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

Taming a Beelzebufo in ARK: Survival Evolved is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation and execution. The Beelzebufo, also known as the "Devil Frog," is a versatile amphibian that excels in both combat and resource gathering, particularly for harvesting cementing paste from insects. To tame a Beelzebufo, you will need to use the knockout method, as it cannot be passively tamed. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a Beelzebufo, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

The first step in taming a Beelzebufo is to locate one. Beelzebufos are commonly found in swamp biomes, which are dangerous areas filled with aggressive creatures like Titanoboas, Sarcosuchus, and Kaprosuchus. It is essential to approach the swamp with caution, as these predators can easily disrupt your taming process. Once you have located a Beelzebufo, you will need to knock it out. Beelzebufos have relatively low health and torpor, making them easier to subdue compared to larger creatures. However, they are fast and can jump great distances, so you will need to be prepared to chase them if they try to escape.

To knock out a Beelzebufo, you can use a variety of weapons, such as a slingshot, bow with tranq arrows, or a crossbow with tranq arrows. Tranquilizer darts from a longneck rifle are also effective but may be overkill for a creature with such low health. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain and minimize damage. Be careful not to kill the Beelzebufo, as its health is relatively low. Once the Beelzebufo is unconscious, you will need to feed it its preferred food to begin the taming process. Beelzebufos prefer Giant Bee Honey, but they will also accept Rare Flowers, Rare Mushrooms, and Raw Mutton. Giant Bee Honey is the most effective and will significantly speed up the taming process.

While the Beelzebufo is unconscious, you will need to monitor its torpor level to ensure it does not wake up. You can use Narcotics or Narcoberries to keep it sedated. Beelzebufos have a relatively fast torpor drain, so you may need to administer narcotics frequently. It is a good idea to have a supply of Narcotics or Narcoberries ready before starting the taming process. Additionally, you should protect the unconscious Beelzebufo from other predators in the swamp. Building a small taming pen or using large bear traps can help keep the area secure.

Once the Beelzebufo is tamed, it will be a valuable addition to your team. Beelzebufos are excellent for gathering cementing paste, as they can harvest it from insects like Titanomyrma and Meganeura. They are also fast and agile, making them great for traversing the map, especially in swampy or watery areas. Beelzebufos have a unique ability to jump great distances and can even jump on water, making them useful for escaping danger or chasing down prey. In combat, Beelzebufos can deal torpor damage with their attacks, making them effective for knocking out smaller creatures.

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when taming a Beelzebufo. One is underestimating the dangers of the swamp biome. Always be prepared for attacks from other creatures, and consider bringing a taming pen or bear traps to secure the area. Another mistake is using weapons that deal too much damage, such as a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts. While these weapons are effective, they can easily kill a Beelzebufo if you are not careful. Stick to lower-damage weapons like a bow with tranq arrows to avoid accidentally killing your target.

Advanced techniques for taming a Beelzebufo include using a taming pen to trap the creature before knocking it out. This can prevent it from escaping and make the taming process much easier. You can also use a flying mount to scout the swamp and locate a Beelzebufo without risking your life on the ground. If you are playing in a tribe, consider having one player distract or kill nearby predators while another focuses on taming the Beelzebufo. This teamwork can make the process smoother and safer.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need a weapon for knocking out the Beelzebufo, such as a bow with tranq arrows or a slingshot. You will also need Narcotics or Narcoberries to keep it unconscious, and its preferred food, such as Giant Bee Honey or Rare Flowers. If you are using a taming pen, you will need the necessary building materials, such as wood or stone. It is also a good idea to bring armor and weapons to defend yourself against other creatures in the swamp.

Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, taming a Beelzebufo can be a rewarding experience. In a tribe, you can divide tasks, such as one player gathering resources while another focuses on taming. Solo players should take extra precautions, such as building a taming pen or using a flying mount to stay safe. Overall, taming a Beelzebufo requires preparation, patience, and careful execution, but the benefits of having this versatile creature on your team make it well worth the effort.