directly, but you must be careful not to startle it.

There are several important tips and considerations when using kibble for taming. First, always ensure you have enough kibble for the entire taming process. Running out of kibble mid-tame can lead to a loss of taming effectiveness. Second, monitor the creature's torpor level and use narcotics or narcoberries to keep it unconscious if necessary. Third, protect the creature from other predators or environmental hazards by building a taming pen or placing spike walls around it. Fourth, consider using taming calculators to determine the exact amount of kibble and time required for the specific creature you are taming.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong type of kibble, which will not speed up the taming process or improve effectiveness. Another mistake is not preparing enough resources, such as narcotics or kibble, which can lead to a failed tame. Additionally, failing to protect the creature during the taming process can result in it being killed by predators or other players in PvP scenarios.

Advanced techniques for optimizing kibble taming include using taming pens to trap the creature, which makes the process safer and more efficient. You can also use taming effectiveness boosters, such as the Taming Effectiveness Bonus from certain events or the use of a taming calculator to plan the exact amount of kibble needed. Additionally, breeding high-level dinosaurs to obtain better eggs can improve the quality of the kibble and the resulting tame.

Resource requirements and preparation are crucial for successful kibble taming. You need to gather eggs, vegetables, cooked meat, fiber, and water, as well as have access to a Cooking Pot or Industrial Cooker. For knockout taming, you also need tranquilizers and narcotics. Preparing these resources in advance will save time and ensure a smooth taming process.

Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, kibble taming is highly effective. In a tribe, you can divide tasks, such as gathering resources, breeding dinosaurs for eggs, and protecting the taming area. Solo players may need to focus more on preparation and resource management but can still achieve successful tames with careful planning.

Specific examples of kibble taming include using Basic Kibble to tame a Parasaur, which is a great early-game mount for gathering berries and fiber. Another example is using Extraordinary Kibble to tame a high-level Giganotosaurus, which is one of the most powerful creatures in the game and requires a significant amount of preparation and resources.

In conclusion, using kibble to speed up taming in ARK: Survival Evolved is a highly effective strategy that requires careful preparation and resource management. By understanding the mechanics, following step-by-step instructions, and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully tame a wide variety of creatures to enhance your survival and progression in the game.