What is the best way to tame a creature that requires a specific type of weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved that require specific weapons, such as tranquilizer darts or arrows, involves a combination of preparation, strategy, and careful execution. These creatures typically need to be knocked out before they can be tamed, and the process requires attention to detail to ensure success. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame such creatures effectively.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of knockout taming. Creatures that require specific weapons for taming are usually aggressive or dangerous, meaning you cannot approach them without a plan. The goal is to reduce their torpor (a stat that represents unconsciousness) to zero by using weapons like slingshots, bows with tranq arrows, or longneck rifles with tranquilizer darts. Each hit increases the creature's torpor, but it also decreases over time, so you must balance the damage you deal with the torpor you apply. If the creature's torpor drops too low, it will wake up, and you will have to start over.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. For a bow and tranq arrows, you will need wood, fiber, flint, and stone. For a longneck rifle and tranquilizer darts, you will need metal ingots, polymer, and gunpowder. Additionally, you will need narcotics or biotoxin to keep the creature unconscious during the taming process. Narcotics are made from spoiled meat and narcoberries, while biotoxin is harvested from jellyfish or cnidaria. You will also need the creature's preferred food, such as raw meat for carnivores or berries for herbivores. Kibble, made from specific eggs and other ingredients, is the most effective taming food and speeds up the process significantly.

Next, prepare a taming pen or trap. This is especially important for aggressive creatures that can easily kill you or escape. A simple taming pen can be built using stone or metal foundations, walls, and a large gate. Lure the creature into the pen by shooting it from a distance and then running inside. Once it is trapped, you can safely knock it out without worrying about it running away or attacking you. For flying creatures, you may need to use a bola to immobilize them temporarily or build a trap with ramps to guide them into an enclosed space.

Once the creature is trapped, start knocking it out. Use your chosen weapon to hit it repeatedly, but be careful not to kill it. Aim for the head if possible, as this increases torpor more efficiently. Keep an eye on the creature's health and torpor levels. If its health drops too low, stop attacking and wait for its torpor to rise. You can also use a magnifying glass or the creature's info panel to monitor these stats. Once the creature is unconscious, place the preferred food in its inventory and keep it sedated with narcotics or biotoxin. The taming process will begin, and you will need to wait until the taming bar fills completely.

There are several important tips to consider during this process. First, always carry extra resources, such as arrows, darts, and narcotics, in case something goes wrong. Second, avoid taming in dangerous areas where other predators might attack you or the unconscious creature. Third, use taming calculators or guides to determine the exact amount of food and time required for each creature. This will help you plan your resources and avoid running out of supplies mid-tame.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong weapon, such as a crossbow instead of a longneck rifle for high-level creatures, or forgetting to bring enough narcotics. Another mistake is not building a secure taming pen, which can lead to the creature escaping or being killed by other predators. Additionally, rushing the process and attacking too quickly can result in killing the creature instead of knocking it out.

Advanced techniques include using taming efficiency multipliers, such as taming during events or using kibble, to speed up the process. You can also use a taming calculator to determine the optimal number of hits required to knock out the creature without over-damaging it. For tribe play, coordinate with your teammates to trap the creature and gather resources more efficiently. Solo players should focus on preparation and safety, as they will not have backup if something goes wrong.

Specific examples include taming a high-level Rex, which requires a longneck rifle and tranquilizer darts. Build a large stone or metal trap with a ramp to lure the Rex inside. Once trapped, shoot it in the head with tranq darts until it is unconscious. Place raw meat or kibble in its inventory and keep it sedated with narcotics. Another example is taming a Pteranodon, which can be immobilized with a bola and then knocked out with tranq arrows. Use raw meat or kibble to tame it quickly.

In conclusion, taming creatures that require specific weapons in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding process. By understanding the mechanics, preparing the necessary resources, and using effective strategies, you can successfully tame even the most dangerous creatures. Whether playing solo or with a tribe, careful planning and execution are key to building a powerful team of tamed dinosaurs.