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

Taming a Tusoteuthis in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the more challenging tasks in the game due to its unique mechanics and the dangers involved. The Tusoteuthis, also known as the giant squid, is a deep-sea creature found in the ocean biomes of various maps, such as The Island, Ragnarok, and Valguero. It is a powerful aquatic mount with the ability to grab and disable other creatures, making it highly valuable for underwater combat and exploration. However, taming a Tusoteuthis requires careful preparation, strategy, and execution.

The first step in taming a Tusoteuthis is locating one. These creatures are typically found in deep ocean areas, often near underwater caves or trenches. They are aggressive and will attack players and tamed creatures on sight, so it is essential to approach with caution. Before attempting to tame a Tusoteuthis, you will need to prepare the necessary resources and tools. The primary resource required for taming is Black Pearls, which are the Tusoteuthis's preferred food. You will need a significant amount of Black Pearls, as the taming process consumes them quickly. Black Pearls can be obtained by killing Trilobites, Eurypterids, or Alpha Mosasaurs, or by harvesting them from certain underwater nodes.

In addition to Black Pearls, you will need a strong aquatic mount to assist in the taming process. A high-level Basilosaurus or Mosasaurus is recommended, as they have good health and damage output, making them capable of withstanding the Tusoteuthis's attacks. You will also need a good supply of healing items, such as Cooked Meat or Medical Brews, to keep your mount alive during the taming process. It is also advisable to bring a few extra saddles for your mount in case the current one breaks during the fight.

The taming process for a Tusoteuthis is unique and does not involve knocking it out. Instead, you must allow the Tusoteuthis to grab your mount. When the Tusoteuthis grabs your mount, it will begin to drain its health. During this time, you must feed the Tusoteuthis Black Pearls from your inventory. The taming progress will increase as you feed it, but you must be quick, as the Tusoteuthis will continue to damage your mount. If your mount dies, the taming process will fail, and you will need to start over.

To optimize the taming process, it is crucial to have a mount with high health and good healing capabilities. A Basilosaurus is particularly effective because it has a natural resistance to the Tusoteuthis's health drain ability. Additionally, having a tribe member assist you can make the process easier, as they can help feed the Tusoteuthis while you focus on keeping your mount alive. If you are taming solo, make sure to have a hotkey set for feeding the Black Pearls to minimize delays.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the Tusoteuthis's damage output. Even with a strong mount, the Tusoteuthis can quickly deplete your mount's health if you are not prepared. Always monitor your mount's health and be ready to use healing items as needed. Another mistake is not bringing enough Black Pearls. The taming process can consume a large number of Black Pearls, especially for higher-level Tusoteuthis, so it is better to bring more than you think you will need.

Advanced techniques for taming a Tusoteuthis include using a taming pen or trap to control its movements. While this is more challenging in the open ocean, you can use underwater structures or natural terrain to create a confined space where the Tusoteuthis is less likely to escape. Additionally, using a taming calculator can help you determine the exact number of Black Pearls required for the specific level of Tusoteuthis you are attempting to tame, allowing you to prepare more efficiently.

In summary, taming a Tusoteuthis requires careful preparation, a strong aquatic mount, and a good supply of Black Pearls. The process involves allowing the Tusoteuthis to grab your mount and feeding it Black Pearls while keeping your mount alive. Tribe assistance can make the process easier, but solo players can also succeed with proper planning and execution. Avoid common mistakes such as underestimating the Tusoteuthis's damage and not bringing enough resources. By following these strategies and tips, you can successfully tame a Tusoteuthis and add a powerful aquatic ally to your arsenal in ARK: Survival Evolved.