How do I set up tribe-owned feeding troughs in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Setting up tribe-owned feeding troughs in ARK: Survival Evolved is an essential part of managing a tribe efficiently, especially when you have a large number of tamed creatures. Feeding troughs allow you to store food in a centralized location, ensuring that all nearby dinosaurs are fed automatically. This saves time and resources, as you wonÔÇÖt need to manually feed each creature. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to set up and optimize tribe-owned feeding troughs.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of feeding troughs. A feeding trough is a structure that can hold various types of food, such as meat, berries, and crops. When placed within a certain range, it will automatically distribute food to any tamed creatures nearby. The range of the feeding trough is approximately 18 foundations in all directions, so placement is crucial to ensure all your dinosaurs are covered. The feeding trough can be set to tribe-owned, meaning all members of the tribe can access and manage it. This is particularly useful for large tribes where multiple players are responsible for taming and maintaining creatures.

To set up a tribe-owned feeding trough, you first need to craft the trough. The recipe requires 25 wood, 15 fiber, and 40 thatch. These resources are relatively easy to gather, especially in the early game. Once crafted, place the feeding trough in a central location within your base or near your dinosaur pens. After placing it, interact with the trough to open its inventory. Here, you can add food items like raw meat, cooked meat, berries, or crops. The trough will automatically distribute the food to any tamed creatures within its range.

When setting up tribe-owned feeding troughs, there are several strategies to consider. First, plan the placement of your troughs carefully. If your base is large or spread out, you may need multiple troughs to cover all areas. Place them in high-traffic areas where your dinosaurs are most likely to be stationed. For example, if you have a pen for herbivores and a separate area for carnivores, place a trough in each location. This ensures that all creatures are fed without overlapping ranges unnecessarily.

Another important tip is to stock the troughs with the appropriate food types. Carnivores require meat, while herbivores need berries or crops. If you have omnivores like the Oviraptor, youÔÇÖll need to include both types of food. Regularly check the troughs to ensure they are stocked, especially if you have a large number of creatures. Running out of food can lead to your dinosaurs starving, which can be disastrous if youÔÇÖre away from the base for an extended period.

One common mistake to avoid is placing feeding troughs too close to each other. While it might seem efficient to have multiple troughs in one area, this can lead to unnecessary resource consumption. Dinosaurs will prioritize the closest trough, so overlapping ranges can cause food to deplete faster than necessary. Instead, space out your troughs to cover different sections of your base without overlapping.

Advanced techniques for optimizing feeding troughs include using refrigerated feeding troughs. These are unlocked at higher levels and require electricity to function. Refrigerated troughs slow down the spoilage rate of food, meaning you wonÔÇÖt need to restock them as frequently. This is particularly useful for tribes with a large number of carnivores, as meat spoils quickly. To set up a refrigerated trough, youÔÇÖll need to connect it to a generator or electrical grid. This requires additional resources like metal, cementing paste, and electronics, so plan accordingly.

Resource management is key when setting up feeding troughs. Ensure you have a steady supply of food, especially if youÔÇÖre taming high-level creatures that consume large amounts of food. For carnivores, consider setting up a meat farm by breeding creatures like Dodos or Phiomia for easy meat sources. For herbivores, establish a crop plot system to grow berries and vegetables. This ensures a consistent food supply for your troughs.

Tribe considerations are also important. In a tribe, multiple members can contribute to stocking the troughs, making it easier to maintain a steady food supply. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person responsible for gathering meat and another for managing crops. This division of labor ensures that feeding troughs are always stocked and reduces the burden on individual players.

In solo play, setting up feeding troughs is still beneficial, but youÔÇÖll need to manage the resources yourself. Focus on creating a sustainable food source, such as a small crop farm or a meat-producing creature like a Dodo. Place your troughs in strategic locations to minimize the need for multiple troughs, and regularly check their inventory to prevent food shortages.

In specific scenarios, such as during a raid or when preparing for a boss fight, feeding troughs become even more critical. Ensure your creatures are well-fed and healthy before engaging in combat. If youÔÇÖre leaving your base unattended for an extended period, stock the troughs with extra food to prevent starvation. Additionally, consider placing feeding troughs near your taming pens to keep newly tamed creatures fed while you work on other tasks.

In conclusion, setting up tribe-owned feeding troughs in ARK: Survival Evolved is a straightforward but essential task for efficient tribe management. By understanding the mechanics, planning placement, and managing resources effectively, you can ensure your dinosaurs are always well-fed and ready for action. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or as part of a tribe, feeding troughs are a valuable tool for survival and progression in the game.