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

Taming a high-level Zombie Onyc in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and execution due to its unique behavior and the challenges it presents. The Zombie Onyc is a special variant of the Onyc, found during the Fear Evolved event, and shares many of the same taming mechanics as its regular counterpart. However, its aggressive nature and the event-specific environment add extra layers of difficulty. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully tame a high-level Zombie Onyc.

The Zombie Onyc is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you must approach it carefully and feed it the appropriate food. The preferred food for taming a Zombie Onyc is Spoiled Meat or Raw Meat, though Spoiled Meat is more effective. This makes the taming process relatively straightforward in terms of resources, but the challenge lies in the creature's behavior and the environment in which it is found.

To begin, you will need to gather the necessary resources. Spoiled Meat is the most efficient food for taming, so ensure you have a good supply. You can obtain Spoiled Meat by letting Raw Meat spoil in your inventory or by using a preserving bin. Additionally, you will need a few pieces of armor to protect yourself from other threats in the area, as well as a weapon for self-defense. A crossbow with grappling hooks can be useful for navigating the caves where Zombie Onycs are typically found.

The Zombie Onyc is usually located in caves, which are dangerous environments filled with hostile creatures. Before attempting to tame one, scout the cave to identify the Zombie Onyc's location and clear out any nearby threats. This will reduce the risk of being attacked while taming. It is also a good idea to bring a few stimulants or stimberries to counteract the torpor effects if you are hit by the Zombie Onyc's attacks.

When you are ready to begin taming, approach the Zombie Onyc slowly and cautiously. It is essential to remain crouched and move quietly to avoid startling the creature. If the Zombie Onyc detects you, it will become aggressive and attack, interrupting the taming process. Once you are close enough, open your inventory and place the Spoiled Meat or Raw Meat in the last slot of your hotbar for quick access.

Feed the Zombie Onyc by pressing the appropriate key or button to offer the food. After each feeding, the Zombie Onyc will become temporarily passive, allowing you to move closer for the next feeding. Be patient and avoid making sudden movements, as this can cause the creature to become aggressive again. Repeat this process until the taming bar is full.

One common mistake players make is rushing the taming process. Moving too quickly or making sudden movements can cause the Zombie Onyc to attack, resetting the taming progress. Another mistake is not preparing adequately for the cave environment. Failing to clear out other threats or not bringing enough supplies can lead to unnecessary deaths and lost progress.

For advanced players, using a taming pen can be an effective strategy. Build a small enclosure near the Zombie Onyc's location and lure it inside using a grappling hook or by carefully leading it. Once inside, you can tame it without worrying about other creatures interfering. This method requires careful planning and execution but can significantly increase your chances of success.

Tribe considerations are also important. If you are part of a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to clear the cave and protect you while taming. Solo players should focus on stealth and preparation, ensuring they have enough resources and a clear path to safety if things go wrong.

In summary, taming a high-level Zombie Onyc requires patience, preparation, and careful execution. Gather the necessary resources, scout the cave, and approach the creature cautiously. Avoid common mistakes like rushing the process or neglecting cave threats. Use advanced techniques like taming pens if possible, and consider tribe coordination for added safety. With these strategies, you can successfully tame a high-level Zombie Onyc and add a powerful ally to your team.