How do I tame a Tusoteuthis in the deep ocean in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Tusoteuthis in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the more challenging tasks in the game due to its deep ocean habitat and unique taming mechanics. The Tusoteuthis, also known as the "Tuso," is a massive squid-like creature found in the deepest parts of the ocean. It is a powerful aquatic mount, capable of grabbing and disabling other creatures, making it a valuable asset for underwater exploration and combat. However, taming it requires careful preparation and execution.

The Tusoteuthis cannot be tamed through traditional knockout methods. Instead, it uses a unique passive taming mechanic that involves feeding it Black Pearls. Black Pearls are a rare resource found in the ocean, often dropped by creatures like Eurypterids, Ammonites, or Alpha Mosasaurs. You will need a significant amount of Black Pearls to tame a Tusoteuthis, so it is essential to gather these beforehand. A high-level Tusoteuthis can require over 100 Black Pearls, so plan accordingly.

To begin the taming process, you will need a strong aquatic mount, such as a Basilosaurus or a high-level Mosasaur, to safely navigate the deep ocean. The Basilosaurus is particularly useful because it is immune to the Tuso's grab attack and provides a steady supply of health regeneration. Additionally, you should bring a scuba tank or Lazarus Chowder to extend your underwater breathing time, as the taming process can take a while.

Once you locate a Tusoteuthis, approach it cautiously. The Tuso is aggressive and will attempt to grab and damage your mount. If you are using a Basilosaurus, you can safely approach without fear of being grabbed. However, if you are using another mount, be prepared to disengage quickly if the Tuso grabs you. When you are close enough, open your inventory and place the Black Pearls in the last slot of your hotbar. This will allow you to quickly feed the Tuso when it is ready.

The Tusoteuthis will periodically release ink clouds, which can obscure your vision and make it difficult to see. During these moments, it is crucial to stay close to the Tuso and wait for the ink to clear. When the Tuso stops attacking and remains still, it is ready to be fed. Quickly swim up to it and press the corresponding hotkey to feed it a Black Pearl. After feeding, the Tuso will swim away and may attack again. Repeat this process until the taming bar is full.

One common mistake is feeding the Tuso too early or too late. If you feed it while it is still aggressive, the taming progress will reset. Similarly, if you wait too long, the Tuso may attack again, forcing you to start over. Timing is critical, so pay close attention to the Tuso's behavior. Another mistake is not bringing enough Black Pearls. Always bring more than you think you will need, as the taming process can be unpredictable.

Advanced techniques include using a taming pen to trap the Tusoteuthis. While this is difficult due to its size and the deep ocean environment, it can be done with careful planning. Build a large underwater pen using metal or stone structures, and lure the Tuso inside. Once trapped, you can safely feed it without worrying about it swimming away. However, this method requires significant resources and preparation, so it is best suited for experienced players or tribes.

Resource preparation is key to a successful Tuso tame. In addition to Black Pearls, bring plenty of food, water, and healing items for yourself and your mount. Narcotics or Bio Toxin can also be useful if you need to keep a mount unconscious during the process. If you are playing solo, consider bringing a backup mount in case your primary one is killed or disabled.

In a tribe setting, coordination is essential. One player can focus on feeding the Tuso while others protect against other ocean predators, such as Megalodons or Plesiosaurs. Communication is crucial to ensure everyone knows their role and can react quickly to changes in the situation.

In summary, taming a Tusoteuthis requires careful preparation, patience, and timing. Gather plenty of Black Pearls, use a strong aquatic mount, and pay close attention to the Tuso's behavior. Avoid common mistakes like feeding at the wrong time or not bringing enough resources. With practice and the right strategy, you can successfully tame this powerful underwater creature and add it to your arsenal in ARK: Survival Evolved.