How do I tame a Featherlight in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Featherlight in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique process that requires a specific approach due to its passive taming mechanics. Featherlights are small, bioluminescent creatures found in the Aberration map, and they are highly valued for their ability to emit light and provide a buff that reduces radiation damage. To tame a Featherlight, you must use a passive taming method, which involves feeding it its preferred food without causing it to flee or become aggressive. Below is a detailed guide on how to successfully tame a Featherlight, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

The first step in taming a Featherlight is to locate one. Featherlights are commonly found in the Bioluminescent and Fertile regions of the Aberration map. They are small and glow in the dark, making them relatively easy to spot at night. Once you have located a Featherlight, you need to approach it carefully. Featherlights are skittish creatures, and if you move too quickly or get too close, they will fly away. To avoid this, crouch and move slowly toward the Featherlight. This reduces your visibility and noise, making it less likely to flee.

The preferred food for taming a Featherlight is Plant Species Z Seed. These seeds can be harvested from the Plant Species Z plants found in the Aberration map. To gather the seeds, you will need to use a creature with a harvesting ability, such as a Therizinosaurus or a Megalosaurus. Once you have collected enough Plant Species Z Seeds, you can proceed with the taming process. It is recommended to gather at least 10 to 15 seeds to ensure you have enough for the tame, as the number required can vary depending on the Featherlight's level.

When you are ready to tame the Featherlight, approach it slowly while crouching. Once you are close enough, open your inventory and place the Plant Species Z Seeds in the last slot of your hotbar. This allows you to quickly access the seeds when needed. To feed the Featherlight, press the corresponding hotkey for the seeds while looking at the creature. Each time you feed the Featherlight, it will consume one seed, and its taming progress will increase. However, after each feeding, the Featherlight will become temporarily uninterested in food, and you will need to wait a short period before feeding it again. This cooldown period is crucial to monitor, as attempting to feed it too soon will not progress the taming.

One important consideration during the taming process is the Featherlight's torpor. Unlike knockout taming, passive taming does not involve torpor management, but you still need to ensure the Featherlight does not take damage or become distracted by other creatures. If the Featherlight is attacked or startled, it may flee, resetting the taming progress. To prevent this, it is advisable to clear the area of potential threats before starting the taming process. You can also build a small taming pen using stone or metal structures to trap the Featherlight, ensuring it cannot escape during the taming process.

A common mistake players make when taming a Featherlight is moving too quickly or standing up while approaching it. This can cause the Featherlight to flee, forcing you to start over. Another mistake is not having enough Plant Species Z Seeds, which can lead to an incomplete tame if the Featherlight loses interest before you can gather more. To avoid these issues, always approach the Featherlight slowly and crouched, and ensure you have a sufficient supply of seeds before beginning the taming process.

For advanced players, optimizing the taming process can involve using a taming calculator to determine the exact number of Plant Species Z Seeds required based on the Featherlight's level. This can help you prepare the right amount of resources and avoid wasting time gathering extra seeds. Additionally, using a taming pen with a roof can prevent the Featherlight from flying away, making the process more efficient. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinating with other members to gather resources and protect the area can speed up the taming process and reduce the risk of interruptions.

In summary, taming a Featherlight in ARK: Survival Evolved requires patience, careful movement, and the right resources. By approaching the creature slowly, feeding it Plant Species Z Seeds, and ensuring a safe environment, you can successfully tame a Featherlight to aid in your survival on the Aberration map. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, following these steps and avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve a successful tame and add a valuable ally to your team.