Understanding Equus Taming Mechanics
The Equus, a graceful and versatile equine, is a highly sought-after tame in ARK: Survival Evolved. Its speed, agility, and utility as a mobile crafting station make it an invaluable asset to any survivor. But taming this wild creature requires patience, strategy, and, most importantly, the right ARK Equus taming food. Choosing the correct sustenance is crucial for maximizing taming effectiveness and significantly reducing the time it takes to bring this magnificent beast under your command. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about taming Equus, with a strong focus on the best foods and techniques to ensure a successful and efficient taming process.
Approaching and Mounting
The Equus is one of the few creatures in ARK that utilizes a non-violent taming method. This means you won’t be knocking it unconscious and force-feeding it narcotics. Instead, you’ll need to earn its trust and patiently provide it with its favorite treats. Stealth and patience are paramount when approaching an Equus. These creatures are easily spooked, so crouch-walking and wearing camouflage, such as a Ghillie Suit, can significantly increase your chances of getting close without alerting it. The goal is to approach slowly from behind and carefully mount the Equus. Prepare for a wild ride!
Feeding Requirements
Once mounted, the Equus will buck you off repeatedly. The trick is to have its preferred food readily available in your hotbar. When prompted, feed the Equus the appropriate ARK Equus taming food. This will gradually increase its taming meter. Failing to feed it when prompted will result in it bucking you off and potentially running away, forcing you to start the process over. This can be a frustrating experience.
Torpor Management
Although the Equus is passively tamed, it’s important to keep an eye on its torpor. If it gets attacked by other creatures, its torpor can rise. If its torpor reaches zero, it will become unconscious and the taming process will be interrupted. Always be prepared with Narcoberries or Narcotics to administer to the Equus if necessary. Prioritize your safety and the safety of the Equus during the taming process.
The Best Taming Foods for Equus
The choice of ARK Equus taming food directly impacts the taming effectiveness, which influences the final stats of your tamed Equus. While several options exist, some are far superior to others.
Preferred Food: Rockarrot
Rockarrots are widely considered the best ARK Equus taming food. They provide the highest taming effectiveness boost, resulting in a tamed Equus with better stats and a shorter taming time. These root vegetables are found growing wild throughout the island, often in mountainous or swampy regions. Look for their distinctive appearance: a vibrant orange hue and leafy green tops.
If you plan on taming multiple Equus, consider establishing a Rockarrot farm. Growing your own Rockarrots ensures a consistent supply of this valuable taming food. It will take some investment of time, as fertilizer, water and a medium crop plot are necessary.
Alternative Foods
While Rockarrots are the gold standard, they may not always be readily available. Fortunately, the Equus will also accept other crops and even berries. However, keep in mind that using alternative foods will significantly reduce taming effectiveness and increase taming time.
Crops (Citronal, Longrass, Savoroot)
Citronal, Longrass, and Savoroot are other viable, albeit less effective, options for ARK Equus taming food. These crops offer a decent taming effectiveness boost compared to berries, making them a suitable alternative if Rockarrots are scarce. Like Rockarrots, these are found in the wild.
Basic Berries
In a pinch, berries can be used as ARK Equus taming food. However, berries offer the lowest taming effectiveness and will drastically extend the taming process. Use them only as a last resort when no other options are available. The most effective berry to use is Mejoberries, as this offers the most taming effectiveness.
Tips and Tricks for Efficient Equus Taming
Beyond selecting the right ARK Equus taming food, several other factors can influence the success and efficiency of your taming efforts.
Location, Location, Location
Equus spawn in various locations across the ARK maps. Some common spawning grounds include grasslands, plains, and mountainous regions. Research the specific map you’re playing on to identify the best areas to find Equus. Be mindful of your surroundings, as these areas may also be inhabited by dangerous predators.
Preparing for the Taming Process
Before embarking on your Equus taming adventure, take the time to prepare adequately. Gather a sufficient quantity of your chosen ARK Equus taming food. Clear the area of any potential threats, such as predators or hostile creatures. A Ghillie Suit can also prove invaluable, as it significantly reduces your visibility and makes it easier to approach the Equus undetected.
Taming Strategies
Patience is key to successfully taming an Equus. The taming process can be lengthy and require multiple attempts. Stay calm, remain focused, and be prepared to spend some time earning the Equus’s trust.
Consider constructing a simple taming pen to keep the Equus contained during the taming process. This will prevent it from running away and make it easier to manage. A simple wooden or stone enclosure with a gate can be sufficient.
Always prioritize the Equus’s safety. Protect it from predators and other threats during the taming process. Having a friend watch your back or using defensive structures can help ensure a safe and successful tame.
Post-Taming Considerations
Once you’ve successfully tamed your Equus, it’s time to equip it and put it to work.
Equipping Your Equus
The first thing you’ll need is an Equus Saddle. This allows you to ride your Equus and control its movements. Equus Saddles can be crafted at a Smithy using resources like hide, fiber, and metal ingots.
When leveling your Equus, focus on stats like speed, stamina, and weight. Speed allows for faster travel, stamina is crucial for longer journeys, and weight determines how much it can carry.
Uses of a Tamed Equus
The Equus is a versatile mount with several useful applications:
- As a Mobile Mortar and Pestle: The Equus possesses a unique ability to craft items directly from its inventory, functioning as a portable Mortar and Pestle. This is incredibly convenient for crafting on the go.
- As a Fast Mount: The Equus is known for its speed and agility, making it an excellent choice for traversing the ARK landscape quickly and efficiently.
- As a War Mount: While not as heavily armored as some other creatures, the Equus can still be used as a war mount in certain situations. Its speed and maneuverability make it difficult to hit, and it can be used to quickly flank enemies or scout ahead.
Breeding Equus
Breeding Equus can allow you to further improve their stats. Finding a high-level female and male and then breeding until a good combination of traits is created is a good process. Ensure you get imprints to boost their effectiveness.
Conclusion
Taming an Equus in ARK: Survival Evolved requires patience, preparation, and the right ARK Equus taming food. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to tame this magnificent creature and add it to your collection. Remember to prioritize Rockarrots as your preferred ARK Equus taming food for optimal taming effectiveness, and always be mindful of the Equus’s safety during the taming process. So gather your supplies, head out into the wilds, and embark on your Equus taming adventure! With a little persistence and the right ARK Equus taming food, you’ll soon be riding your very own Equus across the vast and dangerous world of ARK: Survival Evolved.
