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

Taming a Raptor in the early game of ARK: Survival Evolved is a great way to gain a fast and agile companion for hunting, exploration, and defense. Raptors are relatively easy to tame compared to larger predators, but they can still pose a threat if not approached carefully. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to tame a Raptor, including mechanics, strategies, and tips to ensure success.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of taming a Raptor. Raptors are carnivorous dinosaurs, so they require meat to be tamed. The most effective food for taming is raw prime meat, but regular raw meat will also work. Kibble, specifically Simple Kibble, is the best option for faster taming, but it requires more preparation. Raptors are aggressive creatures, so youÔÇÖll need to knock them out before feeding them. This is done by using weapons like a slingshot, bow with tranq arrows, or a crossbow with tranq arrows. Once the Raptor is unconscious, youÔÇÖll need to feed it the appropriate food while keeping it sedated with narcotics or narcoberries.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need a slingshot or bow, tranq arrows, and plenty of narcotics or narcoberries. If youÔÇÖre using a slingshot, gather stones from the ground. For a bow, craft arrows and tranq arrows using flint, wood, fiber, and narcotics. Narcotics are made by combining spoiled meat and narcoberries in a mortar and pestle. YouÔÇÖll also need raw meat or prime meat, which can be obtained by hunting small creatures like dodos or dilophosaurs. If youÔÇÖre using Simple Kibble, youÔÇÖll need to prepare it in advance by cooking it in a cooking pot using dodo eggs, rockarrot, cooked meat, fiber, and water.

Next, locate a Raptor. Raptors are commonly found in forests, beaches, and open plains. They often travel in packs, so be cautious when approaching. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, try to isolate a single Raptor to avoid being overwhelmed. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to distract or separate the Raptors. Once youÔÇÖve found a Raptor, use your slingshot or bow to shoot it in the head. Aim carefully, as headshots deal more torpor. Keep your distance and avoid getting too close, as Raptors are fast and can quickly close the gap.

As the RaptorÔÇÖs torpor increases, it will eventually fall unconscious. Once itÔÇÖs down, quickly approach and place raw meat or Simple Kibble in its inventory. Monitor its torpor level and feed it narcotics or narcoberries as needed to keep it sedated. The taming process will take some time, so be patient. If youÔÇÖre using raw meat, the process will take longer compared to Simple Kibble. Keep an eye out for other predators or hostile creatures that might attack the unconscious Raptor. Building a small taming pen with wooden walls can help protect the Raptor during the taming process.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, always carry extra narcotics or narcoberries, as the RaptorÔÇÖs torpor will decrease over time. Second, avoid using melee weapons to knock out the Raptor, as this can kill it or cause it to flee. Third, if youÔÇÖre taming in a dangerous area, consider building a trap to lure the Raptor into a confined space. This can be done by placing wooden pillars or walls in a U-shape and leading the Raptor inside. Once itÔÇÖs trapped, you can safely knock it out without worrying about other predators.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the RaptorÔÇÖs speed and aggression. Always keep your distance and be prepared to retreat if necessary. Another mistake is not having enough narcotics or food, which can result in the Raptor waking up before the taming process is complete. Additionally, avoid taming in areas with high predator activity, as this can lead to the Raptor being killed before itÔÇÖs fully tamed.

For advanced techniques, consider using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and time required for the RaptorÔÇÖs level. This can help you optimize the taming process and reduce the risk of failure. You can also use a taming pen with a ramp to lure the Raptor inside, making it easier to knock out and protect during taming. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, assign roles to each member, such as one person distracting the Raptor while another knocks it out.

In terms of resource requirements, youÔÇÖll need at least 20-30 tranq arrows or 50-60 stones for a slingshot, depending on the RaptorÔÇÖs level. For narcotics, prepare around 50-100, depending on the RaptorÔÇÖs torpor decay rate. For food, have at least 20-30 raw meat or 5-10 Simple Kibble. If youÔÇÖre using prime meat, gather as much as possible, as it spoils quickly.

Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, taming a Raptor is a valuable early-game strategy. For solo players, focus on preparation and safety, ensuring you have enough resources and a safe location for taming. In a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to make the process faster and more efficient. By following these steps and tips, youÔÇÖll have a loyal Raptor companion to aid you in your survival and exploration in ARK: Survival Evolved.