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 tranq arrows or tranquilizer darts. You will also need narcotics or biotoxin to keep the Kaprosuchus unconscious during the taming process. Additionally, gather its preferred food, which 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 it spoils quickly, so bring preserving salt or a preserving bin if you plan to use it. You may also want to bring armor, weapons, and healing items to protect yourself from other predators in the swamp.

Once you are prepared, locate a Kaprosuchus in the swamp biome. These creatures are often found near water and are easily identifiable by their crocodile-like appearance and aggressive behavior. Approach cautiously, as they will attack if they spot you. To avoid being grabbed and dismounted, it is best to stay on higher ground or use a taming pen. Building a taming pen with stone or metal structures can help trap the Kaprosuchus and prevent it from escaping or attacking you. Make sure the pen has a large enough entrance for the Kaprosuchus to enter but is small enough to prevent it from jumping out.

When you are ready to begin taming, lure the Kaprosuchus into the taming pen using a ranged weapon or by aggroing it and running into the pen. Once it is trapped, close the entrance and start shooting it with tranq arrows or darts. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain and minimize damage to the creature. Be careful not to kill it, as Kaprosuchus have relatively low health. Monitor its torpor level and continue shooting until it falls unconscious. Once it is down, quickly place the narcotics or biotoxin in its inventory to keep it unconscious. Then, begin feeding it the preferred food. Raw prime meat is the best option, but raw meat or kibble will also work if prime meat is unavailable.

During the taming process, keep an eye on the Kaprosuchus's torpor level and hunger. If its torpor drops too low, it will wake up, so make sure to administer narcotics or biotoxin as needed. The taming effectiveness will decrease if the creature takes damage, so avoid attacking it or letting other predators harm it. Once the taming bar is full, the Kaprosuchus will be tamed and can be claimed as your own.

There are several tips and considerations to keep in mind when taming a Kaprosuchus. First, always be prepared for other predators in the swamp, such as Sarcosuchus or Titanoboas, which can interrupt the taming process. Bringing a tamed creature for protection, such as a Carnotaurus or Raptor, can help fend off these threats. Second, consider using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics needed for the Kaprosuchus you are taming. This will help you avoid running out of resources mid-tame. Third, if you are playing solo, make sure to have a safe escape route in case things go wrong. Kaprosuchus can be dangerous, especially if you are caught off guard.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the Kaprosuchus's speed and leaping ability, which can lead to being dismounted or killed. Another mistake is not bringing enough narcotics or food, which can result in the Kaprosuchus waking up before the taming process is complete. Additionally, avoid taming in areas with high predator density, as this increases the risk of interruptions.

For advanced techniques, consider using a taming pen with a trapdoor or gate system to make trapping the Kaprosuchus easier. You can also use a tamed creature with high health, such as a Trike or Stegosaurus, to tank the Kaprosuchus's attacks while you shoot it with tranq arrows. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to distract the Kaprosuchus or protect you from other threats.

In summary, taming a Kaprosuchus requires careful preparation, patience, and strategy. By gathering the necessary resources, building a secure taming pen, and monitoring the creature's torpor and hunger levels, you can successfully tame this powerful predator. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, following these steps will help you add a Kaprosuchus to your team and enhance your survival and exploration in ARK: Survival Evolved.