Taming A Spinosaurus In ARK: Survival Evolved - A Comprehensive Guide

So, you're wondering if you can tame a Spinosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved? The answer is a resounding yes! But, let's be real, it's not exactly a walk in the park. Spinos are among the most formidable creatures you'll encounter in the game, boasting impressive size, strength, and a serious attitude. Taming one requires careful planning, the right resources, and a healthy dose of patience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to add one of these awesome dinos to your ARK team.

Preparing for the Tame: What You'll Need

Before you even think about approaching a Spino, you need to be prepared. This isn't a tame you can just wing. Trust me, you'll want to gather all your supplies and strategize your approach. The more prepared you are, the higher your chances of success. Here's a rundown of the essential items:

• Taming Weaponry: You'll need a ranged weapon to inflict torpor on the Spino. A high-quality bow or crossbow is your best bet, paired with tranquilizer arrows or darts. The higher the weapon's damage, the fewer shots you'll need, and the lower the risk of accidentally killing the Spino. Consider using a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts for increased range and accuracy. Remember to bring plenty of ammo! Running out mid-tame is a surefire recipe for disaster.
• Taming Food: Spinosaurus have favorite foods that dramatically increase taming effectiveness. Superior Kibble is the top choice, offering the fastest and most efficient taming process. If you don't have access to Superior Kibble, raw prime meat is a decent alternative, though it will take significantly longer. Be sure to have enough to last the entire taming process, as letting the Spino's torpor drop too low can cause it to wake up and potentially become aggressive again. Pro tip: keep the taming food in a preserving bin or refrigerator to prevent spoiling.
• Torpor-Inducing Ammunition: Tranquilizer arrows or darts are crucial for knocking out the Spino without killing it. The amount you'll need depends on the Spino's level and your weapon's damage. Always err on the side of caution and bring more than you think you'll need. Running out of tranq ammo is one of the most common reasons for failed tames. Keep an eye on the Spino's torpor level and be prepared to administer more as needed. Crafting narcotics can help replenish your supply of tranq ammo during the taming process.
• Protection and Gear: Spinosaurus are dangerous creatures, so you'll want to protect yourself from their attacks. A full set of armor is essential, preferably made of metal or better materials. Consider bringing a shield to block incoming attacks while you're administering tranquilizers. It's also wise to have a reliable mount, such as a Raptor or Terror Bird, to help you escape if things get dicey. Bring healing items like medical brews or cooked meat to recover from any damage you sustain. Additionally, consider using ghillie armor to reduce your visibility and make it harder for the Spino to detect you.
• Taming Pen/Trap: Building a taming pen or trap can make the taming process much safer and easier. A simple pen made of stone or metal walls can prevent the Spino from wandering off or attacking you while you're administering tranquilizers. There are many different designs you can use, but the basic idea is to create an enclosed area that the Spino can enter but not easily escape. Consider using a gate to lure the Spino into the pen and then closing it behind them. Be sure to build the pen in a location that is relatively safe from other predators.

Finding a Spinosaurus: Location, Location, Location

Spinosaurus are not the most common creatures in ARK, so finding one can sometimes be a challenge. They typically spawn near water sources, such as rivers, lakes, and swamps. Here are some specific locations where you're more likely to encounter them:

• The Island: Look along the central and western rivers, as well as the swampy areas in the southeast.
• Scorched Earth: Check the oasis areas and the river that runs through the map.
• Aberration: Spinosaurus can be found in the bioluminescent and fertile zones, near water sources.
• Extinction: Explore the sunken forest and the snow biome near water.
• Genesis: Part 1: They can be found in the ocean biome, particularly near the volcanic areas.
• Genesis: Part 2: Check the Rockwell's garden area, near the water.

When searching for a Spino, be aware of your surroundings. These areas are often home to other dangerous creatures, such as Sarcos, Kaprosuchus, and Piranhas. Keep your distance and use a spyglass to identify potential targets before approaching. It's also a good idea to clear out any nearby threats before attempting to tame a Spino.

The Taming Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, you've gathered your supplies, found a Spino, and are ready to start the taming process. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to do:

1. Lure the Spino: Carefully approach the Spino and try to lure it into your taming pen or trap. You can use yourself as bait, but be prepared to run if it starts attacking. Alternatively, you can use a flying mount to lead the Spino to the trap from a safe distance. Once the Spino is inside the pen, quickly close the gate behind it.
2. Administer Tranquilizers: Once the Spino is safely contained, equip your taming weapon and begin administering tranquilizer arrows or darts. Aim for the head for maximum effectiveness, but be careful not to kill the Spino. Keep an eye on its torpor level and adjust your firing rate accordingly. The goal is to keep the Spino's torpor rising without letting its health drop too low.
3. Monitor Torpor and Health: Continuously monitor the Spino's torpor and health levels. If its torpor starts to drop too quickly, administer more tranquilizers. If its health gets too low, stop firing and give it time to recover. You can use a spyglass to check the Spino's stats from a safe distance. Pay attention to the taming effectiveness percentage, which indicates how well the taming process is going. The higher the percentage, the better the final stats of the tamed Spino will be.
4. Feed the Spino: Once the Spino is unconscious, approach it and open its inventory. Place the taming food (Superior Kibble or raw prime meat) into its inventory. The Spino will automatically consume the food as it gets hungry. Keep an eye on its food level and add more food as needed. Do not let the Spino run out of food during the taming process, as this can cause it to lose torpor and potentially wake up.
5. Protect the Taming Process: While the Spino is unconscious and taming, it's vulnerable to attacks from other creatures. Stay nearby and defend it from any potential threats. Clear out any nearby predators and be prepared to fight off any attackers. You can also build additional defenses around the taming pen to provide extra protection. Consider using a strong mount, such as a Rex or Spino, to guard the taming process.
6. Claim Your Prize: Once the taming process is complete, the Spino will wake up and become your loyal companion. Approach it and claim it as your own. You can then saddle it up and start exploring the ARK together. Be sure to level up its stats and teach it new commands to make it an even more powerful and versatile mount.

Tips and Tricks for Taming Success

• Use a Taming Calculator: There are many online taming calculators that can help you estimate the number of tranquilizers and taming food you'll need for a specific Spino level. These calculators can save you time and resources by providing accurate estimates and preventing you from running out of essential supplies.
• Clear the Area: Before starting the taming process, clear out any nearby predators that could interfere. This will help ensure the safety of the unconscious Spino and prevent any unwanted interruptions.
• Use Narcotics or Narcoberries: If you run low on tranquilizer arrows or darts, you can use narcotics or narcoberries to replenish the Spino's torpor. These items are less effective than tranquilizers, but they can help keep the Spino unconscious in a pinch.
• Tame in a Safe Location: Choose a taming location that is relatively safe from other creatures and players. Remote areas or enclosed spaces are ideal for taming Spinosaurus.
• Be Patient: Taming a Spinosaurus can take a significant amount of time, so be patient and don't rush the process. Monitor the Spino's stats and adjust your strategy as needed.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your New Spino!

So there you have it! Taming a Spinosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding experience. With the right preparation, strategy, and a little bit of luck, you can add one of these magnificent creatures to your ARK team. Good luck, and happy taming!