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

Taming a Trike, or Triceratops, in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most beginner-friendly taming processes in the game. Trikes are herbivores, making them relatively easy to tame compared to carnivores, and they are incredibly useful early-game mounts for gathering resources like berries and thatch. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a Trike, including mechanics, strategies, and tips to ensure success.

To tame a Trike, you will need to knock it unconscious and then feed it its preferred food. Trikes are herbivores, so they prefer berries, with Mejoberries being the most effective for taming. However, if you have access to crops or kibble, those can also be used to speed up the process. The first step is to gather the necessary resources. You will need a weapon to knock the Trike out, such as a slingshot or a bow with tranq arrows. You will also need a supply of narcotics or narcoberries to keep the Trike unconscious during the taming process. Additionally, gather plenty of Mejoberries or other preferred food items.

Once you have your resources ready, locate a Trike. Trikes are commonly found in grassy areas and are usually not aggressive unless provoked. However, if you attack one, it will charge at you, so be prepared to dodge its attacks. To knock it out, use your slingshot or bow with tranq arrows. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain. Keep your distance and avoid getting too close, as the Trike can deal significant damage if it hits you. Once the Trike is unconscious, quickly approach it and place the food in its inventory. Mejoberries are the best option early on, but if you have access to crops or kibble, use those for faster taming.

While the Trike is unconscious, monitor its torpor level. Torpor decreases over time, and if it drops too low, the Trike will wake up. To prevent this, feed it narcotics or narcoberries. You can craft narcotics using spoiled meat and narcoberries in a mortar and pestle. Keep an eye on the Trike's hunger as well. It will eat the food in its inventory when it is hungry, and each time it eats, the taming effectiveness will increase. Be patient, as taming a Trike can take some time, especially if you are using basic food like Mejoberries.

One common mistake beginners make is not preparing enough resources before starting the taming process. Running out of narcotics or food can lead to the Trike waking up or the taming process failing. Always gather more resources than you think you will need. Another mistake is not protecting the unconscious Trike from other predators. While the Trike is unconscious, it is vulnerable to attacks from other creatures. Build a small taming pen or use natural barriers like rocks to protect it. If you are playing solo, this is especially important, as you may not have backup to fend off attackers.

For advanced players, there are ways to optimize the taming process. Using kibble instead of berries will significantly speed up the taming process and result in higher taming effectiveness. Trike kibble can be crafted using Trike eggs, which you can obtain once you have tamed a female Trike. Additionally, using a taming calculator can help you determine the exact amount of food and narcotics you will need, saving you time and resources. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and protect the Trike during the taming process. This can make the process faster and safer.

In terms of resource management, always prioritize gathering narcoberries and spoiled meat for narcotics. These are essential for keeping the Trike unconscious. Mejoberries are also important, but if you have access to crops or kibble, those should be your first choice. As you progress in the game, consider building a small base near a Trike spawn area to make taming easier. This will allow you to store resources and quickly respond to taming opportunities.

In conclusion, taming a Trike in ARK: Survival Evolved is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your early-game experience. By preparing the necessary resources, using the right tools, and protecting the Trike during the taming process, you can successfully tame one of the most useful early-game dinosaurs. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, following these steps will ensure a smooth and efficient taming process.