The Argentavis, often affectionately called the “Argy,” is arguably one of the most essential creatures to tame in Ark: Survival Evolved. Its carrying capacity, ability to pick up smaller creatures, and decent combat prowess make it an invaluable asset for resource gathering, exploration, and even combat. However, taming this magnificent bird requires preparation, patience, and, most importantly, knowing how many tranquilizer darts you’ll need. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calculating the required tranquilizers for your Argentavis taming adventure.
Understanding Torpor and Taming Effectiveness
Before diving into the numbers, it’s crucial to understand the underlying mechanics that govern taming in Ark. Two primary concepts are at play here: Torpor and Taming Effectiveness.
Torpor represents a creature’s state of unconsciousness. You increase a creature’s Torpor by inflicting certain types of damage, typically with tranquilizer darts, arrows, or melee weapons. When a creature’s Torpor bar fills, it falls unconscious, allowing you to begin the taming process.
Taming Effectiveness represents the quality of the taming process. Higher Taming Effectiveness results in a higher level creature after taming and bonus levels, while lower Taming Effectiveness leads to a lower level and fewer bonus levels. Maintaining high Taming Effectiveness is crucial for maximizing the potential of your Argentavis. Feeding it its preferred food while unconscious and minimizing damage taken will help preserve Taming Effectiveness.
Factors Influencing Tranquilizer Requirements
The number of tranquilizer darts needed to knock out an Argentavis depends on several factors:
- Argentavis Level: This is the most significant factor. Higher level Argentavis have significantly more health and Torpor, requiring more tranquilizer darts to subdue.
- Weapon Used: The type of weapon used to administer tranquilizers affects the amount of Torpor inflicted per shot. Tranquilizer darts fired from a Bow, a Crossbow, or a Longneck Rifle each inflict different amounts of initial Torpor and Torpor over time. The Longneck Rifle is generally preferred for its superior range and damage output.
- Weapon Quality: A higher quality weapon (e.g., Journeyman, Mastercraft, Ascendant) will inflict more Torpor per shot. The increased damage translates to a higher Torpor application.
- Headshots: Landing headshots significantly increases the Torpor inflicted. Always aim for the head to maximize efficiency and minimize the number of tranquilizers required. Note: headshots also apply more damage so be cautious of killing the creature.
- Torpor Decay Rate: A creature’s Torpor naturally decreases over time. The rate of decay varies between species. Argentavis have a moderate Torpor decay rate.
- Server Settings: Server administrators can adjust various settings, including creature health, damage, and Torpor drain. Be aware of your server’s specific settings, as they can significantly impact the number of tranquilizer darts needed.
Estimating Tranquilizer Darts: The General Rule
While exact calculations are always best (more on that later), a general rule of thumb can help you get a rough estimate of the number of tranquilizer darts needed. This is particularly useful when you encounter an Argentavis unexpectedly and need to quickly assess if you have enough resources.
As a very general guideline, consider the following:
- Low Level (1-30): 10-20 Tranquilizer Darts from a Longneck Rifle.
- Mid Level (31-80): 20-40 Tranquilizer Darts from a Longneck Rifle.
- High Level (81-150): 40-70+ Tranquilizer Darts from a Longneck Rifle.
These are very rough estimates, and the actual number can vary considerably depending on the factors mentioned above. It’s always better to overestimate than underestimate!
Precise Calculations: Using Taming Calculators
For the most accurate estimate, utilize a taming calculator. These online tools account for all the variables mentioned earlier, providing a precise calculation of the required tranquilizer darts, the optimal food for taming, and the taming time.
Popular taming calculators include Dododex and Ark Smart Breeder. These tools typically require you to input the following information:
- Creature: Argentavis
- Level: The level of the Argentavis you intend to tame.
- Weapon: The weapon you’ll be using (e.g., Longneck Rifle, Crossbow).
- Weapon Quality: The quality of your weapon (e.g., Primitive, Ramshackle, Journeyman). If the quality isn’t specified the calculator will generally default to primitive.
- Server Settings: Your server’s specific settings for difficulty, taming speed, and other relevant parameters. This is especially important for unofficial servers.
The taming calculator will then output the estimated number of tranquilizer darts needed, along with other useful information like the required food and taming time.
Why Use a Taming Calculator?
Using a taming calculator offers several advantages:
- Accuracy: Provides the most accurate estimate of tranquilizer darts needed, minimizing wasted resources.
- Efficiency: Helps you optimize your taming strategy, saving time and effort.
- Resource Planning: Allows you to gather the necessary resources in advance, ensuring a smooth taming process.
- Taming Effectiveness Optimization: Many calculators also provide information on maximizing Taming Effectiveness.
The Longneck Rifle: Your Best Friend
As previously mentioned, the Longneck Rifle is generally the preferred weapon for taming Argentavis. Its superior range and damage output make it a more efficient choice than bows or crossbows.
Longneck Rifle Advantages:
- Increased Range: Allows you to maintain a safe distance from the Argentavis, reducing the risk of being attacked.
- Higher Damage: Inflicts more Torpor per shot, reducing the number of tranquilizer darts needed.
- Accuracy: Offers better accuracy, making it easier to land headshots.
Considerations When Using the Longneck Rifle:
- Cost: The Longneck Rifle is more expensive to craft than bows or crossbows, requiring more resources and a higher crafting skill.
- Ammo: Requires specific ammunition (Simple Rifle Ammo), which must be crafted separately.
Taming Strategy: Tips and Tricks
Beyond calculating the number of tranquilizer darts, a well-executed taming strategy is crucial for successfully taming an Argentavis.
- Location, Location, Location: Choose a safe and enclosed location to trap the Argentavis. This could be a pre-built trap or a natural enclosure. A common strategy involves using a 4×4 box with doorframes and a ramp to lure the Argentavis in and then quickly sealing the entrance.
- Prepare for Defense: Be prepared to defend yourself against other creatures that may be attracted by the commotion. Bring a strong melee weapon or a backup ranged weapon.
- Maintain Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the Argentavis while firing tranquilizer darts. Its attacks can be deadly, especially at close range.
- Monitor Torpor: Keep a close eye on the Argentavis’s Torpor bar. If it starts to decrease rapidly, administer more tranquilizers promptly.
- Preferred Food: Once the Argentavis is unconscious, feed it its preferred food to maximize Taming Effectiveness. Raw Mutton is the most effective food, followed by Raw Prime Meat, and then Raw Meat.
- Narcotics or Narcoberries: Keep Narcotics or Narcoberries on hand to keep the Argentavis unconscious throughout the taming process. Monitor the Torpor level and administer these as needed.
- Patience is Key: Taming an Argentavis can take time, especially at higher levels. Be patient and avoid rushing the process.
- Protect the Tame: While the Argentavis is taming, protect it from predators. Build walls around the area or stay close and defend it yourself.
Troubleshooting Common Taming Issues
Even with careful planning, things can sometimes go wrong during the taming process. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
- Creature Waking Up: If the Argentavis starts to wake up, quickly administer more Narcotics or Narcoberries.
- Predators Attacking: If predators attack, prioritize eliminating them to protect the unconscious Argentavis.
- Taming Effectiveness Dropping: If Taming Effectiveness starts to drop significantly, consider restarting the taming process with a fresh Argentavis. This is particularly important if you’re aiming for a high-level tame.
- Running out of Tranquilizers: If you run out of tranquilizers, retreat to a safe location and craft more. Avoid engaging the Argentavis without sufficient tranquilizers.
- Argentavis Escaping: If the Argentavis escapes the trap, attempt to re-lure it back into the enclosure. If this is not possible, you may have to abandon the taming attempt.
Beyond Tranquilizers: Alternative Taming Methods
While tranquilizer darts are the most common method for taming Argentavis, there are alternative approaches, although they are often more challenging or less effective.
One alternative is using a Bola to temporarily immobilize the Argentavis. This allows you to get closer and administer tranquilizers more easily. However, the Bola effect is temporary, and the Argentavis will quickly break free.
Another method involves using traps, such as a cage trap or a drowning trap. These traps can be effective, but they require careful planning and execution.
Ultimately, tranquilizer darts remain the most reliable and efficient method for taming Argentavis.
Final Thoughts: Taming Your Argentavis
Taming an Argentavis is a rewarding endeavor in Ark: Survival Evolved. By understanding the factors that influence tranquilizer requirements, utilizing taming calculators, and employing a well-thought-out taming strategy, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember to prioritize safety, gather sufficient resources, and be patient throughout the process. Once tamed, your Argentavis will become an invaluable asset, opening up new possibilities for exploration, resource gathering, and adventure.
How many tranquilizer darts are needed to knock out an Argentavis in Ark: Survival Evolved?
The exact number of tranquilizer darts required to knock out an Argentavis in Ark: Survival Evolved depends heavily on its level and your weapon’s damage. Higher level Argentavis have significantly more Torpor, which means they can withstand more tranquilizer damage before becoming unconscious. Factors like weapon quality (e.g., a Journeyman Longneck Rifle will inflict more Torpor than a primitive one) and whether you are landing headshots (which typically increase Torpor inflicted) also play a crucial role.
To get a precise estimate, online taming calculators, such as Dododex or Ark Smart Breeder, are highly recommended. These tools allow you to input the Argentavis’s level, your weapon’s damage, and the type of tranquilizer darts you are using (e.g., Tranquilizer Dart vs. Shocking Tranquilizer Dart) to receive an accurate calculation. Remember to account for potential Torpor decay and adjust your strategy accordingly, and possibly bring more darts than the calculator estimates to be safe.
What type of weapon is most effective for tranquilizing an Argentavis?
The Longneck Rifle is generally considered the most effective weapon for tranquilizing an Argentavis. Its relatively high damage and range make it ideal for delivering tranquilizer darts from a safe distance. A higher-quality Longneck Rifle (e.g., a Mastercraft or Ascendant version) will inflict more Torpor per shot, requiring fewer darts to knock out the Argentavis, thus increasing your chances of a successful tame.
While other weapons like the Bow or Crossbow can also be used with Tranquilizer Arrows, they are less efficient due to their lower damage output and shorter range. This means you’ll need to get closer to the Argentavis, increasing the risk of being attacked, and use more projectiles overall. The Longneck Rifle provides a balance of damage, range, and accuracy that makes it the preferred choice for most Ark players.
Besides darts, are there other factors that affect the taming process?
Absolutely. The Argentavis’s level is arguably the most significant factor. Higher-level Argentavis possess significantly more Torpor and health, requiring more tranquilizer darts and making them more challenging to subdue. Additionally, the Argentavis’s surroundings play a critical role. An open area is preferred to avoid getting stuck or dismounted by environmental obstacles during the taming process.
Another crucial factor is ensuring that the Argentavis is in a secure location once knocked out. Predators can easily kill an unconscious Argentavis, ruining your taming effort. Building a small enclosure around the unconscious creature, or having tribe members provide security, is highly recommended. Finally, the food used for taming influences the taming effectiveness; raw mutton or kibble are usually the best options to get a higher taming effectiveness percentage and thus better stats for your new Argentavis.
What happens if I run out of tranquilizer darts mid-taming?
Running out of tranquilizer darts mid-taming can have severe consequences. The Argentavis will start to regain Torpor, potentially waking up before the taming process is complete. If it wakes up, it will likely become aggressive and attack, forcing you to restart the taming process from scratch, assuming it doesn’t fly away or get killed by other creatures.
To avoid this, it is always advisable to bring more tranquilizer darts than the taming calculator estimates. Overestimating is better than underestimating, as you can always use the extra darts later. If you do run out, have a backup plan in place, such as a tribe member ready to bring reinforcements and additional darts quickly. Prior preparation is key to a successful Argentavis tame.
What’s the difference between Tranquilizer Darts and Shocking Tranquilizer Darts? Which is better?
Tranquilizer Darts and Shocking Tranquilizer Darts are both used to induce Torpor in creatures, but they differ in their Torpor application and crafting requirements. Tranquilizer Darts inflict a set amount of Torpor over a short period. Shocking Tranquilizer Darts, on the other hand, inflict a larger amount of Torpor initially, followed by a smaller, sustained amount over a longer duration.
Shocking Tranquilizer Darts are generally considered superior for taming creatures with high Torpor decay rates, such as the Argentavis. The initial burst of Torpor helps to quickly overwhelm the creature, making it less likely to wake up before the taming process is complete. While they require more advanced materials to craft, the increased effectiveness often outweighs the added cost, especially when taming high-level creatures.
Is it possible to tame an Argentavis solo, or do I need a tribe?
Taming an Argentavis solo is definitely possible, but it requires careful preparation and execution. You’ll need to ensure you have a high-quality Longneck Rifle, a sufficient supply of tranquilizer darts (preferably Shocking Tranquilizer Darts), and a safe location to knock out the Argentavis. A pre-built taming pen can be incredibly helpful in containing the creature and preventing it from being attacked by predators.
Having a tribe makes the process significantly easier and safer. Tribe members can provide cover fire, assist in building the taming pen, and defend the unconscious Argentavis from predators. They can also help gather resources and craft the necessary items more quickly. While solo taming is achievable, the increased safety and efficiency of taming with a tribe are undeniable advantages.
What food should I use to tame an Argentavis and what is the best method to acquire it?
The most effective food for taming an Argentavis is typically Exceptional Kibble, followed by Raw Mutton. Exceptional Kibble provides the highest taming effectiveness and reduces the taming time significantly. Raw Mutton is a more accessible alternative, especially for solo players, though it yields lower taming effectiveness compared to Kibble.
Exceptional Kibble requires specific eggs (typically Golden Hesperornis Egg) and can be time-consuming to prepare. Raw Mutton is obtained by killing and harvesting sheep, which can be found in mountainous regions. Using a high-damage weapon to quickly kill the sheep is recommended. Prioritize using the best food you can access to maximize taming effectiveness and ensure you get the most out of your newly tamed Argentavis.