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

Taming a Jerboa in ARK: Survival Evolved is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation and attention to detail. The Jerboa is a small, passive creature found in the desert biomes of maps like Scorched Earth, Ragnarok, and Extinction. It is a unique and useful companion due to its ability to detect weather changes, making it a valuable early warning system for storms or other environmental hazards. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to tame a Jerboa, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips to ensure success.

The Jerboa is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out or use tranquilizers. Instead, you must approach it carefully and feed it the appropriate food. The Jerboa prefers Plant Species Z Seed, Rare Flower, or Rare Mushroom as its taming food. Plant Species Z Seed is the most effective option, as it provides the highest taming efficiency and reduces the time required to tame the creature. However, Rare Flowers and Rare Mushrooms are more accessible early in the game and can still be used effectively.

To begin taming a Jerboa, you must first locate one in the desert biome. Jerboas are small and can be difficult to spot, so keep an eye out for their distinctive hopping movement. Once youÔÇÖve found a Jerboa, approach it slowly and crouch to avoid startling it. Jerboas are skittish and will run away if you move too quickly or make sudden movements. If the Jerboa starts to flee, stop moving and wait for it to calm down before continuing your approach.

When you are close enough, open your inventory and place the preferred taming food in the last slot of your hotbar. This allows you to quickly access the food when needed. With the food selected, approach the Jerboa and press the appropriate button to feed it. After feeding, the Jerboa will gain a small amount of taming progress. However, it will also become temporarily uninterested in food, so you must wait a short period before feeding it again. This process repeats until the Jerboa is fully tamed.

One important consideration is the JerboaÔÇÖs low health and vulnerability to predators. While taming, ensure that the area is clear of aggressive creatures like Raptors, Carnos, or Sabertooths, as they can easily kill the Jerboa. If you are playing on a multiplayer server, be cautious of other players who might interfere with your taming process. Building a small taming pen or using natural terrain features to block the JerboaÔÇÖs escape path can help keep it safe during the taming process.

Resource preparation is key to a successful tame. If you plan to use Plant Species Z Seed, you will need to grow Plant Species Z in a crop plot, which requires advanced resources like Fertilizer and a water source. Rare Flowers and Rare Mushrooms can be gathered from swamp biomes or by harvesting certain plants. Stock up on these resources before attempting to tame a Jerboa, as running out of food mid-tame can be frustrating and time-consuming.

For solo players, taming a Jerboa is manageable but requires patience. Since the Jerboa is small and fast, it can be challenging to keep up with it if it starts to flee. Using a bola to immobilize the Jerboa temporarily can make the process easier, though this is not necessary if you approach carefully. In a tribe setting, one player can distract or herd the Jerboa while another feeds it, making the process faster and more efficient.

Common mistakes to avoid include moving too quickly or making loud noises, which can scare the Jerboa away. Additionally, failing to clear the area of predators can result in the Jerboa being killed before you can tame it. Another mistake is not having enough taming food, which can lead to an incomplete tame and wasted effort. Always prepare extra resources to account for any unexpected issues.

Advanced techniques for taming a Jerboa include using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and time required for the tame. This can help you plan your approach and ensure you have enough resources. Additionally, using a taming pen or trap can make the process smoother by preventing the Jerboa from escaping. A simple pen made of stone or wood with a door can be constructed quickly and is highly effective.

In summary, taming a Jerboa in ARK: Survival Evolved involves careful preparation, patience, and attention to detail. By gathering the right resources, approaching the Jerboa slowly, and protecting it from predators, you can successfully tame this useful creature. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, the JerboaÔÇÖs weather detection abilities make it a valuable addition to your team, especially in harsh desert environments. With these strategies and tips, youÔÇÖll be well-equipped to tame a Jerboa and enhance your survival experience in ARK.