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

Taming a Kaprosuchus in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and execution due to its aggressive nature and unique abilities. The Kaprosuchus is a fast, amphibious predator found in swampy areas, and it can leap great distances to grab and dismount players. To tame one, you will need to use the knockout method, as it cannot be tamed passively. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully tame a Kaprosuchus.

First, you need to prepare the necessary resources and tools. For knockout taming, you will need a ranged weapon like a crossbow or longneck rifle, along with tranquilizer arrows or darts. You will also need narcotics or biotoxin to keep the Kaprosuchus unconscious during the taming process. Additionally, gather its preferred food, which is raw prime meat or kibble made from Sarco eggs. Prime meat is more accessible early in the game, but kibble will significantly speed up the taming process and improve the taming effectiveness. Bring plenty of food and water for yourself, as well as armor and weapons to defend against other swamp predators.

Next, locate a Kaprosuchus in the swamp biome. These creatures are often found near water and are easily identifiable by their crocodile-like appearance and aggressive behavior. Once you find one, you need to knock it out. The Kaprosuchus is fast and can leap at you, so it is best to keep your distance. Use your ranged weapon to shoot it with tranquilizer arrows or darts. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain, but be careful not to kill it. If it starts chasing you, create distance by running or using a fast mount like a Raptor or Parasaur.

After the Kaprosuchus is unconscious, place the raw prime meat or kibble in its inventory. Monitor its torpor level and feed it narcotics or biotoxin as needed to keep it unconscious. The torpor drain rate for Kaprosuchus is moderate, so you will need to check on it regularly. While waiting, stay alert for other predators in the swamp, as they may attack you or the unconscious Kaprosuchus. Building a small taming pen with wooden or stone structures can help protect the Kaprosuchus during the taming process, but this is optional and depends on your resources.

One common mistake is underestimating the Kaprosuchus's speed and leaping ability. If you get too close, it can grab you and dismount you, leaving you vulnerable to its attacks or other predators. Always maintain a safe distance and use terrain to your advantage, such as standing on higher ground or behind obstacles. Another mistake is not bringing enough narcotics or biotoxin, which can result in the Kaprosuchus waking up before the taming process is complete. Always bring extra supplies to avoid this issue.

For advanced players, using a taming calculator can help optimize the process by determining the exact amount of food and narcotics needed based on the Kaprosuchus's level. Additionally, using a taming pen with a trapdoor or ramp can make the process safer and more efficient. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to distract or protect the Kaprosuchus while one person focuses on taming. Solo players should prioritize safety and preparation, as the swamp biome is one of the most dangerous areas in the game.

In summary, taming a Kaprosuchus requires careful preparation, patience, and awareness of its aggressive behavior. Gather the necessary resources, use a ranged weapon to knock it out, and keep it unconscious with narcotics or biotoxin while feeding it raw prime meat or kibble. Avoid common mistakes like getting too close or running out of supplies, and consider using advanced techniques like taming pens or calculators for better results. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, taming a Kaprosuchus can be a rewarding experience that adds a powerful and versatile creature to your team.