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

Taming a Hesperornis in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique and somewhat challenging process due to its specific requirements and behavior. The Hesperornis is a small, aquatic bird that can be found near bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. It is primarily known for its ability to dive underwater and catch fish, making it a valuable creature for gathering prime fish meat and organic polymer. To tame a Hesperornis, you will need to follow a specific set of steps and prepare accordingly.

The first step in taming a Hesperornis is to locate one. These birds are often found swimming in shallow waters or resting on the shore. They are not aggressive and will flee if attacked, so you need to approach them carefully. Once you have located a Hesperornis, you will need to prepare the necessary resources for taming. The Hesperornis is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you will need to feed it its preferred food, which is fish. However, not just any fish will do. The Hesperornis prefers to eat fish that are freshly caught and still alive. This means you will need to catch fish using a fishing rod or by hand and keep them in your inventory.

To catch fish, you can use a fishing rod, which can be crafted using resources like wood, fiber, and sap. You will also need bait, such as leech blood or sap, to attract fish. Once you have caught a fish, it will be placed in your inventory as a live fish. You can also catch fish by hand in shallow water, but this method is less reliable. Once you have a live fish in your inventory, approach the Hesperornis slowly and carefully. If you move too quickly or make sudden movements, the Hesperornis will become startled and flee. When you are close enough, open your inventory and drag the live fish to the Hesperornis's inventory. The Hesperornis will eat the fish, and its taming progress will increase.

It is important to note that the Hesperornis has a very low taming effectiveness, which means it will take multiple fish to fully tame it. The type of fish you use will also affect the taming speed. Prime fish meat, which can be obtained from larger fish like Coelacanths or Sabertooth Salmon, will provide a higher taming effectiveness compared to regular fish. However, prime fish meat is more difficult to obtain, so you may need to decide whether the extra effort is worth the faster taming speed.

One common mistake players make when taming a Hesperornis is not having enough live fish prepared. Since the Hesperornis requires multiple fish to tame, it is important to catch several fish before attempting to tame it. Running out of fish mid-tame can be frustrating, especially if the Hesperornis decides to flee. Another mistake is approaching the Hesperornis too quickly or making sudden movements, which can cause it to flee. Always approach slowly and carefully to avoid startling the bird.

Advanced techniques for taming a Hesperornis include using a taming pen to prevent it from fleeing. You can build a small enclosure using stone or wood structures near the water where the Hesperornis is located. Lure the Hesperornis into the pen and then close the entrance to trap it. This will make the taming process much easier, as the Hesperornis will not be able to escape. Additionally, using a taming calculator can help you determine exactly how many fish you will need to fully tame the Hesperornis, allowing you to prepare accordingly.

Resource requirements for taming a Hesperornis include a fishing rod, bait, and live fish. If you are using a taming pen, you will also need the necessary building materials, such as stone or wood. It is also a good idea to bring some armor and weapons in case you encounter hostile creatures while gathering resources or taming the Hesperornis.

Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, taming a Hesperornis can be a rewarding experience. In a tribe, you can divide the tasks, with one player catching fish while another player handles the taming process. This can make the process faster and more efficient. Solo players will need to manage all aspects of the taming process on their own, so preparation and patience are key.

In summary, taming a Hesperornis in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation and patience. You will need to catch live fish, approach the Hesperornis slowly, and feed it multiple times to complete the taming process. Using a taming pen and a taming calculator can help optimize the process, and having enough resources prepared is essential to avoid common mistakes. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, taming a Hesperornis can be a valuable addition to your team, providing you with a reliable source of prime fish meat and organic polymer.