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

Taming a high-level Bulbdog in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique process because Bulbdogs are passive tames, meaning you do not need to knock them out or use tranquilizers. Instead, you must approach them carefully and feed them their preferred food to gain their trust. Bulbdogs are small, glowing creatures found in the Aberration map, and they are highly valued for their ability to provide light and reduce radiation effects. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to tame a high-level Bulbdog effectively.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of passive taming. Passive taming requires you to approach the creature without startling it. If you move too quickly or get too close too fast, the Bulbdog will run away. To avoid this, crouch and move slowly toward the Bulbdog. You can also use Ghillie Armor to reduce your visibility, making it easier to get close without scaring it. Once you are close enough, you can feed the Bulbdog its preferred food, which is Plant Species Z Seed, Rare Flower, or Rare Mushroom. Plant Species Z Seed is the most effective and will tame the Bulbdog faster.

Preparation is key to a successful tame. Before heading out to find a Bulbdog, gather the necessary resources. Plant Species Z Seeds can be harvested from Plant Species Z found in the Bioluminescent and Fertile regions of Aberration. Rare Flowers and Rare Mushrooms can be gathered from specific plants or by using a Therizinosaurus or a Moschops with the right harvesting specialization. Bring plenty of these resources, as high-level Bulbdogs require more food to tame. Additionally, bring armor for protection, as Aberration is a dangerous map with many hostile creatures. Ghillie Armor is recommended for its stealth benefits.

When you find a high-level Bulbdog, approach it slowly while crouching. If it starts to run, stop moving and wait for it to calm down before continuing. Once you are close enough, open your inventory and place the preferred food in the last slot of your hotbar. This allows you to quickly feed the Bulbdog when prompted. When the feeding prompt appears, press the corresponding key to feed it. After feeding, the Bulbdog will become temporarily uninterested in food, so you must wait a short time before feeding it again. Repeat this process until the taming bar is full.

One common mistake is moving too quickly or standing up too soon, which can scare the Bulbdog away. Always crouch and move slowly, even after the first feeding. Another mistake is not bringing enough food. High-level Bulbdogs can take a significant amount of food to tame, so always bring extra. Additionally, be aware of your surroundings. Aberration is filled with dangerous creatures like Ravagers and Karkinos, which can attack you or the Bulbdog during the taming process. Clear the area of threats before starting the tame, or build a small taming pen to keep the Bulbdog safe.

Advanced techniques include using a taming pen to make the process easier. You can build a small enclosure with doorways or gates to trap the Bulbdog without harming it. This prevents it from running away and keeps it safe from predators. Another optimization is using a taming calculator to determine exactly how much food you need for a specific level Bulbdog. This helps you prepare the right amount of resources and avoid running out mid-tame.

For solo players, taming a Bulbdog can be challenging due to the need to manage both the taming process and potential threats. Using a taming pen and Ghillie Armor can make the process smoother. For tribes, one player can focus on taming while others guard the area or gather additional resources if needed. Communication is key to ensure the Bulbdog is not startled or attacked during the tame.

In summary, taming a high-level Bulbdog requires patience, preparation, and careful movement. Gather plenty of Plant Species Z Seeds, Rare Flowers, or Rare Mushrooms, and approach the Bulbdog slowly while crouching. Use Ghillie Armor for stealth and consider building a taming pen for safety. Avoid common mistakes like moving too quickly or not bringing enough food. With these strategies, you can successfully tame a high-level Bulbdog and enjoy its benefits in the dangerous world of Aberration.