Introduction
The world of Ark: Survival Evolved is filled with incredible creatures, from the towering Brontosaurus to the ferocious Rex. But nestled among these behemoths is a creature of unique versatility and considerable charm (if you can call sharp claws charming): the Therizinosaurus. Often affectionately dubbed the “Tickle Chicken” by the Ark community, this feathered dinosaur is a force to be reckoned with, and a highly sought-after tame for any serious survivor.
The Therizino, with its distinct feathery appearance and outrageously long claws, isn’t just a pretty face. Those claws allow it to harvest a wide range of resources with unparalleled efficiency, making it invaluable for gathering wood, thatch, fiber, and even delicate resources like sap and rare mushrooms. Beyond harvesting, the Therizino is a surprisingly capable combatant, able to hold its own against many of Ark’s dangers.
Taming a Therizino is no easy feat, however. They are known for their high torpor drain, aggressive nature, and the often-dangerous environments they inhabit. To successfully tame a Tickle Chicken, you need to understand its behavior, employ effective taming strategies, and, most importantly, choose the correct taming food. This guide is designed to provide you with all the knowledge you need to successfully tame a Therizinosaurus, focusing on the critical role of taming food and offering comprehensive strategies for a smooth and efficient taming experience. Mastering the art of therizinosaurus taming is well worth the effort as they can provide valuable boosts on your journey.
Understanding the Therizino Taming Process
Before diving into the specifics of taming food, it’s crucial to understand the general taming mechanics in Ark: Survival Evolved. Taming in Ark involves rendering a creature unconscious (applying torpor) and then feeding it its preferred food until the taming process is complete.
- Torpor: Torpor is a state of unconsciousness induced by tranquilizing projectiles or blunt force trauma. As a creature’s torpor rises, it eventually falls unconscious. The key is to keep the torpor high enough to prevent the creature from waking up before the taming process is finished.
- Taming Effectiveness: Taming effectiveness determines the number of bonus levels the creature will gain after being tamed. Higher taming effectiveness results in a higher-level tame, meaning better base stats and more level-up points to distribute. Taming effectiveness is reduced by allowing the creature to take damage or by feeding it less effective food.
- Taming Speed: Taming speed is directly influenced by the taming food used. Better food options provide a greater taming affinity, which speeds up the taming process and reduces the overall time required.
The Therizinosaurus presents unique challenges in the taming process. Their torpor drains quickly, meaning you’ll need to be vigilant in applying tranquilizers. Their aggressive nature means they’ll attack on sight, requiring careful planning and preparation. And finally, they are often found in dangerous areas, adding another layer of complexity to the taming endeavor. However, by using the correct taming strategy you can find yourself with a tamed therizinosaurus in no time.
The Best Taming Food Options for the Therizinosaurus
Choosing the right taming food is paramount to a successful and efficient Therizino tame. Here’s a breakdown of the best options, ranked by effectiveness:
Prime Meat: A Carnivore’s Delight
Prime meat is arguably the best non-kibble option for taming a Therizinosaurus. It’s obtained by killing larger creatures like the Carnotaurus, Rex, Spinosaurus, and Megalodon. Using prime meat offers a significant boost to taming effectiveness and reduces the overall taming time compared to other meats or berries. However, prime meat spoils quickly. To combat this, use preserving salt or store it in a refrigerator to extend its lifespan. Alternatively, learn to time your hunts so the prime meat is as fresh as possible before offering it to the therizinosaurus.
Exceptional Kibble: The Gold Standard
Exceptional kibble is the absolute best taming food for a Therizinosaurus. It provides the highest taming effectiveness and the fastest taming speed, resulting in a higher-level tame with maximum stat potential. The recipe for exceptional kibble is relatively complex, requiring a fertilized Rockarrot egg, a Rare Flower, a Focusing Agent, Sap, Mejoberries, Fiber, and water. Securing all the ingredients can be a challenge, but the benefits of using exceptional kibble are undeniable, drastically reducing the time you need to dedicate to taming. Exceptional kibble provides the highest amount of bonus levels after taming.
Mejoberries: A Last Resort
Mejoberries are the most easily obtainable taming food, found in abundance throughout the Ark. However, they offer the lowest taming effectiveness and the slowest taming speed. Using Mejoberries is generally not recommended for high-level Therizinosaurus, as it will significantly reduce the number of bonus levels the creature gains after taming. Mejoberries might be a viable option for taming low-level Therizinosaurus in the early game when other resources are scarce, but if you have other options, it’s best to prioritize them.
Other Berries: Desperate Measures Only
Other berries like Amarberry, Azulberry, and Tintoberry are even less effective than Mejoberries. Using these berries for taming is only recommended in truly desperate situations when no other food source is available. They offer minimal taming effectiveness and will drastically reduce the potential of your tamed Therizinosaurus.
Taming Strategies and Tips
Preparation is Key
Before even approaching a Therizinosaurus, take the time to scout the area. Look for a Therizino of a suitable level and clear the surrounding area of any potential threats like Raptors, Carnos, or other aggressive creatures. Building a taming pen or trap is highly recommended. A simple box made of stone or metal with a ramp leading inside can effectively trap the Therizino. Ensure the pen is large enough to accommodate the creature and prevent it from escaping. Some players prefer larger and more sophisticated traps to minimize risk.
The Taming Process
Once the Therizino is trapped or contained, begin applying tranquilizers to raise its torpor. Use tranquilizer darts fired from a crossbow or a longneck rifle for the best results. Monitor the torpor level closely and continue administering tranquilizers as needed to prevent the creature from waking up. As the Therizino’s torpor rises, it will eventually fall unconscious. At this point, approach it and begin feeding it the chosen taming food. Keep a close eye on the taming progress bar and continue to add food as needed.
Staying Safe
Throughout the taming process, it’s crucial to protect the unconscious Therizino from predators. Clear the area of any threats and consider setting up defenses like turrets or defensive creatures to ward off potential attackers. Be aware of other players who might attempt to interfere with your taming process. It is common practice to have backup in the event other aggressive creatures appear.
Post Taming
Once the taming process is complete, you’ll need to saddle the Therizino before you can ride it. Craft a Therizinosaurus Saddle using the required materials and equip it to the creature. After saddling, prioritize leveling up key stats like health, melee damage, and weight. A healthy Therizino can withstand more damage, deal more damage in combat, and carry more resources. The Therizino is an incredibly versatile creature, capable of harvesting a wide range of resources with exceptional efficiency. Experiment with different harvesting settings (accessed via the radial menu) to optimize its gathering capabilities.
Factors Affecting Taming Efficiency
Several factors influence the efficiency of the taming process:
- Creature Level: The higher the level of the Therizinosaurus, the longer the taming process will take and the more resources it will require.
- Server Settings: Server settings, particularly the taming speed multiplier, can dramatically impact the taming time.
- Interruptions: Any interruptions during the taming process, such as the Therizino taking damage or being attacked, will reduce taming effectiveness.
- Food Quality: Using spoiled meat or berries will negatively impact the taming effectiveness and slow down the taming process.
Alternatives to Kibble
While exceptional kibble is the ideal taming food, it can be challenging to obtain. If you’re unable to acquire kibble, prime meat is the next best alternative. While it doesn’t offer the same level of taming effectiveness, it’s a significantly better option than Mejoberries or other berries. Prioritize obtaining prime meat whenever possible to maximize your taming efficiency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Allowing the Therizino to wake up before the taming process is complete.
- Using the wrong taming food.
- Getting killed by the Therizino or other creatures in the area.
- Failing to protect the Therizino during the taming process.
- Underestimating the Therizino’s aggression.
Conclusion
Taming a Therizinosaurus in Ark: Survival Evolved is a rewarding but challenging endeavor. By understanding the taming process, choosing the right taming food, and implementing effective taming strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember, exceptional kibble is the best option, followed by prime meat. Plan your taming efforts carefully, prepare for potential dangers, and get ready to welcome a powerful and versatile ally into your tribe. Now go forth and tame that Tickle Chicken! You won’t regret it! With patience and preparation, you can conquer the challenge of the therizinosaurus and reap the benefits they provide on your journey through the Ark.