ARK Taming Calculator
Calculate exact taming times, food requirements, and torpor needs for any ARK: Survival Evolved creature
Complete ARK Taming Guide
How Taming Works in ARK
Taming in ARK: Survival Evolved involves either knocking out creatures and feeding them while unconscious (knockout taming) or feeding certain creatures whilst they remain conscious (passive taming). The taming process requires careful planning of food types, timing, and resources.
Knockout Taming
Most creatures require knockout taming. Use tranquilliser arrows, darts, or clubs to render the creature unconscious, then feed it whilst monitoring torpor levels.
Passive Taming
Some creatures like the Gigantopithecus can be tamed by approaching carefully and feeding them directly without violence.
Taming Effectiveness
Higher quality food increases taming effectiveness, resulting in more bonus levels after taming. Kibble typically provides the best effectiveness.
Torpor Management
Keep unconscious creatures sedated using narcotics or narcoberries. Monitor their torpor bar to prevent them waking up mid-tame.
Food Types and Effectiveness
Different food types provide varying taming effectiveness and speed. Choose the right food for optimal results:
Kibble
Preferred food for most creatures. Provides maximum taming effectiveness and fastest taming speed.
Raw Mutton
Excellent alternative to kibble for carnivores. High effectiveness and readily available from sheep.
Prime Meat
Good option for carnivores when kibble isn’t available. Spoils quickly, so plan accordingly.
Regular Meat
Basic carnivore food. Lower effectiveness but easily obtained. Takes longer to tame.
Berries
Primary food for herbivores. Mejoberries are preferred by most herbivorous creatures.
Vegetables
Grown crops that some herbivores prefer. Provide good taming effectiveness for plant-eaters.
Knockout Methods and Torpor
Different weapons deliver varying amounts of torpor damage whilst minimising health damage:
- Tranquilliser Arrows: Effective for most creatures, provide good torpor with reasonable damage
- Tranquilliser Darts: Higher torpor per shot, ideal for tougher creatures and high-level tames
- Shocking Tranquilliser Darts: Maximum torpor delivery for massive creatures like Gigas
- Slingshot: Early game option for small creatures, low damage but limited torpor
- Wooden Club: Melee knockout option, risky but effective for small creatures
Taming Effectiveness and Bonus Levels
Taming effectiveness determines how many bonus levels your creature gains after taming. The formula is: Bonus Levels = Wild Level × Taming Effectiveness ÷ 2. A level 150 creature with 99.9% effectiveness gains 74 bonus levels, becoming level 224.
Factors affecting taming effectiveness include:
- Food quality (kibble provides best effectiveness)
- Damage taken during taming process
- Number of times the creature feeds
- Time elapsed during taming
Important Taming Tips
Always prepare extra food and narcotics before starting. Taming can take several hours for high-level creatures. Consider building a taming pen to protect both you and your potential tame from other predators. Monitor weather conditions as extreme temperatures can affect taming speed.
Advanced Taming Strategies
Experienced players employ several techniques to optimise taming efficiency:
- Starve Taming: Let the creature’s food drain completely before feeding to reduce total taming time
- Taming Pens: Build secure enclosures to protect creatures during lengthy taming processes
- Team Taming: Multiple players can share responsibilities for monitoring torpor and gathering resources
- Weather Monitoring: Some weather conditions affect taming speed, plan accordingly
- Server Settings: Private servers often have increased taming multipliers for faster results
Post-Taming Care
After successfully taming a creature, proper care maximises its potential:
- Feed appropriate food to maintain health and stamina
- Level up stats according to the creature’s intended purpose
- Consider breeding for better stats and mutations
- Protect your tames with appropriate shelter and defences
- Use creatures efficiently based on their natural abilities
Common Taming Mistakes
Avoid these frequent errors that can ruin taming attempts:
- Insufficient preparation – always bring extra supplies
- Poor timing – don’t start long tames without adequate time
- Ignoring torpor – creatures can wake up if not properly sedated
- Using wrong food types – check preferred foods before starting
- Inadequate protection – build safe taming areas away from predators