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

Setting up tribe-owned feeding troughs for large carnivores in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial aspect of tribe management, especially when maintaining a large number of tamed creatures. Feeding troughs allow you to automate the feeding process, ensuring your dinosaurs stay healthy and well-fed without requiring constant manual intervention. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to set up and optimize tribe-owned feeding troughs for large carnivores.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of feeding troughs. Feeding troughs are structures that store food and distribute it to nearby tamed creatures within a certain radius. When placed correctly, they can feed multiple dinosaurs simultaneously, saving time and effort. For large carnivores, the primary food source is raw meat, cooked meat, or prime meat. The feeding trough will automatically distribute this food to any carnivores within its range, ensuring they do not starve. The range of a feeding trough can be increased by placing it on a higher elevation or using multiple troughs to cover a larger area.

To set up a tribe-owned feeding trough, you will need to craft the trough first. The recipe requires 25 wood, 15 fiber, and 40 thatch. Once crafted, place the trough in a central location within your base or near the area where your carnivores are kept. Ensure the trough is accessible for refilling and is within range of the dinosaurs you want to feed. After placing the trough, fill it with raw meat or other appropriate food items. The trough will automatically distribute the food to any carnivores within its range.

When setting up feeding troughs for a tribe, itÔÇÖs important to consider the tribe hierarchy and permissions. Tribe leaders should ensure that all members have the necessary permissions to access and refill the troughs. This can be managed through the tribe management menu, where you can assign roles and permissions to tribe members. For example, you might want to restrict access to the troughs to higher-ranking members to prevent misuse or overfeeding.

One common mistake to avoid is placing feeding troughs too far apart or in areas where they do not cover all your carnivores. This can lead to some dinosaurs starving while others are well-fed. To avoid this, use multiple troughs and overlap their ranges to ensure full coverage. Additionally, make sure to regularly check the troughs and refill them as needed, especially if you have a large number of carnivores consuming food quickly.

Advanced techniques for optimizing feeding troughs include using elevated platforms or structures to increase the range of the troughs. By placing the troughs on higher ground, you can extend their effective range and cover more dinosaurs. Another optimization is to use refrigerated feeding troughs, which are unlocked at higher levels and require electricity to operate. These troughs slow down the spoilage rate of food, allowing you to store more food for longer periods and reducing the frequency of refills.

Resource management is key when setting up feeding troughs. Ensure you have a steady supply of raw meat, which can be obtained by hunting wild creatures or using a carnivore to gather meat efficiently. Cooking meat can also be beneficial, as it lasts longer in the troughs and provides more food points per item. However, cooked meat requires additional resources like wood or thatch for cooking, so plan accordingly.

For solo players, the process is similar, but you will need to manage all aspects of the feeding troughs yourself. This includes crafting, placing, and refilling the troughs regularly. Solo players should focus on efficiency, using refrigerated troughs if possible and placing them strategically to cover as many dinosaurs as possible with minimal resources.

In a tribe setting, coordination and communication are essential. Assign specific roles to tribe members, such as one person responsible for hunting and gathering meat, another for refilling the troughs, and so on. This division of labor ensures that the feeding troughs are always stocked and your carnivores remain healthy.

A specific example scenario could be a tribe with a large number of Rexes and Spinos used for boss fights and PvP. These carnivores consume a significant amount of meat, so the tribe would need multiple feeding troughs placed around their enclosure. The tribe leader might assign a few members to hunt for meat regularly, while others focus on maintaining the troughs and ensuring they are always filled. Using refrigerated troughs would be ideal in this scenario to reduce the frequency of refills and ensure the meat lasts longer.

In conclusion, setting up tribe-owned feeding troughs for large carnivores in ARK: Survival Evolved involves careful planning, resource management, and coordination. By understanding the mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques, you can ensure your carnivores are well-fed and ready for any challenge. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, feeding troughs are an essential tool for maintaining a healthy and efficient dinosaur army.