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

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

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 you time and effort. The feeding troughÔÇÖs range is approximately 18 foundations in all directions, so positioning is key to maximizing their effectiveness. The trough can hold a variety of food types, including meat, berries, vegetables, and cooked meals, depending on the dietary needs of your dinosaurs.

To set up tribe-owned feeding troughs, start by crafting the troughs. You will need 25 wood, 15 fiber, and 40 thatch to create one feeding trough. These materials are relatively easy to gather, especially in the early game. Once crafted, place the troughs in strategic locations around your base or dino pen. Ensure that the troughs are within range of all the dinosaurs you want to feed. For large groups of dinosaurs, you may need multiple troughs to cover the entire area.

Next, fill the troughs with the appropriate food. Carnivorous dinosaurs require meat, while herbivores need berries or vegetables. Omnivores can eat both. ItÔÇÖs essential to stock the troughs with enough food to last for an extended period, especially if you plan to be away from your base for a while. Spoilage is a factor to consider, as raw meat and berries will spoil over time. To mitigate this, you can use preserving bins or refrigerators to store food and transfer it to the troughs as needed.

One important tip is to assign a tribe member to manage the feeding troughs. This person should regularly check the troughs to ensure they are adequately stocked and replace spoiled food. In a tribe setting, this responsibility can be shared among members, but itÔÇÖs crucial to have a system in place to avoid neglect. Communication is key, and using in-game chat or external communication tools can help coordinate these efforts.

Common mistakes to avoid include placing feeding troughs too far apart, leading to gaps in coverage where dinosaurs may not receive food. Another mistake is not accounting for spoilage, which can result in empty troughs and starving dinosaurs. Additionally, failing to secure the troughs in PvP scenarios can lead to them being destroyed or looted by enemy tribes, leaving your dinosaurs vulnerable.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing the placement of feeding troughs to minimize the number needed while maximizing coverage. For example, placing troughs at elevated positions can increase their range, allowing them to feed more dinosaurs. Additionally, using refrigerators or tek troughs (available in the late game) can significantly reduce spoilage and extend the lifespan of the food stored in the troughs.

Resource requirements and preparation are essential for maintaining feeding troughs. Ensure you have a steady supply of wood, fiber, and thatch for crafting troughs. For food, establish a reliable source of meat and berries. Hunting dinosaurs and gathering berries from bushes are the primary methods, but you can also set up farms for vegetables and use tamed creatures like the Therizinosaurus or Brontosaurus to gather resources more efficiently.

In a tribe setting, coordination is vital. Assign roles to tribe members, such as gatherers, hunters, and trough managers, to streamline the process. Solo players will need to manage all aspects themselves, so efficient time management and resource gathering are crucial.

Specific examples and scenarios include setting up feeding troughs in a large dino pen housing a mix of carnivores and herbivores. In this case, you would need separate troughs for meat and berries, placed strategically to cover all dinosaurs. Another scenario is managing feeding troughs during a raid. In PvP, itÔÇÖs essential to protect your troughs by placing them inside secure structures or using turrets and defensive dinosaurs to guard them.

In conclusion, setting up tribe-owned feeding troughs for large groups of dinosaurs in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and coordination. By understanding the mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and employing advanced techniques, you can ensure your dinosaurs remain well-fed and healthy, contributing to the overall success and efficiency of your tribe.