How do I set up a tribe-wide taming system in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Setting up a tribe-wide taming system in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, coordination, and resource management. This system allows your tribe to efficiently tame and manage dinosaurs, ensuring that everyone contributes and benefits from the process. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve this, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and considerations.

To begin, the tribe leader must establish clear roles and permissions within the tribe. Assign specific ranks to members, such as Tamer, Gatherer, or Builder, and set permissions accordingly. For example, the Tamer rank should have access to taming tools, food, and narcotics, while Gatherers focus on collecting resources like berries, meat, and narcotic ingredients. Builders can construct taming pens and storage areas. This division of labor ensures that everyone knows their responsibilities and prevents resource wastage.

Next, create a centralized taming area near your base. This area should include taming pens, storage boxes for taming supplies, and feeding troughs for post-tame care. Taming pens are essential for safely trapping dinosaurs, especially aggressive ones like Carnotaurus or Rexes. Use stone or metal structures to build these pens, as they are more durable and can withstand attacks. Place storage boxes nearby and stock them with taming items like narcotics, tranquilizer arrows, and preferred foods for each dinosaur type. Label the boxes clearly to avoid confusion.

For resource management, designate a specific area for farming taming supplies. Grow crops like Narcoberries, Mejoberries, and vegetables in crop plots, and assign Gatherers to maintain them. Narcotics are crucial for keeping dinosaurs unconscious during taming, so prioritize crafting them in large quantities. Use a Mortar and Pestle or Chemistry Bench to produce narcotics efficiently. Additionally, set up a meat farm by taming herbivores like Parasaurs or Trikes to gather berries and carnivores like Raptors or Carnos to hunt for meat.

Communication is key to a successful tribe-wide taming system. Use in-game chat, voice communication, or external tools like Discord to coordinate taming efforts. For example, if a tribe member spots a high-level dinosaur, they should immediately notify the tribe so that Tamers can prepare the necessary supplies and equipment. This prevents missed opportunities and ensures that everyone is on the same page.

When taming dinosaurs, always use the most effective method for each species. For example, use Tranquilizer Arrows or Darts for larger creatures, while smaller ones can be knocked out with a Slingshot or Club. Keep an eye on the dinosaur's torpor level and administer narcotics as needed to prevent it from waking up. Once tamed, assign the dinosaur to a specific tribe member or make it tribe-owned, depending on your tribe's policies. Use feeding troughs to keep the dinosaurs fed and healthy, reducing the need for individual feeding.

Common mistakes to avoid include poor resource allocation, lack of communication, and insufficient preparation. For example, running out of narcotics mid-tame can lead to the dinosaur waking up and attacking. To prevent this, always stockpile more supplies than you think you'll need. Additionally, avoid taming in dangerous areas without proper protection, as wild creatures or rival tribes can disrupt the process.

Advanced techniques include using taming multipliers to speed up the process, especially on servers with adjusted settings. You can also optimize taming by using Kibble, which is the most effective food for taming most dinosaurs. To produce Kibble, tame and breed creatures like Dodos, Dilos, or Scorpions to collect eggs, then combine them with other ingredients in a Cooking Pot or Industrial Cooker. This method significantly reduces taming time and increases effectiveness.

Resource requirements for a tribe-wide taming system include a steady supply of narcotics, food, and building materials. Prepare by gathering large quantities of Narcoberries, Spoiled Meat, and other ingredients. Build multiple taming pens and storage areas to accommodate different dinosaur sizes and types. Ensure that your base is well-defended to protect your tamed creatures from raids or wild attacks.

In solo play, the process is similar but requires more individual effort. Focus on taming smaller, easier-to-manage dinosaurs first, and gradually work your way up to larger creatures. Use taming pens and stockpile resources to minimize risks.

Specific examples include taming a high-level Rex for combat or a high-level Ankylosaurus for resource gathering. For a Rex, use a large taming pen and Tranquilizer Arrows to knock it out, then feed it Prime Meat or Kibble. For an Ankylosaurus, use a smaller pen and feed it Mejoberries or Kibble. Both dinosaurs require careful monitoring of torpor and health during the taming process.

In conclusion, a tribe-wide taming system in ARK: Survival Evolved requires organization, communication, and resource management. By assigning roles, creating centralized taming areas, and using effective taming methods, your tribe can efficiently tame and manage dinosaurs. Avoid common mistakes, optimize your process with advanced techniques, and prepare thoroughly to ensure success. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you build a powerful and efficient taming system.