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 highly valued for its speed and utility in underwater exploration and combat. To tame a Plesiosaur, you will need to follow a series of steps, prepare the right resources, and be cautious of the dangers in the ocean. Here is a detailed guide to help you successfully tame a Plesiosaur.

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 like a crossbow or longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts or arrows. Tranquilizer darts are more effective and require fewer shots, but they are more expensive to craft. You will also need 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. You can lure the Plesiosaur into the pen by swimming close to it and then quickly exiting the pen, closing the gate behind you. This will trap the Plesiosaur, making it easier to knock it out without it swimming away.

Once the Plesiosaur is trapped, you can begin the knockout process. Aim for the head or body with your tranquilizer darts or arrows. Be careful not to kill the Plesiosaur, as it has a high health pool but can still be killed if you deal too much damage. After each shot, wait a few seconds for the torpor to increase. Keep an eye on the Plesiosaur's torpor level and health. If its torpor starts to drop, use narcotics or biotoxin to keep it unconscious.

When the Plesiosaur is knocked out, you can begin feeding it. Plesiosaurs prefer exceptional kibble, which is the most effective taming food. If you do not have exceptional kibble, you can use raw mutton, cooked lamb chop, or raw prime fish meat. These alternatives will take longer and require more food, so exceptional kibble is the best option if available. Place the food in the Plesiosaur's inventory and wait for it to eat. Keep an eye on its torpor level and continue to administer narcotics or biotoxin as needed.

The taming process can take a significant amount of time, especially if you are not using exceptional kibble. During this time, you must protect the Plesiosaur from other predators in the ocean. Creatures like Megalodons or Mosasaurs may attack the unconscious Plesiosaur, so it is a good idea to have a tamed aquatic creature like a Basilosaurus or a pack of Megalodons to guard the area. You can also use a tamed Ichthyosaurus to scout the area and keep an eye out for threats.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the Plesiosaur's torpor drain. Plesiosaurs have a high torpor drain rate, meaning they will wake up quickly if you do not keep them sedated. Always have a large supply of narcotics or biotoxin on hand to prevent this. Another mistake is not preparing enough food. If you run out of food during the taming process, the Plesiosaur's taming effectiveness will drop, and you may need to start over.

For advanced players, you can optimize the taming process by using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics needed. This will help you prepare the right amount of resources and avoid wasting time. Additionally, you can use a tamed Basilosaurus to help with the taming process. Basilosaurus are immune to the stun effects of jellyfish and eels, making them ideal for guarding the Plesiosaur during taming.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need a significant amount of materials to craft the necessary items. For tranquilizer darts, you will need metal ingots, polymer, and narcotics. For narcotics, you will need narcoberries and spoiled meat. If you are using biotoxin, you will need to harvest it from Cnidaria or Ammonites. Exceptional kibble requires specific ingredients, including Rex eggs, focal chili, and other resources. Make sure to gather these materials in advance to avoid delays during the taming process.

Whether you are taming solo or with a tribe, the process is largely the same. However, having a tribe can make it easier to gather resources and protect the Plesiosaur during taming. Tribe members can help build the taming pen, gather food, and guard the area while you focus on knocking out and feeding the Plesiosaur. Solo players will need to be extra cautious and prepared, as they will have to handle all aspects of the taming process alone.

In conclusion, taming a Plesiosaur in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, patience, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully tame a Plesiosaur and add a powerful aquatic creature to your arsenal. Remember to prepare the necessary resources, build a secure taming pen, and protect the Plesiosaur from threats during the taming process. With the right strategy and preparation, you will have a loyal Plesiosaur to aid you in your underwater adventures.