What is the best way to tame a high-level Basilosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a high-level Basilosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved is a rewarding but challenging task due to its unique mechanics and habitat. The Basilosaurus is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you must approach it carefully and feed it the right food to gain its trust. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully tame a high-level Basilosaurus.

The Basilosaurus is found in the ocean, typically in deep waters. It is a large, whale-like creature that is highly resistant to torpor, making knockout taming ineffective. Instead, you must use passive taming by feeding it its preferred food. The Basilosaurus prefers Superior Kibble, Raw Mutton, or Raw Prime Fish Meat. Superior Kibble is the most effective, as it significantly speeds up the taming process. Raw Mutton is a good alternative if you do not have kibble, and Raw Prime Fish Meat is the least effective but still usable.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. If you plan to use Superior Kibble, you will need to prepare it in advance. Superior Kibble requires Extra Large Eggs, such as those from a Rex or Therizinosaurus, along with other ingredients like Sap, Fiber, and Mejoberries. If you are using Raw Mutton, hunt Ovis for their mutton, which spoils quickly, so bring a preserving bin or refrigerator to store it. For Raw Prime Fish Meat, hunt large fish like Coelacanths or Sabertooth Salmon in the ocean.

Next, prepare your gear. Since the Basilosaurus is found in deep waters, you will need a strong aquatic mount like a Megalodon, Mosasaurus, or Tusoteuthis to reach it. Scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder is also recommended to extend your underwater breathing time. Bring a crossbow with grappling hooks or a Cryopod to help manage the Basilosaurus during the taming process. Additionally, carry a few stimulants or medical brews in case you need to recover stamina or health while underwater.

Once you locate a high-level Basilosaurus, approach it slowly. The Basilosaurus is not aggressive, but it will swim away if you get too close or move too quickly. Use your aquatic mount to position yourself near the Basilosaurus without startling it. When you are close enough, dismount and swim toward it. Open your inventory and place the preferred food in the last slot of your hotbar for quick access.

Feed the Basilosaurus by pressing the appropriate key (E on PC) when prompted. After feeding, the Basilosaurus will swim away for a short time before allowing you to feed it again. Repeat this process until the taming bar is full. Be patient, as the taming process can take a while, especially if you are not using Superior Kibble. Keep an eye on your oxygen levels and stamina, and return to your mount or surface if needed.

One common mistake is rushing the process. If you move too quickly or feed the Basilosaurus too aggressively, it will swim away and reset the taming progress. Another mistake is not bringing enough food. High-level Basilosaurus require a significant amount of food to tame, so ensure you have plenty of kibble, mutton, or prime fish meat. Additionally, avoid taming in areas with aggressive creatures like Megalodons or Electrophorus, as they can disrupt the process.

Advanced techniques include using a taming pen to trap the Basilosaurus temporarily. While this is difficult due to its size and mobility, you can use large underwater structures or natural terrain to guide it into a confined area. This can make the taming process easier by reducing the distance it swims away after each feeding. Another optimization is using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and time required for the specific level of Basilosaurus you are taming.

For tribe considerations, taming a Basilosaurus is easier with multiple players. One player can focus on feeding while others protect against predators or manage resources. Solo players should prioritize preparation and patience, ensuring they have all necessary resources and a safe environment before starting the taming process.

In summary, taming a high-level Basilosaurus requires careful preparation, patience, and the right resources. Use Superior Kibble for the fastest taming, approach the creature slowly, and avoid startling it. Bring a strong aquatic mount and scuba gear, and be mindful of your surroundings to prevent interruptions. With these strategies, you can successfully tame a Basilosaurus and gain a powerful ally for ocean exploration and combat.