How do I tame a Procoptodon in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Taming a Procoptodon in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique and rewarding process, as this creature is one of the fastest land mounts in the game and has the ability to carry smaller creatures and players in its pouch. The Procoptodon is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you must approach it carefully and feed it the right food to gain its trust. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a Procoptodon, including mechanics, strategies, and tips to ensure success.
The first step in taming a Procoptodon is to gather the necessary resources. Procoptodons prefer Rare Flowers, Rare Mushrooms, or Vegetables as their taming food. Vegetables such as Rockarrot, Longrass, Savoroot, and Citronal are the most effective and will yield the highest taming efficiency. You can grow these in a crop plot or find them in the wild. Additionally, you will need a Ghillie Suit or other armor that reduces your visibility, as Procoptodons are skittish and will flee if they detect you. Having a flying mount like an Argentavis or Pteranodon can help you locate and follow a Procoptodon more easily.
Once you have the required food and equipment, the next step is to locate a Procoptodon. These creatures are commonly found in grasslands, forests, and mountainous regions on maps like The Island, Ragnarok, and Valguero. When you spot one, approach it slowly while crouching to minimize your visibility. If the Procoptodon detects you, it will hop away quickly, so patience is key. Use your Ghillie Suit to stay hidden and close the distance gradually.
When you are close enough, open your inventory and place the preferred food (vegetables are recommended) in the last slot of your hotbar. Approach the Procoptodon from behind and feed it by pressing the appropriate key or button. After feeding, the Procoptodon will hop away, and you will need to repeat the process. Each feeding increases the taming progress, but you must wait for its hunger to deplete before feeding again. This process can take some time, so be prepared to follow the Procoptodon as it moves around.
One important tip is to clear the area of predators before attempting to tame a Procoptodon. Carnivores like Raptors or Carnotaurus can easily disrupt the taming process by attacking either you or the Procoptodon. Using a taming pen can also help, though it is more challenging to trap a Procoptodon due to its ability to jump over most structures. If you are playing solo, consider using a large bear trap to immobilize the Procoptodon temporarily, giving you time to feed it without chasing it.
A common mistake players make is approaching the Procoptodon too quickly or without proper camouflage, causing it to flee. Another mistake is not bringing enough food, as the taming process can take a significant amount of time, especially for higher-level Procoptodons. Always bring extra food and narcotics, even though the Procoptodon does not require them for taming, as they can be useful for other creatures you may encounter during the process.
For advanced players, using a taming calculator can help optimize the process by determining the exact amount of food and time required based on the Procoptodon's level. Additionally, taming during a taming event or using a taming bonus can significantly reduce the time and resources needed. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to surround the Procoptodon and prevent it from escaping, making the process smoother and faster.
In summary, taming a Procoptodon requires patience, preparation, and careful execution. Gather the necessary food, wear a Ghillie Suit, and approach the creature slowly to avoid startling it. Clear the area of threats and consider using a bear trap or taming pen to make the process easier. Avoid common mistakes like rushing or not bringing enough food, and use advanced techniques like taming calculators or tribe coordination to optimize your efforts. Once tamed, the Procoptodon becomes an invaluable mount for transportation and resource gathering, making the effort well worth it.
The first step in taming a Procoptodon is to gather the necessary resources. Procoptodons prefer Rare Flowers, Rare Mushrooms, or Vegetables as their taming food. Vegetables such as Rockarrot, Longrass, Savoroot, and Citronal are the most effective and will yield the highest taming efficiency. You can grow these in a crop plot or find them in the wild. Additionally, you will need a Ghillie Suit or other armor that reduces your visibility, as Procoptodons are skittish and will flee if they detect you. Having a flying mount like an Argentavis or Pteranodon can help you locate and follow a Procoptodon more easily.
Once you have the required food and equipment, the next step is to locate a Procoptodon. These creatures are commonly found in grasslands, forests, and mountainous regions on maps like The Island, Ragnarok, and Valguero. When you spot one, approach it slowly while crouching to minimize your visibility. If the Procoptodon detects you, it will hop away quickly, so patience is key. Use your Ghillie Suit to stay hidden and close the distance gradually.
When you are close enough, open your inventory and place the preferred food (vegetables are recommended) in the last slot of your hotbar. Approach the Procoptodon from behind and feed it by pressing the appropriate key or button. After feeding, the Procoptodon will hop away, and you will need to repeat the process. Each feeding increases the taming progress, but you must wait for its hunger to deplete before feeding again. This process can take some time, so be prepared to follow the Procoptodon as it moves around.
One important tip is to clear the area of predators before attempting to tame a Procoptodon. Carnivores like Raptors or Carnotaurus can easily disrupt the taming process by attacking either you or the Procoptodon. Using a taming pen can also help, though it is more challenging to trap a Procoptodon due to its ability to jump over most structures. If you are playing solo, consider using a large bear trap to immobilize the Procoptodon temporarily, giving you time to feed it without chasing it.
A common mistake players make is approaching the Procoptodon too quickly or without proper camouflage, causing it to flee. Another mistake is not bringing enough food, as the taming process can take a significant amount of time, especially for higher-level Procoptodons. Always bring extra food and narcotics, even though the Procoptodon does not require them for taming, as they can be useful for other creatures you may encounter during the process.
For advanced players, using a taming calculator can help optimize the process by determining the exact amount of food and time required based on the Procoptodon's level. Additionally, taming during a taming event or using a taming bonus can significantly reduce the time and resources needed. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to surround the Procoptodon and prevent it from escaping, making the process smoother and faster.
In summary, taming a Procoptodon requires patience, preparation, and careful execution. Gather the necessary food, wear a Ghillie Suit, and approach the creature slowly to avoid startling it. Clear the area of threats and consider using a bear trap or taming pen to make the process easier. Avoid common mistakes like rushing or not bringing enough food, and use advanced techniques like taming calculators or tribe coordination to optimize your efforts. Once tamed, the Procoptodon becomes an invaluable mount for transportation and resource gathering, making the effort well worth it.