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

Taming a high-level Direwolf in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. Direwolves are powerful carnivores found in colder regions like the Snow Biome, and they are highly valued for their speed, damage output, and pack bonus, which increases their effectiveness when traveling with other Direwolves. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a high-level Direwolf effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Direwolves are carnivores, so they require raw meat, prime meat, or kibble to tame. Kibble is the most efficient option, as it significantly reduces taming time and increases taming effectiveness. The best kibble for Direwolves is Extraordinary Kibble, made from Deinonychus eggs. If you donÔÇÖt have access to this, raw prime meat or raw meat will work, though the process will take longer. Direwolves must be knocked out before taming, so youÔÇÖll need to use tranquilizer methods like tranq arrows, tranq darts, or a longneck rifle with darts for higher-level wolves. Once unconscious, youÔÇÖll need to feed the Direwolf while keeping its torpor high enough to prevent it from waking up. This requires narcotics or narcoberries.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need a ranged weapon like a crossbow or longneck rifle, tranq arrows or darts, narcotics or narcoberries, and the appropriate food for taming. If youÔÇÖre using kibble, prepare Extraordinary Kibble in advance. If not, gather raw prime meat by hunting creatures like mammoths, rexes, or other large animals. Prime meat spoils quickly, so bring preserving salt or a preserving bin if youÔÇÖre traveling far. Additionally, bring armor, medical brews, and a shield to protect yourself from the cold and potential attacks.

Next, locate a high-level Direwolf. They are commonly found in the Snow Biome, but they can also appear in other cold areas. Direwolves often travel in packs, so be cautious when approaching. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, try to isolate the target Direwolf from the pack to avoid being overwhelmed. Use a taming pen to make the process easier. Build a pen with stone or metal structures, as Direwolves can damage wood. Lure the Direwolf into the pen using a fast mount like a Raptor or Pteranodon, then close the gate behind it.

Once the Direwolf is trapped, knock it out using tranq arrows or darts. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain. Be careful not to kill it, as Direwolves have relatively low health compared to their torpor. After itÔÇÖs unconscious, place the food in its inventory and monitor its torpor. Use narcotics or narcoberries to keep it sedated. If youÔÇÖre using prime meat, prioritize feeding it quickly before it spoils. Kibble is more forgiving, as it doesnÔÇÖt spoil and provides better taming effectiveness.

Important tips and considerations include bringing a Cryopod to safely transport the tamed Direwolf back to your base, especially if youÔÇÖre in a dangerous area. Additionally, consider using a taming calculator to estimate the amount of food and time required for the tame. This will help you prepare adequately. Avoid common mistakes like using low-quality food, which prolongs the taming process, or failing to monitor torpor, which can result in the Direwolf waking up prematurely. Always have extra narcotics on hand to prevent this.

Advanced techniques include using a taming pen with a trapdoor or ramp system to make trapping easier. You can also use a Bola to immobilize the Direwolf temporarily, giving you time to shoot it with tranq arrows. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with teammates to distract other pack members while you focus on taming the high-level Direwolf. Solo players should prioritize safety and avoid engaging multiple Direwolves at once.

In summary, taming a high-level Direwolf requires preparation, patience, and careful execution. Gather the necessary resources, build a secure taming pen, and use the right tools to knock out and feed the Direwolf. Monitor its torpor and hunger levels, and avoid common mistakes like using low-quality food or failing to keep it sedated. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll successfully tame a powerful Direwolf to aid in your survival and exploration in ARK: Survival Evolved.