What is the best way to tame a high-level Hesperornis in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a high-level Hesperornis in ARK: Survival Evolved can be a challenging but rewarding task. The Hesperornis is a unique aquatic bird that requires a specific approach to tame effectively. Below is a detailed guide covering the mechanics, strategies, and tips to successfully tame a high-level Hesperornis.

The Hesperornis is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you must feed it fish while it is in the water. The Hesperornis is naturally skittish and will flee if it detects you nearby, so stealth and patience are key. The preferred food for taming a Hesperornis is fish, with higher-quality fish like Salmon or Sabertooth Salmon providing better taming efficiency. Raw fish can be used, but cooked fish is not effective for taming. Additionally, using fish baskets to carry live fish can make the process smoother.

To begin, you will need to gather the necessary resources. Prepare a crossbow or longneck rifle with tranq arrows or darts to deal with any predators that might interfere. Bring a set of scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder to help you stay underwater for extended periods. You will also need a fish basket, which can be crafted using fiber, hide, and wood. Fish baskets allow you to catch and carry live fish, which are essential for taming the Hesperornis. Finally, bring some narcotics or biotoxin to keep the fish alive in the basket, as dead fish cannot be used for taming.

Once you have your resources, head to a body of water where Hesperornis spawn. Common locations include rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Look for a high-level Hesperornis, as higher levels provide better stats and utility. When you spot one, approach cautiously. The Hesperornis will swim away if it detects you, so stay at a distance and observe its behavior. If it is near the shore, you can try to lure it into deeper water where it will be easier to tame.

Next, use your fish basket to catch live fish. Equip the basket and approach small fish like Coelacanth or Sabertooth Salmon. Press the use button to capture the fish. Once you have a live fish in the basket, swim toward the Hesperornis. Be careful not to get too close, as it will flee. Instead, position yourself within feeding range and open the fish basket to release the fish. The Hesperornis will swim over and eat the fish, increasing its taming progress.

Repeat this process until the Hesperornis is fully tamed. Each fish will provide a small amount of taming progress, so you will need multiple fish for a high-level Hesperornis. Keep an eye on the Hesperornis's taming bar to monitor progress. If it starts to swim away, give it some space and try again. Patience is crucial, as rushing the process can cause the Hesperornis to flee and reset its taming progress.

There are several important tips to consider when taming a Hesperornis. First, avoid using cooked fish or meat, as these will not work for taming. Only live fish or raw fish are effective. Second, be mindful of your surroundings. Predators like Megalodons or Sarcosuchus can attack you or the Hesperornis, so clear the area of threats before starting the taming process. Third, use a taming calculator to estimate the number of fish required for the Hesperornis's level. This will help you prepare enough fish and avoid running out mid-tame.

Common mistakes to avoid include startling the Hesperornis by getting too close or moving too quickly. Always approach slowly and from a distance. Another mistake is using the wrong type of fish. Only use live or raw fish, as cooked fish will not work. Additionally, failing to monitor the Hesperornis's taming progress can lead to wasted effort if it flees and resets.

Advanced techniques can optimize the taming process. For example, using a taming pen can help contain the Hesperornis and prevent it from fleeing. Build a small enclosure in the water using stone or metal foundations and walls. Lure the Hesperornis into the pen and close the gate behind it. This will make it easier to feed the fish without worrying about the Hesperornis escaping. Another advanced technique is using a taming multiplier on private servers or single-player mode to speed up the process.

Resource requirements for taming a high-level Hesperornis include a fish basket, live fish, and possibly narcotics or biotoxin to keep the fish alive. Scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder is also helpful for extended underwater taming sessions. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and protect the area while taming. Solo players should focus on preparation and stealth to avoid drawing attention from predators.

In summary, taming a high-level Hesperornis requires patience, preparation, and careful execution. Gather live fish, approach the Hesperornis cautiously, and feed it repeatedly until it is tamed. Avoid common mistakes like startling the Hesperornis or using the wrong type of fish. Use advanced techniques like taming pens to make the process easier. With the right strategy, you can successfully tame a high-level Hesperornis and add a valuable aquatic companion to your ARK survival team.