Introduction
The wind howls through the frozen north, the sun beats down mercilessly on the desert sands, and everywhere in between, the Exiled Lands teem with dangers. Yet, amidst the constant struggle for survival, there’s a certain charm in finding companionship, even with a creature as formidable as a bear. The thought of having a loyal, furry behemoth lumbering by your side, ready to tear into your enemies, is a prospect that appeals to many Conan Exiles players. The journey to that loyal companion starts with a humble beginning, a small, fuzzy bundle of potential: the bear cub. But taming and raising a bear cub in Conan Exiles requires more than just a soft spot for cuddly creatures. It demands knowledge, patience, and most importantly, understanding the best food to nourish your future battle buddy. This guide serves as your comprehensive roadmap to successfully feeding your bear cub, ensuring it grows into a powerful and effective asset in your fight for survival. We’ll delve into the optimal food choices, acquisition methods, and essential tips for turning that helpless cub into a roaring force to be reckoned with.
Understanding Bear Cubs in Conan Exiles
Before we dive into the culinary aspects of raising a bear cub, let’s establish some foundational knowledge. Bear cubs in Conan Exiles aren’t just adorable; they’re the foundation upon which you build a powerful thrall. It’s important to note there are a couple of types to look out for. There’s your standard bear cub and the potentially stronger greater bear cub. While they both serve the same basic purpose, the greater bear cub generally boasts superior starting stats, making them a more desirable choice if you’re looking for the ultimate companion.
Where to find them
Finding these furry fledglings isn’t always easy. They don’t roam just anywhere in the Exiled Lands. The prime real estate for bear cub spotting is in the colder, mountainous regions, often referred to as the Frozen Slopes. Look around the higher altitudes and near the edges of forests bordering snow-covered areas. They’re often nestled near adult bears, so approach with caution, unless you’re confident in your ability to handle a grumpy mama bear protecting her young. Keep in mind that the spawn locations and rates can be altered with game updates, so it’s always a good idea to consult current community resources and forums for the most up-to-date information.
Why have a Bear Companion?
Why go through all this trouble, you ask? Why invest the time and effort in raising a bear? The answer lies in their versatility. Bears are incredibly strong combat thralls. Their health pools are substantial, allowing them to withstand significant damage, and their melee attacks are nothing to scoff at. A well-trained bear can be a formidable force in battle, capable of drawing enemy attention and dishing out pain in equal measure. They also serve as excellent guards for your base. Their mere presence can deter potential raiders, and if anyone dares to trespass, a bear will make them regret their decision. Beyond the practical benefits, there’s also the undeniable roleplaying aspect. Having a loyal bear companion adds a unique layer to your Conan Exiles experience, making you feel more connected to the world and your character.
Importance of Choosing the Right Food
Choosing the right food for your bear cub is paramount for several reasons. It directly impacts their growth rate. A properly fed cub will mature into a full-grown bear much faster than one subsisting on a substandard diet. The food also influences their stats. Higher quality food translates to improved strength, vitality, and other attributes. Neglecting your cub’s nutritional needs can have detrimental effects, leading to a weaker, less effective companion. In extreme cases, incorrect food can even cause illness or death. Therefore, understanding the dietary requirements of a bear cub is crucial to their survival and your success.
The Best Food for Bear Cubs: A Detailed Breakdown
Now we arrive at the core of this guide: the best food to feed your bear cub. This isn’t just about keeping them alive; it’s about maximizing their potential. There are clear winners when it comes to cub cuisine, offering superior benefits compared to other options.
Primary Food (Optimal Choices)
Honey: Honey reigns supreme as the absolute best food for bear cubs. The sweet nectar not only accelerates their growth but also contributes to significantly better stat gains compared to other food sources. Honey is essentially the bear cub superfood. Obtaining honey requires a bit of exploration and potentially some daring. You can find beehives scattered throughout the Exiled Lands, often in forested areas and near rivers. Be careful when approaching them, as they are typically guarded by swarms of bees that will sting you mercilessly. You might also find honey as loot in certain chests and containers. Despite the potential dangers, the efficiency and accessibility of honey make it the top choice for raising a thriving bear cub.
Fish: While honey is the gold standard, fish offer a viable and readily available alternative, especially if you’re struggling to locate beehives. Several types of fish work well, including unappetizing fish and exotic fish. The key is to provide a variety of fish to ensure a balanced diet. Fishing is the most common way to obtain fish, requiring a fishing pole and some bait. You can fish in rivers, lakes, and even along the coast. Certain types of fish can also be found as loot in shipwrecks and coastal settlements. Fish might not provide the same stat boost as honey, but it’s a dependable option that’s easy to acquire in large quantities, making it a valuable asset when raising your bear cub.
Secondary Food (Acceptable, but Less Optimal)
While honey and fish are the preferred choices, there are other options you can consider, although they fall into the “acceptable but less optimal” category. These are best used as supplementary food or when your primary sources are scarce.
Insects: Insects can be a decent source of nutrition for your bear cub, though certainly not the most efficient. Various types of insects, such as grasshoppers and locusts, can be found scattered throughout the environment, particularly in grassy areas and near vegetation. While not as easily acquired in bulk as fish, insects can serve as a reasonable stopgap measure if you’re running low on your preferred food sources.
Plant Fiber: Plant fiber represents the very last resort in bear cub nutrition. While technically edible, plant fiber offers minimal nutritional value and should only be used if you have absolutely no other options available. Its primary function in this context is to prevent starvation, rather than promote growth or enhance stats.
Foods to AVOID
Just as important as knowing what to feed your bear cub is knowing what to avoid. Certain foods can be harmful, ineffective, or even deadly. Steering clear of these items is essential to the health and well-being of your furry friend.
Never, under any circumstances, feed your bear cub human flesh. While it might seem like a readily available resource in the Exiled Lands, cannibalism has severe consequences for bear cubs, often leading to death. Similarly, avoid feeding your cub spoiled meat or rotten food. These items can cause illness and hinder their development. Generally speaking, any food that would be detrimental to a human should also be avoided when feeding your bear cub.
The Taming Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know what to feed your bear cub, let’s walk through the taming process. This is where your patience and preparation will be put to the test.
Building a Pen
First, you’ll need to construct a pen to house your bear cub. The pen should be large enough for the cub to move around comfortably but secure enough to prevent escape. Use sturdy materials like stone or hardened brick to ensure its durability. A simple square or rectangular structure will suffice, but feel free to get creative with your design. Placement of the pen is also important. Choose a location that’s easily accessible but also relatively safe from attacks. Ideally, it should be near your base or in a well-defended area.
Placing the Bear Cub in the Pen
Once the pen is complete, it’s time to place your bear cub inside. You have two options: dragging or carrying. Dragging the cub is generally faster, but it exposes them to potential damage from enemies and the environment. Carrying the cub is safer, but it significantly slows down your movement speed. Choose the method that best suits your situation and surroundings. Be extra cautious when transporting the cub, as wild animals and enemy players may see it as an easy target.
Adding Food to the Pen
Next, access the pen’s inventory and place the food you’ve gathered inside. Start with a generous supply of honey or fish, ensuring there’s enough to last for several hours. The amount of food you need will depend on the cub’s hunger level and the duration of the taming process. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and provide more food than you think you’ll need.
Waiting and Monitoring
Now comes the waiting game. The taming process takes time, and you’ll need to monitor the cub’s progress regularly. Check the pen periodically to ensure the cub is still eating and that the food supply hasn’t run out. The taming progress is typically displayed on the cub’s information panel. If the process stalls, it could indicate that the cub is hungry, injured, or experiencing some other issue. Address these problems promptly to resume the taming process.
Renaming Your Bear
Once the taming process is complete, congratulations! You now have a loyal bear companion. The final step is to give your bear a name. This is a purely cosmetic choice, but it adds a personal touch and strengthens your bond with your new furry friend.
After Taming: Caring for Your Grown Bear
The journey doesn’t end when your bear cub grows into a fearsome adult. Continued care is essential to maintaining its effectiveness and loyalty.
Leveling up Your Bear
Leveling up is achieved through combat, gaining experience points as your bear engages in battles alongside you. As it levels up, you’ll gain the opportunity to assign attribute points, allowing you to customize its strengths according to your preferences.
Choosing the right Armor
Choosing the right armor is another crucial aspect of bear care. Certain armor types are specifically designed for animal companions, providing them with additional protection and stat boosts. Experiment with different armor pieces to find the best combination for your bear’s role in combat.
Keeping Your Bear Fed
Just like when it was a cub, keeping your bear fed is essential. Establish a regular feeding schedule to ensure it remains healthy and happy. Adult bears require larger quantities of food than cubs, so be prepared to provide a steady supply of meat, fish, or other suitable sustenance.
Bonding with Your Bear
Building a strong bond with your bear is essential for maintaining its loyalty and effectiveness. Spend time with your bear, take it on adventures, and treat it with kindness. A happy bear is a powerful bear, and a loyal companion will always have your back.
Advanced Tips and Troubleshooting
Even with the best preparation, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some advanced tips and troubleshooting advice to help you overcome common challenges.
Dealing with Starvation
If you run out of food during the taming process, the cub will begin to starve. Starvation can significantly hinder the taming process and even lead to death. If you find yourself in this situation, prioritize acquiring more food as quickly as possible.
Bear Cub Health
Bear cubs are vulnerable to injury, so it’s important to monitor their health closely. If your cub gets injured, use healing potions or bandages to restore their health. Preventative measures, such as keeping them away from dangerous enemies and environments, are also crucial.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these frequent errors: improper feeding, ignoring the cub’s needs, leaving the cub undefended. These errors may have adverse consequences, affecting their growth and eventually their lives.
Conclusion
Raising a bear cub in Conan Exiles is a rewarding experience that adds a unique dimension to your gameplay. It is essential to properly care for your bear cub. Remember that honey and fish are the best food choices for optimal growth and stat gains. By following the tips and advice outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to taming the wild and forging a powerful bond with your very own bear companion. Now go forth, explore the Exiled Lands, and enjoy the companionship of your furry friend! Feel free to share your personal experiences with bear taming in the comments below! We are eager to know about your time raising your own furry friend.
