The swamps of Ark: Survival Evolved are teeming with dangers, but also with opportunities. Among the most useful creatures lurking in the murky waters is the Beelzebufo, a giant, rideable frog capable of leaping incredible distances, devouring insects with ease, and even producing the valuable cementing paste. Taming this amphibian powerhouse is a game-changer for any survivor, unlocking faster travel, efficient bug control, and a reliable source of a vital crafting material. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to tame the Beelzebufo, focusing on the optimal food choices and strategies to ensure a successful and efficient taming process.
Did you know that the real-world Beelzebufo ampinga, though now extinct, was believed to be one of the largest frogs ever to exist, potentially preying on baby dinosaurs? The Ark version, while scaled down, retains the intimidating presence and powerful capabilities of its prehistoric inspiration.
Understanding the Beelzebufo
The Beelzebufo is easily recognizable by its large size, warty skin, and prominent eyes. It’s typically found in swampy regions and around bodies of water across various Ark maps, including The Island, Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, Genesis, Genesis Two, Lost Island, and Fjordur. While not inherently aggressive, the Beelzebufo will defend itself if attacked and can be a formidable foe in close combat, thanks to its powerful bite and surprisingly high health. However, its low speed on land outside of jumping makes it possible to outmaneuver these creatures without much difficulty.
Key stats that make the Beelzebufo desirable include its decent carry weight, making it a useful pack animal, its unparalleled jump height and distance, allowing for rapid traversal of challenging terrain, and its damage output, which is particularly effective against insects. Of course, its ability to harvest cementing paste by consuming insects is a huge draw for players who are trying to quickly build their base and defenses.
But why should you invest the time and resources to tame a Beelzebufo? The answers are many. First, its transportation capabilities are unmatched, especially in environments like swamps where other mounts struggle. It can effortlessly leap over obstacles and glide across the water, providing a fast and safe way to navigate treacherous landscapes. Second, its insect-killing prowess makes it an invaluable asset for controlling swarms of annoying bugs and harvesting chitin efficiently. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it offers a relatively early and sustainable method of producing cementing paste, a crucial ingredient for crafting many essential items and structures. Beyond these core benefits, the Beelzebufo can also be used for early-game resource gathering, providing a stepping stone to more advanced tames and strategies.
Taming the Beelzebufo: A Detailed Guide
Before embarking on your Beelzebufo taming adventure, careful preparation is crucial. You will of course need to have the necessary level to tame a Beelzebufo, as well as learn the necessary saddle engram. Equipping yourself with the right gear will significantly increase your chances of success and minimize the risk of becoming swamp creature dinner. A Ghillie Suit is highly recommended for stealthily approaching the frog without spooking it. A Longneck Rifle loaded with tranquilizer darts or arrows is the preferred method for knocking it out from a safe distance. Packing bug repellent can minimize insect aggro during the taming process.
Consider constructing a simple taming pen near the Beelzebufo’s location. This provides a safe and controlled environment to keep the creature secure while it’s unconscious. Clearing the surrounding area of predators is also essential to prevent unwanted interference during the taming process.
The most important aspect of taming is the food you use, as this will dramatically impact the duration, effectiveness, and overall success of the attempt. Let’s explore the best options:
Exceptional Kibble: The Gold Standard
Without question, Exceptional Kibble reigns supreme as the optimal taming food for the Beelzebufo. It provides the fastest taming time and the highest possible taming effectiveness, resulting in a creature with superior stats after the taming process is complete. However, obtaining Exceptional Kibble requires significant effort and resources. The recipe involves a Fertilized Exceptional Egg (from creatures like the Yutyrannus, Giganotosaurus, or Rock Drake, among others), along with other ingredients that may be difficult to acquire. Is it worth the effort? Absolutely, if you’re aiming for a high-level Beelzebufo with maximized potential. The time saved during taming and the improved stats of the tamed creature will more than compensate for the investment in obtaining the Exceptional Kibble.
Regular Kibble (If Applicable): A Decent Alternative
Certain Kibble types may also provide a reasonable taming bonus, though to a lesser extent than Exceptional Kibble. Check current Ark resources to see if a particular Kibble type, such as Carno Kibble, is still a viable and affordable option. If so, obtaining the materials needed for this kibble can provide a good balance between efficiency and accessibility.
Insects: A Readily Available Option, But Beware!
The Beelzebufo’s natural diet consists of insects, and while it might seem logical to feed it those during taming, insects don’t make the best taming food, but its still a valid option. Common insects found in the swamps include dragonflies and bees. You can typically find these in swampy areas or around hives. Using a high quality bug catching tool to catch these insects, they can be fed to the Beelzebufo during the taming process. Its important to note though, using insects will dramatically increase the taming time and will not yield a high taming effectiveness.
Prime Meat: A Last Resort
Prime Meat can be used to tame a Beelzebufo, but it is far from ideal. It spoils quickly and provides significantly lower taming effectiveness compared to Exceptional Kibble or insects. However, in the early game, when resources are scarce and obtaining other taming foods is difficult, Prime Meat may be the only option available. Be prepared for a longer taming process and lower stats on the tamed creature.
Other Meats: Avoid If Possible
Regular Meat is the least effective taming food for the Beelzebufo and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. It provides minimal taming progress and drastically reduces taming effectiveness. The only scenario where using regular meat might be justified is when you’re stranded in the swamp with absolutely no other options.
With your preparations complete and your taming food of choice secured, the next step is to locate a suitable Beelzebufo. Look for higher-level individuals, as they will naturally possess better stats. Approach the creature stealthily, utilizing your Ghillie Suit and Bug Repellant to minimize the chance of detection. Once you’re within range, use your Longneck Rifle and tranquilizer darts/arrows to knock it unconscious. Aim for headshots for maximum effectiveness.
Once the Beelzebufo is down, maintaining its torpor is crucial. Regularly administer Narcotics or Narcoberries to keep its torpor bar from dropping to zero. Now, carefully feed the creature your chosen taming food. Pay attention to the food consumption rate and continue feeding it as needed to maintain the taming progress. Throughout the taming process, remain vigilant and protect the unconscious Beelzebufo from predators. This is where a taming pen can be invaluable.
After the taming process is complete, immediately claim your new companion. Feed it to restore its health and stamina. Consider leveling up its health, stamina, weight, and melee damage to suit your intended use. You will also need to craft a Beelzebufo Saddle to ride it. Finally, if applicable, consider imprinting on the Beelzebufo for additional stat bonuses.
Strategies for Taming Beelzebufo
Taming calculators such as Dododex are your best friend. It is a great resource to use to ensure you have enough food and know the best ways to knock out your Beelzebufo.
Taming can have a lot of challenges. The most common is leeches and predators. Make sure to always have access to a fire, whether it be standing or in your hand. Predators such as Baryonx and Sarcosuchus can be devastating during taming, and being able to maneuver around these creatures to kill them or escape can be the difference between a successful or ruined tame. Sometimes, the Beelzebufo dies during the taming process, so its important to check the health bar frequently.
Beelzebufo are great to tame, especially if you have access to Soothing Balm. Using this item on the Beelzebufo will exponentially decrease the taming time.
Beelzebufo are weak to range attacks and will be very difficult to hit you. Exploiting this weakness is the best way to tame a Beelzebufo.
After taming one Beelzebufo, breeding can be a good way to create an army!
Effective Uses for Your Beelzebufo
Once tamed, the Beelzebufo is a versatile mount with a range of applications. In combat, utilize its jumping ability to quickly close the distance or evade attacks. Its tongue attack is particularly effective against insects, making it a valuable asset for clearing caves and swamps. For cementing paste farming, take your Beelzebufo to locations with abundant insects, such as swamps or caves. Simply consume the insects to produce cementing paste. The best places to do this are the swamps, as they provide an ample amount of insects. When it comes to travel, leverage the Beelzebufo’s exceptional jumping ability to navigate challenging terrain quickly and efficiently.
Level up different stats to make the Beelzebufo more effective. Prioritizing health and stamina increases its survivability and allows for longer journeys. Increasing melee damage enhances its combat capabilities, making it more effective against insects and other threats.
Conclusion
The Beelzebufo is a valuable asset in Ark: Survival Evolved, offering a unique combination of transportation, combat, and resource-gathering capabilities. By mastering the taming process, understanding its strengths and weaknesses, and utilizing the right strategies, you can unlock the full potential of this amphibious powerhouse. Remember, selecting the optimal taming food, such as Exceptional Kibble or high-quality insects, is crucial for maximizing taming effectiveness and obtaining a superior creature. Don’t hesitate to embark on your own Beelzebufo taming adventure and experience the benefits firsthand.
Now that you have read this guide, what are some strategies you will use when taming the Beelzebufo, and what are some additional tips that you would use that are not included here? Let us know in the comments!
