How do I tame a Beelzebufo in the swamp in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Beelzebufo in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique and rewarding process, as this creature is highly useful for traversing the swamp and gathering resources like cementing paste. The Beelzebufo 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 on how to tame a Beelzebufo effectively, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To begin, you need to prepare the necessary resources. The Beelzebufo prefers to eat rare flowers, but it can also be tamed with raw or cooked meat, though these options are less efficient. Rare flowers are the best choice because they significantly speed up the taming process. You can gather rare flowers by harvesting swamp plants or using a herbivore like a Therizinosaurus or Brontosaurus. Additionally, you should bring some armor and weapons for protection, as the swamp is a dangerous area filled with predators like Sarcosuchus, Titanoboas, and Kaprosuchus. A crossbow or longneck rifle with tranq darts can help you deal with threats, but avoid using them on the Beelzebufo itself since it is a passive tame.

Once you have the resources, head to the swamp biome. Beelzebufos are commonly found near water sources, such as rivers or ponds. They are relatively easy to spot due to their large size and distinctive appearance. When you locate a Beelzebufo, approach it slowly and cautiously. If you move too quickly or make sudden movements, it will become startled and hop away. To avoid this, crouch and move toward it from behind or the side. This reduces the chance of it detecting you and fleeing.

When you are close enough, open your inventory and place the rare flowers or meat in the last slot of your hotbar. This allows you to quickly access the food when needed. Approach the Beelzebufo and press the appropriate button to feed it. After feeding, the Beelzebufo will gain a small amount of taming progress. However, it will also become temporarily uninterested in eating again, so you must wait a short time before feeding it again. This process repeats until the taming bar is full.

One important consideration is the Beelzebufo's torpor. Unlike knockout tames, passive tames do not require you to manage torpor levels. However, you must still be cautious of the surrounding environment. Predators in the swamp can attack you or the Beelzebufo, disrupting the taming process. To mitigate this, consider building a small taming pen nearby. Use stone or metal structures to create a secure area where you can lure the Beelzebufo and protect it from threats. This is especially useful if you are taming solo, as it reduces the risk of losing progress.

Another tip is to use bug repellent. The swamp is filled with insects like Dragonflies and Meganeura, which can be annoying and distracting during the taming process. Applying bug repellent will keep them at bay, allowing you to focus on the Beelzebufo. Additionally, wearing ghillie armor can help you remain undetected by both the Beelzebufo and nearby predators.

A common mistake players make is attempting to tame a Beelzebufo without proper preparation. The swamp is one of the most dangerous areas in the game, and entering it without armor, weapons, or healing items can lead to death. Always bring medical brews or cooked meat to restore health if you take damage. Another mistake is using the wrong food. While raw or cooked meat can tame a Beelzebufo, it takes significantly longer compared to rare flowers. Prioritize gathering rare flowers to save time and resources.

For advanced players, consider using a taming calculator to determine the exact number of rare flowers needed for the Beelzebufo's level. This helps you plan your inventory and avoid running out of food mid-tame. Additionally, if you are part of a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to guard the area while you focus on taming. This is especially useful in PvP servers, where other players may try to interfere.

In summary, taming a Beelzebufo requires careful preparation, patience, and awareness of your surroundings. Gather rare flowers, wear protective gear, and approach the creature slowly to avoid startling it. Use a taming pen if possible to protect it from predators, and consider using bug repellent and ghillie armor for added safety. Avoid common mistakes like using inefficient food or entering the swamp unprepared. With these strategies, you can successfully tame a Beelzebufo and gain a valuable ally for navigating the swamp and gathering resources.