Taming a Stegosaurus in Ark Survival Evolved is an exciting and rewarding challenge for both new and experienced players. This dinosaur is one of the most useful creatures in the game due to its strong defensive abilities, reliable harvesting skills, and versatility in both combat and resource gathering. Learning how to tame a Stegosaurus properly can greatly improve your survival chances and make gathering materials like berries and thatch much easier. While the process may seem daunting at first, understanding the right strategies, equipment, and timing will make the task manageable and even enjoyable. This guide will provide detailed instructions and tips for taming a Stegosaurus efficiently and safely in Ark.
Understanding the Stegosaurus
The Stegosaurus is a herbivorous dinosaur known for its distinctive plates along its back and spiked tail, which can be used effectively for defense. In Ark, it is highly valued for its resource-gathering capabilities, particularly for berries, thatch, and fiber. Stegosaurus can also serve as a reliable pack animal for carrying materials across long distances. Before attempting to tame one, it’s important to understand its behavior. Wild Stegosaurus are generally passive unless provoked, but they can become aggressive if attacked, so players need to approach with caution.
Where to Find a Stegosaurus
Stegosaurus can be found in various regions depending on the map. They typically inhabit forested areas, grassy plains, and open spaces where they can graze safely. On maps like The Island or Ragnarok, players often encounter Stegosaurus in herds, which can be both an advantage and a challenge. Observing their movements and identifying a target that is slightly separated from the herd makes taming safer and reduces the risk of being attacked by multiple dinosaurs simultaneously.
Preparing for the Tame
Before attempting to tame a Stegosaurus, preparation is key. Players need to gather the right equipment, food, and tools. Stegosaurus can be tamed using both passive and knock-out methods, but the preferred approach depends on your available resources and experience level. Ensuring that you have tranquilizing weapons, saddles, or a safe area to tame is critical to avoid accidental loss or injury to your character.
Essential Taming Equipment
- Tranq Arrows or Darts – used to knock out the Stegosaurus if opting for a knockout tame.
- Bow or Crossbow – essential for delivering tranq arrows at a distance safely.
- Prime Meat or Regular Kibble – the preferred food for increasing taming efficiency.
- Club or Slingshot – for passive taming if you plan to feed the Stegosaurus without knocking it out.
- Portable Bear Traps or Gates – useful for containing the dinosaur during the taming process.
Step-by-Step Taming Process
Passive Taming Method
Passive taming is a safer method, especially for beginners. It involves feeding the Stegosaurus without rendering it unconscious. To begin, approach the dinosaur slowly without alarming it. Carry the food in your inventory and wait for it to notice you. Drop the food near the dinosaur and retreat slightly, allowing it to come closer and eat. Repeating this process over time will gradually increase the dinosaur’s taming progress. Passive taming has the advantage of avoiding risk from other predators or accidental deaths caused by unconscious taming, but it requires patience and consistent feeding.
Knock-Out Taming Method
The knockout taming method is faster but more dangerous. Start by luring the Stegosaurus away from other predators or aggressive creatures. Using tranq arrows or darts, carefully reduce its health until it becomes unconscious. Once the Stegosaurus is knocked out, access its inventory and place the preferred food inside. Monitoring the torpor level is essential, as it will slowly decrease, and the dinosaur can wake up if not managed properly. Keep narcotics or biotoxin ready to maintain torpor and prevent interruptions in the taming process. This method allows for faster taming and higher control over the dinosaur, especially when feeding kibble for maximum effectiveness.
Feeding and Monitoring
Whether using passive or knockout methods, monitoring the Stegosaurus during taming is crucial. Regularly check its food level and torpor (if applicable). Feeding prime meat or preferred kibble will increase taming efficiency and reduce the time required. Avoid leaving the area unattended, as predators or other players could interrupt the process. The Stegosaurus may take several minutes to several hours to fully tame, depending on the dinosaur’s level and the type of food used.
Post-Taming Care and Usage
Equipping a Saddle
Once tamed, equipping a Stegosaurus with a saddle unlocks its full potential. The saddle allows players to ride the dinosaur, control its movements, and utilize its special attacks. Crafting a Stegosaurus saddle requires materials like hide, fiber, and metal, depending on the blueprint. Riding the Stegosaurus is especially helpful for gathering resources, as its tail swipe efficiently collects berries and thatch from nearby bushes and plants.
Resource Gathering and Combat
Tamed Stegosaurus are versatile creatures. In addition to carrying heavy loads, they are effective in combat against smaller predators. Their spiked tail can deal significant damage while keeping the dinosaur safe from melee attacks. Players often use Stegosaurus for gathering large quantities of berries for kibble production or for farming thatch needed for building structures. Properly leveled and equipped, a Stegosaurus can serve as both a pack mule and a defensive ally during exploration and base building.
Tips for Efficient Taming
- Always tame in a safe location away from predators or hostile players.
- Use the highest quality food available to reduce taming time.
- Consider using multiple Stegosaurus simultaneously for resource efficiency once tamed.
- Keep narcotics or biotoxin handy during knockout taming to maintain torpor.
- Observe herd behavior to pick the easiest target for taming.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many players make mistakes during taming that can lead to losing the dinosaur or wasting resources. Attacking a Stegosaurus directly without planning can trigger aggression from other nearby dinosaurs. Forgetting to monitor torpor levels or leaving the dinosaur unattended during knockout taming can result in it waking up prematurely. Additionally, using the wrong type of food can drastically slow down taming progress. Following proper preparation and consistent monitoring reduces the chances of failure and ensures a smooth taming experience.
Taming a Stegosaurus in Ark Survival Evolved requires preparation, patience, and careful strategy. Understanding the dinosaur’s behavior, choosing the right methodĀpassive or knockoutĀand monitoring food and torpor levels are key steps to success. Once tamed, the Stegosaurus becomes an invaluable companion, capable of gathering resources efficiently, defending against threats, and carrying heavy loads. By following these tips and strategies, players can make the taming process easier and more rewarding, unlocking the full potential of one of Ark’s most iconic herbivorous dinosaurs. Mastering how to tame a Stegosaurus not only enhances gameplay but also enriches the overall survival experience in the dynamic world of Ark.
With these detailed instructions and tips, anyone can approach a wild Stegosaurus with confidence, ensuring that the taming process is safe, efficient, and ultimately successful. Proper preparation, the right equipment, and an understanding of the dinosaur’s habits are the keys to making this process both effective and enjoyable.