ARK Taming Guide & Calculators
Last Updated: June 2025Master 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
We'll be developing our own integrated calculator soon!
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
- • 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%.
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 |
*Torpor values are approximate. Tranq arrows deal 200% weapon damage as instant torpor + 250% over 4 seconds. Actual values vary by weapon quality.
Using preferred food dramatically reduces taming time and improves effectiveness!
Carnivore Preferences (Best to Worst):
- Kibble (Exceptional): 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 (Species-specific): Always best
- Vegetables: Crops grown in plots
- Mejoberries: Purple berries
- Other Berries: Varying effectiveness
🥚 About Kibble:
Kibble is made from eggs, fiber, and other ingredients. Each creature prefers a specific kibble type:
- • 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
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
Soothing Balm (Mobile) or wait for 2x taming events for easier high-level tames.
3. Starve Taming (Optional)
Let hunger drop before adding food. Same result but safer if something goes wrong.
4. Protect Your Tame
Build spike walls or have tribe members guard. One carnivore bite can ruin TE!
5. Prepare Extra Resources
Always bring 50% more narcotics and food than calculated. Better safe than sorry!
Some creatures require unique approaches:
🦅 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
- ☐ Magnifying glass
- ☐ Preserving salts
- ☐ Bed for respawn
- ☐ Friend to help guard