Introduction
The skies of ARK: Survival Evolved hold many magnificent and powerful creatures, but few inspire awe and ambition quite like the Quetzal. This colossal avian, a true titan of the heavens, is a prized possession for any survivor looking to elevate their game. Taming a Quetzal, however, is no simple feat. It’s a challenging endeavor that demands meticulous preparation, strategic planning, and, most importantly, a thorough understanding of what Ark Quetzal Taming Food works best. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to successfully tame this majestic beast and unlock its incredible potential. Mastering the art of Quetzal taming will drastically change how you play the game, so let’s dive in and explore the secrets to achieving this ultimate goal.
Understanding the Quetzal
The Quetzalcoatlus, often simply referred to as the Quetzal in ARK, is one of the largest flying creatures you’ll encounter. Its sheer size is intimidating, and its ability to carry massive loads makes it an invaluable asset to any tribe. Resembling a prehistoric pterosaur with a distinctive long beak, the Quetzal is primarily a herbivore, often found soaring high above the island or perched atop mountain peaks.
Why bother taming one of these behemoths? The answer lies in its versatility. A tamed Quetzal can serve as a mobile base, equipped with a platform saddle allowing you to build structures upon its back. Imagine a flying fortress, capable of transporting your entire tribe and their belongings across the map! Beyond this, Quetzals are excellent for transporting large quantities of resources, rescuing stranded survivors, and even engaging in aerial combat. Its high weight capacity makes it perfect for moving metal, stone, and other heavy materials with ease.
To successfully tame a Quetzal, you need to be aware of some key statistics. Torpor is the primary stat to monitor during the taming process; keep it high enough, and the Quetzal will remain unconscious, allowing you to feed it. Health is also important, as a Quetzal with low health is more vulnerable to attacks from other creatures. Food consumption rate determines how quickly its food meter depletes, influencing the amount of Ark Quetzal Taming Food you’ll need.
The Best Taming Food for Quetzals
Choosing the right food is crucial for maximizing taming effectiveness and minimizing the time required. The better the food, the faster the taming process and the higher the bonus levels the tamed Quetzal will receive. Here’s a ranked list of the best Ark Quetzal Taming Food, from most effective to least effective:
Exceptional Kibble stands head and shoulders above the rest. It offers the highest taming effectiveness, significantly reducing the taming time and providing a substantial bonus to the Quetzal’s initial levels upon completion. However, obtaining Exceptional Kibble is often a significant undertaking, requiring access to specific dino eggs and resources. While the effort is considerable, the rewards are well worth it for dedicated players.
Raw Mutton is another excellent option, particularly if you have access to sheep. It provides a good balance between taming effectiveness and relative ease of acquisition. Raising sheep for mutton requires some initial investment, but once established, it provides a reliable source of high-quality Ark Quetzal Taming Food.
Raw Prime Meat is a solid choice, especially if you’re in the early to mid-game stages. It can be obtained from various creatures, such as Brontosaurus, Argentavis, and Megalodon. While it doesn’t offer the same taming effectiveness as Kibble or Mutton, it’s generally easier to obtain and still provides a decent boost to the taming process.
Finally, Raw Meat is the least effective option but can be used in a pinch, especially if you’re low on other resources. However, it significantly increases the taming time and provides a minimal bonus to the Quetzal’s initial levels.
When considering which Ark Quetzal Taming Food to use, factor in the ease of acquisition and spoil times. Exceptional Kibble, while the best, has a relatively short spoil time and requires a refrigerator or preserving bin to keep it fresh for longer. Raw Mutton and Raw Prime Meat also spoil quickly, making preservation essential. Raw Meat has the longest spoil time among these options but is the least desirable due to its low taming effectiveness.
Taming Strategies and Methods
Before you even consider approaching a Quetzal, meticulous preparation is key. Choose a safe location for your taming endeavor. Open, flat areas are ideal, allowing for easy maneuverability and reducing the risk of being ambushed by other creatures. Gather sufficient resources and Ark Quetzal Taming Food to sustain the taming process. Craft the necessary items, including a Longneck Rifle (or equivalent ranged weapon), Tranquilizer Darts or Arrows, and Narcotics or Narcoberries to keep the Quetzal unconscious.
Several methods can be used to tame a Quetzal, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
The Trapping Method involves building a structure to trap the Quetzal, preventing it from escaping while you tranquilize it. These traps are often referred to as Quetzal Taming Boxes. Typically, this involves using a platform saddle on another Quetzal and constructing a box around the rider, leaving a gap to shoot out. The trap box should be large enough to accommodate the Quetzal once it’s led inside. Once the Quetzal is inside the trap, you can safely tranquilize it without worrying about it flying away.
The Carry Method involves using another flyer, such as an Argentavis, to carry a passenger armed with a Longneck Rifle. The pilot keeps the Argentavis close to the Quetzal while the passenger shoots it with Tranquilizer Darts or Arrows. Clear communication between the pilot and shooter is paramount for maintaining accuracy and avoiding collisions. This method requires coordination and can be challenging, but it allows you to tame Quetzals in mid-air.
The Solo Taming Method, often utilizing a Tapejara, is a preferred method for experienced players. The Tapejara’s ability to latch onto walls and ceilings allows a solo player to stabilize themselves and fire tranquilizer darts accurately. By latching onto the side of a cliff or a tree, the player can maintain a stable position while targeting the Quetzal. This method requires skill and precision but can be highly effective for solo players.
Regardless of the method you choose, maintaining torpor is critical. As the Quetzal’s torpor decreases, administer Narcotics or Narcoberries to keep it unconscious. Narcotics are more effective at increasing torpor than Narcoberries, so they are generally preferred. Monitor the Quetzal’s torpor level closely, and be prepared to administer narcotics quickly to prevent it from waking up.
Post-Taming Considerations
Once you’ve successfully tamed your Quetzal, the journey doesn’t end there. Proper leveling and utilization are essential to maximizing its potential.
When leveling up your Quetzal, prioritize weight capacity. A higher weight capacity allows you to carry more resources and build a more elaborate mobile base. Stamina is also important, as it determines how long the Quetzal can fly without needing to land. Health is another valuable stat, increasing the Quetzal’s survivability in combat and harsh environments.
There are two types of Quetzal saddles: the regular saddle and the platform saddle. The regular saddle allows you to ride the Quetzal and utilize its basic functionalities. The platform saddle allows you to build structures on the Quetzal’s back, transforming it into a mobile base.
A tamed Quetzal can be used for a variety of purposes. Building a mobile base is a popular option, allowing you to explore the ARK without being tied to a fixed location. Quetzals are also excellent for transporting resources, making it easier to gather and move large quantities of materials. They can be used in combat, providing aerial support for ground troops or engaging in dogfights with other flyers. Finally, Quetzals can be used for breeding, allowing you to produce offspring with desirable traits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many survivors fail to successfully tame a Quetzal due to common mistakes. One of the most frequent errors is not preparing enough Ark Quetzal Taming Food. Always overestimate the amount of food you’ll need, as unexpected delays or complications can extend the taming process.
Ignoring the torpor drop rate is another common mistake. Keep a close eye on the Quetzal’s torpor level and administer narcotics promptly to prevent it from waking up. Taming in a dangerous location can also lead to disaster. Choose a safe area where you’re less likely to be attacked by other creatures.
Using the wrong type of weapon can also be detrimental. Always use Tranquilizer Darts or Arrows to induce torpor, as other weapons can kill the Quetzal. Finally, accidental killing of the Quetzal is a tragic but avoidable mistake. Be careful when aiming and shooting, and avoid using explosives or other damaging weapons.
Conclusion
Taming a Quetzal in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By understanding the Quetzal’s behavior, choosing the right Ark Quetzal Taming Food, and employing effective taming strategies, you can successfully tame this magnificent creature and unlock its incredible potential. Remember to prioritize preparation, monitor torpor levels, and avoid common mistakes. With the information provided in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to taming your own Titan of the Skies and dominating the ARK. So go forth, survivor, and conquer the heavens!
