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

Taming a high-level Zombie Hesperornis in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique challenge due to its specific mechanics and behavior. The Zombie Hesperornis is a special variant of the Hesperornis, found during the Fear Evolved event. It behaves similarly to the regular Hesperornis but has a spooky, undead appearance. To tame one, you need to understand its mechanics and prepare accordingly.

The Zombie Hesperornis is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you must approach it carefully and feed it the right food. The preferred food for taming a Zombie Hesperornis is raw fish meat. However, unlike the regular Hesperornis, the Zombie variant does not require fish to be placed in its inventory. Instead, you must drop the fish near it while it is in the water. This is a key difference and requires careful execution.

To begin, gather a significant amount of raw fish meat. You can obtain this by fishing or killing fish creatures like Coelacanths or Piranhas. It is recommended to have at least 50-100 pieces of raw fish meat, depending on the level of the Zombie Hesperornis. Higher-level creatures require more food and take longer to tame. Additionally, bring a crossbow or harpoon with grappling hooks to help control the situation if needed.

Locate a Zombie Hesperornis in the water. They are often found in rivers, lakes, or along the coastlines. Once you spot one, approach it slowly and quietly. Avoid making sudden movements or getting too close, as this can scare it away. If the Zombie Hesperornis starts to flee, you may need to use a grappling hook to anchor yourself and prevent it from escaping.

When you are close enough, drop the raw fish meat into the water near the Zombie Hesperornis. It will swim over to investigate and consume the fish. Each piece of fish will increase its taming progress. Be patient, as this process can take some time, especially for high-level creatures. Keep an eye on its taming bar and ensure you have enough fish to complete the process.

One important tip is to avoid dropping too much fish at once. The Zombie Hesperornis can only consume one piece at a time, and excess fish may attract other predators or despawn. Drop one piece at a time and wait for it to be eaten before dropping the next. This ensures efficient use of your resources and minimizes the risk of losing fish.

Common mistakes to avoid include scaring the Zombie Hesperornis by moving too quickly or getting too close. This can cause it to flee, making the taming process more difficult. Additionally, avoid dropping fish in areas with strong currents or deep water, as this can make it harder for the Zombie Hesperornis to find and consume the fish. Always choose calm, shallow waters for taming.

Advanced techniques include using a taming pen to trap the Zombie Hesperornis. Build a small enclosure with walls and a gate near the water's edge. Lure the Zombie Hesperornis into the pen by dropping fish inside, then close the gate to prevent it from escaping. This method provides more control and reduces the risk of losing the creature during taming.

Resource preparation is crucial. In addition to raw fish meat, bring narcotics or biotoxin to keep the Zombie Hesperornis sedated if it becomes agitated. However, since it is a passive tame, these items are not always necessary. Bring armor and weapons to defend against nearby predators, as the taming process can attract unwanted attention.

For solo players, taming a Zombie Hesperornis can be challenging due to the need for multitasking. Prepare thoroughly and consider using a taming pen to simplify the process. In a tribe, assign roles to different members, such as one person dropping fish while another guards against predators. This teamwork can make the taming process smoother and more efficient.

In summary, taming a high-level Zombie Hesperornis requires patience, preparation, and careful execution. Gather plenty of raw fish meat, approach the creature slowly, and drop fish one at a time in calm waters. Avoid scaring it or dropping too much fish at once. Use advanced techniques like taming pens for better control, and prepare for potential threats. With these strategies, you can successfully tame a Zombie Hesperornis and add it to your collection of creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved.