Introduction
The vast underwater world of Ark: Survival Evolved holds many secrets and dangers, but also incredible opportunities for advancement. Among the creatures that inhabit these depths, the Ichthyosaurus, often affectionately called “Ichthy,” stands out as a friendly, approachable, and remarkably useful early-game mount. Known for its playful nature and incredible speed in the water, the Ichthyosaurus is a fantastic companion for exploring coral reefs, scavenging for resources, and making quick journeys between locations. Mastering the art of taming this docile creature is an essential step for any survivor looking to conquer the ocean.
Why is taming an Ichthyosaurus so important? Besides the joy of having a friendly companion, these creatures unlock access to a wealth of underwater resources that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to obtain early on. They are incredibly fast, allowing you to outrun many underwater predators and quickly traverse large distances. The Ichthyosaurus is also relatively easy to tame compared to other aquatic creatures, making it an ideal first underwater mount. This guide will cover everything you need to know about successfully taming an Ichthyosaurus in Ark, focusing on the most effective taming foods, proven taming strategies, and the incredible benefits of having a tamed Ichthyosaurus by your side.
Understanding the Ichthyosaurus
Before diving into the taming process, it’s crucial to understand the Ichthyosaurus itself. These dolphin-like creatures are characterized by their streamlined bodies, large eyes, and perpetually smiling faces. They are generally peaceful creatures, often found swimming in groups and showing curiosity towards survivors. You’ll usually find them relatively close to the shore, making them more accessible to new players.
In terms of stats, consider what’s important to you. While the Ichthyosaurus isn’t designed for combat, boosting its health can provide a greater margin of safety. Their impressive speed is, of course, a major draw, and leveling it further will allow you to outpace more dangers. Stamina is crucial for prolonged underwater excursions. Focusing on these three stats will greatly enhance your Ichthyosaurus’s usefulness.
But why spend the effort to tame one? The Ichthyosaurus offers numerous advantages, particularly in the early game. Its primary role is as an early-game underwater explorer. It lets you swiftly travel across the ocean floor to find sunken treasure chests or get to resource nodes faster than swimming. And did we mention that the Ichthyosaurus offers quick transportation? A trained Ichthyosaurus will greatly reduce your travel time between locations on the map, both on and near the coast. The best part is, the Ichthyosaurus is relatively easy to tame.
Preferred Taming Food
The key to a successful tame is understanding the Ichthyosaurus’s dietary preferences. While it will accept a variety of foods, some are significantly more effective than others, drastically reducing the taming time and increasing the Taming Effectiveness bonus (which impacts the creature’s starting stats after taming). Let’s examine the best options:
Basic Kibble
The most effective food for taming an Ichthyosaurus is Basic Kibble. This specially prepared food significantly accelerates the taming process and provides a substantial Taming Effectiveness bonus. To obtain Basic Kibble, you will need to use specific eggs within a cooking pot. These eggs will need to be cooked with fiber, water, mejoberries, and cooked meat.
Cooked Prime Fish Meat
When you cannot obtain Basic Kibble, a good alternative is Cooked Prime Fish Meat. This high-quality food is obtained by cooking Raw Prime Fish Meat, which drops from larger fish like Megalodons, Leedsichthys, or Sabertooth Salmon. While it is more time-consuming to acquire than regular fish meat, the Cooked Prime Fish Meat provides a much better taming rate and effectiveness bonus. Cooking the meat, rather than giving it raw, improves the taming rate.
Raw Prime Fish Meat
If Cooked Prime Fish Meat isn’t available, use Raw Prime Fish Meat. It offers a good taming rate and effectiveness, better than regular fish meat. However, gathering Prime Fish Meat can be risky, as the creatures that drop it are often aggressive.
Cooked Fish Meat
Cooked Fish Meat is a decent food for taming Ichthyosaurus, especially if you are short on the higher tier items. To create this, you simply need to cook Raw Fish Meat over a fire or in an industrial grill. This requires wood or other fuels to power the grill.
Raw Fish Meat
Finally, the least effective food option is Raw Fish Meat. While the Ichthyosaurus will eat it, the taming process will be significantly longer and the Taming Effectiveness bonus will be minimal. This is generally only used as a last resort if no other food options are available.
Therefore, when setting out to tame an Ichthyosaurus, prioritize obtaining Basic Kibble or Cooked Prime Fish Meat. If those aren’t feasible, Raw Prime Fish Meat is your next best bet. Reserve Cooked Fish Meat and Raw Fish Meat for situations where you have no other choice.
Taming Strategies
Now that you know what to feed your future Ichthyosaurus, let’s discuss the actual taming process.
Pre Taming Preparations
Before you even approach an Ichthyosaurus, proper preparation is essential. Gather sufficient quantities of your chosen taming food. Also, bring along Narcoberries or Narcotics to maintain the Ichthyosaurus’s torpor throughout the taming process. It’s also a good idea to scout the area where you plan to tame, eliminating any potential threats beforehand.
Locating an Ichthyosaurus
The Ichthyosaurus typically spawns near the shorelines of the island, often in groups. Scan the shallows and coral reefs for their distinctive shape and playful movements. They are generally curious and will approach you, which makes them easy to spot.
The Taming Process
Once you’ve located a suitable Ichthyosaurus, approach it cautiously. Do not attack it, as this will obviously make it flee. Instead, swim up and press the “use” key to feed it. As it eats, its torpor will increase. Monitor the torpor bar closely and feed it Narcoberries or Narcotics as needed to keep it unconscious. Continue feeding the Ichthyosaurus until the taming meter fills completely.
While taming, keep an eye out for other aggressive creatures that may wander into the area. Megalodons, Mantas, and even Baryonyx can pose a threat. Try to keep the taming process as quick as possible to minimize the risk of interference.
Avoiding Common Taming Mistakes
During this process, make sure to avoid common taming mistakes. Never let the Ichthyosaurus’s torpor drop to zero, or it will wake up, resetting the taming progress. Be careful not to accidentally attack the Ichthyosaurus while feeding it, as this will anger it and make it flee. Also, avoid taming in areas with high concentrations of predators or environmental hazards.
Post Taming
Once the taming meter is full, the Ichthyosaurus will become yours. Claim it by interacting with it and giving it a name. Now, it is crucial to ensure its well-being. Initially, focus on providing it with a steady supply of food. Fish Meat is readily available and will help it recover its health and stamina.
Initial Care and Leveling
As your Ichthyosaurus levels up, strategically allocate its stat points. Increasing its speed will further enhance its already impressive swimming capabilities. Boosting its stamina will allow for longer underwater excursions. Adding points to its health will improve its survivability in case of encounters with aggressive creatures.
Using Your Ichthyosaurus
Once tamed, your Ichthyosaurus becomes an invaluable asset. Use it to explore the underwater world, discovering hidden caves and resource deposits. Its speed and maneuverability make it ideal for navigating treacherous currents and avoiding danger. The Ichthyosaurus can also be used to quickly transport resources and supplies between coastal locations.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
While combat is not its strong suit, the Ichthyosaurus can be equipped with a saddle to provide some protection and stability for its rider. With a saddle, the Ichthyosaurus can effectively be used in battle. The Ichthyosaurus can be equipped with a rider that can use spears, crossbows, or other underwater weapons.
Furthermore, experienced players can use Ichthyosaurus for exploring underwater caves. It’s fast and its size lets it enter caves that might be difficult for bigger water creatures.
Conclusion
Taming an Ichthyosaurus in Ark: Survival Evolved is a rewarding experience that unlocks a world of opportunities. Its speed, agility, and friendly nature make it an ideal early-game mount for exploring the ocean depths and gathering valuable resources. By understanding its dietary preferences, employing effective taming strategies, and providing proper care after taming, you can add this amazing creature to your arsenal and take your underwater adventures to the next level. So, gather your supplies, head to the shoreline, and prepare to tame your very own Ichthyosaurus. What other creatures will you tame next?
