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

Taming a high-level Karkinos in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, preparation, and execution due to its unique mechanics and the challenges it presents. The Karkinos, a giant crab-like creature found in the Aberration map, is a powerful mount capable of carrying multiple creatures and players, making it highly valuable for resource gathering and transportation. However, taming one is not straightforward, as it cannot be knocked out or passively tamed. Instead, it requires a specific method involving its unique behavior and vulnerabilities.

The first step in taming a Karkinos is understanding its mechanics. Unlike most creatures, the Karkinos cannot be rendered unconscious with tranquilizers or narcotics. Instead, it must be tamed by breaking its legs. This is done by dealing enough damage to its legs to immobilize it, at which point it will enter a vulnerable state and allow you to feed it. The Karkinos is highly aggressive and will attack anything that comes near, so you must be prepared for a fight. Its attacks can deal significant damage and knock you back, making it dangerous to approach without proper preparation.

To begin, gather the necessary resources and equipment. You will need strong weapons, such as a high-quality crossbow or longneck rifle with tranq darts, to deal damage to its legs. Bring plenty of ammunition, as the Karkinos has high health and will require sustained damage to break its legs. Additionally, bring healing items like medical brews or cooked meat to recover from its attacks. Armor is essential to reduce the damage you take, so wear high-quality flak or riot gear. Finally, bring the food required to tame it, which is Spoiled Meat or Raw Meat. Spoiled Meat is more effective, so prioritize gathering it.

Once you are prepared, locate a Karkinos in the Aberration map. They are commonly found in the Bioluminescent and Element Falls regions. Approach cautiously, as they are fast and aggressive. When you are ready to engage, aim for its legs. The Karkinos has six legs, and you must deal enough damage to break at least two of them. Focus on one leg at a time, as breaking multiple legs will immobilize it faster. Be mindful of its attacks, as it can knock you back and disrupt your aim. Use terrain to your advantage, such as rocks or cliffs, to create distance and avoid its attacks.

After breaking two or more legs, the Karkinos will collapse and enter a vulnerable state. At this point, it will no longer attack and will allow you to approach. Open its inventory and place the Spoiled Meat or Raw Meat inside. The taming process will begin, and you must monitor its hunger and taming progress. The Karkinos will consume the meat over time, so ensure you have enough to complete the tame. If it runs out of food, the taming progress will reset, and you will need to start over.

One common mistake is underestimating the Karkinos's strength and speed. It can quickly close the distance and deal massive damage, so always maintain a safe distance and use ranged weapons. Another mistake is not bringing enough food or resources, which can lead to a failed tame. Always prepare more than you think you will need to account for unexpected challenges. Additionally, avoid engaging multiple Karkinos at once, as they can overwhelm you with their combined attacks.

Advanced techniques include using a taming pen to trap the Karkinos, making it easier to break its legs without being attacked. Build a large pen with stone or metal structures, as the Karkinos can destroy wood. Lure it into the pen and close the entrance, then attack its legs from a safe position. This method reduces the risk of being knocked back or killed during the taming process. Another optimization is using a high-damage weapon like a fabricated sniper rifle to break its legs faster, reducing the time and resources required.

For tribes, coordinating with teammates can make the process easier. One player can distract the Karkinos while others focus on breaking its legs. This teamwork reduces the risk of failure and speeds up the taming process. Solo players should focus on preparation and caution, ensuring they have the necessary resources and equipment before engaging.

In summary, taming a high-level Karkinos requires careful planning, strong weapons, and plenty of Spoiled Meat or Raw Meat. Focus on breaking its legs to immobilize it, then feed it to complete the tame. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating its strength or running out of resources. Use advanced techniques like taming pens or high-damage weapons to optimize the process. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, preparation and strategy are key to successfully taming this powerful creature.