What is the best food to use for taming a Quetzal in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Quetzal in ARK: Survival Evolved is one of the more challenging tasks in the game due to its ability to fly and its high torpor and health stats. The Quetzal is a large flying creature that is highly sought after for its ability to carry heavy loads and serve as a mobile platform for building structures. To tame a Quetzal, you will need to use a combination of knockout taming and careful planning. The best food to use for taming a Quetzal is Superior Kibble, which is made from the eggs of large creatures like the Rex, Brontosaurus, or Therizinosaurus. If you do not have access to Superior Kibble, the next best options are Raw Mutton, Cooked Lamb Chop, or Raw Prime Meat. These foods will provide the highest taming efficiency, meaning the Quetzal will gain more taming progress per bite, reducing the overall time and resources needed for the tame.

The first step in taming a Quetzal is to locate one. Quetzals are typically found flying high in the sky, often in the central and northern parts of the map. They are passive creatures and will not attack you, but they will flee if you get too close. Because of their flight ability, you will need a strategy to knock them out. One common method is to use a flying mount like an Argentavis or a Tapejara to chase the Quetzal while another player shoots it with tranquilizer darts or arrows. Alternatively, you can use a grappling hook to latch onto a flying mount and shoot the Quetzal from above. Another advanced technique is to use a Griffin, which allows you to shoot while flying, making it easier to hit the Quetzal.

Once you have the Quetzal in your sights, you will need to knock it out. This requires careful aim and timing, as the Quetzal has a high torpor stat and will take many hits to become unconscious. Use a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts for the most efficient torpor gain. Be sure to bring plenty of darts and narcotics, as the Quetzal's torpor will drop quickly, and you will need to keep it unconscious throughout the taming process. After the Quetzal is knocked out, place the food in its inventory. Superior Kibble is the best option, but if you do not have it, use Raw Mutton or Raw Prime Meat. Keep an eye on the Quetzal's torpor level and feed it narcotics or biotoxin as needed to keep it unconscious.

One important tip is to build a taming pen or trap to secure the Quetzal once it is knocked out. This will prevent it from being attacked by other predators or from waking up and flying away. You can use large stone gates or metal structures to create a secure area. Another consideration is the Quetzal's high health stat, which means it will take a long time to tame. Be prepared with enough food and narcotics to last the entire taming process, which can take several hours depending on the level of the Quetzal and the food you are using.

Common mistakes to avoid include not bringing enough resources, such as narcotics or food, and not having a secure area to tame the Quetzal. Another mistake is not monitoring the Quetzal's torpor level, which can result in it waking up and flying away. Additionally, be cautious of other players or predators in the area, as they can disrupt the taming process. If you are playing solo, consider using a trap or taming pen to make the process easier and safer. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to ensure everyone is prepared and knows their role in the taming process.

Advanced techniques for taming a Quetzal include using a Quetzal platform saddle to build a mobile taming pen. This allows you to trap the Quetzal in mid-air and tame it without needing to knock it out on the ground. Another optimization is to use a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics needed for the tame. This will help you prepare the right amount of resources and avoid running out during the process.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need a significant amount of narcotics or biotoxin to keep the Quetzal unconscious. You will also need a large supply of the preferred taming food, such as Superior Kibble, Raw Mutton, or Raw Prime Meat. Additionally, you will need weapons like a longneck rifle and tranquilizer darts, as well as a flying mount to chase the Quetzal. If you are building a taming pen, you will need materials like stone or metal to construct the structure.

In conclusion, taming a Quetzal in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. The best food to use is Superior Kibble, followed by Raw Mutton or Raw Prime Meat. Use a combination of knockout taming and secure taming pens to ensure a successful tame. Be prepared with enough resources, monitor the Quetzal's torpor level, and avoid common mistakes like not having enough narcotics or food. With the right strategy and preparation, you can successfully tame a Quetzal and add a powerful flying mount to your arsenal.