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

Taming a high-level Zombie Sabertooth in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. The Zombie Sabertooth is a unique variant of the Sabertooth, found during the Fear Evolved event or on specific modded maps. It behaves similarly to a regular Sabertooth but has a distinct appearance and can be more challenging to tame due to its aggressive nature and the environment it spawns in. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame one effectively.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of taming a Zombie Sabertooth. Like most carnivores, it requires knockout taming. This means you must render it unconscious using tranquilizers, such as tranq arrows or darts, and then feed it its preferred food. The Zombie Sabertooth prefers raw meat, raw prime meat, or mutton, with mutton being the most effective for faster taming. You will also need narcotics or biotoxin to keep its torpor level high while it tames. Its torpor drops quickly, so monitoring and maintaining it is crucial.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. You will need a ranged weapon like a crossbow or longneck rifle, along with tranq arrows or darts. Bring plenty of narcotics or biotoxin, as well as the preferred taming food. Armor is essential to protect yourself from its attacks and other predators in the area. Consider bringing a taming pen or materials to build one, such as stone foundations, walls, and gates. This will help you trap the Zombie Sabertooth safely. Additionally, bring medical brews or food to heal yourself during the process.

Next, locate a high-level Zombie Sabertooth. These creatures are often found in dangerous areas, such as caves or regions with aggressive wildlife. Use a flying mount like an Argentavis or Pteranodon to scout safely. Once you find one, assess the surroundings. Clear out any nearby threats, such as other predators, to avoid interruptions during the taming process. If you are playing solo, this step is especially important, as you wonÔÇÖt have tribe members to assist you.

Now, lure the Zombie Sabertooth into your taming pen. You can do this by shooting it with a tranq arrow or dart and then leading it into the pen. Once inside, close the gate to trap it. If you donÔÇÖt have a taming pen, you can use natural terrain features like cliffs or rocks to trap it temporarily. Be cautious, as the Zombie Sabertooth is fast and can deal significant damage if it catches you.

Once trapped, continue shooting it with tranq arrows or darts until it falls unconscious. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain. Be careful not to kill it, as high-level creatures have a lot of health but can still die if you overdo it. After it is unconscious, quickly place the preferred food in its inventory. Raw meat is the most accessible option, but mutton or raw prime meat will speed up the process. Keep an eye on its torpor level and feed it narcotics or biotoxin as needed to prevent it from waking up.

During the taming process, stay nearby to monitor its progress. If you are in a dangerous area, consider building a small shelter or using a tamed creature to guard you. The Zombie SabertoothÔÇÖs taming effectiveness will decrease if it takes damage, so protect it from other predators or environmental hazards. If you are in a tribe, assign roles to make the process smoother. One player can focus on keeping the creature unconscious, while another gathers additional resources or guards the area.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the Zombie SabertoothÔÇÖs speed and aggression. It can quickly close the distance and deal heavy damage, so always maintain a safe distance. Another mistake is not bringing enough narcotics or biotoxin, which can lead to the creature waking up prematurely. Additionally, failing to clear the area of threats can result in interruptions or even the death of the Zombie Sabertooth during taming.

For advanced techniques, consider using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics needed for the specific level of the Zombie Sabertooth. This will help you prepare efficiently and avoid wasting resources. You can also use a taming pen with a ramp design, which allows you to trap the creature more easily without risking injury. If you have access to a taming creature like a Griffin or Snow Owl, you can use their abilities to immobilize or heal the Zombie Sabertooth during the process.

In conclusion, taming a high-level Zombie Sabertooth in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding task. By understanding the mechanics, preparing the necessary resources, and following the steps outlined above, you can successfully tame this powerful creature. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, careful planning and execution are key to ensuring a smooth taming process. With a Zombie Sabertooth by your side, you will have a formidable ally for combat, exploration, and resource gathering.