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

Taming a high-level Spino in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding task. The Spinosaurus, or Spino, is a powerful carnivore that excels in both land and water combat, making it a valuable addition to any tribe or solo player's arsenal. To tame a high-level Spino, you need to follow a detailed process that involves preparation, execution, and careful management of resources.

First, let's discuss the mechanics involved. The Spino is a knockout tame, meaning you need to render it unconscious before feeding it the appropriate food. The Spino prefers raw prime meat, raw mutton, or kibble made from Spino eggs for the fastest taming efficiency. However, raw meat can also be used if prime meat or mutton is unavailable. The taming process involves reducing the Spino's torpor to zero using tranquilizers, then keeping it unconscious with narcotics or narcoberries while feeding it its preferred food. The higher the level of the Spino, the more food and time it will require to tame.

To begin, you need to prepare the necessary resources. For a high-level Spino, you will need a significant amount of tranquilizer arrows or darts, a crossbow or longneck rifle, narcotics or narcoberries, and the preferred taming food. It is also advisable to bring a few extra weapons and armor in case things go wrong. Building a taming pen can make the process much easier. A taming pen is a structure made of stone or metal that traps the Spino, preventing it from escaping or attacking you while you tame it. A common design is a 4x4 stone foundation with stone doorframes and walls, leaving one side open to lure the Spino inside.

Once your resources and taming pen are ready, locate a high-level Spino. Spinos are commonly found near rivers and lakes, so search these areas. When you find one, lure it into your taming pen using a fast mount like a Raptor or a Pteranodon. Once the Spino is inside, close the pen by placing a doorframe or gate behind it. Now, you can safely shoot it with tranquilizer arrows or darts from outside the pen. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain and minimize damage to the Spino. Be careful not to kill it, as high-level Spinos have a lot of health but can still be killed if you are not cautious.

After the Spino is unconscious, quickly place the preferred food in its inventory. If you are using raw meat, you will need a lot of it, so be prepared to gather more if necessary. Monitor the Spino's torpor level and keep it unconscious by feeding it narcotics or narcoberries. The torpor level will decrease over time, so you need to stay vigilant and top it up as needed. The taming process can take a long time, especially for high-level Spinos, so be patient and keep an eye on the Spino's hunger and torpor levels.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, always bring extra resources, as things can go wrong, and you may need more tranquilizers or food than anticipated. Second, avoid taming in dangerous areas where other predators can attack you or the Spino. Third, use a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of resources needed for the Spino's level. This will help you prepare adequately and avoid running out of resources mid-tame.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the amount of resources needed, not building a secure taming pen, and failing to monitor the Spino's torpor level. These mistakes can lead to a failed tame or even the death of the Spino. Additionally, avoid using low-damage weapons like slingshots, as they will take too long to knock out a high-level Spino and may result in its death.

Advanced techniques and optimizations can make the taming process more efficient. For example, using kibble made from Spino eggs will significantly speed up the taming process and improve the taming effectiveness. If you have access to a high-level Argentavis or Quetzal, you can carry the Spino to a safer location for taming. This reduces the risk of other predators interfering with the tame. Additionally, using a taming pen with a roof can prevent the Spino from escaping or being attacked by flying creatures.

Resource requirements and preparation are crucial for a successful tame. For a high-level Spino, you will need at least 50-100 tranquilizer arrows or darts, 200-300 narcotics or narcoberries, and a large amount of raw prime meat, raw mutton, or kibble. It is also advisable to bring extra weapons, armor, and healing items in case of emergencies. Preparing these resources in advance will save you time and ensure a smoother taming process.

Tribe and solo considerations are also important. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and build the taming pen. Having multiple people can make the process faster and safer. If you are playing solo, make sure to prepare thoroughly and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Solo taming a high-level Spino is possible but requires careful planning and execution.

In specific scenarios, such as taming in a dangerous area or with limited resources, you may need to adapt your strategy. For example, if you are taming near a river with many predators, consider building a larger taming pen or using a trap to lure the Spino away from danger. If you are low on resources, prioritize gathering the most important items, such as tranquilizers and food, before attempting the tame.

In conclusion, taming a high-level Spino in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but achievable task. By understanding the mechanics, preparing the necessary resources, and following a detailed strategy, you can successfully tame this powerful creature. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and execution are key to a successful tame. With a high-level Spino by your side, you will have a formidable ally for combat, resource gathering, and exploration.