How do I tame a Dodo in the early game in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Dodo in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the simplest and most beginner-friendly tasks in the game, making it an excellent starting point for new players. Dodos are passive creatures, meaning they will not attack you, and they can be tamed without the need for knockout methods. This makes the process straightforward, but there are still important mechanics and strategies to consider for a smooth and efficient tame.

To begin, you need to gather the necessary resources. Dodos are herbivores, so they prefer berries as their taming food. The most effective berries for taming Dodos are Mejoberries, but they will also accept other types like Amarberries, Azulberries, or Tintoberries. Mejoberries are the best choice because they provide the highest taming effectiveness, meaning the Dodo will gain more levels and better stats once tamed. You can gather berries by hand from bushes or use a tame like a Trike or Stegosaurus to collect them more efficiently. Additionally, you may want to carry a few Narcoberries or Narcotics to keep the Dodo unconscious if you accidentally knock it out, though this is not necessary for passive taming.

Once you have the berries, locate a Dodo. They are commonly found in beach areas and other open, grassy regions. Approach the Dodo slowly to avoid startling it. Since Dodos are passive, they will not run away, but sudden movements or attacks can cause them to flee. When you are close enough, open your inventory and place the berries in the Dodo's inventory. The Dodo will begin eating the berries, and its taming bar will gradually fill. The process is relatively quick, especially if you use Mejoberries, but it still requires patience. Keep an eye on the taming bar and ensure the Dodo has enough berries to continue eating.

One important tip is to avoid feeding the Dodo spoiled meat or other inappropriate foods, as this will not contribute to the taming process and may even reset the taming progress. Additionally, make sure the Dodo is not attacked by other creatures during the taming process. While Dodos are not aggressive, they can still be targeted by predators like Raptors or Dilophosaurs. If you are in a dangerous area, consider leading the Dodo to a safer location before starting the taming process.

A common mistake new players make is overfeeding the Dodo. While it is important to have enough berries, feeding too many at once can cause the Dodo to stop eating temporarily. Instead, feed the Dodo a few berries at a time and wait for it to consume them before adding more. This ensures a steady taming progress and prevents unnecessary delays.

For advanced players or those looking to optimize the taming process, consider using Kibble. Dodo Kibble is the most effective taming food for Dodos, significantly speeding up the process and improving taming effectiveness. To make Dodo Kibble, you will need a Dodo Egg, Rockarrot, Cooked Meat Jerky, Mejoberries, Fiber, and Waterskin. While this requires more preparation, it is worth the effort if you plan to tame multiple Dodos or want the best possible stats for your tame.

If you are playing in a tribe, taming a Dodo can be a collaborative effort. One player can gather berries while another locates and tames the Dodo. This division of labor can save time and resources, especially in the early game when resources are limited. For solo players, focus on gathering enough berries before starting the taming process to avoid interruptions.

Once the Dodo is tamed, it can be a useful companion for gathering resources like berries and thatch. While Dodos are not the strongest or fastest creatures, they are easy to tame and maintain, making them a great addition to any early-game base. You can also breed Dodos to produce eggs, which can be used to make Kibble for taming other creatures.

In summary, taming a Dodo in ARK: Survival Evolved is a simple yet rewarding process. By gathering the right resources, approaching the Dodo carefully, and feeding it the appropriate food, you can quickly add this friendly creature to your team. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, a tamed Dodo can provide valuable assistance in the early stages of the game. With these tips and strategies, you will be well-prepared to tame your first Dodo and continue your journey in the world of ARK.