What is the best way to tame a high-level Mammoth in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a high-level Mammoth in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. Mammoths are large herbivores found in snowy and forested biomes, and they are excellent for gathering wood and thatch, making them valuable for resource collection. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to tame a high-level Mammoth effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Mammoths are knockout tames, meaning you need to render them unconscious before feeding them their preferred food. Their preferred food is vegetables, specifically crops like Rockarrot, Longrass, Savoroot, or Citronal. However, if you donÔÇÖt have access to crops, berries like Mejoberries can also be used, though they are less effective and will take longer. To knock out a Mammoth, youÔÇÖll need to use tranquilizing weapons such as a slingshot, bow with tranq arrows, or a crossbow with tranq arrows. For higher-level Mammoths, a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts is more efficient. Mammoths have high health and torpor, so youÔÇÖll need a significant amount of narcotics or biotoxin to keep them unconscious during the taming process.

Now, letÔÇÖs go through the step-by-step process. Start by gathering the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need a weapon for knocking out the Mammoth, such as a crossbow with tranq arrows or a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts. Bring plenty of narcotics or biotoxin to maintain the MammothÔÇÖs torpor. For food, prioritize crops if possible, but have a large stack of Mejoberries as a backup. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to bring a few stimulants or stimberries in case you accidentally hit the Mammoth too hard and need to reduce its torpor slightly.

Next, locate a high-level Mammoth. They are commonly found in snowy regions like the Snow Biome on The Island or the Arctic areas on other maps. Once youÔÇÖve found your target, clear the area of other predators or aggressive creatures that could interfere with the taming process. Mammoths are generally peaceful unless provoked, but they can become aggressive if attacked.

To knock out the Mammoth, start by shooting it with tranq arrows or darts. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain, but be careful not to kill it. Mammoths have high health, so youÔÇÖll need to land multiple shots. Keep an eye on its torpor level, which will rise with each hit. Once the Mammoth is unconscious, quickly place a few wooden spike walls or stone gates around it to create a taming pen. This will prevent it from wandering off or being attacked by other creatures when it wakes up.

Now, feed the Mammoth its preferred food. If you have crops, place them in its inventory and wait for it to eat. If using berries, be prepared for a longer taming process. Keep an eye on its torpor level and administer narcotics or biotoxin as needed to keep it unconscious. The taming effectiveness will decrease if the Mammoth takes damage or wakes up, so monitor its health and torpor closely.

Here are some important tips and considerations. Always bring extra resources, as high-level Mammoths can take a long time to tame. Use a taming calculator to estimate the amount of food and narcotics required based on the MammothÔÇÖs level. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider using a taming pen to make the process safer and more manageable. For tribes, assign roles such as one person to shoot tranqs, another to monitor torpor, and another to gather additional resources if needed.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong type of food, which can significantly slow down the taming process. Also, avoid using weapons that deal too much damage, as this can kill the Mammoth before itÔÇÖs knocked out. Another mistake is not preparing enough narcotics, which can lead to the Mammoth waking up prematurely.

For advanced techniques, consider using a taming pen with a large bear trap to immobilize the Mammoth while you shoot it. This can make the process safer and more efficient. Additionally, using kibble made from Large Egg (such as Rex or Bronto eggs) can drastically reduce taming time and increase taming effectiveness, though this requires more preparation.

In terms of resource requirements, youÔÇÖll need a significant amount of tranq arrows or darts, narcotics or biotoxin, and food. For a high-level Mammoth, expect to use around 50-100 tranq arrows or 20-30 tranquilizer darts, depending on the level. YouÔÇÖll also need several hundred narcotics or biotoxin to maintain torpor. For food, having at least 100-200 crops or 500-1000 Mejoberries is recommended.

Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the process is similar, but tribes can divide tasks to make it more efficient. For example, one player can focus on knocking out the Mammoth while another gathers additional resources or protects the area from predators.

In specific scenarios, such as taming in a dangerous area like the Snow Biome, itÔÇÖs crucial to have warm clothing or a otter to protect against the cold. Additionally, having a flyer like an Argentavis or Snow Owl can help you scout the area and transport resources more easily.

By following these steps and tips, you can successfully tame a high-level Mammoth in ARK: Survival Evolved, adding a powerful and resourceful creature to your team.