Taming Mechanics & Strategies — Ark: Survival Evolved Guide

Master Ark taming. Learn tranquilizer methods, preferred foods, kibble recipes, and effective strategies for taming dinosaurs and creatures.

Taming creatures is the cornerstone of progression in Ark: Survival Evolved, transforming dangerous predators into loyal companions and invaluable tools. The taming process varies significantly between species, requiring specific strategies, patience, and the right resources to successfully subdue and befriend them.

Taming Methods: Tranquilizing vs. Knock-Out

The most common taming method involves rendering a creature unconscious and then feeding it its preferred food. This is achieved through:

• Tranquilizer Darts/Arrows: Fired from a Crossbow or Rifle, these projectiles inflict torpor, eventually knocking the creature out. Higher torpor means a longer unconscious period.
• Melee Attacks: Blunt weapons like Clubs or specialized taming weapons can also be used to knock out creatures, though this is generally less efficient and riskier for larger dinosaurs.

Some creatures, like the Equus or Moschops, can be tamed passively by offering them specific food items without rendering them unconscious. This is often referred to as "passive taming."

Preferred Foods & Taming Effectiveness

Each creature has a preferred food type that significantly speeds up the taming process and increases "Taming Effectiveness." Higher effectiveness results in better final stats for the tamed creature. Generally, the order of preference is:

1. Kibble: The most efficient food, with specific kibble types tailored to different creature families. Crafting kibble requires eggs, meat, and fiber.
2. Berries: Common and easy to gather, but less effective for most carnivores. Mejoberries are often a good general choice.
3. Meats: Raw Mutton, Prime Meat, and Cooked Meat are preferred by carnivores.
4. Other: Specific items like Sweet Vegetable Cakes for certain creatures.

Always check the Ark Wiki or in-game creature dossiers for a creature's specific preferred food to maximize taming efficiency.

Taming Strategies & Tips

• Preparation is Key: Before attempting to tame, gather ample tranquilizing ammunition, preferred food, and narcotics (to keep the creature unconscious).
• Choose Your Location Wisely: Tame in an area where you can easily trap or defend the creature. Avoid areas with high predator spawns.
• Trapping: For aggressive creatures, building a trap using wooden or stone foundations, walls, and doorways can prevent them from escaping or attacking you during the taming process. A simple "trap" can be made with 4 pillars and 4 ceilings, with a gap for the dinosaur to enter.
• Managing Torpor: Keep an eye on the creature's torpor level. If it drops too low, administer more tranquilizer darts or use Narcotics/Narcoberries to replenish it.
• Patience: Taming can take a long time, especially for high-level creatures. Ensure you have a secure base or a way to defend your taming area.
• Passive Taming: For passive tames, approach the creature slowly from behind and offer the food item when prompted. Do not spook them.

Specific Creature Taming Examples

• Dodo/Parasaurolophus: Easily tamed with berries. Can be knocked out with a club or tranquilizer darts.
• Raptor: Requires tranquilizer darts and meat. Can be trapped in a simple box trap.
• T-Rex: High-level threat. Requires many tranquilizer darts and prime meat. A large trap or careful kiting is necessary.
• Argentavis: Requires tranquilizer darts and meat. Can be lured into a trap or shot down from the air.

Successful taming opens up a world of possibilities, from transportation and combat to resource gathering and base defense. Invest time in learning the mechanics, and you'll soon have an army of loyal companions.