ARK Taming Guide & Calculators

Last Updated: September 12, 2025

Master the art of taming in ARK Survival Ascended. From basic mechanics to advanced strategies, plus links to the best taming calculators to ensure perfect tames every time.

📱 Recommended Taming Calculators

Dododex ⭐

Most popular taming calculator with mobile apps

• Taming times & resources
• Knockout strategies
• Breeding timers
• Tips from community

A-Calc

Comprehensive ARK companion with extra tools

• Detailed taming info
• Engram planner
• Admin commands
• Breeding calculator

ARK Unity

Modern calculators with ASA support

• KO/torpor math by weapon/quality
• Taming time & food by rates
• Breeding and stat tools

Need deep mechanics? See the ARK Community Wiki – Taming.

We'll be developing our own integrated calculator soon!

🎯 Taming Basics - How It Works

The Two Main Taming Methods:

🥕 Passive Taming

Feed creatures without knocking them out

• Approach carefully
• Put food in last hotbar slot
• Feed when prompted
• Wait between feedings

Examples: Otter, Gigantopithecus, Diplodocus

💤 Knockout Taming

Render unconscious then feed

• Use tranq arrows/darts (see arrows vs. darts timing below)
• Monitor torpor levels
• Place food in inventory
• Keep unconscious with narcotics

Examples: Rex, Argentavis, Most creatures

Understanding Taming Effectiveness (TE):

Taming Effectiveness Formula: Bonus Levels = Wild Level × TE ÷ 2

Example: A level 150 creature with 99.9% TE gains 74 bonus levels (150 × 0.999 ÷ 2 = 74.9, rounded down)

This makes it level 224 (150 + 74). Maximum TE is 99.9%, not 100%.

Note: Non “eat-to-tame” methods (e.g., Troodon sacrifices) can effectively show 100% because they don’t use food ticks.

🏹 Knockout Weapons & Tools

Different weapons for different situations. Choose wisely!

Weapon	Base Torpor*	Damage	Best For	Level Req
Slingshot	~14	Low	Early game, small creatures	5
Bow + Tranq Arrow	~40 instant ~50 over time	Medium	Most creatures	21
Crossbow + Tranq Arrow	~70 instant ~87 over time	Medium	Tougher creatures	25
Longneck + Tranq Dart	130+	Low	High-level/big creatures	35
Shocking Tranq Dart	400+	Very Low	Gigas, Titans	96

*Values are approximate. Exact torpor depends on weapon quality, headshot multipliers, and recent patches. Use a calculator for ASA‑accurate numbers.

Arrows vs. Darts: Tranq arrows stack their over‑time torpor, so you can keep a steady cadence. Tranq darts do not stack—fire again only after ~5 seconds or you’ll reset the torpor‑over‑time and waste potency.

Additional KO Tools

Harpoon Launcher + Tranq Spear Bolt: Great underwater; high torpor per bolt.
Electric Prod: Very high single‑hit torpor; short reach and single‑use until recharged.
Net Projectile: Immobilizes many mid‑size creatures (map/creature limits apply). Use to set up safe headshots.

🍖 Food Preferences & Taming Speed

Using preferred food dramatically reduces taming time and improves effectiveness!

Carnivore Preferences (Best to Worst):

Kibble (preferred tier): Fastest, best TE
Raw Mutton: From Ovis, excellent option
Raw Prime Meat: From larger creatures
Cooked Lamb Chop: Cooked mutton
Raw Meat: Basic option

Herbivore Preferences (Best to Worst):

Kibble (by Tier): Best overall (Basic → Extraordinary)
Vegetables: Crops grown in plots
Mejoberries: Purple berries
Other Berries: Varying effectiveness

🥚 About Kibble:

ASA uses six kibble tiers (Basic, Simple, Regular, Superior, Exceptional, Extraordinary). Creatures prefer a tier rather than species‑specific kibble—check your species’ preferred tier.

• Basic Kibble: Dilo, Dodo, Lystro eggs
• Simple Kibble: Gallimimus, Parasaur eggs
• Regular Kibble: Ankylo, Carno eggs
• Superior Kibble: Argentavis, Spino eggs
• Exceptional Kibble: Rex, Theri eggs
• Extraordinary Kibble: Special eggs

Tip: Some ASA eggs craft kibble that currently has no preferred species—stick to the published preferred tiers.

🎮 Pro Taming Strategies

Essential Taming Tips:

1. Build Taming Pens

Stone or metal structures to trap creatures safely. Use doorframes for shooting through!

2. Use Taming Effectiveness Boosters

ARK Mobile only: Soothing Balm. ASA: watch for official event rate boosts and check our live Official Rates before taming.

3. Starve Taming (Optional)

Let hunger drop before adding food. Same result but safer if something goes wrong.

4. Net and Trap Smart

Net Projectiles immobilize many mid‑size creatures (not all maps/creatures). Build stone/metal traps for large targets and always test line‑of‑sight.

5. Protect Your Tame

Build spike walls or have tribe members guard. One carnivore bite can ruin TE!

6. Prepare Extra Resources

Always bring 50% more narcotics and food than calculated. Better safe than sorry!

⚡ Special Taming Methods

Some creatures require unique approaches. This list includes ASA‑specific tames introduced since launch:

🦈 Shastasaurus (The Center)

Lure to the surface using an Ichthyosaurus (a small “school” helps). Use a Sickle to remove leeches during the mini‑game, then feed kibble; repeat until tamed.

🌿 Oasisaur (Scorched Earth/Bob’s Tall Tales)

Trigger and defend the death‑essence event around the Oasis; complete the phase to enable feeding and tame progression.

🪶 Gigantoraptor

Use egg‑distraction and care interactions with juveniles; complete the “nursery” loop to build taming.

🦂 Fasolasuchus (Scorched Earth)

Use explosives/clever traps to open KO windows safely; very high damage—trap first, then apply torpor.

🪽 Yi Ling

Disorient mid‑dive (e.g., Plant Species Z Fruit), then KO and feed; agile and evasive.

🦕 Dreadnoughtus (Extinction)

Multi‑phase tame tied to world events/encounters; heavy prep required and long duration.

🦈 Carcharodontosaurus

Build “friendship” by feeding corpses, then ride to continue kill‑chain taming until completion.

🦅 Quetzal

Use grappling hooks or another Quetz with platform saddle. They never land!

🦖 Giganotosaurus

Metal trap required. Use shocking tranq darts. Prepare for long tame!

🔥 Phoenix

Only during heat waves on Scorched Earth. Feed flame arrows or fire wyvern breath!

🌊 Basilosaurus

Passive tame in deep ocean. Clear mantas first. Feed from safe distance!

🎭 Troodon

Must sacrifice tamed creatures at night. Higher level sacrifices = faster tame!

📋 Quick Taming Checklist

Essential Items:

☐ Knockout weapon + ammo
☐ Narcotics or Biotoxin
☐ Preferred food (lots!)
☐ Armor for protection
☐ Spike walls or trap

Nice to Have:

☐ Taming calculator app or site
☐ Check Official Rates
☐ Magnifying glass
☐ Preserving salts
☐ Bed for respawn
☐ Friend to help guard