The Argentavis, often affectionately called the “Argent,” is a cornerstone tame in Ark: Survival Evolved. Its unparalleled carrying capacity, decent combat abilities, and relatively easy taming process make it an invaluable asset for early to mid-game players and beyond. But before you can soar through the skies on your own Argent, you need to knock it out. And that means knowing how many tranq arrows (or darts) you’ll need. This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know to successfully tame an Argentavis, focusing specifically on tranq arrow requirements and strategies.
Understanding Torpor and Taming
Taming in Ark revolves around a creature’s torpor. Torpor is essentially unconsciousness, and you need to keep a creature’s torpor high enough for long enough to fill its taming meter. Different creatures have different torpor levels and rates of torpor depletion. The Argentavis, being a larger and more resilient creature, requires a significant amount of torpor to knock out and maintain unconsciousness.
The key is to inflict enough torpor without killing the Argentavis. That’s where tranq arrows (or their more potent alternatives) come in. These deliver a non-lethal dose of torpor that gradually increases.
Torpor Mechanics
When a creature is hit with a tranq arrow, its torpor increases. The amount of torpor inflicted depends on the weapon used (bow vs. crossbow), the arrow type (tranq arrow vs. tranq dart), and the creature’s resistance to torpor. After the initial torpor application, the torpor starts to decrease over time. This is where timing and maintaining the torpor are crucial.
Taming Effectiveness
While the Argentavis is unconscious, you must feed it its preferred food to increase the taming meter. The higher the creature’s level and the quality of the food used, the more the taming meter fills. Critically, the higher the creature’s taming effectiveness at the end of the process, the more bonus levels it gains after it’s tamed. Getting knocked out by the creature, or any sort of damage to the creature can reduce this effectiveness.
Calculating Tranq Arrow Requirements for an Argentavis
Several factors influence the number of tranq arrows needed to knock out an Argentavis:
- Level of the Argentavis: Higher-level Argentavises have significantly more health and require more torpor to knock out.
- Weapon Used: A crossbow inflicts more torpor per shot than a bow.
- Arrow Type: Tranq darts from a longneck rifle inflict more torpor than tranq arrows. Shocking tranq darts inflict even more!
- Server Settings: Official servers have standard settings, but unofficial servers can modify damage, torpor, and other multipliers.
- Headshots vs. Body Shots: Headshots inflict more torpor than body shots (though aiming for the head can be risky).
Due to all these variables, it’s impossible to give an exact number of tranq arrows that will work every time. However, we can provide estimations based on common scenarios and suggest tools to help you calculate more precisely.
Using Taming Calculators
Several excellent online taming calculators are available (Dododex, Ark Taming Calculator). These tools allow you to input the species, level, weapon, and arrow type to get an estimated number of tranq arrows needed. It’s highly recommended to use one of these calculators for accurate predictions, particularly for higher-level Argentavises. They consider the specific torpor values and damage inflicted to provide a reliable estimate.
General Estimates for Tranq Arrows (Bow)
These numbers are estimates based on a regular bow. Always bring extra arrows!
- Level 1-30 Argentavis: 15-30 tranq arrows
- Level 31-60 Argentavis: 30-50 tranq arrows
- Level 61-90 Argentavis: 50-70 tranq arrows
- Level 91-120 Argentavis: 70-90+ tranq arrows
- Level 121-150 Argentavis: 90+ tranq arrows (consider using a crossbow)
These numbers are merely indicators, use a taming calculator to find more accurate results.
General Estimates for Tranq Arrows (Crossbow)
Using a crossbow significantly reduces the number of arrows needed. Here are some estimates:
- Level 1-30 Argentavis: 8-15 tranq arrows
- Level 31-60 Argentavis: 15-25 tranq arrows
- Level 61-90 Argentavis: 25-40 tranq arrows
- Level 91-120 Argentavis: 40-60 tranq arrows
- Level 121-150 Argentavis: 60+ tranq arrows
Again, use a taming calculator for more precise numbers.
Taming Strategies for the Argentavis
Knowing how many tranq arrows to bring is only half the battle. You also need a solid strategy to tame the Argentavis effectively.
Finding an Argentavis
Argentavises typically spawn in mountainous regions. Look around mountain peaks and ridges. They often fly in circles, making them relatively easy to spot. Be aware of your surroundings; these areas often harbor other dangerous creatures like Sabertooths, Raptors, and other aggressive birds.
Preparing for the Tame
- Gather Resources: Stock up on tranq arrows, narcotics (to maintain torpor), and the Argentavis’ preferred food (Raw Mutton or Raw Prime Meat).
- Choose a Taming Location: Find a relatively safe area away from aggressive creatures.
- Consider a Taming Trap: Building a simple taming trap can greatly simplify the process.
Building a Simple Taming Trap
One common and effective trap involves using a 3×3 foundation of stone or metal, with walls two or three walls high. Leave one side open. Lure the Argentavis into the trap and then quickly place the final wall segment to enclose it. Now you can safely shoot it with tranq arrows without it flying away or attacking you directly. Another option is to use a raised platform and shoot it from above, where it has more difficulty reaching you.
The Taming Process
- Lure the Argentavis: Carefully approach the Argentavis and fire a shot to aggro it. Lure it to your taming trap (if using one). Be careful, as they are aggressive and will attack.
- Administer Tranq Arrows: Once the Argentavis is trapped, or in a safe location, start shooting it with tranq arrows. Space out your shots slightly to allow the torpor to build up.
- Monitor Torpor: Keep a close eye on the Argentavis’ torpor level. You can see this information after inflicting the torpor. The torpor level of the creature will be visible in your HUD.
- Maintain Torpor: Once the Argentavis is knocked out, immediately start feeding it Raw Mutton or Raw Prime Meat. Keep an eye on its torpor level. If it starts to drop too quickly, use Narcotics to replenish it. You need to access its inventory (press ‘E’ while standing near it) and force feed it the narcotics by placing the narcotics on the end of your hot bar and pressing the corresponding number, or by remote use.
- Protect Your Tame: Stay vigilant and protect the unconscious Argentavis from predators. Nothing is more frustrating than having a freshly knocked-out tame killed by a stray Raptor.
Preferred Food
The Argentavis has specific food preferences that directly impact taming effectiveness and speed:
- Raw Mutton: This is the most effective food source and will provide the highest taming effectiveness and fastest taming time.
- Raw Prime Meat: A good alternative if you don’t have access to Raw Mutton.
- Raw Meat: While it will work, it significantly reduces taming effectiveness and takes much longer.
Advanced Taming Tips
- Use a Spyglass: A spyglass allows you to view the Argentavis’ level and stats from a distance, helping you decide if it’s worth taming.
- Bring a Friend: Taming is always easier with a friend. One person can focus on shooting tranq arrows while the other keeps predators away.
- Consider Kibble: While Raw Mutton and Prime Meat are effective, using the appropriate kibble (Extraordinary Kibble) will result in the fastest taming time and highest taming effectiveness. But preparing the kibble is complex.
- Mind the Weather: Extreme weather conditions can affect your stamina and visibility, making taming more challenging. Choose a time when the weather is favorable.
- Be Patient: Taming an Argentavis can take time, especially at higher levels. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a while.
Troubleshooting Common Taming Issues
- Argentavis Waking Up Too Soon: Ensure you have enough Narcotics and are consistently force-feeding them to the Argentavis to maintain torpor.
- Argentavis Flying Away: Use a taming trap to prevent the Argentavis from escaping.
- Argentavis Dying: Be careful not to inflict too much damage while shooting tranq arrows. Space out your shots and aim for the body (rather than exclusively for headshots).
- Predators Attacking: Clear the area of any potential threats before starting the taming process. Consider building a perimeter fence around your taming trap.
Conclusion
Taming an Argentavis is a rewarding endeavor in Ark: Survival Evolved. By understanding the torpor mechanics, using taming calculators to estimate tranq arrow requirements, and employing effective taming strategies, you can successfully add this magnificent creature to your stable of tames. Remember to always be prepared, bring extra resources, and prioritize safety. With patience and persistence, you’ll be soaring through the skies on your own Argentavis in no time!
How many tranq arrows do I need to tame an Argentavis?
The exact number of tranq arrows required to tame an Argentavis in Ark: Survival Evolved varies significantly depending on its level. Lower level Argentavis will naturally require fewer arrows, while higher level ones will demand a much greater supply. Factors like your weapon’s damage and the Argentavis’s torpor recovery rate also play a crucial role in determining the total number needed. Therefore, using a taming calculator is highly recommended to get a precise estimate based on the specific Argentavis you’re targeting.
To effectively estimate the number of arrows, you’ll need to know the Argentavis’s level. Online taming calculators often factor in weapon damage and other variables such as the type of tranquilizer used (arrows, darts, etc.). Always prepare more arrows than the calculator suggests, as unexpected factors like critical hits or the Argentavis flying into obstacles can affect the taming process. Having extra arrows on hand can prevent a potentially ruined taming attempt.
What’s the best weapon to use when taming an Argentavis?
While tranq arrows fired from a bow can be used to tame an Argentavis, a crossbow is generally considered the superior option. Crossbows inflict significantly more torpor per shot compared to bows, allowing you to knock out the Argentavis faster and reduce the risk of it escaping or being killed by other creatures. This increased efficiency is particularly important when taming higher-level Argentavis, which have higher torpor and can take much longer to knock out.
Additionally, a longneck rifle using tranquilizer darts is an even more effective choice for experienced players. Darts deliver even higher torpor than crossbows and have a longer range, making it easier to maintain a safe distance from the Argentavis during the taming process. However, rifles and darts are typically more expensive to craft and require a higher player level to unlock. Therefore, the best weapon depends on your level, resources, and preferred playstyle.
What food is most effective for taming an Argentavis?
Raw Mutton is the most effective food for taming an Argentavis, providing the highest taming effectiveness and reducing the overall taming time. Taming effectiveness refers to how much of the Argentavis’s potential level-up slots are retained after the taming process. Using the best food results in a better-tamed creature with higher stats.
If Raw Mutton is unavailable, Raw Prime Meat is the next best option. While it doesn’t offer quite as high taming effectiveness as Mutton, it’s still significantly better than regular Raw Meat. If neither Mutton nor Prime Meat is accessible, Raw Meat can be used as a last resort, but it will result in a significantly longer taming time and lower taming effectiveness. Consider bringing taming effectiveness boosting items such as soothing balm to compensate for the reduced taming effectiveness with lower tier foods.
How do I keep the Argentavis safe while taming it?
Protecting the Argentavis during the taming process is crucial to prevent it from being killed by predators or wandering away. The most common method is to build a taming pen or trap. This involves constructing a secure enclosure out of walls and gates, ideally made of stone or metal to withstand attacks from stronger creatures. Lure the Argentavis into the pen and quickly seal it off to prevent its escape.
Alternatively, if building a pen isn’t feasible, you can clear the surrounding area of any hostile creatures. Use a strong mount to eliminate predators like Raptors, Carnos, or Sabertooths that could pose a threat to the unconscious Argentavis. Continuously monitor the area for any new threats that may approach during the taming process. Using a strong tribe mate to stand guard while the other tames is also a good option. Also, be aware of the torpor timer, so the creature does not wake up and potentially get killed.
What stats are important to look for when taming an Argentavis?
When taming an Argentavis, prioritize stats that enhance its utility as a flying mount and resource gatherer. Stamina is crucial for extended flights, allowing you to travel longer distances without running out of energy. Weight capacity is also essential for carrying resources and other players, making the Argentavis a valuable asset for transporting goods and moving around the map efficiently.
Melee damage is another important stat to consider, particularly if you plan to use the Argentavis for combat or defense. Increased melee damage allows the Argentavis to effectively defend itself against threats and gather resources more efficiently. Also consider looking at the creature’s health, making sure it can take a few hits before falling from the sky. Remember that the initial stats of the tamed Argentavis will heavily influence its overall effectiveness, so choose wisely based on your intended use.
Can I tame an Argentavis underwater?
No, Argentavis cannot be tamed underwater. The Argentavis is a flying creature and will drown if submerged in water for too long. While it might be possible to lure an Argentavis near the surface of the water, attempting to tranquilize it underwater is highly impractical and will likely result in its death.
Instead, focus on finding Argentavis in their natural habitat, which typically includes mountains, cliffs, and open areas. These locations provide ample space for the Argentavis to fly and are more conducive to setting up a taming pen or trap. Always prioritize the Argentavis’s safety and well-being during the taming process to ensure a successful outcome.
What level should I be before attempting to tame an Argentavis?
While there isn’t a strict level requirement to attempt taming an Argentavis, it’s generally recommended to be at least level 60 or higher. This level provides access to the necessary engrams, such as the crossbow and metal structures for building a taming pen, which significantly increases your chances of success. Additionally, having a higher level also means you’ll likely have better gear and stats, making it easier to survive potential encounters with other hostile creatures during the taming process.
Lower-level players can still attempt to tame an Argentavis, but it will require more preparation and caution. Utilizing a tribe mate with higher-level gear can significantly improve the odds of success. Focus on taming lower-level Argentavis initially to gain experience and resources, gradually progressing to higher-level ones as you become more equipped and skilled. Always prioritize safety and be prepared to retreat if the situation becomes too dangerous.