What are the best early-game tames for gathering resources in ARK: Survival Evolved?

In ARK: Survival Evolved, taming dinosaurs early in the game is crucial for efficient resource gathering and survival. The best early-game tames for gathering resources are typically those that excel at collecting specific materials, are relatively easy to tame, and can be used for transportation or defense. Below is a detailed guide on the best early-game tames, how to tame them, and how to use them effectively.

One of the most versatile early-game tames is the Trike, or Triceratops. The Trike is excellent for gathering thatch and berries, which are essential for crafting and feeding other tames. To tame a Trike, you will need a slingshot or bow with tranq arrows, as well as narcoberries or narcotics to keep it unconscious. Approach the Trike carefully, as it can deal significant damage if it charges. Use rocks or trees to create distance while you knock it out. Once unconscious, feed it mejoberries or other preferred berries to tame it. The Trike is slow but sturdy, making it a reliable early-game mount and gatherer.

Another excellent early-game tame is the Parasaur. The Parasaur is easy to tame and is great for gathering berries and thatch. It is also faster than the Trike, making it a good choice for scouting and transportation. To tame a Parasaur, use a slingshot or bow with tranq arrows. Once knocked out, feed it mejoberries or other berries. The Parasaur is not as strong as the Trike, but its speed and versatility make it a valuable addition to your early-game arsenal.

For gathering wood, the best early-game tame is the Beaver, or Castoroides. The Beaver is a semi-aquatic creature that can gather wood efficiently and even reduce the weight of wood in its inventory. Taming a Beaver requires a bit more preparation, as it prefers vegetables or kibble. Use tranq arrows or a crossbow to knock it out, and then feed it crops like carrots or potatoes. The Beaver is also useful for building dams, which can provide additional resources like wood, cementing paste, and pearls.

For stone and flint, the best early-game tame is the Doedicurus. This armadillo-like creature is excellent at gathering stone and can carry large amounts of it. Taming a Doedicurus requires tranq arrows or a crossbow, and it prefers vegetables or kibble. Once tamed, the Doedicurus can be used to gather stone quickly, which is essential for building and crafting.

When taming dinosaurs, it is important to prepare properly. Always carry enough tranq arrows or slingshot ammo, as well as narcoberries or narcotics to keep the dinosaur unconscious. Build a small taming pen using wooden structures to trap the dinosaur and make the taming process safer. This is especially useful for larger or more aggressive creatures.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the strength of the dinosaur you are trying to tame, not having enough supplies to keep it unconscious, and not protecting yourself from other predators while taming. Always scout the area for threats before starting the taming process, and consider bringing a friend or tribe member to help.

Advanced techniques include using kibble to speed up the taming process and increase the taming effectiveness. Kibble is made from eggs and other ingredients and is preferred by many dinosaurs. Crafting kibble requires a cooking pot and specific recipes, but it can significantly reduce taming time and improve the stats of your tamed dinosaur.

Resource requirements for taming include tranq arrows, narcotics, and the preferred food of the dinosaur you are taming. Always gather extra supplies in case the taming process takes longer than expected. Preparation is key to successful taming, so plan ahead and gather all necessary materials before attempting to tame a dinosaur.

Tribe considerations include coordinating with your tribe members to gather resources and protect each other during the taming process. Solo players should focus on taming smaller, easier-to-manage dinosaurs first and gradually work their way up to larger creatures.

Specific examples and scenarios include taming a Trike near your base to gather berries and thatch, or taming a Beaver near a river to gather wood and build dams. Each dinosaur has its strengths and weaknesses, so choose the one that best fits your current needs and resources.

In conclusion, taming dinosaurs early in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for efficient resource gathering and survival. By focusing on versatile and easy-to-tame creatures like the Trike, Parasaur, Beaver, and Doedicurus, you can quickly improve your resource collection and build a strong foundation for your base. Proper preparation, careful planning, and understanding the strengths of each dinosaur will help you succeed in the early game and set you up for long-term survival.