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

Taming a high-level Shadowmane in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding process. Shadowmanes are powerful, cat-like creatures with unique abilities, such as cloaking and teleportation, making them highly desirable for both PvE and PvP scenarios. To tame a Shadowmane, you must follow a specific set of steps and prepare carefully, as the process is passive and requires precision.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of taming a Shadowmane. Unlike most creatures in ARK, Shadowmanes cannot be knocked out or tamed using traditional methods. Instead, they are tamed passively by feeding them their preferred food, which is Fish Meat or Superior Kibble. However, the taming process is unique because it involves a stealth mechanic. Shadowmanes are highly sensitive to movement and will flee if they detect you. To tame one, you must remain crouched and hidden while approaching it. If you are seen, the Shadowmane will teleport away, and you will need to start over.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. You will need a large amount of Fish Meat or Superior Kibble, depending on the level of the Shadowmane. Fish Meat can be obtained by killing fish in rivers or oceans, while Superior Kibble requires eggs from high-level creatures like Yutyrannus or Deinonychus, along with other ingredients. Additionally, you will need Ghillie Armor to reduce your visibility and a Cryopod or a taming pen to secure the Shadowmane once tamed. ItÔÇÖs also helpful to have a fast mount, such as a Raptor or a Pteranodon, to chase the Shadowmane if it teleports away.

Next, locate a Shadowmane in the wild. They are commonly found in the Genesis Part 2 map, particularly in the Eden biome. Once you spot one, approach it slowly while crouched and wearing Ghillie Armor. Stay out of its line of sight and avoid sudden movements. If the Shadowmane detects you, it will teleport away, so patience is key. When you are close enough, open your inventory and place the Fish Meat or Superior Kibble in the last slot of your hotbar. This will allow you to quickly feed the Shadowmane when prompted.

As you approach, the Shadowmane will occasionally lower its head and emit a glowing effect. This is your cue to feed it. Quickly press the corresponding hotkey to offer the food. Be prepared to repeat this process multiple times, as the taming progress increases with each feeding. Keep in mind that the ShadowmaneÔÇÖs taming effectiveness decreases if it takes damage or is disturbed during the process, so avoid engaging in combat nearby.

One common mistake is failing to remain hidden. Even a slight movement can alert the Shadowmane, causing it to teleport away. To avoid this, move slowly and use natural cover like rocks or trees to block its line of sight. Another mistake is not bringing enough food. High-level Shadowmanes require a significant amount of Fish Meat or Superior Kibble, so always bring extra to avoid running out mid-tame.

For advanced techniques, consider using a taming pen. Build a small enclosure with walls and a gate near the ShadowmaneÔÇÖs spawn area. Lure the Shadowmane into the pen by approaching it carefully, then close the gate behind it. This will prevent it from teleporting away and make the taming process easier. Additionally, using a Cryopod to store the Shadowmane once tamed can save time and effort, especially if you are taming multiple creatures.

If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and locate Shadowmanes faster. One player can act as a spotter while another handles the taming process. Solo players should focus on preparation and patience, as taming a Shadowmane alone can be time-consuming.

In summary, taming a high-level Shadowmane requires careful planning, stealth, and patience. Gather plenty of Fish Meat or Superior Kibble, wear Ghillie Armor, and approach the Shadowmane slowly while crouched. Use a taming pen or Cryopod for added efficiency, and avoid common mistakes like sudden movements or insufficient food. With the right strategy, you can successfully tame a Shadowmane and add a powerful ally to your ARK survival arsenal.