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

Taming a Manta in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique challenge due to its aquatic nature and specific taming mechanics. Mantas are fast, aggressive creatures found in the ocean, and they cannot be tamed using traditional knockout methods. Instead, they require a passive taming approach, which involves feeding them their preferred food without aggroing them. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a Manta, including mechanics, strategies, and tips to ensure success.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of taming a Manta. Mantas are passive tames, meaning you cannot knock them out with tranquilizers or other methods. Instead, you must approach them carefully and feed them their preferred food, which is Angler Gel. Angler Gel is obtained by killing Anglerfish, which are deep-sea creatures found in the ocean. Once you have the Angler Gel, you need to swim close to the Manta and feed it directly. Each feeding will increase the taming progress, but you must wait for the Manta to become hungry again before feeding it more. This process requires patience and careful movement to avoid startling the Manta, as it will swim away if it feels threatened.

To begin taming a Manta, you need to prepare the necessary resources. The most important resource is Angler Gel, which can be obtained by hunting Anglerfish. Anglerfish are typically found in deep ocean biomes, so you will need a strong aquatic mount or scuba gear to reach them. Once you have enough Angler Gel, equip it in your last inventory slot for easy access. You should also bring a strong aquatic mount, such as a Basilosaurus or a Tuso, to protect yourself from other ocean predators while taming. Additionally, consider bringing a Lazarus Chowder or Fria Curry to help with oxygen and temperature management in the ocean.

When you are ready to tame, locate a Manta in the ocean. Mantas are often found in groups, so choose one that is slightly separated from the others to minimize interference. Approach the Manta slowly and carefully, ensuring you do not get too close too quickly. If the Manta starts to swim away, stop moving and wait for it to calm down before trying again. Once you are close enough, feed the Manta the Angler Gel by pressing the appropriate button (E on PC, Y on Xbox, or Triangle on PlayStation). After feeding, the Manta will swim away, and you will need to wait for it to become hungry again before feeding it more. This process repeats until the Manta is fully tamed.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind while taming a Manta. First, always be aware of your surroundings. The ocean is filled with dangerous creatures, such as Megalodons and Jellyfish, which can interrupt your taming process or even kill you. Having a strong aquatic mount nearby can help deter these threats. Second, avoid sudden movements or aggressive actions near the Manta, as this will cause it to flee. Third, ensure you have enough Angler Gel before starting the taming process. Running out of food mid-tame can be frustrating and may force you to start over. Finally, consider using a taming calculator to determine exactly how much Angler Gel you will need based on the MantaÔÇÖs level.

Common mistakes to avoid include approaching the Manta too quickly, which can scare it away, and not bringing enough Angler Gel, which can halt the taming process. Another mistake is not having a strong aquatic mount for protection, leaving you vulnerable to ocean predators. Additionally, failing to monitor your oxygen and temperature levels can lead to drowning or hypothermia, so always prepare accordingly.

For advanced techniques, consider using a taming pen to make the process easier. While Mantas are aquatic, you can lure them into a shallow area or a pen built underwater to limit their movement. This makes it easier to feed them without chasing them across the ocean. Another optimization is to use a taming multiplier if you are playing on a private server or single-player mode. This reduces the amount of Angler Gel required and speeds up the taming process.

In terms of tribe or solo considerations, taming a Manta is generally easier with a tribe. Having multiple players can help protect against ocean threats and speed up the process of gathering Angler Gel. However, solo players can still tame a Manta by following the steps above and being extra cautious.

In conclusion, taming a Manta in ARK: Survival Evolved requires patience, preparation, and careful execution. By gathering enough Angler Gel, approaching the Manta slowly, and protecting yourself from ocean threats, you can successfully tame this fast and useful aquatic creature. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, a tamed Manta can be a valuable asset for underwater exploration and combat.