How do I tame a high-level Pachycephalosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a high-level Pachycephalosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation and execution. The Pachycephalosaurus is a small, herbivorous dinosaur known for its headbutt attack and ability to gather berries efficiently. Taming one involves knocking it unconscious and feeding it its preferred food. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully tame a high-level Pachycephalosaurus.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. The Pachycephalosaurus is a knockout tame, meaning you must render it unconscious before feeding it. To do this, youÔÇÖll need to use tranquilizing tools such as a slingshot, bow with tranq arrows, or a crossbow with tranq arrows. Tranquilizer darts from a longneck rifle are also effective but may be overkill for a smaller creature like the Pachy. Once the creature is unconscious, youÔÇÖll need to feed it its preferred food, which includes Mejoberries, Crops, or Kibble. Kibble is the most effective option, as it significantly speeds up the taming process and improves taming effectiveness. For a Pachycephalosaurus, the preferred kibble is made from Dodo Eggs.

Now, letÔÇÖs go through the step-by-step process. Start by gathering the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need a weapon for knocking it out, such as a bow or crossbow, along with tranq arrows. YouÔÇÖll also need narcotics or narcoberries to keep the creature unconscious during the taming process. If youÔÇÖre using kibble, prepare it in advance by cooking it in a cooking pot or industrial cooker. If kibble isnÔÇÖt available, stock up on Mejoberries or Crops. Additionally, bring armor and weapons to protect yourself from other predators in the area.

Once youÔÇÖre prepared, locate a high-level Pachycephalosaurus. These creatures are commonly found in forests and grasslands. Approach carefully, as the Pachy can become aggressive if provoked. Use your tranquilizing weapon to shoot it in the head or body. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain, but be cautious, as the PachyÔÇÖs headbutt attack can knock you back. Keep your distance and continue shooting until it falls unconscious.

After the Pachy is down, place the preferred food in its inventory. If youÔÇÖre using kibble, it will tame much faster. If using Mejoberries or Crops, the process will take longer. Monitor the creatureÔÇÖs torpor level by checking its inventory. If the torpor starts to drop, force-feed it narcotics or narcoberries to keep it unconscious. Be careful not to overfeed, as this can cause the torpor to spike and potentially kill the creature.

Here are some important tips and considerations. Always bring extra resources, as high-level creatures take longer to tame and may require more narcotics or food. Build a taming pen if possible to prevent the Pachy from running away or being attacked by other creatures. A simple pen with wooden or stone walls and a ramp can make the process much easier. Additionally, avoid taming in dangerous areas where predators like Raptors or Carnotaurus may interfere.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong type of food, which slows down the taming process, or failing to monitor torpor levels, which can result in the creature waking up. Another mistake is taming in an unsafe area without proper defenses, leading to the Pachy being killed by predators or other players in PvP servers.

For advanced techniques, consider using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics needed for a high-level Pachy. This can save time and resources. Additionally, using a taming pen with a trapdoor or gate can make the process smoother, especially if youÔÇÖre taming solo. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with teammates to gather resources and protect the area while taming.

Resource requirements include a bow or crossbow, tranq arrows, narcotics or narcoberries, and the preferred food (kibble, Mejoberries, or Crops). If youÔÇÖre using kibble, youÔÇÖll need Dodo Eggs, Fiber, Mejoberries, and other ingredients to craft it. For solo players, preparation is key, as youÔÇÖll need to handle everything on your own. Tribe players can divide tasks, such as one person gathering resources while another builds the taming pen.

In specific scenarios, such as taming on a PvP server, be extra cautious of other players who may try to interfere. Use hidden or well-defended locations for taming. On PvE servers, focus more on protecting the Pachy from wild predators. For example, if youÔÇÖre taming in the Redwood Forest, watch out for Thylacoleos or other aggressive creatures.

By following these steps and tips, you can successfully tame a high-level Pachycephalosaurus and add it to your collection of tamed creatures. This dinosaur is particularly useful for gathering berries and can be a great early-game mount for exploration. With proper preparation and execution, taming a Pachycephalosaurus can be a rewarding experience in ARK: Survival Evolved.