Introduction
The world of Ark: Survival Evolved is brimming with fascinating creatures, each offering unique abilities and roles within the survivor’s arsenal. Among these stands the Procoptodon, a giant kangaroo-like marsupial that’s much more than just a bouncy mount. With its incredible leaping ability and a handy pouch capable of carrying smaller dinosaurs or even fellow players, the Procoptodon is a valuable asset for exploration, transportation, and even combat support. However, unlocking the full potential of this creature hinges on a successful taming process. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Procoptodon taming, focusing on the best food options and proven strategies to ensure your taming endeavor is a resounding success. Let’s delve into the world of these hopping wonders and discover how to make them a valuable part of your Ark adventure.
Understanding Procoptodon Taming Mechanics
The core of taming in Ark revolves around rendering a creature unconscious and providing it with its preferred food until it fully trusts you. The Procoptodon is no exception, however, there are nuances to the taming process that make it unique. Unlike most creatures which are rendered unconscious by force, the Procoptodon is tamed passively, without violence. This means a more sneaky approach is required, and the best foods must be chosen to speed up the process.
Taming effectiveness is paramount. High taming effectiveness means the Procoptodon gains more levels once the taming process is complete. These extra levels translate to higher stats, making your newly tamed Procoptodon stronger, faster, and more capable. Therefore, maximizing taming effectiveness is crucial for getting the most out of your Procoptodon. The quality of food directly influences taming effectiveness.
The Procoptodon, with its passive taming method, needs to be approached with care. Being noticed can lead to it running away, thus resetting the process. The careful and right feeding approach ensures a high percentage tame and a valuable addition to your tribe.
The Best Taming Foods for Procoptodon
Choosing the right food can significantly impact the speed and effectiveness of your Procoptodon taming endeavor. Different foods provide different levels of taming progress, and selecting the optimal food will save you time and resources. Let’s examine the food options and their benefits.
Superior Kibble
The undisputed champion of Procoptodon taming is Superior Kibble. Kibble is crafted from specific dinosaur eggs, cooked with other ingredients in a cooking pot or industrial cooker. Superior Kibble stands above all other options due to its substantial taming affinity and its ability to maximize taming effectiveness. Using Superior Kibble dramatically reduces the overall taming time, ensuring you can quickly add a powerful Procoptodon to your ranks. Crafting Superior Kibble requires a bit of effort, but the return on investment is undeniable.
Mejoberries
For players who are not quite ready for Superior Kibble, there is a viable alternative. Mejoberries, the purple berries found throughout the Ark, can be fed to the Procoptodon to kickstart the taming process. While not as effective as kibble, they are much easier to acquire, making them a good starting point. The taming will take much longer than with kibble, so be prepared for a more extended process. However, if you have no access to kibble, then the humble Mejoberry is your next best friend.
It is important to note that Procoptodons are herbivores, and as such, they will only accept berries or kibble. Meat is not an option. Therefore, when stocking up for your taming adventure, focus solely on gathering berries or crafting the desired type of kibble.
A comparison of taming times is essential for planning your taming expedition. Using Superior Kibble will significantly shorten the time needed to tame the Procoptodon, while Mejoberries require a much longer period. Understanding these differences will help you allocate your time and resources accordingly.
Taming Strategies and Tips
Now that you understand the importance of the right taming food, let’s explore the strategies and tips for a successful Procoptodon taming endeavor.
Finding a Procoptodon
Finding Procoptodons can be challenging because they are not particularly abundant. They often spawn in grassy and forested regions, particularly in areas with relatively flat terrain. On The Island map, look towards the central and southern parts of the island. On Scorched Earth, look around the edges of the dunes and towards the greener oases. On Ragnarok, search the Viking Bay area.
Listen for their distinctive hopping sounds to help you pinpoint their location. Spotting a Procoptodon will require patience and a keen eye, but with enough persistence, you will find one to tame.
Preparing for the Taming Process
Before you even approach the Procoptodon, you need to make sure you have the best chance for success. Gather a sufficient supply of your chosen taming food, and bring a ghillie suit if possible.
Locate a secure and relatively flat area to begin the taming process. Clear the area of any potential threats, such as Raptors or other aggressive creatures. By removing these distractions, you can focus solely on the taming process without unnecessary interruptions.
The Taming Process Step-by-Step
The Procoptodon is passively tamed. Carefully approach the Procoptodon in a crouched position. If you have a ghillie suit, wear it for added stealth, which will reduce the chance of being detected. Approach the Procoptodon slowly and carefully. Open its inventory and place the taming food in the last inventory slot. Move away and wait for the Procoptodon to get hungry. When it is, approach it again and let it eat. If you approach while it is eating, it will stop and you will have to repeat the process.
Repeat the feeding process until the taming bar is full, and congratulations, the Procoptodon is tamed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful preparation, challenges can arise during the taming process. If other creatures interrupt the taming, try to lure them away from the Procoptodon or, if necessary, eliminate them entirely.
Thankfully, the Procoptodon does not lose torpor during the taming process, so torpor management isn’t an issue. However, if the Procoptodon starts to flee, it may get stuck on terrain, and you may be able to tame it more easily. However, if it doesn’t get stuck, be persistent, and keep at the taming process.
Post-Taming Care and Uses
After successfully taming your Procoptodon, you need to know how to care for it and utilize its unique abilities. Procoptodons are herbivores, so keep them well-supplied with berries or other plant-based food. They will require regular feeding to maintain their health and happiness.
Once your Procoptodon reaches a sufficient level, you can craft a Procoptodon Saddle. The saddle unlocks the ability to ride the Procoptodon and fully utilize its capabilities.
The Procoptodon’s key abilities are its high jumping ability and the pouch, which can carry smaller dinos and players. The Procoptodon can leap great distances, making it ideal for traversing difficult terrain and reaching otherwise inaccessible areas. The pouch is a unique feature that allows you to carry smaller creatures, such as Dodos or Monkeys.
The Procoptodon has many practical uses. It is a powerful transport animal for dinos, moving creatures across the map. It is also useful for scouting and exploring difficult terrain, for players and smaller tribe members.
Conclusion
Mastering Procoptodon taming can greatly enhance your Ark: Survival Evolved experience. By understanding the importance of proper food selection, employing effective taming strategies, and utilizing the creature’s unique abilities, you can unlock the full potential of the Procoptodon. Remember, Superior Kibble is the preferred taming food, but Mejoberries can work in a pinch. With careful planning and execution, you can add this powerful kangaroo-like marsupial to your ranks and enjoy its many benefits. Now, venture forth, put your newfound knowledge into practice, and experience the joy of riding your very own Procoptodon across the Ark!
