How do I safely knock out a Spinosaurus without killing it in ARK: Survival Evolved?

To safely knock out a Spinosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved, you need to understand the mechanics of torpor, the Spinosaurus's behavior, and the tools required to tame it effectively. The Spinosaurus is a large, aggressive carnivore found near water sources, and it is one of the more challenging creatures to tame due to its high health pool and torpor resistance. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you successfully knock out and tame a Spinosaurus.

First, you need to prepare the necessary tools and resources. The most effective way to knock out a Spinosaurus is by using tranquilizer darts or tranq arrows. Tranquilizer darts are more efficient and cause less damage, making them ideal for taming high-health creatures like the Spinosaurus. You will also need a longneck rifle or a crossbow to fire these projectiles. Additionally, gather narcotics or biotoxin to keep the Spinosaurus unconscious during the taming process. Narcotics are made from narcoberries and spoiled meat, while biotoxin can be harvested from jellyfish or cnidaria. You will also need a large amount of raw meat, prime meat, or kibble to feed the Spinosaurus once it is knocked out. Kibble is the most effective taming food, but it requires preparation, including eggs, vegetables, and other resources.

Before engaging the Spinosaurus, scout the area to ensure there are no other predators nearby. The Spinosaurus is often found near rivers or swamps, which are dangerous areas with many threats. Clear the area of hostile creatures to avoid interruptions during the taming process. If you are playing solo, consider building a taming pen to trap the Spinosaurus. A taming pen can be constructed using stone or metal foundations, walls, and gates. The pen should be large enough to accommodate the Spinosaurus but small enough to prevent it from escaping. Place a large bear trap inside the pen to immobilize the Spinosaurus once it enters.

When you are ready to begin, approach the Spinosaurus carefully. It is a fast and aggressive creature, so be prepared to kite it into your taming pen or to a safe location. Use your crossbow or longneck rifle to shoot tranq arrows or darts at the Spinosaurus. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain while minimizing damage. The Spinosaurus has a high torpor resistance, so it will take multiple shots to knock it out. Be patient and avoid firing too quickly, as this can cause unnecessary damage and potentially kill the Spinosaurus. Keep an eye on its health and torpor levels using the HUD or a spyglass. If the Spinosaurus starts to flee, chase it down and continue firing tranq arrows or darts until it collapses.

Once the Spinosaurus is unconscious, quickly place raw meat, prime meat, or kibble in its inventory. Prime meat and kibble will speed up the taming process, but raw meat is more readily available. Monitor the Spinosaurus's torpor level and feed it narcotics or biotoxin as needed to keep it unconscious. The torpor level will decrease over time, so you must replenish it periodically. If you are playing with a tribe, assign one member to monitor the torpor level while others gather additional resources or defend the area.

Common mistakes to avoid include using low-tier weapons like slingshots or wooden clubs, as these are ineffective against the Spinosaurus's high health and torpor resistance. Additionally, avoid engaging the Spinosaurus in water, as it becomes more aggressive and faster in aquatic environments. Always ensure you have enough resources before starting the taming process, as running out of narcotics or food can result in a failed tame.

Advanced techniques include using a taming calculator to determine the exact number of tranq arrows or darts required, as well as the amount of food and narcotics needed. This can help you optimize your resources and reduce the risk of failure. Additionally, consider using a taming pen with a ramp to lure the Spinosaurus inside more easily. Once it is trapped, you can safely knock it out without worrying about it escaping or being attacked by other creatures.

In summary, taming a Spinosaurus requires careful preparation, patience, and the right tools. Use tranquilizer darts or tranq arrows to knock it out, and keep it unconscious with narcotics or biotoxin. Feed it raw meat, prime meat, or kibble to complete the taming process. Avoid common mistakes like using ineffective weapons or engaging the Spinosaurus in water. With the right strategy and resources, you can successfully tame a Spinosaurus and add a powerful ally to your team.