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

Taming a Plesiosaur in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding process. The Plesiosaur is a large aquatic creature found in the ocean, and it is one of the most powerful water mounts in the game. It is highly valued for its speed, health, and ability to carry multiple players. To tame a Plesiosaur, you will need to follow a specific set of steps and prepare thoroughly. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process.

First, you need to locate a Plesiosaur. These creatures are typically found in deep ocean biomes, often near underwater caves or around the edges of the map. They are large and easy to spot due to their long necks and flippers. Once you find one, you will need to prepare for the taming process. Plesiosaurs are aggressive and will attack if provoked, so you must be ready to defend yourself while taming.

The taming method for a Plesiosaur is knockout taming. This means you will need to render the creature unconscious before feeding it the appropriate food. To do this, you will need weapons and tools capable of dealing torpor damage. The most effective tools for this are the crossbow with tranq arrows or the longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts. You will also need a significant amount of narcotics or biotoxin to keep the Plesiosaur unconscious during the taming process.

Before engaging the Plesiosaur, it is highly recommended to build a taming pen. Since Plesiosaurs are aquatic, you will need to construct an underwater pen using stone or metal foundations, walls, and gates. The pen should be large enough to trap the Plesiosaur but small enough to prevent it from escaping. Once the pen is ready, lure the Plesiosaur into it by swimming close enough to aggro it, then quickly swim into the pen and close the gate behind it. This will prevent the Plesiosaur from swimming away and make the taming process much easier.

Once the Plesiosaur is trapped, start shooting it with tranq arrows or darts. Aim for the head to maximize torpor damage. Be careful not to kill the creature, as its health will drop as you apply torpor. After a few shots, the Plesiosaur will become unconscious. At this point, you need to feed it its preferred food. Plesiosaurs prefer kibble, specifically Superior Kibble, which is made from Therizinosaurus eggs. If you do not have Superior Kibble, you can use raw prime meat or raw mutton as an alternative, though these will take longer to tame the creature.

While the Plesiosaur is unconscious, you must monitor its torpor level. Use narcotics or biotoxin to keep it sedated. You can force-feed these items to the Plesiosaur by accessing its inventory. Keep an eye on its food consumption as well, as it will eat periodically to increase its taming effectiveness. The higher the taming effectiveness, the better the stats of the Plesiosaur once tamed.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the amount of resources required. Taming a Plesiosaur can take a long time, especially if you are not using Superior Kibble. Make sure you have enough food, narcotics, and ammunition before starting the process. Another mistake is not securing the area. Other predators, such as Megalodons or Mosasaurs, can attack you or the Plesiosaur during the taming process. Clear the area of threats before beginning.

For advanced players, using a taming calculator can help optimize the process. These tools allow you to input the level of the Plesiosaur and the type of food you are using to determine exactly how much food and time will be required. This can save you time and resources by ensuring you are fully prepared. Additionally, using a taming pen with a roof can prevent the Plesiosaur from being attacked by flying creatures or other players in PvP scenarios.

If you are taming solo, it is crucial to plan ahead. Make sure you have a fast aquatic mount, such as an Ichthyosaurus or a Basilosaurus, to help you escape if things go wrong. In a tribe, you can divide tasks, such as one player gathering resources while another builds the taming pen. This can make the process more efficient and less stressful.

In conclusion, taming a Plesiosaur requires careful preparation, patience, and the right tools. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully tame one of the most powerful aquatic creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved. Once tamed, the Plesiosaur will be a valuable asset for ocean exploration, resource gathering, and combat.