Introduction
The Brontosaurus. Just the name conjures images of immense size, slow-moving power, and the quintessential gentle giant of the prehistoric world. In Ark: Survival Evolved, this magnificent creature lives up to its reputation. It’s a mobile resource gathering station, a formidable transporter of goods, and a symbol of your dominance over the Ark itself. However, acquiring one of these behemoths is no easy feat. It’s a labor-intensive process that demands patience, preparation, and, most importantly, knowledge of its dietary preferences. Choosing the correct taming food is not merely a detail; it’s the cornerstone of successful Brontosaurus acquisition. Using the wrong food, or neglecting this vital aspect, can turn the taming process into a frustratingly long ordeal, significantly decrease the creature’s potential effectiveness, and even result in failure.
This article serves as your comprehensive guide to mastering the art of Brontosaurus taming, with a laser focus on the role of food. We’ll explore the best food options, the strategies for acquiring them, and the overall process of efficiently and effectively bringing one of these magnificent creatures under your command. Prepare to learn everything you need to know to tame your own lumbering titan.
Understanding Brontosaurus Taming Dynamics
Before we dive into the delicious details of taming food, it’s essential to grasp the basic principles of taming within Ark: Survival Evolved. Taming hinges on a concept called Torpor, a state of unconsciousness induced by specific weapons or creatures. As a creature’s Torpor increases, it eventually falls unconscious, entering a state where it can be tamed. While unconscious, the creature’s Taming Meter rises as it consumes the provided food. The more efficient the food, the faster the meter rises.
However, there’s another critical factor at play: Taming Effectiveness. This represents the quality of the taming process. Every time a creature is damaged or its Taming Meter drops due to insufficient food or rising torpor, the Taming Effectiveness decreases. Higher Taming Effectiveness results in a better-tamed creature with superior initial stats, bonus levels, and greater overall potential.
Brontosaurus taming presents a particular challenge. These creatures possess substantial Torpor reserves and incredibly long taming times. This means that neglecting Torpor management or choosing a less-than-ideal food source can dramatically extend the taming process, significantly reduce Taming Effectiveness, and leave you vulnerable to predators or other dangers. Securing the ideal taming food for your Brontosaurus is the most impactful decision that you can make in this process.
Beyond food, keeping the bronto asleep is key. Narcotics and Narcoberries play an essential role here. These items are used to replenish the creature’s Torpor, preventing it from waking up prematurely and undoing all your hard work.
The Top Taming Foods for Brontosaurus
Let’s get to the heart of the matter: what delicacies will tempt a Brontosaurus into joining your tribe? The answer lies in a clear hierarchy of preferred foods, ranging from the absolute best to the merely adequate.
At the pinnacle of the Brontosaurus’ culinary desires lies Superior Kibble. This is, without question, the gold standard for Brontosaurus taming. Superior Kibble offers the highest Taming Effectiveness and the fastest Taming Meter increase of any food option. Using Superior Kibble drastically reduces the taming time, minimizes Torpor drain, and ensures you get the best possible stats on your newly tamed Brontosaurus. However, crafting Superior Kibble requires a complex recipe involving a specific egg, a number of crops, and other rare ingredients. Is it worth the effort? Absolutely. The time saved, the improved stats, and the reduced risk of failure make Superior Kibble an invaluable investment.
If you are not yet able to produce superior kibble, or if you want a more accessible option, then consider using Berries. While not as effective as Kibble, berries are much easier to obtain. Among berries, Mejoberries reign supreme. Mejoberries offer the highest Taming Effectiveness and the fastest Taming Meter increase of all the berry types. They are relatively abundant in most Ark environments and can be easily gathered by hand or with the help of herbivorous dinosaurs. Other berries, such as Amarberries, Azurberries, and Tintoberries, can be used as a last resort, but their Taming Effectiveness is significantly lower. Berries are a practical choice for lower-level players who don’t yet have access to Kibble production or for taming low-level Brontosauruses where maximizing Taming Effectiveness is less crucial.
Preparing for a Brontosaurus Tame
A successful Brontosaurus tame is a carefully orchestrated operation that requires thorough preparation. Before you even set eyes on your future titan, you need to gather the necessary resources and plan your approach.
First and foremost, calculate the quantities of food you’ll need. This will depend on the level of the Brontosaurus you’re targeting. A higher-level Brontosaurus will require significantly more food to tame. Use a taming calculator to get accurate estimates. As for procuring the resources, efficient berry gathering is paramount. Employing herbivorous dinosaurs like the Stegosaurus or Triceratops will exponentially increase your berry yield compared to manual harvesting. Also, amass a substantial stockpile of Narcotics or Narcoberries. These are essential for maintaining the Brontosaurus’s Torpor and preventing it from waking up.
Next, select a suitable location. Open areas with clear visibility are ideal, as they allow you to easily spot and defend against potential threats. It’s also wise to consider building a taming pen. A taming pen is a fenced-in enclosure that will protect the Brontosaurus from predators during the taming process. The pen should be large enough to comfortably accommodate the Brontosaurus and constructed from sturdy materials like stone or metal. A roof can deter fliers from attacking.
A Step-by-Step Taming Process
Now that you’ve gathered your resources and prepared your location, it’s time to embark on the taming process itself.
The first step is to render the Brontosaurus unconscious. This requires the use of tranquilizing weapons, such as Tranq Darts fired from a Longneck Rifle or Tranq Arrows shot from a bow. Aim for the head to maximize Torpor infliction, but be mindful of its surroundings and make sure not to kill it. Kiting the Brontosaurus around terrain features can help you maintain a safe distance while peppering it with tranquilizers.
Once the Brontosaurus is down, the real work begins: maintaining its Torpor. Constantly monitor the Torpor bar and administer Narcotics or Narcoberries as needed to keep it from waking up. Place the taming food in the Brontosaurus’s inventory, and it will automatically begin consuming it. Ensure it has enough food to finish the taming. During this process, your main objective is to prevent interruptions. Stay vigilant for predators that might approach the unconscious Brontosaurus and eliminate them swiftly.
Advanced Taming Strategies
To truly master Brontosaurus taming, consider incorporating these advanced strategies into your repertoire.
Taming calculators are invaluable tools that allow you to estimate taming times and resource requirements based on the creature’s level and the food you’re using. Utilize these calculators to plan your taming expeditions effectively and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Even with the best preparations, unexpected events can occur during the taming process. Be prepared to defend the Brontosaurus from predators, handle player interference, and navigate server issues. Having other dinosaurs on standby can greatly enhance your defensive capabilities.
Keep an eye out for taming events that temporarily increase taming speeds. Taking advantage of these events can significantly reduce the time and resources required to tame a Brontosaurus.
Post-Taming: What To Do With Your New Brontosaurus
Congratulations, you’ve successfully tamed a Brontosaurus! But the journey doesn’t end there. It’s time to train your new companion to maximize its potential. Focus on leveling up its weight to increase its carrying capacity, its health to enhance its survivability, and its stamina to allow it to travel longer distances.
Crafting a Brontosaurus Saddle is essential for riding and controlling your new mount. The saddle is available at a higher level and requires specific resources to craft.
Once saddled, the Brontosaurus becomes an invaluable asset for resource gathering and transport. Its immense carrying capacity and ability to harvest berries efficiently make it perfect for gathering large quantities of materials. It can also transport resources across long distances and can even serve as a mobile base.
Conclusion
Taming a Brontosaurus in Ark: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. The key to success lies in understanding the nuances of the taming process and prioritizing the use of the right food. By choosing Superior Kibble or Mejoberries, preparing your location, and maintaining the Brontosaurus’s Torpor, you can greatly increase your chances of successfully taming one of these magnificent creatures.
So, gather your resources, hone your skills, and embark on your Brontosaurus taming adventure. The reward is a powerful, versatile companion that will significantly enhance your gameplay experience and help you conquer the challenges of the Ark. Good luck, survivor, and may your Brontosaurus always be well-fed!
