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

Taming a Kaprosuchus in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and execution due to its aggressive nature and unique abilities. The Kaprosuchus is a fast, amphibious predator found in swampy areas, and it can leap great distances to grab and dismount players. To tame one, you will need to use knockout taming methods, as it cannot be tamed passively. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully tame a Kaprosuchus.

First, you need to prepare the necessary resources and tools. For knockout taming, you will need a ranged weapon like a crossbow or longneck rifle, along with tranquilizer arrows or darts. You will also need narcotics or biotoxin to keep the Kaprosuchus unconscious during the taming process. Additionally, gather the preferred taming food, which for a Kaprosuchus is raw prime meat, raw meat, or kibble made from Sarco eggs. Prime meat is the most effective and will speed up the taming process, but raw meat is more readily available. If you have access to kibble, it is the best option as it provides the highest taming efficiency.

Next, locate a Kaprosuchus in the swamp biome. These creatures are often found near water and can be identified by their crocodile-like appearance and aggressive behavior. Once you find one, you need to knock it out. Be cautious, as Kaprosuchus are fast and can leap at you, potentially dismounting you from your tame or causing significant damage. To avoid this, try to keep your distance and use terrain to your advantage. For example, standing on a rock or elevated area can prevent the Kaprosuchus from reaching you while you shoot it with tranquilizers.

When the Kaprosuchus is unconscious, quickly approach it and place the food in its inventory. Monitor its torpor level and add narcotics or biotoxin as needed to keep it sedated. The torpor level will decrease over time, so you must stay vigilant to prevent it from waking up. While it is unconscious, you can also build a taming pen around it to protect it from other predators in the swamp. This is especially important if you are taming solo, as the swamp is filled with dangerous creatures like Sarcosuchus and Titanoboas that could interrupt the taming process.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the Kaprosuchus's speed and leaping ability. If you are not careful, it can easily close the distance and attack you, potentially ruining your taming attempt. Another mistake is not bringing enough narcotics or biotoxin. The Kaprosuchus has a high torpor drain rate, so you need to be prepared to keep it unconscious for the duration of the taming process. Additionally, avoid using low-quality food like raw meat if you can help it, as it will take much longer to tame the Kaprosuchus compared to prime meat or kibble.

For advanced techniques, consider using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics you will need based on the Kaprosuchus's level. This can help you optimize your resources and ensure a smooth taming process. You can also use a taming pen with a trapdoor or gate to lure the Kaprosuchus into a confined space, making it easier to knock out and tame without interference from other creatures. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to have one person distract the Kaprosuchus while another shoots it with tranquilizers. This can make the process safer and more efficient.

In terms of resource management, always bring extra supplies in case something goes wrong. For example, if the Kaprosuchus wakes up or if you run out of narcotics, having backup resources can save your taming attempt. Additionally, consider bringing a high-level tame like a Carnotaurus or Raptor to protect you while you are in the swamp. These creatures can help fend off other predators and make the taming process safer.

Once the Kaprosuchus is tamed, it can be a valuable asset for both solo players and tribes. Its ability to leap and grab smaller creatures makes it useful for hunting and combat, especially in swampy or aquatic environments. It is also a fast swimmer, making it a good choice for exploring water-based areas. For tribes, a Kaprosuchus can be used as a scout or for quick transportation across difficult terrain.

In summary, taming a Kaprosuchus requires preparation, patience, and careful execution. By gathering the right resources, using effective strategies, and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully tame this agile predator and add it to your team of tamed creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved.