(Image: A vibrant screenshot of a survivor confidently riding a fully-armored Mammoth across a snowy Ark landscape.)
The chilling winds whip across the snow-laden peaks of the Ark, a stark reminder of the unforgiving environment that surrounds you. Yet, amidst the harsh conditions, a symbol of resilience and power roams – the magnificent Mammoth. In Ark: Survival Evolved, the Mammoth isn’t just another creature; it’s a mobile resource hub, a formidable combatant, and a dependable transport beast. Its sheer size and lumbering gait might seem intimidating, but the rewards of taming this woolly giant far outweigh the challenges. Imagine effortlessly harvesting entire forests of wood, transporting massive amounts of resources across the map, or even dominating the battlefield with your very own Mammoth war machine. These magnificent creatures can be found lumbering across the frozen landscapes of The Island, Scorched Earth, Extinction, Ragnarok, Valguero, Crystal Isles, and Lost Island.
But taming a Mammoth is no walk in the park. It requires careful planning, resource gathering, and a solid understanding of its behavior and preferences. Fear not, intrepid survivor! This comprehensive guide will arm you with the knowledge and strategies you need to successfully tame a Mammoth, focusing on the best food choices, effective taming methods, and how to make the most of your newly acquired woolly friend. Prepare to conquer the cold and add a Mammoth to your Ark family!
Understanding the Mammoth: The Colossus of the Cold
Before you even think about approaching a Mammoth, it’s crucial to understand its nature. These creatures are generally passive, meaning they won’t attack you unless provoked. However, get too close, and you’ll quickly find yourself on the receiving end of a powerful trunk swipe. Their aggression increases significantly when their calves are threatened, so approach families with extreme caution. Mammoths typically inhabit colder regions, such as the snow biome, and often roam in herds. Knowing their preferred environment is key to locating them.
Beyond their lumbering appearance lies a creature of surprising strength and versatility. A Mammoth’s key stats include health, stamina, melee damage, and, most importantly, weight. Their high health allows them to withstand significant damage, while their impressive weight capacity makes them invaluable for transporting resources. Their melee damage, delivered through their trunk attack, can deter predators and even damage structures. Their size can be beneficial in combat because they can inflict knock back to opponents giving you the upper hand.
So, why tame a Mammoth in the first place? The answer is simple: efficiency. When it comes to wood gathering, Mammoths are unparalleled. With each swing of their trunk, they can decimate entire trees, filling their inventory with lumber in a fraction of the time it would take by hand or with other creatures. Their immense weight capacity allows you to haul massive amounts of resources without being encumbered. In a pinch they can be used in combat for defense and even for a siege if needed.
Preparing for the Taming Ritual: The Path to Partnership
Taming a Mammoth requires meticulous preparation. Rushing into the process without the necessary resources and safeguards is a recipe for disaster. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tranquilizing Tools: The primary tool for bringing down a Mammoth is a ranged weapon capable of inflicting torpor. A bow or crossbow paired with tranquilizer arrows is a good starting point. For higher-level Mammoths, a longneck rifle with tranquilizer darts is highly recommended. Practice your aim, as wasted shots can alert the Mammoth and make it more aggressive.
- Defensive Measures: Mammoths are not solitary creatures; they often travel in herds. Furthermore, the snow biome is teeming with predators eager to make you their next meal. Before attempting a tame, ensure your safety by building a sturdy taming pen. A simple box of stone or metal will suffice. Alternatively, you can utilize the natural environment, such as a cliff or rock formation, to create a safe space. Also, bring backup weapons! You never know when a saber-toothed tiger or a pack of wolves might decide to crash the party. If possible, bring a friend. Having an extra set of eyes (and guns) can significantly increase your chances of success.
When choosing a taming location, prioritize safety and accessibility. Avoid areas with high predator density or difficult terrain. A relatively flat, open area near a resource-rich zone is ideal. Always be mindful of potential threats and distractions. Having a clear escape route can also be a lifesaver.
The Culinary Key: Best Food for Taming a Mammoth
The key to a swift and efficient Mammoth tame lies in its diet. Choosing the right food can significantly reduce the taming time and increase the taming effectiveness, resulting in a Mammoth with higher stats. Here’s a ranking of the most effective food options:
- Kibble (Exceptional): Kibble is by far the most effective food for taming a Mammoth. Using Exceptional Kibble will drastically reduce the taming time.
- Crops (Mejoberries): If kibble isn’t readily available, Mejoberries are the next best option. These purple berries offer a decent taming effectiveness and are relatively easy to acquire.
- Berries: Other berries, such as Amarberries, Azulberries, Tintoberries, and Yellow Berries, can also be used, but they are significantly less effective than Mejoberries.
Crafting Exceptional Kibble requires the following resources: one Special Egg, one Giant Bee Honey, one Lazarus Chowder, ten Mejoberries, five Fiber, and one Water. This can be acquired through various means. It can be crafted in a cooking pot or industrial cooker. Alternatively, you might be able to trade for it with other players or even find it in loot crates.
If kibble is unavailable, Mejoberries are the next best option. They are relatively easy to find and cultivate, making them a reliable choice for taming. Consider setting up a small crop plot to grow your own supply.
Food spoilage is a constant concern in Ark. To prevent your taming food from rotting, bring along some Narcoberries or preserving salt. Narcoberries can be used to create narcotics, which extend the lifespan of food. A preserving bin will also slow the spoilage rate of food items.
The Taming Process: A Step-by-Step Approach
Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to put your knowledge into action. Here’s a step-by-step guide to taming a Mammoth:
- Locating and Isolating: Search the snow biome for a Mammoth that suits your needs. Look for individuals with desirable levels and stats. Once you’ve found your target, carefully lure it away from the herd to a safe location, preferably your taming pen. Be cautious not to attract other creatures in the process.
- Tranquilizing: Once the Mammoth is isolated, begin firing tranquilizer arrows or darts. Aim for the head or body, avoiding the legs, as these shots are less effective. Keep a safe distance and monitor the Mammoth’s torpor levels. Avoid letting it fall unconscious too quickly, as this can result in wasted tranquilizers.
- Feeding: Once the Mammoth is unconscious, open its inventory and place the taming food inside. The Mammoth will automatically consume the food as its hunger depletes. Monitor the taming progress bar closely. As the bar fills, the Mammoth’s taming effectiveness will decrease.
- Maintaining Torpor: As the Mammoth’s torpor depletes, it will slowly begin to wake up. To prevent it from regaining consciousness, force-feed it Narcoberries or narcotics. Keep a close eye on its torpor levels and administer more narcotics as needed.
- Defending: While the Mammoth is unconscious, it’s vulnerable to attack. Stay vigilant and defend it from predators. Keep a watchful eye on the surrounding area and eliminate any potential threats.
- Claiming Your Prize: Once the taming progress bar reaches its maximum, the Mammoth will be tamed. Congratulations! You can now claim your new companion.
Post-Taming: Unleashing the Mammoth’s Potential
Once you’ve tamed your Mammoth, it’s time to equip it with a saddle. The Mammoth Saddle unlocks at a certain level and requires specific resources to craft, including hide, fiber, and wood. Once equipped with a saddle, you can ride and control your Mammoth.
Your Mammoth’s utility extends far beyond its saddle. Here’s how to maximize its potential:
- Wood Gathering: Take your Mammoth to a forest and let it loose. Its trunk attack can fell entire trees with ease. Use its inventory to store the gathered wood.
- Weight Capacity: Utilize your Mammoth’s immense weight capacity to transport resources across the map. It’s a game-changer for long-distance hauls.
- Combat: While not as agile as some other creatures, a Mammoth can hold its own in combat. Its trunk attack can knock back enemies, giving you the upper hand. Its high health and armor make it a formidable tank.
- Temperature Buffs: Mammoths provide insulation against the cold, making them invaluable companions in harsh environments.
When leveling up your Mammoth, prioritize weight, health, and stamina. Increasing weight will allow it to carry more resources, while increasing health will improve its survivability. Stamina is essential for long-distance travel.
Breeding Mammoths can result in offspring with improved stats and mutations. Experiment with different breeding combinations to create the ultimate Mammoth lineage.
Troubleshooting and Tricks: Mastering the Mammoth
Even with careful preparation, taming a Mammoth can be challenging. Here are some common problems and solutions:
- Mammoth Waking Up: If a Mammoth wakes up before the taming is complete, quickly administer more narcotics to bring it back down.
- Predator Attacks: If predators attack during the taming process, prioritize your safety and eliminate the threats. Use ranged weapons or, if necessary, flee and regroup.
- Food Spoilage: Prevent food spoilage by using preserving bins or by crafting narcotics.
For advanced taming techniques, consider using taming calculators to optimize food and narcotic usage. Working with tribe members can also greatly improve your chances of success. Having extra hands to gather resources, defend the Mammoth, and monitor its torpor levels can make the process much smoother.
Here’s a quick tip: Mammoths take reduced damage from headshots when mounted so that’s a safe spot to be in if you are in a pinch.
Conclusion: Embrace the Woolly Wonder
Taming a Mammoth in Ark: Survival Evolved is a rewarding experience that can significantly enhance your gameplay. From its unparalleled wood gathering capabilities to its immense weight capacity and surprising combat prowess, the Mammoth is a versatile creature that can adapt to a variety of roles. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can successfully tame a Mammoth and unlock its full potential. Don’t be intimidated by its size or the challenges involved. With careful planning and a bit of patience, you can add a Mammoth to your Ark family and conquer the cold.
Now it’s your turn! Share your own Mammoth taming experiences and tips in the comments below. What strategies have you found most effective? What challenges have you encountered? Let’s learn from each other and help other Ark players tame their own Mammoth companions. Happy taming!
