How do I tame a Reaper King in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Reaper King in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the most challenging and unique taming processes in the game. Unlike most creatures, the Reaper King cannot be tamed through traditional methods like knockout or passive taming. Instead, it requires a specific and dangerous process involving the Reaper Queen, which is found in the Aberration map. Here is a detailed guide on how to tame a Reaper King, covering mechanics, strategies, and important considerations.

The first step in taming a Reaper King is to locate a Reaper Queen. Reaper Queens are aggressive and powerful creatures found in the Radiation Zone of the Aberration map. They are highly dangerous and can deal significant damage, so preparation is key. You will need strong armor, weapons, and a reliable mount to survive the encounter. A high-level Rock Drake or a well-bred Megalosaurus is recommended for this task. Additionally, bring plenty of medical brews, stimulants, and food to sustain yourself during the fight.

Once you locate a Reaper Queen, the next step is to engage her in combat. The goal is to reduce her health to around 10-20% without killing her. This requires careful management of your attacks, as dealing too much damage can result in her death. Use ranged weapons like shotguns or assault rifles to chip away at her health while maintaining a safe distance. Be cautious of her tail swipe and grab attacks, which can deal massive damage and even dismount you from your mount.

When the Reaper Queen's health is low, she will emit a glowing aura and start to glow pink. This indicates that she is ready to impregnate you. At this point, you must dismount and allow her to grab you with her tail. This is a risky move, as it will deal significant damage to you and drain your health rapidly. To survive, make sure you have a high health pool, strong armor, and medical brews ready to heal yourself. Once she grabs you, she will impregnate you with a Reaper King embryo, and you will receive a debuff called "Reaper Pheromones."

After being impregnated, you must survive for approximately 12 in-game hours while the embryo gestates. During this time, you will periodically take damage and lose food. To mitigate this, consume food and medical brews regularly. It is also important to avoid radiation, as it will accelerate the damage you take. Stay in a safe area, preferably near your base, and avoid engaging in combat or other risky activities.

Once the gestation period is complete, you will give birth to a Reaper King. The newborn Reaper King will be aggressive and will attack you, so be prepared to defend yourself. Use a strong mount or weapons to subdue it quickly. After it is subdued, you can claim it as your own. The Reaper King will have a unique ability called "Reaper King's Charge," which allows it to deal massive damage and knock back enemies. It also has a high health pool and strong melee attacks, making it a powerful addition to your team.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when taming a Reaper King. First, always bring a backup plan in case things go wrong. The Radiation Zone is filled with dangerous creatures, and losing your mount or supplies can be disastrous. Second, coordinate with your tribe if you are playing in a group. Having multiple players to distract the Reaper Queen or provide support can make the process much easier. Third, use a taming calculator to estimate the amount of resources you will need, such as medical brews and food. This will help you prepare adequately and avoid running out of supplies during the gestation period.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the Reaper Queen's strength, failing to manage your health and food during the gestation period, and not having a safe area to give birth. Additionally, avoid using explosives or high-damage weapons that could accidentally kill the Reaper Queen before she can impregnate you.

Advanced techniques for optimizing the taming process include using a trap to immobilize the Reaper Queen, making it easier to control the fight and reduce her health safely. Building a trap with metal foundations and walls can help contain her while you attack from a safe distance. Another optimization is to use a high-level character with increased health and stamina, as this will improve your chances of surviving the impregnation and gestation process.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need strong armor, weapons, medical brews, stimulants, and food. A high-level mount is also essential for surviving the encounter with the Reaper Queen. If you are playing solo, make sure to prepare thoroughly and have a safe area to retreat to during the gestation period. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to ensure everyone is equipped and ready for the challenge.

In conclusion, taming a Reaper King in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex and dangerous process that requires careful preparation and execution. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully tame a Reaper King and add a powerful ally to your team. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, mastering this taming process will greatly enhance your survival and progression in the game.