How do I share tamed creatures with alliance members in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Sharing tamed creatures with alliance members in ARK: Survival Evolved is a useful feature that allows tribes to collaborate and support each other in various activities, such as resource gathering, base defense, and PvP combat. However, the process requires careful planning and understanding of the game's mechanics to ensure smooth cooperation. Below is a detailed explanation of how to share tamed creatures with alliance members, along with strategies, tips, and considerations.

To share tamed creatures with alliance members, you must first form an alliance with another tribe. Alliances are created by interacting with a player from another tribe and selecting the "Create Alliance" option. Once the alliance is established, both tribes can share certain resources and support each other, but tamed creatures are not automatically shared. To allow alliance members to use your tamed creatures, you need to adjust the creature's settings. This is done by accessing the creature's inventory and navigating to the "Behavior" or "Options" menu. Here, you can set the creature to "Allow Ally Access" or "Allow Tribe Access," depending on your preferences. Setting it to "Allow Ally Access" will enable alliance members to ride and command the creature, while "Allow Tribe Access" restricts it to your own tribe members.

One important consideration is the level of trust between allied tribes. Allowing alliance members to access your tamed creatures means they can use them for various purposes, including combat and resource gathering. However, this also means they could potentially misuse the creatures or put them in danger. To mitigate this risk, it is advisable to only share creatures with trusted allies and to establish clear communication about how the creatures will be used. Additionally, you can set specific creatures to "Neutral" or "Passive" behavior to prevent them from engaging in combat unless commanded by you or your tribe members.

Resource management is another key aspect of sharing tamed creatures. When alliance members use your creatures, they may consume resources such as food or ammunition. It is important to ensure that the creatures are well-stocked with the necessary supplies before sharing them. For example, if you share a carnivorous dinosaur, make sure it has enough meat in its inventory to sustain it during use. Similarly, if you share a creature equipped with a saddle that requires ammunition, such as a Tek Rifle on a Tek Stryder, ensure that the saddle is fully loaded.

Base building and defense strategies also play a role in sharing tamed creatures. When alliance members use your creatures, they may bring them to their own bases or into combat situations. This can expose the creatures to potential threats, such as enemy players or wild predators. To protect your creatures, consider building secure enclosures or assigning them to follow specific tribe members who can oversee their use. Additionally, you can equip creatures with armor or saddles that provide extra protection, such as the Tek Saddle for the Rex or the Platform Saddle for the Brontosaurus.

Common mistakes to avoid when sharing tamed creatures include failing to set proper access permissions, neglecting to stock resources, and not communicating with alliance members about the creatures' intended use. For example, if you forget to set a creature to "Allow Ally Access," alliance members will not be able to use it, leading to confusion and frustration. Similarly, if a creature runs out of food or ammunition while in use, it may become ineffective or even die, wasting valuable resources.

Advanced techniques for optimizing the sharing of tamed creatures include using specialized creatures for specific tasks and coordinating with alliance members to maximize efficiency. For example, you can assign a high-level Ankylosaurus to an alliance member for metal gathering, while another member uses a high-level Argentavis for transporting resources. This division of labor allows both tribes to benefit from the creatures' unique abilities and speeds up resource gathering. Additionally, you can use creatures with special abilities, such as the Yutyrannus's courage roar or the Daeodon's healing ability, to support alliance members during combat.

Resource requirements and preparation are essential for successful creature sharing. Before sharing a creature, ensure that it is fully tamed, leveled, and equipped with the necessary gear. This includes saddles, armor, and any additional items, such as Tek attachments or ammunition. You should also stockpile resources, such as food and crafting materials, to maintain the creature's health and effectiveness. For example, if you plan to share a high-level Rex for combat, make sure it has a high-quality saddle, plenty of meat, and any necessary Tek attachments, such as a Tek Helmet or Tek Saddle.

Tribe and solo considerations also come into play when sharing tamed creatures. In a tribe setting, the responsibility for managing and maintaining shared creatures can be distributed among members, making it easier to handle multiple creatures. However, solo players who form alliances must take on this responsibility themselves, which can be more challenging. Solo players should focus on sharing creatures that are easy to maintain and have clear, specific uses, such as a high-level Doedicurus for stone gathering or a high-level Argentavis for transportation.

Specific examples and scenarios can help illustrate the benefits and challenges of sharing tamed creatures. For instance, imagine two allied tribes preparing for a raid on an enemy base. One tribe provides a high-level Rex with a Tek Saddle for heavy combat, while the other tribe supplies a Yutyrannus to boost the Rex's damage output. The Rex's rider coordinates with the Yutyrannus's rider to maximize their effectiveness, while other alliance members use creatures like the Daeodon to heal and support the team. This coordinated effort allows the alliance to overpower the enemy base and secure valuable resources.

In conclusion, sharing tamed creatures with alliance members in ARK: Survival Evolved is a powerful tool for collaboration and success. By understanding the mechanics, preparing resources, and communicating effectively, you can ensure that your creatures are used to their full potential. Whether you are working with a tribe or as a solo player, careful planning and coordination will help you and your allies thrive in the game's challenging environment.