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

Taming a Lystrosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly taming processes in the game. The Lystrosaurus is a small, passive herbivore that can be found in many regions across the ARK maps, often in grassy or forested areas. It is a valuable creature to tame early in the game because it provides an experience boost to nearby tamed creatures and players, making it a great companion for leveling up your other dinosaurs or yourself. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a Lystrosaurus, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

The Lystrosaurus is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out or use any tranquilizers. Instead, you simply approach it and feed it the appropriate food. The preferred food for taming a Lystrosaurus is Rare Flowers, Rare Mushrooms, or any type of berry, with Mejoberries being the most effective. You can gather berries by hand or by using a dinosaur like a Trike or Stegosaurus. Rare Flowers and Rare Mushrooms can be found in swampy areas or by harvesting certain plants, but they are not required if you have berries.

To begin taming, approach the Lystrosaurus slowly and crouch to avoid startling it. If you move too quickly or get too close without crouching, it will run away. Once you are close enough, open your inventory and place the food (berries, Rare Flowers, or Rare Mushrooms) in the far-right slot of your hotbar. Then, press the corresponding key to feed the Lystrosaurus. Each time you feed it, the taming bar will increase slightly. The Lystrosaurus has a low taming speed, so this process will take a few minutes, but it is very straightforward.

One important consideration is that the Lystrosaurus will only eat when it is hungry, so you may need to wait a short time between feedings. Keep an eye on its hunger level and be patient. If you are taming in a dangerous area, consider building a small taming pen using wooden walls or fences to keep the Lystrosaurus safe from predators. This is especially useful if you are playing solo and cannot defend the creature while taming.

Common mistakes to avoid include moving too quickly or standing up while approaching the Lystrosaurus, as this will cause it to flee. Additionally, do not attack or hit the Lystrosaurus, as this will make it aggressive and ruin the taming process. Another mistake is not having enough food on hand. While the Lystrosaurus does not require a large amount of food, running out of berries or other taming items can delay the process. Always gather extra resources before starting the tame.

For advanced techniques, you can use Kibble to speed up the taming process. The Lystrosaurus prefers Dodo Kibble, which can be crafted using Dodo Eggs, Rockarrot, Cooked Meat, Fiber, and Water in a Cooking Pot or Industrial Cooker. Using Kibble will significantly reduce the taming time and increase the taming effectiveness, resulting in a higher-level Lystrosaurus with better stats. However, Kibble is not necessary for a successful tame, especially for beginners.

Resource preparation is simple for taming a Lystrosaurus. You will need at least 20-30 Mejoberries or a smaller amount of Rare Flowers or Rare Mushrooms. If you are using Kibble, prepare 1-2 Dodo Kibble. It is also a good idea to bring a few extra berries or food items in case the taming process takes longer than expected. If you are taming in a dangerous area, consider bringing weapons or armor to defend yourself and the Lystrosaurus from predators.

For tribe or solo considerations, taming a Lystrosaurus is equally simple in both scenarios. In a tribe, multiple players can help gather resources or protect the Lystrosaurus during the tame. Solo players should focus on preparing a safe environment, such as a taming pen, to avoid interruptions from predators. The Lystrosaurus is a small creature, so it is easy to transport once tamed, making it a great addition to any base.

In specific scenarios, such as taming on The Island map, Lystrosaurus can often be found near the beaches or in the forests. On Scorched Earth, they are more common around oases. On Aberration, they are found in the fertile biome. Regardless of the map, the taming process remains the same. Always prioritize safety and resource preparation to ensure a smooth tame.

Once tamed, the Lystrosaurus provides a passive experience boost to nearby creatures and players, making it an excellent companion for leveling up your other dinosaurs or yourself. It is also a good early-game gatherer for berries and can be used as a pack mule for carrying small amounts of resources. Overall, the Lystrosaurus is a versatile and useful creature that is well worth the minimal effort required to tame it.