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

Taming a high-level Leedsichthys in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique and challenging task due to its massive size, aquatic nature, and specific taming mechanics. The Leedsichthys is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you must feed it the correct food while avoiding its aggressive tendencies. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully tame a high-level Leedsichthys.

The Leedsichthys is a large, whale-like creature found in the ocean. It is not aggressive by default but will attack rafts and other watercraft if they come too close. This behavior makes taming it tricky, as you need to approach it carefully. The Leedsichthys prefers to eat Rare Flowers, which are essential for taming. You will need a significant amount of Rare Flowers, as the taming process is slow and requires multiple feedings. Additionally, you will need a fast aquatic mount, such as an Ichthyosaurus or a Basilosaurus, to keep up with the Leedsichthys as it swims.

To begin, gather a large stack of Rare Flowers. These can be harvested from bushes in the swamp or crafted using a Cooking Pot. You will also need a fast aquatic mount to follow the Leedsichthys. A Basilosaurus is ideal because it is fast, has good health, and can handle the ocean's dangers. Equip yourself with a good set of scuba gear or Lazarus Chowder to ensure you can stay underwater for extended periods. Bring some medical brews or food to heal yourself in case of emergencies.

Once you have your resources and mount ready, head to the ocean and locate a high-level Leedsichthys. These creatures are often found in deep waters, so be prepared to dive. When you find one, approach it slowly on your mount. The Leedsichthys will swim away if you get too close, so maintain a safe distance. To feed it, dismount your aquatic mount and swim directly toward the Leedsichthys. When you are close enough, open your inventory and transfer the Rare Flowers to its inventory. Be quick, as the Leedsichthys will swim away after being fed.

After feeding, the Leedsichthys will gain a small amount of taming progress. However, it will swim away quickly, so you must remount your aquatic mount and follow it. Repeat the process of dismounting, feeding, and remounting until the taming bar is full. This process can take a long time, especially for high-level Leedsichthys, so patience is key. Keep an eye on your oxygen levels and health, as the ocean is filled with dangerous creatures like Megalodons and Cnidaria.

One common mistake is getting too close to the Leedsichthys with a raft or watercraft. This will trigger its aggressive behavior, causing it to attack and destroy your raft. Always use an aquatic mount to approach it. Another mistake is not bringing enough Rare Flowers. High-level Leedsichthys require a large amount of food, so bring at least 100 Rare Flowers to be safe. Additionally, avoid taming in areas with high predator density, as you may be attacked while dismounted.

For advanced players, consider using a taming pen to make the process easier. Build a large underwater pen using stone or metal foundations and walls. Lure the Leedsichthys into the pen using a raft, then close the gate behind it. This will prevent it from swimming away, making the taming process more manageable. However, this method requires significant resources and preparation, so it is best suited for experienced players or tribes.

Taming a Leedsichthys is more manageable with a tribe, as multiple players can take turns feeding and following the creature. Solo players should focus on having a fast mount and plenty of resources to avoid running out of food or getting stranded. Once tamed, the Leedsichthys is a valuable asset for harvesting organic polymer and meat, making it a useful addition to any tribe.

In summary, taming a high-level Leedsichthys requires preparation, patience, and careful execution. Gather plenty of Rare Flowers, use a fast aquatic mount, and avoid triggering its aggressive behavior. Follow the creature closely, feed it repeatedly, and be prepared for a lengthy process. With the right strategy and resources, you can successfully tame this massive ocean dweller and add it to your collection of tamed creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved.