What is the most effective way to tame a high-level Baryonyx in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a high-level Baryonyx in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. The Baryonyx is a versatile and powerful creature, especially in aquatic environments, making it a valuable addition to any survivor's arsenal. Below is a detailed guide on how to effectively tame a high-level Baryonyx, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and more.

The Baryonyx is a carnivorous dinosaur that can be tamed through knockout taming. This means you must render it unconscious before feeding it its preferred food. The Baryonyx prefers raw prime fish meat, raw prime meat, or kibble made from Spinosaur eggs for the fastest taming process. However, raw fish meat or raw meat can also be used if prime options are unavailable. The taming process involves knocking the Baryonyx out, keeping it unconscious with narcotics or narcoberries, and feeding it the appropriate food over time.

To begin, gather the necessary resources and tools. You will need a ranged weapon such as a crossbow or longneck rifle, along with tranq arrows or tranquilizer darts. Tranq arrows are more accessible early in the game, while tranquilizer darts are more effective and cause less damage to the creature. You will also need narcotics or narcoberries to maintain the Baryonyx's torpor, as well as the preferred taming food mentioned earlier. Additionally, consider building a taming pen to make the process safer and more efficient. A taming pen can be constructed using stone or metal foundations, walls, and a large gate or ramp to lure the Baryonyx inside.

Once you are prepared, locate a high-level Baryonyx. These creatures are commonly found near rivers, swamps, and coastal areas. Approach cautiously, as the Baryonyx is aggressive and will attack if provoked. If you have built a taming pen, lure the Baryonyx into it using a fast mount or by aggroing it and leading it inside. Once inside, close the gate or remove the ramp to trap the creature. This step is crucial for preventing the Baryonyx from escaping or being attacked by other predators.

Next, begin knocking the Baryonyx unconscious. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain while minimizing damage. Use tranq arrows or tranquilizer darts, spacing out your shots to allow the torpor to rise. Be mindful of the Baryonyx's health, as excessive damage can kill it before it is knocked out. Once the Baryonyx is unconscious, quickly place the preferred taming food in its inventory. If using prime fish meat or prime meat, ensure you have a preserving bin or refrigerator nearby to keep the meat fresh, as it spoils quickly.

Monitor the Baryonyx's torpor level and hunger. As the taming process progresses, the creature's torpor will decrease, and you will need to administer narcotics or narcoberries to keep it unconscious. Use a taming calculator or app to estimate the required amount of food and time for the specific level of Baryonyx you are taming. This will help you plan and avoid running out of resources mid-tame.

Common mistakes to avoid include using low-quality food, which significantly increases taming time, and failing to monitor torpor, which can result in the Baryonyx waking up prematurely. Additionally, avoid taming in dangerous areas without proper defenses, as other predators or hostile players can disrupt the process. Always have a backup plan, such as extra narcotics or a secondary weapon, in case something goes wrong.

Advanced techniques include using kibble for faster taming and higher taming effectiveness. Kibble made from Spinosaur eggs is the most effective option for Baryonyx. To optimize the taming process, consider using a taming pen with a roof to protect the unconscious Baryonyx from aerial predators. You can also use a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of resources needed, ensuring you are fully prepared before starting the tame.

Resource requirements vary depending on the level of the Baryonyx and the food used. For a high-level Baryonyx, you may need 20-30 pieces of prime fish meat or prime meat, along with 50-100 narcotics or narcoberries. If using kibble, fewer pieces are required, but obtaining Spinosaur eggs can be challenging. Prepare these resources in advance to avoid delays during the taming process.

Tribe and solo considerations differ slightly. In a tribe, multiple players can work together to gather resources, build the taming pen, and defend the area during the tame. Solo players must handle all aspects alone, so preparation and efficiency are even more critical. Solo players should prioritize building a secure taming pen and gathering extra resources to account for any unforeseen challenges.

In specific scenarios, such as taming near water, the Baryonyx's aquatic abilities can be both an advantage and a challenge. If the Baryonyx flees into the water, it can be difficult to retrieve. To prevent this, ensure your taming pen is on land and far enough from water to avoid complications. Alternatively, if you are confident in your aquatic skills, you can attempt to tame the Baryonyx in shallow water, but this increases the risk of interference from other aquatic predators.

By following these steps and strategies, you can successfully tame a high-level Baryonyx in ARK: Survival Evolved. This powerful creature will serve as a valuable asset for exploration, combat, and resource gathering, enhancing your survival and progression in the game.