Ark: Spinosaurus Taming Guide
Hey guys, ever been chilling in Ark: Survival Evolved and suddenly thought, "Man, I need a giant, terrifying, semi-aquatic dinosaur that can dish out some serious damage?" Well, you're in luck because today we're diving deep into how to tame the mighty Spinosaurus!
This beast is an absolute powerhouse, perfect for traversing the waters and laying waste to your enemies on land. But getting one isn't exactly a walk in the park. You'll need a solid plan, the right gear, and a bit of courage. So, buckle up, survivors, because we're about to break down everything you need to know to add this apex predator to your tribe.
Understanding the Spinosaurus: Your New Best Friend (or Worst Nightmare)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of taming, let's talk about the Spinosaurus itself. This isn't just any dinosaur; it's a formidable creature with a unique set of abilities. Spinosaurus in Ark are known for their incredible swimming speed and their powerful melee attacks. They have a distinctive sail on their back, which not only looks super cool but also plays a role in their in-game mechanics. One of the most significant advantages of the Spinosaurus is its aquatic prowess. It can breathe underwater indefinitely, making it an excellent choice for exploring the depths, hunting aquatic creatures, or even ambushing unsuspecting land dwellers from the water. On land, it's a ferocious fighter, capable of taking down many threats. Its primary attack is a devastating bite, but it also has a claw attack that can deal significant damage. Spinosaurus also has a special attack that allows it to move faster in water and regenerate health while submerged, making it a true king of both realms. They are aggressive by nature, so spotting one usually means you're about to be in a fight, whether you like it or not. This aggression also means they can be challenging to approach for taming, as they'll likely attack anything that gets too close. Understanding its stats is crucial: they boast high health, good damage output, and decent movement speed both on land and in water. However, their torpor can drop quickly, so you need to be efficient with your tranquilizers. Being aware of its strengths and weaknesses will help you strategize your taming approach, ensuring you don't end up as dino-chow!
Preparing for the Hunt: Gear Up, Survivors!
Alright, so you've decided you want a Spinosaurus. Awesome! But you can't just waltz up to one with your bare hands. Preparation is key, guys. Let's talk about what you'll need to bring along to make this taming attempt a success. First off, weapons. You'll definitely want something with good range and high damage. A Longneck Rifle with Tranquilizer Darts is your go-to. Make sure you stock up – you don't want to run out mid-fight. The higher the quality of your rifle (e.g., Ascendant), the faster you'll knock it out. Alternatively, if you're feeling brave or don't have access to rifles yet, a Harpoon Launcher with Tranquilizer Darts can also work, especially if you can get close enough. For melee options, a Flamethrower can be incredibly effective at keeping aggressive wild dinos away while you focus on the Spino, and it also adds a bit of torpor. Next up, armor. You'll be taking hits, so Kits are a must. The better the armor, the more protection you'll get. Think Metal Armor or even Riot Armor if you're at that level. Don't forget healing items like Medical Brews or Stimberries to keep your health up. You'll also need food for yourself, obviously. Narcotics or Stimberries are essential for keeping the Spino's torpor high once it's down. Aim for at least a few hundred Narcotics; more is always better. Consider bringing A Thatch Foundation or a small cage made of walls and a doorframe. This can be incredibly useful for trapping the Spino, making the taming process much easier and safer. Lastly, a flying mount, like an Argentavis or Quetzal, can be a lifesaver for spotting Spinos, escaping danger, or transporting your supplies and the knocked-out dino. Having a second player can also make a huge difference, with one person focusing on shooting and the other managing the inventory or defending. Proper preparation will drastically increase your chances of a successful tame. Remember, the more prepared you are, the less likely you are to become a meal yourself!
The Taming Process: Patience is a Virtue
Now for the main event: taming the Spinosaurus! This is where the strategy really comes into play. The most common and effective method is the non-violent taming method. This involves shooting the Spino with tranquilizing projectiles until its torpor is high enough to knock it out. Spinosaurus are notoriously aggressive, so getting close enough to shoot them without being attacked can be tricky. This is where your flying mount or a well-placed trap comes in handy. If you're using a trap, lure the Spino into it. Once it's inside, quickly close the door. Then, you can safely shoot it with your Longneck Rifle and Tranquilizer Darts. If you don't have a trap, you'll need to be strategic. Try to find a Spino near water; they often spawn in rivers or along coastlines. Use your flying mount to hover above it, or position yourself on high ground where it can't easily reach you. Spinosaurus have a tendency to charge, so be ready to dodge. Aim for the head for increased torpor. Once the Spinosaurus is unconscious, immediately place Kibble (preferably Prime Meat Kibble for the fastest tame and highest effectiveness) or Prime Meat in its inventory. Then, set Narcotics or Stimberries to consume. Spinosaurus have a high torpor drain, so you'll need to keep an eye on its torpor level and administer more Narcotics as needed. Don't let the torpor drop too low, or it will wake up! While it's taming, defend it from other aggressive creatures that might wander by. Flying mounts are excellent for this, as you can easily get around and fend off threats. The taming process can take a while, depending on the Spino's level and the quality of your food. Patience is absolutely crucial. If you're using Prime Meat, the effectiveness will drop faster than with Kibble, so Kibble is generally preferred for a better outcome. Always check the dino's health; you don't want to accidentally kill it with too many tranquilizers. If its health gets low, stop shooting and let it recover slightly before continuing. The goal is to knock it out and keep it asleep long enough for the food to do its work. This method requires focus and a good understanding of the game's mechanics, but the reward is a truly magnificent Spinosaurus.
Alternative Taming: The Trap Method
For those of you who prefer a more controlled and less chaotic approach, the trap method for taming a Spinosaurus is highly recommended. This method significantly reduces the risk of getting mauled and makes the tranquilizing process much easier. The most common trap involves using foundations and dinosaur gates. A simple yet effective trap can be made using four Tek or Metal Dinosaur Gateway frames placed in a square or rectangle, connected by Tek or Metal Dinosaur Gates. You want the gates to be open initially. The trick is to lure the Spinosaurus inside. You can do this by shooting it with a bow or crossbow from a distance, or by having a fast dinosaur like a Raptor or Gallimimus draw its aggro and lead it into the trap. Once the Spinosaurus is inside, quickly run up and close the dinosaur gates. If you're quick enough, it'll be trapped! You might need to be slightly out of its range for it to chase you into the trap. Another effective trap involves using large cave structures or natural rock formations that can act as a natural enclosure, forcing the Spino into a position where you can then build temporary walls or gates to secure it. Some players even use three dinosaur gateways with the fourth side open, and then strategically place Behemoth Gates or regular gates to close it off once the dino is lured in. The key is to create a space where the Spino cannot escape once it's inside. After successfully trapping the Spinosaurus, you can then proceed with the tranquilizing process as described earlier, using your Longneck Rifle and Tranquilizer Darts. This method is much safer because you're not constantly dodging its attacks, and you can focus solely on hitting your shots. Remember to have Narcotics and food ready in its inventory as soon as it's unconscious. The trap method requires some resources to build, but the security and ease it provides during the taming process make it well worth the investment. It's the perfect strategy for solo players or those who want to minimize the chances of failure.
Post-Tame Care and Utility: What to Do with Your New Giant Lizard
Congratulations, survivor! You've successfully tamed a Spinosaurus! High fives all around! Now that you have this magnificent beast on your side, what can you do with it? Let's talk about its incredible utility. First and foremost, the Spinosaurus is an absolute beast for underwater exploration and combat. It can breathe underwater indefinitely, making those deep-sea dives for resources like Oil, Pearls, and Silica much easier and safer. It's also fantastic for hunting Megalodons, Mosasaurus, and other aquatic threats. Its high health and damage output make it a top-tier aquatic mount. On land, the Spinosaurus is no slouch either. It's a powerful attacker, capable of taking down many wild dinosaurs and even other players' bases with ease. Its primary bite attack is devastating, and its secondary claw attack adds extra damage. Remember that special ability? When submerged in water, the Spinosaurus gets a movement speed buff and can regenerate health passively. This makes it incredibly survivable in aquatic environments. This passive regeneration is a game-changer for long expeditions or when fighting tough water bosses. For taming other creatures, the Spinosaurus can be an excellent support mount. Its high damage can be used to weaken prey for tranquilizing, or its knockback can be used to control aggressive spawns. You can also saddle it with a Spino Platform Saddle (available at higher levels) which allows you to build structures on its back, turning it into a mobile base or a formidable siege weapon. Think cannons, turrets, and crafting stations atop a giant dinosaur! Its weight stat is also quite decent, allowing you to carry a good amount of loot. When it comes to leveling up your Spinosaurus, focus on Health, Melee Damage, and Weight. Stamina is also important for longer travel. Overall, the Spinosaurus is an incredibly versatile dinosaur that excels in both water and on land. It's a must-have for any serious Ark survivor looking to dominate the various biomes of the island.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Alright, let's cover some common pitfalls that can turn your Spinosaurus taming dreams into a nightmare. One of the biggest mistakes is underestimating its aggression. These guys are not friendly. They will attack on sight. Approaching one without adequate preparation, like proper armor and weapons, is a recipe for disaster. Another common mistake is not bringing enough tranquilizers. A level 150 Spino can take a lot of darts. Running out mid-fight means it's either going to wake up or you'll have to flee, abandoning your tame. Always overpack on Tranquilizer Darts and Narcotics. Forgetting to check the Spino's torpor is also a huge problem. Torpor drains surprisingly fast on these creatures. If you don't keep up with Narcotics or Stimberries, you'll find yourself with a very awake and very angry Spino. Keep a close eye on that torpor bar! Using the wrong food can also significantly prolong the taming process or even lower the taming effectiveness. While regular meat will work, Prime Meat is much better, and Kibble (especially Prime Meat Kibble) is king. Using lower-tier food means a longer tame and potentially lower stats. Accidentally killing the Spino is, unfortunately, a common one. Spinos have a decent amount of health, but a few too many tranquilizer darts, especially from a high-quality rifle, can send them to an early grave. Pay attention to its health bar and ease up on the tranquilizers if it gets too low. Finally, not securing the area around the unconscious Spino is risky. Wild dinos can wander in and attack your downed prey, ruining the tame. Always clear the area or use a trap to ensure your Spino stays safe while it's vulnerable. Avoiding these mistakes will significantly boost your chances of a successful and rewarding Spinosaurus tame.
Conclusion: The Mighty Spino Awaits!
So there you have it, folks! Taming a Spinosaurus in Ark: Survival Evolved is a challenging but incredibly rewarding endeavor. Whether you brave the wilds with your trusty rifle or construct an elaborate trap, the process requires preparation, patience, and a bit of know-how. But trust me, the payoff is immense. Having a Spinosaurus by your side means gaining access to unparalleled underwater capabilities, a formidable land combatant, and a majestic companion for your adventures. Remember to gear up properly, understand the taming mechanics, and avoid common mistakes. With this guide, you're well on your way to dominating the waters and lands of Ark with your very own Spinosaurus. Now go forth, brave survivors, and tame yourselves one of the coolest creatures the game has to offer! Happy taming!
