What are the best methods for taming a high-level Equus in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a high-level Equus in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a combination of preparation, patience, and understanding of the creature's unique mechanics. The Equus 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 to gain its trust. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully tame a high-level Equus.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of taming an Equus. The Equus is a herbivore, so it prefers vegetables, crops, or berries. However, the most effective food for taming is Rockarrot, which significantly speeds up the process. You can also use crops like Citronal, Longrass, or Savoroot, but Rockarrot is the best option. Additionally, you will need to have a set of Rare Flowers or Rare Mushrooms in your inventory to mount the Equus during the taming process. Without these, you cannot ride it to complete the tame.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. You will need a good amount of Rockarrot, which can be grown in crop plots if you have the seeds and fertilizer. If you donÔÇÖt have access to Rockarrot, stock up on other crops or berries, but be prepared for a longer taming process. You will also need Rare Flowers or Rare Mushrooms, which can be found in swamp biomes or by harvesting certain plants. Equip yourself with a good set of armor, as you may encounter hostile creatures while searching for the Equus. A fast mount, such as a Raptor or Pteranodon, can help you locate an Equus quickly.

Once youÔÇÖve found a high-level Equus, approach it slowly and cautiously. The Equus is skittish and will run away if you get too close or make sudden movements. Crouch and move toward it from behind to minimize the chance of it fleeing. When you are close enough, open your inventory and place the Rockarrot or other preferred food in the last slot of your hotbar. This makes it easier to feed the Equus quickly. Feed it the food, and it will gain a small amount of taming progress. After feeding, the Equus will buck you off, so be prepared to repeat the process.

One important tip is to avoid spooking the Equus by keeping your distance until you are ready to feed it. If it runs away, you can use a Bola to immobilize it temporarily, giving you a chance to catch up and continue taming. However, be careful not to overuse the Bola, as the Equus may become agitated and flee again. Another tip is to clear the area of predators before starting the taming process. Carnivores like Raptors or Sabertooths can attack the Equus or you, disrupting the tame.

A common mistake is not having enough food or Rare Flowers/Mushrooms. High-level Equuses require a significant amount of food to tame, so always bring extra. Additionally, failing to approach the Equus carefully can cause it to run away, wasting time and resources. Another mistake is attempting to tame an Equus in a dangerous area. Always scout the location and eliminate threats before starting.

For advanced techniques, consider building a taming pen. A simple pen with walls and a gate can help contain the Equus, making the taming process easier. Lure the Equus into the pen using Rare Flowers or Rare Mushrooms, then close the gate behind it. This prevents it from running away and keeps predators out. You can also use a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and time required for the tame, allowing you to plan accordingly.

Resource requirements include Rockarrot (preferred), Rare Flowers or Rare Mushrooms, and possibly a Bola. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and protect the area during the taming process. Solo players should focus on preparation and safety, as taming an Equus alone can be challenging.

In summary, taming a high-level Equus involves careful preparation, patience, and understanding of its behavior. Gather the necessary resources, approach the Equus cautiously, and use a taming pen if possible. Avoid common mistakes like spooking the Equus or running out of food. With these strategies, you can successfully tame a high-level Equus and add a valuable mount to your collection.