How do I tame a Dimetrodon in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Dimetrodon in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a passive taming process, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you must carefully approach the creature and feed it its preferred food to gain its trust. The Dimetrodon is a unique creature that provides a temperature-regulating buff when tamed, making it useful for surviving in extreme climates. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a Dimetrodon effectively.

To begin, you need to gather the necessary resources for taming. The Dimetrodon prefers raw mutton, raw prime meat, cooked lamb chop, or raw meat. Raw mutton is the most effective option, as it significantly speeds up the taming process. If you cannot find mutton, prime meat or regular raw meat will work, but the taming will take longer. Additionally, you should bring some narcotics or biotoxin to keep the Dimetrodon unconscious if it becomes aggressive or if you accidentally hit it during the process. However, since this is a passive tame, you should avoid using weapons or tools that could harm the creature.

Once you have the required food, locate a Dimetrodon in the wild. These creatures are commonly found in swampy or tropical areas, such as the Redwood Forest or the Island's southern regions. Approach the Dimetrodon slowly and cautiously. It is a skittish creature, so sudden movements or loud noises may cause it to flee. Crouching while approaching can help reduce the chances of startling it. If you are playing with a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to surround the Dimetrodon gently, ensuring it does not escape.

When you are close enough, open your inventory and place the preferred food in the far-right slot of your hotbar. This allows you to quickly access the food when needed. Approach the Dimetrodon from behind or the side, as it is less likely to notice you. Once you are in range, press the appropriate key or button to feed it. The Dimetrodon will consume the food, and its taming progress will increase. Be patient, as passive taming can take some time, especially if you are using less effective food like raw meat.

One important tip is to avoid feeding the Dimetrodon too quickly. After each feeding, there is a cooldown period before you can feed it again. During this time, stay close to the creature but avoid making sudden movements. If the Dimetrodon starts to wander away, follow it at a safe distance until you can feed it again. Using a taming calculator can help you estimate the number of feedings required and the total time needed for the tame.

A common mistake during passive taming is accidentally hitting the Dimetrodon with a weapon or tool. This can cause it to become aggressive, forcing you to either knock it out or abandon the tame. To avoid this, unequip any weapons or tools before approaching the creature. Additionally, be mindful of other predators in the area. Dimetrodons are not aggressive, but they can be attacked by carnivores like Raptors or Carnotaurus. Clear the area of threats before starting the taming process, or build a temporary taming pen to protect the Dimetrodon.

For advanced players, using a taming pen can make the process much easier. Construct a small enclosure with walls and a gate, then lure the Dimetrodon inside using a creature like a Parasaur or by simply leading it in. Once inside, close the gate to prevent it from escaping. This method ensures the Dimetrodon remains in one place, making it easier to feed and monitor. Additionally, using a taming effectiveness booster, such as a soothing balm or kibble, can further speed up the process, though these items are not required.

In terms of tribe or solo considerations, taming a Dimetrodon is relatively straightforward and can be done alone. However, having a tribe member assist can make the process faster and safer, especially if you need to clear the area of predators or build a taming pen. If you are playing solo, prioritize gathering high-quality food like raw mutton to minimize the time spent taming.

In summary, taming a Dimetrodon requires patience, careful movement, and the right resources. Approach the creature slowly, feed it its preferred food, and avoid startling it. Use a taming pen if possible, and clear the area of threats to ensure a smooth process. With these strategies, you can successfully tame a Dimetrodon and enjoy its unique temperature-regulating abilities in your ARK adventures.