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

Taming a high-level Coelacanth in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique challenge because the Coelacanth is a passive tame, meaning it does not require knocking it out or using tranquilizers. Instead, you must approach it carefully and feed it the right food to gain its trust. Coelacanths are small fish commonly found in shallow waters across the map, and while they are not particularly powerful or useful for combat or resource gathering, they can be tamed for their aesthetic value or as part of a collection. Here is a detailed guide on how to tame a high-level Coelacanth effectively.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of passive taming. Passive taming involves approaching the creature without startling it and feeding it the correct food. For Coelacanths, the preferred food is Leech Blood, which can be obtained by killing Leeches found in swamps or by using a tamed Otter to collect it. Once you have Leech Blood, you must swim near the Coelacanth and feed it directly from your inventory. Each feeding increases the taming progress, but you must wait for the creature to become hungry again before feeding it more. This process requires patience and careful movement to avoid scaring the fish away.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. You will need a significant amount of Leech Blood, as high-level Coelacanths require more food to tame. A good rule of thumb is to collect at least 20-30 Leech Blood to ensure you have enough for the entire taming process. You can also bring a few extra pieces in case the Coelacanth gets scared and you need to start over. Additionally, consider bringing a tamed Otter to help collect Leech Blood more efficiently, as Otters have a chance to harvest it from fish corpses.

Next, locate a high-level Coelacanth. These fish are commonly found in shallow waters, such as rivers, lakes, or along the coastlines. Look for areas with clear visibility and minimal predators, as hostile creatures can disrupt the taming process. Once you find a Coelacanth, approach it slowly and avoid making sudden movements. If you scare it, it will swim away, and you will need to wait for it to calm down before trying again.

When you are close enough, open your inventory and transfer the Leech Blood to the Coelacanth's inventory. The fish will eat the blood, and you will see the taming progress increase. After each feeding, the Coelacanth will enter a cooldown period before it can be fed again. During this time, stay close but avoid bumping into the fish or making loud noises, as this can scare it away. Repeat the feeding process until the taming bar is full.

One important tip is to use a taming pen to make the process easier. Build a small enclosure in shallow water using stone or metal foundations and walls. Lure the Coelacanth into the pen by swimming near it, then close the entrance to prevent it from escaping. This method ensures the fish stays in one place, making it easier to feed and monitor its taming progress. However, be cautious not to trap yourself inside the pen with aggressive creatures nearby.

Common mistakes to avoid include scaring the Coelacanth by moving too quickly or making loud noises, such as jumping or attacking nearby creatures. Additionally, failing to bring enough Leech Blood can result in an incomplete tame, forcing you to start over. Always prepare extra resources to account for any mistakes or interruptions. Another mistake is taming in dangerous areas with predators like Piranhas or Sarcosuchus, which can attack you or the Coelacanth during the process. Choose a safe location to minimize risks.

For advanced techniques, consider using a tamed Otter to collect Leech Blood more efficiently. Otters have a passive ability to harvest rare resources like Leech Blood from fish corpses, making them invaluable for this task. Additionally, using a taming calculator can help you determine the exact amount of Leech Blood needed for a high-level Coelacanth, saving you time and resources.

In terms of tribe or solo considerations, taming a Coelacanth is generally easier in a tribe because you can divide tasks, such as gathering Leech Blood and building a taming pen. However, solo players can still achieve this by preparing thoroughly and using tools like Otters to streamline the process. Communication and coordination are key in a tribe setting, ensuring everyone knows their role and avoids scaring the fish.

In conclusion, taming a high-level Coelacanth requires patience, preparation, and careful execution. Gather enough Leech Blood, choose a safe location, and use a taming pen to make the process smoother. Avoid common mistakes like scaring the fish or taming in dangerous areas, and consider advanced techniques like using an Otter or taming calculator. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, following these steps will help you successfully tame a Coelacanth and add it to your collection of creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved.