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

Taming a Leedsichthys in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique and challenging process due to its size, behavior, and specific taming mechanics. The Leedsichthys is a massive, passive-aggressive fish found in the ocean, and it cannot be tamed in the traditional sense like most other creatures. Instead, it is tamed through a process called "passive taming," which involves feeding it without knocking it out. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a Leedsichthys, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

The Leedsichthys is a passive-aggressive creature, meaning it will not attack you unless provoked. However, it is known for attacking rafts and other watercraft, making it a potential threat to players exploring the ocean. To tame a Leedsichthys, you must approach it carefully and feed it its preferred food, which is Giant Bee Honey. This is the only food it will accept for taming, so you must gather a significant amount of it beforehand. Giant Bee Honey can be obtained by harvesting Giant Bee Hives, which are found in certain areas of the map, such as the Redwood Forest. Be prepared to deal with the aggressive Giant Bees that guard the hives.

To begin the taming process, you will need a water mount or a raft to approach the Leedsichthys. It is recommended to use a fast water mount, such as an Ichthyosaurus or a Basilosaurus, to avoid being attacked by other ocean predators. Once you locate a Leedsichthys, approach it slowly and ensure you have the Giant Bee Honey in your hotbar. When you are close enough, feed the Leedsichthys by selecting the honey and using it on the creature. Each feeding will increase its taming progress, but you must wait for its hunger to reset before feeding it again. This process can take a significant amount of time, so patience is key.

One important consideration is the Leedsichthys's tendency to attack rafts. If you are using a raft to approach it, be prepared for the possibility of the raft being destroyed. To minimize this risk, you can use a water mount instead, as the Leedsichthys will not attack tamed creatures. Additionally, the Leedsichthys has a large aggro range, so you must be cautious when approaching it to avoid startling it. If it becomes aggressive, it will swim away, and you will need to wait for it to calm down before attempting to feed it again.

A common mistake players make is not bringing enough Giant Bee Honey. The taming process requires a large amount of honey, and running out mid-tame can be frustrating. It is recommended to gather at least 20-30 pieces of Giant Bee Honey before attempting to tame a Leedsichthys. Another mistake is approaching the Leedsichthys too quickly or without a plan, which can result in the creature becoming aggressive and swimming away. Always approach slowly and be prepared to retreat if necessary.

For advanced players, optimizing the taming process can involve using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of honey needed based on the Leedsichthys's level. This can help you prepare the right amount of resources and avoid wasting time. Additionally, using a taming pen or trap is not applicable for the Leedsichthys due to its size and behavior, so focus on mobility and speed when taming it. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinating with other players can make the process easier. One player can distract the Leedsichthys while another feeds it, reducing the risk of it becoming aggressive.

In terms of resource management, ensure you have a reliable source of Giant Bee Honey before attempting to tame a Leedsichthys. Setting up a base near a Giant Bee Hive or taming a Giant Bee to produce honey can be a long-term solution. Additionally, having a water mount with high stamina and speed will make the taming process smoother, as you will need to chase the Leedsichthys if it swims away.

In summary, taming a Leedsichthys requires careful preparation, patience, and a good understanding of its behavior. Gather plenty of Giant Bee Honey, use a fast water mount, and approach the creature slowly to avoid startling it. Avoid common mistakes like running out of honey or approaching too quickly, and consider using advanced techniques like taming calculators or tribe coordination to optimize the process. With the right strategy, you can successfully tame a Leedsichthys and add it to your collection of tamed creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved.