Ark Survival Ascended Spinosaurus Taming Guide

What's up, Ark survivors! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most awesome and, let's be honest, terrifying creatures you can find in Ark Survival Ascended: the Spinosaurus. If you're looking to add this magnificent beast to your roster, you've come to the right place, guys. Taming a Spinosaurus isn't exactly a walk in the park, but with the right strategy and a bit of luck, you'll be riding this apex predator in no time. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from its preferred kibble to the best tactics for taking it down without becoming its next meal. So, grab your best tranquilizer darts and let's get this dino taming party started!

Understanding the Spinosaurus: More Than Just a Big Lizard

Before we even think about taming, let's chat about the Spinosaurus itself. In Ark Survival Ascended, this creature is a powerhouse, often found near large bodies of water like rivers and lakes. Its sheer size and ferocity make it a formidable opponent, but also an incredibly valuable ally once tamed. Think of it as a mix between a T-Rex and a crocodile, with a giant sail on its back for that extra bit of awesome. This sail isn't just for show, either; it plays a role in its combat abilities and even its taming mechanics. Spinos, as they're often called by the community, are amphibious, meaning they can hunt effectively both on land and in water. This dual nature makes them incredibly versatile for exploration, resource gathering, and of course, PvP dominance. They boast high damage output, good mobility (especially in water), and can even carry significant weight, making them ideal for transporting goods or other smaller dinos. However, their aggressive nature means they'll attack pretty much anything that moves, so approaching one requires extreme caution. Don't underestimate them; even a low-level Spino can pack a serious punch. We're talking about a creature that can easily outperform many other mid-to-late game dinos in specific scenarios. Its ability to run fast on land and swim even faster in the water gives it an unparalleled advantage in diverse environments. Furthermore, their raw damage output is nothing to scoff at, capable of shredding through unprepared players and their tames. The sail on their back also provides a unique visual cue and, in some game mechanics, might even offer defensive or offensive bonuses. So, when you see that sail cresting the water or emerging from the jungle, know that you're dealing with a top-tier predator. Their primary habitat usually involves swamp biomes, riverbanks, and coastal areas, so if you're hunting for one, that's where you should be looking. Remember, they are often territorial, so expect them to defend their hunting grounds fiercely. This is why preparation is absolutely key. Rushing in blindly is a recipe for disaster, and you'll likely end up as a Spino snack rather than its tamer. Understanding these core traits will set you up for a much smoother and more successful taming experience. It's all about respecting the power of the Spinosaurus and planning your approach accordingly.

The Best Kibble for Taming a Spinosaurus: Patience is a Virtue

Now, let's talk about the food. In Ark: Survival Ascended, like most creatures, the Spinosaurus has a preferred kibble type that drastically speeds up the taming process. While they will eat raw meat, using their favorite kibble is like giving them a gourmet meal – they'll accept it much faster and require fewer amounts. The best kibble for taming a Spinosaurus is Superior Kibble. If you don't have Superior Kibble handy, your next best bet is Exceptional Kibble. Failing that, they will accept Prime Meat (raw or cooked) or regular Raw Meat, but this will take significantly longer. So, what's the deal with kibble? Kibble is essentially a crafted food item that is more effective for taming specific types of dinosaurs. The tiers go from Basic to Exceptional, with Superior being the highest. To craft Superior Kibble, you'll need a Cooking Pot or an Industrial Cooker and a specific list of ingredients: a Dinosaur Egg (like a Quetzal, Rex, Giga, or Spino egg), Citrus Berries, Prime Meat Jerky, Rare Flowers, and Water. That's a pretty high-tier ingredient list, so if you're early in the game, you might need to focus on getting Prime Meat or Raw Meat. For Prime Meat, you'll want to hunt larger creatures like Triceratops, Stegosaurus, or even other predators. Remember that Prime Meat spoils quickly, so it’s best used fresh or cooked immediately. If you're aiming for Superior Kibble, you'll need to find a dinosaur that lays eggs suitable for it. Quetzals are great but notoriously hard to get eggs from. Carno or Rex eggs are more accessible for many players. Rare Flowers can be found in the redwood forests or sometimes harvested from specific bushes. Citrus Berries are abundant and easy to gather. The jerky requires cooking Prime Meat. So, crafting Superior Kibble is an end-game or mid-to-late-game endeavor. If you're struggling to get Superior Kibble, don't despair! Taming with Prime Meat or even regular Raw Meat is still viable, it just requires more patience and a lot more darts. The key is to keep the Spinosaurus's hunger meter up with the best food you have available. You'll see the progress bar fill up much faster with the preferred kibble, making the whole process less risky and time-consuming. Think of it as an investment: spending time gathering ingredients for Superior Kibble will save you a lot of headaches and potential deaths during the actual taming.

Gear Up: What You'll Need for the Taming Hunt

Alright survivors, before you go charging into the water after a Spinosaurus, let's talk gear. You absolutely cannot go into this unprepared, guys. This is a dangerous endeavor, and having the right equipment can be the difference between a successful tame and becoming dino chow. First things first: tranquilizer darts. Lots of them. Depending on the Spinosaurus's level and your tranquilizer weapon's effectiveness, you might need anywhere from 50 to 200+ darts. A longneck rifle is the standard for delivering these darts effectively from a safe distance. Make sure it's a good quality one, ideally an Ascendant or Mastercraft, if you can get your hands on it, as it will increase your chances of hitting critical shots and increase the torpor it applies. Next up, armor. You'll want the best you can get. Kevlar armor is highly recommended, but even Flak armor will provide a decent amount of protection against its powerful bites and swipes. Don't forget a shield! A metal shield can be a lifesaver, allowing you to block some of its attacks and give you precious seconds to escape or reposition. Movement speed is also crucial. Consider crafting boots with a movement speed enchantment or using stimulants if you have them. You need to be able to dodge its attacks and outrun it if things go south. For mobility, a flying mount like a Pteranodon or Argentavis is almost essential. You can use it to spot Spinos, lure them, and even rain down tranquilizer darts from above. Just be careful not to get swatted out of the sky! An Ammonite can also be useful for its projectile defense. Torches or night vision goggles might be necessary if you're planning to tame at night, as Spinos can be harder to spot in the dark. Finally, food and water for yourself are important, especially if the taming process takes a long time. And, of course, healing items like Medical Brews or even simple bandages can help you survive any stray hits. Consider bringing a Harpoon Launcher with Tranquilizer Darts as an alternative to the rifle; it has a slower projectile but can be more effective at range and applies a good amount of torpor. If you plan to tame in the water, a scuba gear set can be invaluable, allowing you to stay submerged and target the Spino from underwater, which can sometimes be safer. However, remember that Spinos are also powerful swimmers, so this strategy requires careful execution. Always, always, always bring more supplies than you think you'll need. Running out of darts halfway through a tame is a rookie mistake that will cost you dearly. Being overprepared is always better than being underprepared when dealing with a creature as dangerous as the Spinosaurus.

The Taming Process: Stealth and Precision

Alright guys, the moment of truth! Taming a Spinosaurus in Ark Survival Ascended is a passive tame if you approach it correctly, meaning you don't need to knock it out with tranquilizers like many other dinosaurs. However, there's a catch: it can only be approached and fed from behind. This is where the stealth and precision come in. First, locate your target Spinosaurus, preferably a lower-level one for your first attempt. Assess its surroundings. Is it near a group of aggressive dinos? Is there a cliff you can use for cover? Plan your approach carefully. The safest method is often to use a flying mount to hover above and behind the Spino. When you're in position, dismount and gently float down behind it. You'll see a prompt to feed it. Mash that button! If you're on land, you'll need to be incredibly stealthy. Crouch, use bushes for cover, and try to get directly behind it without it noticing you. If it spots you, it will likely become aggressive, and you'll have to either fight it off or retreat and try again later. If you do get spotted and it becomes aggressive, your best bet is to run! Use your movement speed and any terrain to your advantage. Sometimes, running into the water and swimming away can be effective, as it might lose aggro. If you're determined to tame it and it becomes hostile, you can resort to the KO (knock-out) method, but it's much harder and riskier. For the KO method, you'll need to shoot it with tranquilizer darts in the head, aiming for maximum torpor. This requires significant firepower and high-level weapons. However, the passive method is highly recommended. Once you've fed the Spinosaurus, you need to wait for its hunger to drop again before you can feed it a second time. This can take a few minutes. Keep a safe distance while you wait, but stay within render range. The time between feedings will increase with each successful feeding. Watch out for other predators or aggressive creatures that might attack the Spino while it's trying to eat or while you're waiting. You don't want anything interfering with your tame. If the Spino moves significantly or gets attacked, you might lose your window to feed it, forcing you to restart the stealth approach. The key is to remain patient and observant. The Spinosaurus has a good aggro range, so don't get too close before you're ready to feed. Remember, it's always better to wait for the perfect moment than to rush and spook it. The passive taming requires a degree of patience and understanding of the creature's AI. You are essentially exploiting its non-aggressive state when it's not aware of you to slip in a meal. Once it accepts the food, it enters a 'trust' state for a short period, allowing you to feed it again after a cooldown. This cycle continues until the tame bar is full.

Alternative Taming Method: The Knock-Out Strategy

So, what if the passive taming just isn't working out for you, or you've stumbled upon a Spinosaurus that's already hyper-aggressive? Don't panic, guys! While it's less ideal, you can still tame a Spinosaurus using the traditional knock-out (KO) method. This is essentially what you'd do for any aggressive dino tame. First and foremost, you need to render it unconscious. This means shooting it with a barrage of tranquilizer darts until its torpor meter is full and it passes out. As mentioned before, aim for the head for maximum torpor effect. Using a high-quality longneck rifle with advanced rifle ammo or even a fabricated sniper rifle will be your best bet. You'll need a lot of darts, likely over 100 for a mid-level Spino, and potentially hundreds for higher levels. Be prepared for a serious bullet sponge! While it's unconscious, you need to keep its torpor up. Spinosaurus, like many creatures, lose torpor over time. You'll need to periodically shoot it with more tranquilizer darts or use narcoberries or narcotics. Be careful not to over-tranquilize it, as this can kill it, especially if it's already low health. It's a delicate balance. While it's unconscious, you'll also need to feed it the appropriate kibble or meat. Remember, Superior Kibble is still the best, followed by Exceptional Kibble, Prime Meat, and then regular Raw Meat. Place the food in its inventory and wait for it to eat. The taming progress will increase with each successful meal. One of the biggest challenges with the KO method is survivability. Spinosaurus are powerful, and you'll likely need to kite it or use terrain to your advantage to avoid taking too much damage. A flying mount is incredibly useful here, allowing you to hover above and rain down darts. However, be mindful of the Spino's reach; it can still swat you off your mount. Building a taming pen specifically for the Spino might also be an option, though this is difficult given their size and amphibious nature. You'd need a robust structure, possibly made of metal, that can contain it once knocked out. This might involve luring it into a pre-built enclosure. Consider using Mosasaurus or Megalodons if you're taming in water, as they can help protect you and potentially draw the Spino's aggression. If you're on land, sturdy cover or natural barriers are your friends. Taming a Spino this way is a long, drawn-out process that requires significant resources and a high tolerance for risk. The passive method is almost always preferable for ease and safety, but the KO method provides a viable backup plan if needed. Just make sure you have backup plans for your backup plans!

Post-Tame Care and Uses: Your New Aquatic Powerhouse

Congratulations, you've tamed a Spinosaurus! Give yourself a pat on the back, guys. Now that this magnificent beast is yours, it's time to talk about what you can do with it and how to keep it happy. First off, breeding. If you manage to tame a male and a female, you can attempt to breed them for higher-level offspring. This is a long process, but it can yield some truly impressive Spinos. In terms of combat, your Spinosaurus is a beast. Its bite attack is devastating, and its tail swipe can hit multiple targets. It's excellent for PvE content, taking down dangerous creatures, and clearing out caves. In PvP, it's a strong contender, especially when used strategically. Its amphibious nature makes it a nightmare for players who rely on water defenses. You can use it to patrol rivers, raid underwater bases, or quickly traverse large bodies of water while remaining a serious threat. For resource gathering, it's quite capable. It harvests meat, hide, and chitin effectively, especially from aquatic creatures. Its decent carry weight allows you to haul a good amount of resources back to base. Mobility is another huge plus. It's fast on land and even faster in water, making it excellent for travel and escaping sticky situations. Consider its saddle. The Spinosaurus saddle unlocks at level 35, so you'll want to get that crafted as soon as possible to maximize its potential. With the saddle, you can ride your Spino into battle or on expeditions. Remember, Spinosaurus have a healing factor when in water or when their sail is exposed to sunlight (though the sail mechanic isn't always clearly implemented in every Ark version). This means they can regenerate health over time, making them resilient in prolonged engagements. To keep your Spino healthy and happy, make sure it has plenty of food in its inventory. They are carnivores, so they'll need meat. Regular meat is fine, but Prime Meat will fill them up faster. Watch out for their torpor levels if you're using them for intense combat; they might need narcoberries or narcotics to stay awake. Finally, consider their weight capacity. If you plan to use them as a transport dino, investing points into weight during leveling is a smart move. A well-leveled Spinosaurus can be one of the most versatile and powerful dinos in your Ark Survival Ascended collection. They are truly apex predators that, with a bit of effort, can become your most loyal companions and formidable weapons.

Final Tips and Tricks for Spino Taming

Alright, survivors, let's wrap this up with some final tips and tricks that might just save your bacon when taming a Spinosaurus in Ark Survival Ascended. First off, never underestimate the Spinosaurus, no matter its level. They are wild and unpredictable. Always assume it's going to be harder than you expect. Scout the area thoroughly before you engage. You don't want to be fighting a Spino while a pack of Raptors or a Carno is bearing down on you. Use a flying mount for aerial reconnaissance. Save your game before you start the taming process, especially if you're using the KO method. This way, if something goes horribly wrong, you can reload and try again without losing all your gear and the Spino. Bring more supplies than you think you'll need. Seriously, this cannot be stressed enough. Extra darts, food, healing items, and even a backup weapon. Learn the Spino's aggro range. Knowing how close you can get before it notices you is crucial for the passive tame. Crouch and move slowly. Don't be afraid to retreat. If the situation gets too hairy, just run! You can always try again later. Your survival is paramount. If you're using the KO method, consider building a trap. While tricky for a Spino, a well-designed pen can make the difference between success and failure. Think about using large bear traps or even trying to lure it into a natural formation it can't easily escape. Leveling your Spino after taming is important. Prioritize damage, health, and weight, depending on its intended role. Be patient. Taming takes time, and rushing the process will only lead to mistakes. Enjoy the journey, learn from your failures, and celebrate your successes! Taming a Spinosaurus is a significant achievement in Ark Survival Ascended, and with this guide, you're well on your way to mastering it. Good luck out there, survivors!