What are the best stats to look for when taming a Carnotaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved?

When taming a Carnotaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved, the best stats to look for are primarily melee damage, health, and stamina. These stats determine how effective the Carnotaurus will be in combat, which is its primary role. A high melee damage stat allows the Carnotaurus to deal significant damage to enemies, making it a strong offensive mount. Health is crucial for survivability, especially in PvP or when facing tougher creatures. Stamina is important for prolonged engagements, as it allows the Carnotaurus to chase down enemies or escape dangerous situations without running out of energy. While weight and movement speed can also be useful, they are secondary to the core combat stats.

To tame a Carnotaurus, you will need to knock it out using tranquilizers. The most effective tools for this are a crossbow with tranq arrows or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts. Tranq arrows are more accessible early in the game, while darts are more efficient and cause less damage to the creature. Before engaging, ensure you have enough narcotics or biotoxin to keep the Carnotaurus unconscious during the taming process. You will also need raw meat or prime meat, as Carnotaurus are carnivores. Prime meat significantly speeds up the taming process, so it is recommended to gather some beforehand by hunting larger creatures like Trikes or Stegos.

To begin the taming process, locate a Carnotaurus in the wild. They are commonly found in open areas such as grasslands or near mountains. Once you have found one, lure it into a taming pen if possible. A taming pen can be constructed using stone or metal foundations and walls, with a large gate for entry. This prevents the Carnotaurus from escaping or being attacked by other predators. If you do not have a taming pen, try to isolate the Carnotaurus in an area with minimal threats.

Once the Carnotaurus is in a safe location, start shooting it with tranq arrows or darts. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain while minimizing damage. Be careful not to kill the creature, as its health is relatively low compared to other predators. After it is unconscious, place the raw meat or prime meat in its inventory. Monitor its torpor level and add narcotics or biotoxin as needed to keep it sedated. The taming effectiveness will decrease if the Carnotaurus takes damage or wakes up, so avoid these situations.

During the taming process, it is important to stay nearby to protect the Carnotaurus from other predators. If you are playing solo, this can be challenging, so consider bringing a tamed creature like a Raptor or Trike to guard the area. In a tribe, you can assign roles, with one player guarding while another monitors the taming progress. Communication and coordination are key to a successful tame.

One common mistake is underestimating the Carnotaurus's speed and aggression. They are fast and can quickly close the distance, so always have an escape plan. Another mistake is not preparing enough narcotics or food, which can lead to the Carnotaurus waking up before the taming is complete. To avoid this, use a taming calculator to estimate the required resources based on the creature's level.

Advanced techniques include using kibble for faster taming. Carnotaurus prefer Simple Kibble, which can be crafted using Dodo eggs, cooked meat, and other ingredients. Kibble not only speeds up the taming process but also preserves taming effectiveness better than raw or prime meat. Additionally, using a taming pen with a ramp can make it easier to trap the Carnotaurus without risking injury.

Resource preparation is critical for a smooth taming experience. Gather at least 50 tranq arrows or 10 tranquilizer darts, 50 narcotics or biotoxin, and a stack of raw meat or prime meat. If using kibble, prepare at least 10 Simple Kibble. Bring armor and weapons for protection, as well as a few healing items like cooked meat or medical brews.

In summary, taming a Carnotaurus requires careful planning and execution. Focus on melee damage, health, and stamina when selecting a Carnotaurus to tame. Use tranq arrows or darts to knock it out, and feed it raw meat, prime meat, or kibble. Protect it from threats and monitor its torpor level. Avoid common mistakes like insufficient resources or poor positioning. With the right preparation and strategy, you can successfully tame a powerful Carnotaurus to aid in your survival and combat efforts in ARK: Survival Evolved.