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 base building and resource management. 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 process will take longer. YouÔÇÖll also need narcotics or narcoberries to keep the Mammoth unconscious during the taming process.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need a ranged weapon like a crossbow or longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts or arrows. Tranq darts are more effective and cause less damage, making them ideal for high-level creatures. YouÔÇÖll also need narcotics or narcoberries to maintain the MammothÔÇÖs torpor. Additionally, prepare a taming pen to trap the Mammoth safely. A taming pen can be built using stone or metal foundations, walls, and a large gate. This prevents the Mammoth from escaping or being attacked by other predators.

Once youÔÇÖre prepared, locate a high-level Mammoth. They are commonly found in snowy regions like the Snow Biome or the Redwood Forest. Approach cautiously, as Mammoths can be aggressive if provoked. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, itÔÇÖs best to lure the Mammoth into your taming pen using a flying mount like an Argentavis or a fast ground mount like a Raptor. Lead the Mammoth into the pen and close the gate behind it. This ensures it canÔÇÖt escape or cause trouble during the taming process.

Next, start knocking the Mammoth out. Use your crossbow or longneck rifle to shoot tranquilizer darts or arrows at its body. Aim for the head for maximum torpor gain, but be careful not to kill it. High-level Mammoths have a lot of health, so it may take several shots to knock them out. Monitor its torpor level using the creatureÔÇÖs inventory screen. Once itÔÇÖs unconscious, quickly place the preferred food in its inventory. If youÔÇÖre using kibble, the taming process will be faster, but crops or mejoberries will also work.

While the Mammoth is unconscious, keep an eye on its torpor level. If it starts to wake up, force-feed it narcotics or narcoberries to keep it sedated. This is crucial, as waking up prematurely will reset the taming progress. The taming effectiveness will decrease if the Mammoth takes damage, so ensure no other creatures attack it during the process. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, assign one member to guard the area while others gather resources or prepare additional narcotics.

Common mistakes to avoid include using low-quality food, which slows down the taming process, or failing to monitor torpor levels, which can lead to the Mammoth waking up. Another mistake is not building a secure taming pen, which can result in the Mammoth escaping or being attacked by predators. Always prepare extra narcotics and food to avoid running out mid-tame.

For advanced techniques, consider using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics needed for the MammothÔÇÖs level. This helps optimize the process and ensures youÔÇÖre fully prepared. Additionally, using a taming pen with a ramp design can make it easier to lure the Mammoth inside without risking damage. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate roles to maximize efficiency, such as having one person gather resources while another monitors the Mammoth.

In terms of resource requirements, youÔÇÖll need a significant amount of narcotics or narcoberries, especially for high-level Mammoths. Prepare at least 100-200 narcotics or a large stack of narcoberries. For food, aim for 20-30 kibble or several stacks of mejoberries or crops. Having a flying mount like an Argentavis can help transport resources quickly, especially if youÔÇÖre taming in a remote area.

Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the process is similar, but tribes have the advantage of dividing tasks. Solo players should focus on preparation and efficiency, ensuring they have all resources ready before starting. Tribes can assign roles, such as one person guarding the Mammoth while others gather additional resources or build defenses.

In specific scenarios, such as taming in a dangerous area like the Snow Biome, consider bringing a strong mount like a Rex or a pack of Direwolves to fend off predators. Always scout the area beforehand to ensure itÔÇÖs safe and free from threats. If youÔÇÖre taming near your base, ensure your defenses are up to prevent other players or creatures from interfering.

By following these steps and strategies, you can successfully tame a high-level Mammoth in ARK: Survival Evolved. Proper preparation, resource management, and careful execution are key to a successful tame. Once tamed, the Mammoth will be a valuable asset for gathering resources and exploring the map.