Taming Spinosaurus In Ark Ascended: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you're ready to tame a Spinosaurus in Ark Ascended, huh? These sail-backed beasts are among the most formidable creatures you can find, and adding one to your team is a huge flex. Plus, they’re incredibly useful for taking on tough challenges in the game. But let's be real – taming a Spino is no walk in the park. It requires preparation, strategy, and a healthy dose of patience. That's where this guide comes in! I'm going to walk you through everything you need to know to successfully tame a Spinosaurus in Ark Ascended, from finding one to keeping it happy and healthy after the taming process. Get ready, survivor, because it's going to be an adventure!

What Makes Spinosaurus So Special?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of taming, let's talk about why you'd even want a Spino in the first place. Spinosaurus are absolute powerhouses, capable of dealing massive damage and soaking up tons of punishment. They're versatile creatures that excel in both land and water combat, making them invaluable for a variety of tasks. Whether you're exploring dangerous caves, battling bosses, or simply need a reliable mount for traversing the island, a Spino is a fantastic choice. One of the key features that sets Spinosaurus apart is their ability to switch between two stances: standing on four legs for increased speed and stamina, and standing on two legs for increased damage and turning radius. This adaptability makes them incredibly versatile in different combat situations. Furthermore, they receive a buff when in contact with water, increasing their damage output and speed. This makes them particularly deadly in aquatic environments, allowing them to take on creatures like Megalodons and Plesiosaurs with ease. They're also relatively rare, which adds to their prestige. Taming one of these bad boys is a real accomplishment, and it'll definitely make you stand out among your fellow survivors. Trust me, riding around on a Spino is a statement. If you want to efficiently gather resources, Spinosaurus are pretty good at gathering fish, meat, and hide. While they might not be the absolute best at any single resource, their versatility means they can handle a variety of gathering tasks without needing to switch to a different dino. Plus, they can carry a decent amount of weight, so you won't have to make as many trips back to base.

Preparing for the Tame

Okay, so you're convinced that you need a Spino in your life. The next step is preparing for the taming process. This is crucial, as a poorly prepared taming attempt can easily end in disaster. Here's what you'll need to consider:

Location, Location, Location

Spinosaurus typically spawn near water sources, such as rivers, lakes, and swamps. The Island's central and southern rivers are popular spots, as is the swampy area in the southeast. Keep an eye out for their distinctive sail as you fly or boat around these areas. Be warned, though – these areas are often teeming with other dangerous creatures, so be prepared for a fight. Before you even think about approaching a Spino, scout out the area and clear any potential threats. You don't want to be dealing with a pack of Raptors while trying to knock out your target. It's also a good idea to build a taming pen nearby. This will provide a safe and secure environment for the taming process, preventing the Spino from wandering off or being attacked by other creatures. A simple pen made of stone or metal will suffice. Make sure it's large enough to accommodate the Spino and has a gate that you can easily close behind it.

Gear Up!

You'll need the right gear to take down a Spino without getting yourself killed. A reliable ranged weapon is essential. A crossbow or a longneck rifle are both good choices, as they allow you to inflict torpor from a safe distance. Make sure you have plenty of tranquilizer darts or tranq bullets, as it can take quite a few shots to knock out a Spino. Armor is also crucial. A full set of Flak armor is recommended, as it provides the best protection against physical damage. If you don't have Flak armor, hide or chitin armor will do in a pinch. Just be aware that you'll be more vulnerable to attacks. Don't forget about healing items! Bring along plenty of medical brews or blood packs to recover from any injuries you sustain during the taming process. It's also a good idea to bring some stimulant to counter the effects of any venom or poison you might encounter.

Taming Food

Spinosaurus are carnivores, so they prefer meat. The most effective taming food is Exceptional Kibble, which will significantly reduce the taming time and increase the taming effectiveness. However, Exceptional Kibble can be difficult to obtain, as it requires specific eggs from creatures like Yutyrannus and Megalosaurus. A more readily available option is raw prime meat. Prime meat provides a decent taming bonus and is relatively easy to obtain by hunting creatures like Brontos, Stegos, and Apatosaurus. If you don't have access to prime meat, regular raw meat will work, but it will take much longer to tame the Spino and the taming effectiveness will be lower. Be sure to bring plenty of taming food, as Spinosaurus have a high appetite and will consume a lot of food during the taming process. It's always better to have too much than not enough.

The Taming Process: Step-by-Step

Alright, you've found your Spino, you've got your gear, and you've got your taming food. Now it's time for the main event: the taming process itself. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you successfully tame your Spinosaurus:

Step 1: Lure and Trap

This is where your taming pen comes in handy. The easiest way to tame a Spino is to lure it into the pen and then close the gate behind it. You can do this by simply getting its attention and leading it into the pen, or by using a flying mount to kite it in. Be careful not to get too close, as Spinosaurus are very aggressive and can easily knock you off your mount. If you don't have a taming pen, you can try to trap the Spino using natural terrain features, such as cliffs or rocks. However, this can be risky, as the Spino may escape or get attacked by other creatures.

Step 2: Knockout Time

Once the Spino is trapped, it's time to knock it out. Equip your ranged weapon and start firing tranquilizer darts or tranq bullets at its head. Be sure to aim for the head, as this will inflict the most torpor. Keep an eye on the Spino's torpor level, which is displayed in the top right corner of the screen. You'll need to keep its torpor level high enough to prevent it from waking up. The amount of torpor inflicted by each shot will depend on the weapon you're using and the Spino's level. Be patient and keep firing until the Spino falls unconscious.

Step 3: Feeding Time

With the Spino knocked out, it's time to start feeding it taming food. Approach the Spino and access its inventory. Place the taming food in its inventory and it will automatically start consuming it. The taming progress will be displayed in the Spino's inventory screen. Keep an eye on the taming progress and the Spino's torpor level. If the torpor level starts to drop, administer more narcotics or narcoberries to keep it unconscious. The taming process will take time, so be patient and keep an eye on the Spino. Don't leave it unattended, as other creatures may attack it or it may wake up and escape.

Step 4: Claim Your Prize!

Once the taming progress reaches 100%, the Spino will be tamed. Congratulations! You can now claim your new companion by approaching it and pressing the