Taming in Ark: Survival Evolved is the core loop that transforms the game from a brutal struggle against dinosaurs into a dynamic partnership. It is the process by which a player subdues a wild creature and establishes a bond, allowing them to command it and unlock its genetic potential. This intricate system is far more than just knocking out an animal; it is a calculated process of preparation, patience, and resource management that defines the progression of every player.
Foundations of the Bond
Before any creature can be ridden, it must first be rendered unconscious. This initial step requires careful planning, as the wrong weapon can kill the target, wasting valuable resources. Once incapacitated, the real work begins with feeding. Every tamed creature has a preferred food, such as berries for herbivores or raw meat for carnivores, which nourishes a stat called Torpor.
Torpor is a hidden meter that dictates consciousness; as it depletes, the creature wakes up. If it reaches zero before the process is complete, the creature dies, resulting in a significant loss of time and materials. Therefore, maintaining this fragile state is the primary challenge of the early taming phase, requiring constant vigilance and timely refeeds.
Advanced Mechanics and Imprinting
As the creature’s health and Torpor stabilize, the focus shifts to quality. Taming effectiveness is determined by a creature’s Taming Effectiveness, which caps at 100% but can be increased through the use of Kibble. This mechanic allows players to drastically reduce the time and food required, making the process more efficient.
Crucially, every tamed creature inherits a set of random mutations from its parents, a process known as Imprinting. If the creature was imprinted upon by the player—requiring the feeding of specific items like Rare Flowers or Mejo Berries—it receives a permanent bonus to a specific stat. This genetic lottery is the primary method for breeding generations of super creatures with maximized damage, health, or speed.
Tools of the Trade
Efficiency is key to surviving the lengthy taming process, and players utilize specific tools to expedite the bond. The most common device is the bola, a throwing weapon that tangles the legs of a target, preventing it from moving or attacking. This allows a player to safely land hits and feed without retaliation, although it wears off after a short duration.
For more aggressive scenarios, the use of a flying mount or a shield-bearing companion is essential. Creatures like the Argentavis or Pteranodon provide the aerial dominance needed to keep threats at bay while focusing on the taming process. Additionally, the use of a structure like a behemoth gate can trap a large target, turning a dangerous wild into a stationary food bowl.
The Long Game: Structures and Strategy
For the most formidable beasts, such as the Tyrannosaurus or the Brontosaurus, primitive methods are insufficient. Players must construct dedicated taming structures to manage the risk. A taming pen, built with high-tier materials like metal, provides a secure enclosure where a player can safely corner a creature and repeatedly strike it with tranq arrows or shock arrows until it is unconscious.
Inside these pens, players utilize troughs filled with the appropriate kibble or food to maintain the Torpor bar without needing to get close. This method minimizes damage, prevents escape, and allows for the application of narcotics like narcoberries or tek stimulants to counteract the natural regeneration of Torpor, ensuring the creature stays down for the count.
Strategic Considerations and Utility
Taming is not merely about collecting pets; it is a strategic decision that dictates survival. A creature’s primary utility is often its stamina, which governs how long it can sprint or perform actions. Creatures like the Ichthyosaur are invaluable for this reason, acting as oxygen tanks that allow players to explore the depths of the ocean without drowning.
