Introduction
The underwater world of ARK: Survival Evolved holds many secrets and challenges, and one of the most rewarding experiences is taming the graceful Manta Ray. These gentle giants of the deep ocean offer unparalleled underwater mobility, combat assistance, and a unique connection to the aquatic realm. Successfully taming a Manta Ray, however, requires more than just bravery; it demands a solid understanding of their preferred diet. Choosing the correct tame food significantly impacts the speed and efficiency of the taming process, and ultimately, the quality of the Manta you’ll add to your aquatic arsenal. This guide will delve into the intricacies of Manta Ray taming, focusing on the optimal food choices and strategies to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience.
Understanding the Manta Ray Taming Process
Taming a Manta Ray in ARK is a unique experience, employing a passive taming method. Unlike creatures that require incapacitation through knock-out methods, Manta Rays are tamed through consistent, gentle feeding. This means approaching the Manta Ray in its natural habitat and offering it the food it desires. This can be a challenging process, particularly due to the environment.
The depths of the ocean present a few obstacles. First, oxygen is a limiting factor. Explorers venturing beneath the waves must consider the length of their dive and prepare accordingly to survive. Breathing equipment is vital for longer explorations. Secondly, the ocean is riddled with dangers. Aggressive creatures like Megalodons, Electrophorus (Eels), and Cnidaria (Jellyfish) can quickly ruin your taming attempt. Keeping your wits about you is crucial for survival.
Taming Effectiveness is another key aspect of the taming system. It refers to how much of the creature’s maximum potential is attained during the taming. Each time you successfully feed the Manta Ray, its taming meter increases. However, if the Manta is harmed during the taming process, either by you, another creature, or the environment, the taming effectiveness will decrease. A high taming effectiveness is crucial because it directly affects the number of bonus levels the creature gains after being successfully tamed, meaning it can greatly impact the creature’s max stats. For this reason, you should protect the creature at all cost during the taming process.
Optimal Tame Food: A Detailed Breakdown
The food you choose to offer a Manta Ray will directly impact the taming speed and the overall effectiveness of the taming process. Let’s explore the best options available. The best choice is the one that offers the best combination of taming speed and ease of aquisition, but sometimes compromises have to be made.
Superior Kibble is the gold standard for taming Manta Rays. This crafted food provides the fastest taming time and the highest taming effectiveness bonus, leading to a Manta Ray with the best possible stats. Crafting Superior Kibble, however, is no easy feat. The recipe typically involves a Large Egg, Cooked Prime Meat Jerky, a Savoroot, a Rare Mushroom, Sap, and Fiber. Sourcing all these ingredients can take time and require expeditions to various regions of the ARK map. The ingredients may not be difficult to obtain on their own, but they can be tedious to gather in large quantities.
Raw Mutton is an excellent alternative to Superior Kibble. While it doesn’t offer quite the same level of taming effectiveness, it provides a significant boost to the taming process compared to other raw meats. Raw Mutton is obtained by harvesting the corpses of Ovis, which are typically found in mountainous regions. While Ovis aren’t particularly difficult to kill, they can be hard to locate consistently. Securing a reliable source of Raw Mutton requires some exploration and potentially setting up a base near Ovis spawn locations.
Raw Prime Meat is another viable option, especially in situations where Superior Kibble or Raw Mutton are unavailable. Raw Prime Meat provides a decent taming effectiveness bonus and tames the Manta Ray more quickly than standard raw meat. It’s harvested from larger creatures like the Carnotaurus, Argentavis, or Megalodon. Acquiring Raw Prime Meat can be dangerous, requiring skillful combat and potentially risking your life. Raw Prime Meat also spoils relatively quickly, so it needs to be used promptly or preserved.
Raw Fish Meat, while being the lowest option, is a perfectly acceptable choice if others are too expensive or hard to obtain. It can be obtained from any fish by killing them. The most common choices for this task are the Salmon because they spawn in abundance and Piranhas due to their ease of killing.
When selecting your tame food, consider these factors, such as the availability of resources, the time you’re willing to invest in gathering them, and the desired quality of the tamed Manta Ray.
The Taming Strategy: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you understand the importance of food, here’s a step-by-step guide to the taming process:
Preparation is key. Before venturing into the deep, gather the necessary equipment. SCUBA gear is essential for extended underwater exploration. A Ghillie Suit can help you blend into the environment, reducing the chances of spooking the Manta Ray or attracting unwanted attention from predators. Carry a strong weapon, such as a crossbow or harpoon launcher, to defend yourself against hostile creatures. Clear the immediate area of any potential threats. Eliminate any aggressive fish or other creatures that could interfere with the taming process. Preparing the chosen food in advance will save you valuable time and reduce your exposure underwater.
Approaching the Manta Ray cautiously is paramount. Swim slowly and deliberately, avoiding sudden movements. Keep a safe distance and observe the Manta Ray’s behavior. If it appears agitated or begins to swim away, back off and try again later. Feed the Manta Ray by placing the chosen food in your hotbar and pressing the corresponding key while facing the Manta. Ensure you’re within range and that the Manta Ray is accepting the food. Repeat this process, patiently feeding the Manta Ray at regular intervals. The frequency of feeding will depend on the chosen food and the Manta Ray’s level.
Maintaining the taming process requires vigilance. Pay close attention to the taming meter and ensure it continues to progress. Stay hidden from other creatures and avoid any actions that could scare the Manta Ray. If the Manta Ray swims away or becomes unresponsive, wait patiently and try again later. Manage your oxygen levels carefully. Surface periodically to replenish your oxygen or use oxygen tanks to extend your underwater stay. Keep the Manta Ray in sight at all times. If you lose track of it, it may be difficult to find again.
Sometimes, unexpected challenges arise. Dealing with aggressive creatures requires quick thinking and decisive action. Use your weapon to defend yourself and the Manta Ray. If necessary, retreat to a safer location and regroup. Oxygen management is a constant concern. Be aware of your oxygen levels and surface frequently to avoid drowning. Keeping the Manta Ray in sight can be tricky in murky waters. Use visual cues, such as nearby rocks or coral formations, to help you maintain your bearings. Finally, be aware of potential glitches or bugs. If you encounter any unexpected issues, try restarting the game or seeking help from the ARK community.
Post-Taming: Manta Ray Uses and Care
Once you’ve successfully tamed your Manta Ray, you’ll unlock a wealth of new possibilities. Tamed Manta Rays excel at underwater exploration, allowing you to navigate the depths of the ocean with speed and agility. They are also formidable combatants, capable of taking on even the most dangerous aquatic creatures. When grouped together, multiple Manta Rays can overwhelm larger enemies. They also serve as a valuable transportation method, allowing you to quickly traverse large distances underwater.
Unlocking the Manta Ray saddle allows you to ride your tamed Manta Ray. The saddle is unlocked at a relatively low level and provides protection and increased maneuverability. Other useful gear for Manta Ray riders includes torches for illuminating dark areas and harpoon launchers for hunting or defense.
Caring for your Manta Ray involves providing it with a steady supply of food, typically Raw Fish Meat. Protect your Manta Ray from dangers, such as aggressive creatures and environmental hazards. Keeping your Manta Ray safe and well-fed will ensure it remains a valuable asset to your survival efforts.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tame food is crucial for efficiently taming Manta Rays in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each food option, you can tailor your taming strategy to your specific needs and resources. Taming a Manta Ray offers numerous benefits, from enhanced underwater exploration to powerful combat capabilities. So, gather your supplies, prepare your strategy, and dive into the depths to tame your own Manta Ray and unlock the wonders of the ARK’s aquatic realm. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different taming strategies and adapt to the challenges you encounter. With patience and perseverance, you’ll soon be soaring through the ocean on the back of your own tamed Manta Ray! There are many online resources to guide you. Good luck and have fun!
