Taming dinosaurs in ARK Survival Evolved is one of the most rewarding experiences in the game. Whether you're new to the island or looking to refine your skills, taming is a vital skill that unlocks a world of possibilities. Tamed dinosaurs can gather resources, defend your base, and even help you travel across the expansive environment faster. But where do you start if you're new to this process? That’s what this simple ARK taming guide is all about.

By the end of this post, you'll learn:

• What taming is and why it matters.
• How to prepare for taming.
• The methods involved in taming.
• The best beginner dinosaurs to tame.
• Advanced taming strategies to take your skills to the next level.

Whether you're a beginner or looking for fresh tips, you’ll find everything you need right here.

What is ARK Taming and Why is It Important?

Taming in ARK Survival Evolved is the process of converting wild creatures into loyal companions. These creatures aren’t just for show; they have practical roles. Need a buddy to collect thatch or wood? Tame a dinosaur. Struggling to fend off predators? A tamed raptor or trike could do the trick.

Understanding the basics of taming will not only make the gameplay experience smoother but will also give you the skills you need to thrive in ARK’s dangerous, survival-filled worlds.

Preparing for Taming in ARK

Preparation is key for successful dino taming in ARK. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

1. Gather Resources

• Food: Each dinosaur prefers specific foods. For example, many herbivores prefer berries, while carnivores are partial to raw meat or kibble. Using the correct food improves taming effectiveness.
• Narcotics: To keep dinos unconscious during knockout taming, have narcotics or Narcoberries ready.
• Weapons: You'll need weapons like slingshots, tranq arrows, or darts to knock out dinosaurs.

2. Craft the Right Tools

• Bola: Great for immobilizing smaller or mid-sized dinos.
• Tranquilizer Arrows or Darts: Proper tools for knocking out creatures.
• Taming Trap: Optional but useful for safely containing more dangerous dinos during taming.

3. Choose the Right Location

Look for flat, open terrain with minimal predator activity. This ensures a safer and less chaotic environment for taming.

ARK Taming Methods

There are two main methods for taming dinosaurs in ARK Survival Evolved, each with its own use cases.

Knock-Out Taming

This is the most common taming method:

1. Ensure you’re equipped with tranq darts or arrows.
2. Knock out the dinosaur by reducing its health and torpor (a dino’s unconsciousness meter).
3. Feed it its preferred food while keeping its torpor high with Narcotics or Narcoberries.
4. Be patient; monitor the taming progress and the surroundings until the process is complete.

Passive Taming

Certain creatures can be tamed passively:

1. Approach the creature with its preferred food in your last hotbar slot (e.g., Mejoberries or Kibble).
2. Feed it directly without attacking it. Some creatures may become aggressive if startled, so proceed cautiously.

Best Dinosaurs to Tame for Beginners

Starting with the right creatures will ease you into the taming process while offering practical benefits. Here are a few beginner-friendly choices:

Dodo

• Why? Easy to tame and perfect for gaining experience.
• Tips: Use berries and avoid highly populated predator zones.

Lystrosaurus

• Why? Provides an XP boost for you and nearby tames.
• Tips: Passively tame it with Mejoberries.

Parasaur

• Why? A great first mount and resource gatherer.
• Tips: Use a Bola to immobilize it before knocking it out.

Dilophosaurus

• Why? A great low-level combat companion.
• Tips: Easy to knock out with a slingshot or tranq arrows.

Triceratops

• Why? Excellent for gathering berries and defending small bases.
• Tips: Lead it away from its herd to avoid retaliation.

Advanced Strategies for Taming

Once you’ve mastered the basics, these advanced strategies can help you tackle larger and more challenging dinos.

1. Use Traps

Building a simple taming trap is great when dealing with aggressive or fast-moving dinosaurs. Structures like wooden or stone pen traps will keep them contained while you tame them safely.

2. Bring a Tribe Mate

Playing with friends? Have someone protect you and the dino while taming. A tribe mate can guard the tame from aggressive predators.

3. Prepare a Flying Mount

Using a pterosaur or Argentsavi as a scout can help you find safe taming locations and avoid ambushes.

4. Utilize Advanced Tools

• Use tranquilizer darts for larger creatures, as these inflict high torpor with minimal damage.
• Equip ghillie armor when attempting passive taming on skittish or aggressive creatures.

5. Adjust Server Settings

Many servers offer boosted taming speeds, which make the process faster and more efficient.

6. Breed Dinosaurs

Once you've tamed a few creatures, consider breeding them. Breeding can improve stats and create stronger dinos for specific tasks or battles.

How to Use Taming Calculators for ARK

A taming calculator, like the Simple ARK Taming app, helps optimize your taming process. With features like food quantity and time calculations, knockout details, and kibble recipes, it’s a must-have tool for any ARK player looking to tame dinosaurs effectively.

Your Next Steps in ARK Survival Evolved

Taming creatures in ARK is more than just a survival tactic; it’s a gateway to adventure. From gathering resources to dominating predators, tamed dinos are key to thriving in this challenging yet rewarding game.

Remember:

• Start small, and build your confidence with beginner-friendly dinos.
• Use tools like taming traps and calculators for efficiency.
• Take your skills to the next level with advanced strategies and a little patience.

With these tips, you're ready to conquer the wild world of ARK Survival Evolved. Download the Simple ARK Taming app for detailed taming guidance, food calculations, and knockout details to enhance your dino-taming adventure.

Happy taming, survivor!