How do I tame a high-level Mammoth in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a high-level Mammoth in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. Mammoths are large herbivores found in snowy and forested biomes, and they are excellent for gathering wood and thatch, making them valuable for resource collection. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to tame a high-level Mammoth effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Mammoths are knockout tames, meaning you need to render them unconscious before feeding them their preferred food. Their preferred food is vegetables, crops, or kibble, with kibble being the most effective for faster taming. However, if you donÔÇÖt have kibble, crops like rockarrot or mejoberries will work, though the taming process will take longer. Mammoths have high health and torpor, so youÔÇÖll need a significant amount of tranquilizers to knock them out. Once unconscious, youÔÇÖll need to keep their torpor high by feeding them narcotics or biotoxin to prevent them from waking up prematurely.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need a ranged weapon like a crossbow or longneck rifle, along with tranq arrows or tranquilizer darts. Bring plenty of narcotics or biotoxin to maintain the MammothÔÇÖs torpor. For food, prepare kibble if possible, or gather mejoberries, rockarrot, or other crops. Additionally, bring materials to build a taming pen, such as stone or metal foundations, walls, and gates. A taming pen will help contain the Mammoth and prevent it from wandering or being attacked by other creatures.

Next, locate a high-level Mammoth. High-level Mammoths are typically found in snowy regions or dense forests. Once youÔÇÖve found one, clear the area of any potential threats, such as predators or aggressive creatures. This is crucial because interruptions during the taming process can lead to failure. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider bringing a tamed creature like a Carnotaurus or Rex to protect you while you work.

Now, build a taming pen. A simple design involves placing stone or metal foundations in a square or circular shape, with walls high enough to prevent the Mammoth from escaping. Leave one side open to lure the Mammoth inside, then close it off with a gate or additional walls. Once the pen is ready, aggro the Mammoth by shooting it with a tranq arrow or dart, then lead it into the pen. Be careful not to take too much damage, as Mammoths can deal significant damage with their tusks.

Once the Mammoth is inside the pen, continue shooting it with tranq arrows or darts until it falls unconscious. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain. After itÔÇÖs down, quickly place the food in its inventory and start feeding it narcotics or biotoxin to keep its torpor high. Monitor its torpor level closely, as it can drop quickly, especially for high-level Mammoths. If youÔÇÖre using kibble, the taming process will be faster, but if youÔÇÖre using berries or crops, be prepared for a longer wait.

During the taming process, avoid leaving the Mammoth unattended. Other creatures or players could interfere, and the Mammoth could wake up if its torpor drops too low. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to ensure someone is always monitoring the Mammoth. Solo players should stay nearby and be ready to act if something goes wrong.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the MammothÔÇÖs health and torpor, leading to insufficient tranq arrows or darts. Always bring extra supplies to avoid running out mid-tame. Another mistake is not securing the area, which can result in predators attacking the Mammoth or you during the process. Additionally, failing to monitor torpor levels can cause the Mammoth to wake up, resetting the taming progress.

Advanced techniques include using a taming calculator to determine the exact number of tranq arrows or darts needed, as well as the amount of food and narcotics required. This can save time and resources. Another optimization is using a taming pen with a ramp, allowing you to easily lead the Mammoth inside without taking damage. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, consider assigning roles, such as one person handling the tranq arrows while another monitors torpor and feeds narcotics.

In conclusion, taming a high-level Mammoth in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding process. By preparing the right resources, building a secure taming pen, and carefully managing torpor and food, you can successfully tame a Mammoth to aid in your survival and resource gathering. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, following these steps and avoiding common mistakes will increase your chances of success.