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

Taming a high-level Zombie Dunkleosteus in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. The Zombie Dunkleosteus is a unique variant of the Dunkleosteus, found in the Aberration map during the Fear Evolved event. It is a powerful aquatic creature that excels at harvesting resources like metal and oil from underwater nodes. Taming one can significantly boost your resource-gathering capabilities, but the process is challenging due to its aggressive nature and the underwater environment.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. The Zombie Dunkleosteus is a knockout tame, meaning you must render it unconscious before feeding it the appropriate food. Unlike regular Dunkleosteus, the Zombie variant is more aggressive and has higher torpor, so youÔÇÖll need a significant amount of tranquilizer ammunition or tools to knock it out. Its preferred taming food is Raw Prime Meat, Cooked Prime Meat, or Regular Raw Meat, but using Raw Prime Meat will speed up the process. YouÔÇÖll also need a steady supply of Narcotics or Bio Toxin to keep it unconscious during the taming process.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need a crossbow or longneck rifle with tranq arrows or tranquilizer darts, a scuba set or Lazarus Chowder for underwater breathing, and a taming pen or trap to secure the Zombie Dunkleosteus. Building a trap is highly recommended, as it prevents the creature from escaping or attacking you while you tame it. A simple trap can be constructed using stone or metal foundations, walls, and a large gate. Place the trap in a shallow area of the water where the Zombie Dunkleosteus can swim into it but cannot escape.

Once your trap is ready, locate a high-level Zombie Dunkleosteus. These creatures are typically found in the deeper parts of the Aberration map, such as the Element Falls or the Bioluminescent Zone. Use a fast aquatic mount like a Basilosaurus or a Tuso to lure the Zombie Dunkleosteus into the trap. Be cautious, as it will attack you if it gets too close. Once the creature is trapped, dismount and start shooting it with tranq arrows or darts. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain and minimize damage to the creature.

After the Zombie Dunkleosteus is unconscious, quickly feed it Raw Prime Meat or Cooked Prime Meat. Monitor its torpor level and use Narcotics or Bio Toxin to keep it sedated. The taming process can take a while, especially for high-level creatures, so be patient. Keep an eye out for other predators in the area, as they may attack the unconscious Zombie Dunkleosteus or you. Having a tribe member guard the area can be helpful, but solo players can also manage by staying alert and using their mount to fend off threats.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the Zombie DunkleosteusÔÇÖs torpor drain. High-level creatures lose torpor quickly, so you must have enough Narcotics or Bio Toxin on hand to keep them unconscious. Another mistake is not preparing enough food. If the Zombie Dunkleosteus wakes up before the taming process is complete, youÔÇÖll have to start over. Always bring extra resources to avoid this situation.

Advanced techniques include using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics needed for the specific level of the Zombie Dunkleosteus youÔÇÖre taming. This can save time and resources. Additionally, using a taming pen with a roof can prevent other creatures from interfering with the taming process. If youÔÇÖre playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and guard the area while one person focuses on taming.

In terms of resource requirements, youÔÇÖll need a significant amount of Raw Prime Meat or Cooked Prime Meat, Narcotics or Bio Toxin, and tranq arrows or darts. For a high-level Zombie Dunkleosteus, you may need 50-100 tranq arrows or 20-30 tranquilizer darts, depending on your weaponÔÇÖs damage and the creatureÔÇÖs level. Prepare at least 50-100 Narcotics or Bio Toxin to keep it unconscious throughout the taming process.

In conclusion, taming a high-level Zombie Dunkleosteus is a challenging but rewarding task. By preparing the right resources, building a secure trap, and carefully managing the taming process, you can successfully tame this powerful aquatic creature. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or with a tribe, following these strategies will help you achieve your goal and enhance your resource-gathering capabilities in ARK: Survival Evolved.