Introduction
The Spinosaurus, often lovingly nicknamed the Spino by dedicated survivors, stands as a magnificent and formidable apex predator within the diverse ecosystem of ARK: Survival Evolved. Renowned for its distinctive sail, impressive size, and unparalleled amphibious capabilities, the Spino has captured the hearts and loyalty of countless players, solidifying its position as a sought-after tame. Its raw power, combined with its proficiency in both terrestrial and aquatic environments, makes it an invaluable asset for exploration, combat, and resource gathering. However, acquiring this formidable beast requires more than just brute force; it demands strategic planning, careful execution, and, most importantly, the right ARK Spino taming food.
This article serves as your comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of Spino taming. We will delve into the Spino’s behavior, its habitat, and the most effective taming methods, with a particular emphasis on the vital role of food. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of ARK, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies necessary to successfully tame your very own Spino and unlock its immense potential. Understanding how food impacts the taming process is crucial for efficiency and success. Using the right ARK Spino taming food will not only expedite the process but also ensure that your newly acquired Spino boasts superior stats, making it an even more formidable companion. The higher the taming effectiveness, the more bonus levels your Spino will receive post-tame, significantly boosting its health, stamina, damage, and more.
Understanding Spino Taming: A Necessary Prelude
Before embarking on your Spino taming adventure, it is essential to understand its behavior, habitat, and the intricacies of the taming process. This knowledge will significantly increase your chances of success and minimize the risks involved.
The Spinosaurus typically frequents areas near water sources, such as rivers, lakes, and swamps. Keep in mind these powerful creatures can be found on various maps within the ARK universe, including The Island, Scorched Earth, Extinction, and more. Checking community resources or using map overlays can pinpoint Spino hotspots, increasing the efficiency of your hunt. Spinos are inherently aggressive and will not hesitate to attack any creature that encroaches on their territory. This makes them a formidable opponent, even for well-equipped survivors. Approach with caution, and always be prepared for a fight.
There are various taming strategies you can employ, ranging from simple to complex. A common method involves constructing a trap using stone or metal structures. This allows you to lure the Spino into a confined space, rendering it vulnerable to tranquilization. Another technique involves kiting the Spino away from other hostile creatures, creating an opportunity to tranquilize it from a safe distance. Regardless of the method you choose, prioritizing safety is paramount. Always be aware of your surroundings and have an escape route planned in case things go awry. Remember, using the correct ARK Spino taming food is only one piece of the puzzle.
Taming effectiveness is directly influenced by the food you provide. Different foods have varying taming values, which determine how quickly the taming bar progresses and how many bonus levels the Spino will receive after being tamed. ARK Spino taming food comes in a hierarchy, with some options being far superior to others. Using the appropriate food will significantly reduce the taming time and increase the likelihood of acquiring a Spino with exceptional stats.
The Best Taming Foods for Spinos: A Tiered Approach
Selecting the right ARK Spino taming food is arguably the most critical aspect of the entire taming process. Let’s explore the optimal food choices, starting with the best and working our way down.
Exceptional Kibble
Exceptional Kibble reigns supreme as the undisputed champion of Spino taming. This specialized food offers the highest taming value, resulting in the fastest taming times and the greatest potential for bonus levels. While the precise formula may vary depending on specific ARK installations, the primary components typically involve ingredients such as a Special Egg (often from a Yutyrannus or similar creature), a large quantity of Fiber, a single Rare Flower, Sap, and other common resources.
Pros: Exceptional Kibble dramatically reduces taming time, allowing you to quickly acquire your Spino and minimize exposure to danger. It also maximizes taming effectiveness, ensuring that your Spino receives the highest possible bonus levels upon completion of the taming process.
Cons: Obtaining the necessary ingredients can be a time-consuming and challenging endeavor. Special Eggs, in particular, can be difficult to acquire, as they require a high-level female creature and a suitable environment for laying.
Raw Prime Meat
Raw Prime Meat presents a viable alternative to Exceptional Kibble, although it is less efficient overall. Raw Prime Meat can be harvested from various creatures, including Tyrannosaurus Rexes, Carnotaurus, and Megalodons. Harvesting with a metal hatchet or chainsaw can increase the yield of Prime Meat.
Pros: Raw Prime Meat is generally easier to obtain than Exceptional Kibble. While it still requires some effort to hunt down suitable creatures, it is less resource-intensive than crafting Kibble.
Cons: Taming with Raw Prime Meat takes significantly longer than with Exceptional Kibble, increasing your exposure to potential threats. It also results in lower taming effectiveness, meaning your Spino will receive fewer bonus levels.
Raw Meat
Raw Meat represents a last resort option when neither Exceptional Kibble nor Raw Prime Meat are available. While it is readily accessible from a wide variety of creatures, its taming value is extremely low, making it a highly inefficient choice for taming a Spino.
Pros: Raw Meat is abundant and easily obtainable. It can be acquired from virtually any creature, making it a convenient option in a pinch.
Cons: Taming with Raw Meat is incredibly slow, extending the taming process significantly and increasing your risk of being attacked. It also results in a drastic reduction in taming effectiveness, leading to a Spino with significantly lower stats. This ARK Spino taming food option should only be used in the direst of circumstances.
Understanding the Spino’s food consumption rate is also important. Higher-level Spinos, in particular, may require a substantial amount of food to complete the taming process. Keep a generous supply of your chosen ARK Spino taming food on hand to ensure that the taming bar progresses smoothly and that the Spino does not lose progress due to starvation.
Factors Affecting Taming Speed and Effectiveness
Several factors can influence the speed and effectiveness of your Spino taming endeavor. Being aware of these factors and taking appropriate measures can significantly improve your chances of success.
Server taming multipliers play a significant role in determining the taming speed. Servers with higher taming multipliers will tame creatures faster, requiring less food and narcotics. Consult your server’s configuration to determine the specific taming multiplier and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Taming interruptions can completely reset the taming progress, wasting valuable resources and time. Any form of attack or disturbance, such as being hit by another creature or being startled by a loud noise, can interrupt the taming process and force you to start over. To prevent interruptions, create a safe and secure taming environment.
Maintaining unconsciousness throughout the taming process is crucial. Spinos, like other creatures, will regain consciousness over time, requiring you to administer narcotics to keep them sedated. The quantity of narcotics required will depend on the Spino’s level and the length of the taming process. Narcoberries and Bio Toxin are options, but Bio Toxin is generally more efficient.
A Step-by-Step Taming Guide for Spinos
Now, let’s put all of this information together into a practical, step-by-step guide to taming your own Spino.
First, meticulous preparation is essential. Gather an ample supply of your chosen ARK Spino taming food, a sufficient quantity of narcotics, and the necessary materials for constructing a trap. Select a suitable location for taming, preferably near a water source but away from other hostile creatures. Craft any necessary equipment, such as a ranged weapon for tranquilizing the Spino and building materials for the trap.
Second, commence the Taming Process. Lure the Spino into your trap using bait or by simply provoking it to follow you. Once the Spino is securely confined, begin tranquilizing it with tranq darts or arrows. Administer narcotics as needed to keep the Spino unconscious. Regularly monitor the taming progress bar and the Spino’s torpor level, adding ARK Spino taming food and narcotics as needed to maintain progress.
Finally, Post-Taming actions are necessary. Once the taming bar reaches completion, the Spino will become yours. Claim it, equip it with a saddle, and begin leveling up its stats. Focus on health, stamina, and melee damage to create a powerful and versatile companion.
Advanced Taming Tips and Tricks
Elevate your taming game with these advanced tips and tricks.
Consider using a specifically designed taming pen or trap. These structures can provide a safer and more efficient environment for taming Spinos, minimizing the risk of interruptions and maximizing your chances of success. Many designs are readily available online, often including gates and ramps to facilitate luring the Spino inside.
A high-level character with maxed-out stats, especially crafting skill, can significantly reduce the time and resources required for taming. Increased crafting skill can yield more resources from harvests, allowing for efficient trap building and kibble crafting.
Pre-taming buffs, such as Sweet Vegetable Cake to distract wild creatures, can create a safer taming environment.
Taming Spinos in dangerous areas requires careful planning and execution. Using guard dinos, such as Carnos or Raptors, can provide a protective perimeter, deterring hostile creatures from interfering with the taming process.
Dealing with taming bugs and glitches can be frustrating but is often unavoidable. Researching common taming issues and troubleshooting techniques can help you resolve problems quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
Taming a Spinosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but ultimately rewarding endeavor. By understanding the Spino’s behavior, selecting the appropriate ARK Spino taming food, and employing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember that preparation, patience, and a bit of luck are essential ingredients for a successful Spino taming adventure. So gather your resources, hone your skills, and embark on the quest to tame the terror! The power and versatility of a well-tamed Spino are well worth the effort.