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

Taming a high-level Castoroides, also known as a giant beaver, in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and execution due to its unique behavior and taming mechanics. The Castoroides is a valuable creature for resource gathering, particularly for wood and thatch, and its ability to reduce the weight of these resources makes it a must-have for any tribe or solo player. Here is a detailed guide on how to tame a high-level Castoroides effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. The Castoroides is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you must approach it carefully and feed it its preferred food. The Castoroides prefers Giant Bee Honey, which is the most effective taming food, but it can also be tamed with vegetables, berries, or kibble. Using Giant Bee Honey will significantly speed up the taming process, so it is highly recommended to gather this resource beforehand. The taming process involves feeding the Castoroides, waiting for it to eat again, and repeating this until the taming bar is full. However, the Castoroides is skittish and will run away if you get too close or make sudden movements, so patience and stealth are key.

To begin, you will need to prepare the necessary resources. If you plan to use Giant Bee Honey, you will need to locate and harvest it from wild beehives. This can be dangerous, as the bees will attack if you disturb their hive. Equip yourself with a full set of armor, a weapon, and some bug repellent to minimize the risk. Alternatively, you can use vegetables or berries, but these will take longer to tame the Castoroides. You will also need a crossbow or longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts or arrows to deal with any predators that might interfere with the taming process.

Next, locate a high-level Castoroides. These creatures are commonly found near rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. Once you find one, approach it slowly and crouch to reduce your visibility. If the Castoroides starts to run away, stop moving and wait for it to calm down before continuing. When you are close enough, open your inventory and place the Giant Bee Honey or other preferred food in the last slot of your hotbar. This will allow you to quickly feed the Castoroides when the opportunity arises.

When the Castoroides is calm and not running, approach it from behind and feed it the food. After feeding, back away slowly to avoid startling it. The Castoroides will take some time to eat again, so be patient and keep an eye on its taming progress. If you are using Giant Bee Honey, the taming process will be relatively quick, but if you are using vegetables or berries, it may take longer. During this time, be vigilant for any predators that might attack the Castoroides or you. If a predator appears, use your crossbow or rifle to take it down quickly.

One common mistake to avoid is rushing the taming process. The Castoroides is easily spooked, and if you move too quickly or make sudden movements, it will run away, and you will have to start over. Another mistake is not being prepared for predators. The Castoroides is often found in areas with dangerous creatures like raptors, sarcos, or even alpha predators. Always be ready to defend yourself and the Castoroides during the taming process.

For advanced techniques, consider building a taming pen. A taming pen can help contain the Castoroides and prevent it from running away. To build a taming pen, use stone or metal structures to create a small enclosure with a ramp leading into it. Lure the Castoroides into the pen using the ramp, then close the entrance behind it. This will make the taming process much easier and safer, as the Castoroides will be unable to escape, and you can focus on feeding it without worrying about predators.

If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to make the taming process smoother. One player can focus on feeding the Castoroides while others keep watch for predators or gather additional resources. Solo players should prioritize stealth and preparation, as they will need to handle all aspects of the taming process alone.

In conclusion, taming a high-level Castoroides requires patience, preparation, and careful execution. Gather the necessary resources, approach the creature slowly, and use a taming pen if possible to make the process easier. Avoid common mistakes like rushing or neglecting predator defense, and consider advanced techniques like building a taming pen for optimal results. With these strategies, you can successfully tame a high-level Castoroides and add a valuable resource-gathering creature to your team.