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

Taming a Hyaenodon in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique process that requires careful planning and execution. The Hyaenodon is a pack-oriented carnivore that can be a valuable ally due to its ability to reduce the weight of certain items in its inventory, making it useful for resource gathering and transportation. However, taming a Hyaenodon is different from taming most other creatures in the game, as it involves a passive taming method that requires you to feed it while it is alive and conscious. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a Hyaenodon, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To begin, you need to locate a Hyaenodon. These creatures are typically found in packs in various biomes, such as the Redwood Forest, Snow Biome, and other areas with dense vegetation. Hyaenodons are aggressive and will attack if you get too close, so it is important to approach cautiously. Unlike knockout taming, where you render the creature unconscious, passive taming requires you to feed the Hyaenodon while it is awake. The preferred food for taming a Hyaenodon is Raw Prime Meat, Cooked Prime Meat, or Raw Meat. Prime Meat is more effective and will speed up the taming process, so it is recommended to gather some before attempting the tame.

Once you have located a Hyaenodon, the next step is to isolate it from its pack. Hyaenodons are pack animals, and if you try to tame one while others are nearby, they will attack you. To avoid this, you can use a ranged weapon like a bow or crossbow to lure the Hyaenodon away from its pack. Alternatively, you can build a taming pen using stone or metal structures to trap the Hyaenodon safely. This will prevent it from escaping or being attacked by other predators while you tame it.

After isolating the Hyaenodon, you need to approach it carefully. Hyaenodons are skittish and will run away if you get too close or make sudden movements. To tame it, you must crouch (press the crouch button) and slowly approach it from behind. Once you are close enough, you can feed it the preferred food by placing it in the last slot of your hotbar and pressing the corresponding key. The Hyaenodon will eat the food, and its taming progress will increase. However, it will only accept food at certain intervals, so you need to wait a few seconds before feeding it again.

One important consideration during the taming process is the Hyaenodon's hunger. Unlike knockout taming, where you can force-feed the creature to keep it unconscious, passive taming relies on the creature's natural hunger. If the Hyaenodon is not hungry, it will not accept food, and the taming process will stall. To avoid this, you should monitor the Hyaenodon's behavior and only approach it when it is actively looking for food. This may require patience, as you may need to wait for the Hyaenodon to become hungry again before continuing the taming process.

Another common mistake to avoid is startling the Hyaenodon. If you move too quickly or make sudden movements, the Hyaenodon will run away, and you will have to start the taming process over. To prevent this, always approach the Hyaenodon while crouched and move slowly. Additionally, avoid making loud noises or using weapons near the Hyaenodon, as this can also scare it away.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can use to speed up the taming process. One technique is to use a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and time required for the tame. This can help you plan your resources and ensure you have enough food to complete the tame. Another optimization is to use a taming pen with a roof to prevent the Hyaenodon from escaping or being attacked by flying predators. This will make the taming process safer and more efficient.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need a significant amount of Raw Prime Meat or Cooked Prime Meat to tame a Hyaenodon. Prime Meat can be obtained by hunting large creatures like Triceratops, Stegosaurus, or Carnotaurus. It is also recommended to bring a few stacks of Raw Meat as a backup in case you run out of Prime Meat. Additionally, you should bring a ranged weapon like a bow or crossbow to lure the Hyaenodon away from its pack, as well as materials to build a taming pen if necessary.

For solo players, taming a Hyaenodon can be challenging due to the need to isolate it from its pack and the risk of being attacked by other predators. However, with careful planning and patience, it is possible to tame a Hyaenodon on your own. For tribes, the process can be easier, as multiple players can work together to lure the Hyaenodon and protect each other from attacks. Additionally, tribes can share resources and build larger taming pens to make the process more efficient.

In conclusion, taming a Hyaenodon in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a unique approach compared to other creatures. By understanding the mechanics of passive taming, preparing the necessary resources, and using careful strategies, you can successfully tame a Hyaenodon and add it to your team of tamed creatures. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, the Hyaenodon can be a valuable asset for resource gathering and transportation, making the effort well worth it.