Understanding Bear Cubs and Their Taming Journey
Want a formidable, loyal companion in Conan Exiles, a creature that can tear through your enemies and carry your burdens? Raising a bear cub is a fantastic option, but knowing what to feed them during the crucial taming process is absolutely critical. Neglecting their dietary needs can result in a weak, inefficient follower, or worse, a tragic ending for your furry friend. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best food for bear cubs in Conan Exiles, empowering you to optimize their growth, significantly increase your chances of acquiring a powerful adult bear, and truly enjoy the benefits of having a bear companion.
The first step in your bear-raising adventure is actually finding a cub. These adorable, albeit dangerous when near their mothers, creatures tend to populate the colder, northern regions of the map. Look around areas like the Frozen Slopes, the Spinebreaker River, and the higher elevations of the Highlands. Be warned: these areas are also home to adult bears, which are fiercely protective. Stealth is key. Try to eliminate the adult bear before attempting to scoop up its cub, or lure the adult far enough away to grab the cub and make a swift exit. A strong weapon and solid armor are highly recommended for this endeavor.
Once you’ve successfully acquired a bear cub, you’ll need an Animal Pen. These specialized structures are essential for taming creatures in Conan Exiles. You can construct a small Animal Pen, a medium Animal Pen, or a large Animal Pen. Larger pens will allow you to tame more creatures at the same time. After building the Animal Pen, place your bear cub inside. Now, the real taming process begins. The cub will slowly convert from a wild creature into a loyal follower, but this process is heavily influenced by the food you provide. Think of it like this: you’re not just feeding the cub; you’re investing in its future strength and loyalty.
The quality of the food you offer is crucial, influencing the taming chance and the type of bear you eventually end up with. Choosing the correct food can drastically reduce the taming time and increase the likelihood of getting a greater bear, a more powerful version of the standard bear, a fantastic option for mid and end game combat.
The Best Food Options for Bear Cubs in Conan Exiles
When it comes to feeding your bear cub in Conan Exiles, one food source reigns supreme: Honey. Honey is widely regarded as the absolute best option for several reasons. First and foremost, it provides the highest growth rate, significantly accelerating the taming process. This means less time waiting for your companion to emerge from the Animal Pen and more time exploring the Exiled Lands together. Furthermore, Honey significantly boosts the chance of taming a Greater Bear, a far more powerful and resilient version of the standard bear. Greater Bears possess superior stats, making them invaluable assets in combat and resource gathering.
Finding Honey can be an adventure in itself. The primary source is beehives, which are typically found in mountainous regions and wooded areas. Keep an eye out for clusters of these hives attached to trees or cliffs. Some dungeons and settlements may also contain Honey as loot, but relying solely on looting is far less efficient than actively searching for beehives. When harvesting Honey, be cautious of the bees! Approaching a beehive without proper protection will result in stings, applying poison that can quickly deplete your health. Consider wearing armor with high poison resistance or consuming an antidote before attempting to harvest Honey. An axe or pickaxe works well to harvest the hive.
Gathering Honey efficiently requires a bit of planning. A dedicated Honey-gathering run can yield a substantial amount of this precious resource. Consider bringing a pack mule or camel to carry the Honey, as it can be quite heavy. Building a small outpost near a cluster of beehives can also streamline the process, allowing you to quickly store and transport your Honey. Remember to use the correct storage container to extend the spoil time on your honey.
While Honey is the undisputed champion of bear cub nutrition, other food options are available. These include Plant Fiber, Seeds, and Gruel. However, these alternatives are significantly less effective than Honey. Plant Fiber and Seeds offer a much slower growth rate, extending the taming process considerably. Gruel, while a slightly better option than Plant Fiber and Seeds, still pales in comparison to Honey. Using these less desirable foods can also negatively impact your chances of taming a Greater Bear, potentially resulting in a standard bear with lower stats.
These alternative options might be acceptable in the very early game when Honey is scarce, or if you’re facing a severe resource shortage. However, prioritizing Honey as soon as possible is highly recommended to maximize your bear cub’s potential.
Optimizing the Taming Process in Conan Exiles
The taming process in Conan Exiles is a delicate balance of time, resources, and strategic decision-making. As mentioned earlier, food quality significantly influences the taming speed. Honey drastically reduces the time it takes for your bear cub to transform into a loyal follower, while less desirable options prolong the process. Food also influences the probability of taming a Greater Bear. Consistently feeding your cub Honey greatly increases your chances of obtaining this superior version.
The presence of a Taskmaster thrall in the Animal Pen will further speed up the process. These specialized thralls possess skills that boost the taming rate of creatures. A higher-tier Taskmaster will provide a more significant bonus, so try to acquire a skilled Taskmaster before embarking on your bear-raising endeavor. Place the Taskmaster in the pen along with the Bear Cub to increase the taming chance and speed.
Pen placement also plays a crucial role. Choose a location that is relatively safe and secure. Avoid areas that are prone to Purges, waves of enemy creatures that can decimate your base and kill your helpless bear cub. Similarly, avoid placing your Animal Pen in close proximity to enemy players, as they may attempt to raid your base and steal your precious companion. A well-defended base, with walls, gates, and archers, can deter potential attackers and protect your investment.
Regularly check on the progress of your bear cub’s taming. Ensure that a continuous supply of Honey is available in the Animal Pen. If the food supply runs out, the taming process will stall, wasting valuable time.
Beyond Taming: Caring for Your Adult Bear Companion
Once your bear cub has finally grown into a magnificent adult bear, your responsibilities don’t end there. Maintaining its health and happiness is essential for ensuring its continued effectiveness as a combatant and companion. Adult bears primarily consume meat. Cooked meat is generally preferred, as it provides more nourishment. Regularly feeding your bear will keep it healthy and prevent it from becoming sluggish or disobedient.
Bears excel in both combat and resource gathering. In combat, they are formidable tanks, capable of absorbing significant damage and dealing devastating blows. Their high health pool and strong attacks make them ideal for taking on challenging enemies and defending your base. They are also excellent at carrying heavy loads, allowing you to transport large quantities of resources. Utilize your bear to gather wood, stone, and other essential materials, streamlining your resource-gathering efforts.
To ensure your bear’s survival, equip it with appropriate armor. Bear armor can significantly increase its defense and resistance to damage. Keep an eye on its health during combat and provide healing potions or bandages when needed. Remember, your bear is a valuable asset, so prioritize its safety and well-being.
Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes
Even with careful planning, issues can arise during the bear-raising process. One common problem is a bear cub refusing to eat. This can be caused by several factors. Ensure that the Animal Pen is not already full. If the pen is at its capacity, the cub will not be able to consume any more food. There is a chance that the cub is glitched. Try picking up the cub and re-placing it inside the Animal Pen. This can fix the glitch, resetting its AI.
Another common issue is the untimely demise of a bear cub. This can be caused by starvation, attacks from enemies, or exposure to the elements. To prevent starvation, ensure a constant supply of Honey in the Animal Pen. Protect the pen from enemy attacks by building a strong base and employing defensive measures. Provide shelter from harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold.
Food spoilage is another concern. Honey and other food items will eventually spoil if not stored properly. To prevent spoilage, use Preservation Boxes or Ice Boxes. These containers significantly extend the shelf life of food items, allowing you to store large quantities of Honey without fear of it going to waste.
Conclusion: Embrace the Power of the Bear
Raising a bear cub in Conan Exiles is a rewarding experience that can significantly enhance your gameplay. By following this guide and prioritizing Honey as the optimal food source, you can drastically increase your chances of taming a powerful Greater Bear and enjoying the benefits of a loyal and formidable companion. Remember that patience and dedication are key to success.
Experiment with different techniques and strategies to find what works best for you. Share your tips and tricks with the Conan Exiles community, and together, we can unlock the full potential of these magnificent creatures. Now, go forth and conquer the Exiled Lands with your mighty bear companion by your side!
