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

Taming a high-level Basilosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and execution due to its unique mechanics and the challenges of its underwater environment. The Basilosaurus is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you must feed it its preferred food while avoiding its aggressive tendencies when provoked. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully tame a high-level Basilosaurus.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of taming a Basilosaurus. The Basilosaurus is a large aquatic creature found in the ocean biome. It is a passive tame, so you do not need to use tranquilizers or knockout methods. Instead, you must approach it carefully and feed it its preferred food, which is Superior Kibble, Raw Mutton, or Raw Prime Fish Meat. Superior Kibble is the most effective, as it significantly reduces taming time and increases taming effectiveness. However, Raw Mutton and Raw Prime Fish Meat are more accessible options for most players. The Basilosaurus will only eat when it is hungry, so you must wait for its hunger to drop before feeding it again. Additionally, the Basilosaurus is often accompanied by smaller creatures called Mantas, which can be aggressive and interfere with the taming process. You will need to deal with these Mantas before or during the taming process.

To begin taming a Basilosaurus, you will need to prepare the necessary resources. If you are using Superior Kibble, you will need to craft it using a Cooking Pot or Industrial Cooker. The recipe includes Extra Large Egg, Focal Chili, Rare Flower, Mejoberry, Fiber, and Waterskin. If you are using Raw Mutton or Raw Prime Fish Meat, you will need to hunt Ovis or fish like Coelacanth or Sabertooth Salmon to gather the meat. It is also a good idea to bring a few extra pieces of food in case the Basilosaurus loses taming effectiveness due to delays. Additionally, you will need a strong underwater mount, such as a Megalodon, Mosasaurus, or Tusoteuthis, to help you navigate the ocean and deal with any threats. A Scuba Tank or Lazarus Chowder is also recommended to extend your underwater breathing time.

Once you are prepared, head to the ocean biome where Basilosaurus spawn. They are commonly found in deep waters, so you may need to venture far from the shore. When you locate a high-level Basilosaurus, approach it slowly and carefully. Avoid getting too close, as it may become aggressive if you bump into it or attack it. If the Basilosaurus is accompanied by Mantas, you will need to eliminate them first. Use your underwater mount to kill the Mantas, but be careful not to accidentally hit the Basilosaurus, as this will cause it to become hostile. Once the Mantas are dealt with, you can begin the taming process.

To feed the Basilosaurus, swim close enough to interact with it but not so close that you provoke it. Open your inventory and place the preferred food in its inventory. The Basilosaurus will eat the food when it is hungry, and its taming progress will increase. After feeding it, you will need to wait for its hunger to drop again before feeding it more. This process can take some time, especially for high-level Basilosaurus, so be patient. Keep an eye on your oxygen levels and the surrounding environment to avoid drowning or being attacked by other predators.

One common mistake to avoid is feeding the Basilosaurus too quickly. If you try to feed it before its hunger drops, it will not eat, and you will waste food. Another mistake is failing to clear the area of Mantas or other threats, which can disrupt the taming process. Additionally, avoid using weapons or mounts that deal too much damage, as you might accidentally kill the Basilosaurus or reduce its taming effectiveness.

For advanced techniques, consider using a taming pen to make the process easier. You can build a pen using Stone or Metal Foundations, Walls, and Gates near the Basilosaurus spawn area. Lure the Basilosaurus into the pen using a fast underwater mount, then close the gate to trap it. This will prevent it from wandering away and make it easier to feed it without interference from other creatures. Another optimization is to use a Taming Calculator to determine the exact amount of food and time required for the tame. This will help you plan your resources and avoid running out of food.

If you are taming solo, make sure to bring enough supplies and a reliable mount to handle any threats. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to divide tasks, such as gathering food, clearing Mantas, and monitoring the BasilosaurusÔÇÖs hunger. Tribe members can also help protect you from other players or predators while you focus on taming.

In summary, taming a high-level Basilosaurus requires preparation, patience, and careful execution. Gather the necessary food, bring a strong underwater mount, and clear the area of threats before starting the tame. Avoid common mistakes like feeding too quickly or provoking the Basilosaurus, and consider using advanced techniques like taming pens or calculators to optimize the process. With the right strategy, you can successfully tame a high-level Basilosaurus and add a powerful aquatic creature to your arsenal in ARK: Survival Evolved.