Introduction
The world of ARK: Survival Evolved is filled with prehistoric creatures, each offering unique challenges and rewards. Among the most sought-after and formidable of these creatures is the Mantis, a powerful insectoid predator known for its agility, damage output, and unique ability to wear tools. Taming a Mantis can be a game-changer, providing access to resources, combat capabilities, and even the ability to craft high-tier items. However, taming this creature is unlike traditional methods; it requires a passive approach, relying heavily on offering the right food to gain its trust. Understanding the optimal ark mantis taming food is crucial for a successful taming process.
The key to successfully taming a Mantis lies in understanding its unique taming mechanics. Unlike many other creatures in ARK that are tamed by knocking them unconscious and feeding them, the Mantis must be tamed passively. This means approaching the creature carefully and offering it its preferred food items directly from your hotbar. The Mantis will not be aggressive unless provoked, but getting too close or making sudden movements will cause it to attack. The basic strategy involves equipping the desired food item to the last slot of your hotbar, approaching the Mantis slowly, and interacting with it to feed it. This process must be repeated multiple times until the taming meter is filled.
Understanding Mantis Taming Methods
Passive taming is a delicate process, requiring patience and a keen understanding of the Mantis’s behavior. The Mantis has a unique preference to be fed specific food items, which directly impacts the taming effectiveness and speed. The higher the taming effectiveness, the better the stats the tamed Mantis will have. Approaching a Mantis without provoking it is paramount. This often involves wearing Ghillie armor to reduce visibility, using bug repellent to minimize agro and moving slowly and deliberately. Equipping the desired item to the last slot of the hotbar ensures that you’re ready to offer the food when the opportunity arises. This method can be challenging, as the Mantis can be easily startled, and the environment where they are found can be dangerous.
The Essential Role of Food in Mantis Taming
The selection of food items plays a vital role in taming a Mantis. Certain food items offer a higher taming effectiveness, which translates to a faster taming process and a higher-level tamed creature. Using the wrong food can result in a lengthy and inefficient taming process, potentially wasting valuable resources and time.
Exploring Rockarrots as Mantis Temptation
Rockarrots are a commonly used option for taming Mantises. They are relatively easy to obtain, as they can be farmed from crops plots. The availability and ease of farming Rockarrots make them a practical choice for many players. While not the most effective ark mantis taming food, Rockarrots offer a decent balance between accessibility and taming efficiency. They are particularly useful for taming lower-level Mantises or when other, more potent food sources are scarce. The taming effectiveness with Rockarrots is respectable, allowing for a reasonably quick taming process compared to other less desirable food options.
Unveiling the Allure of Rare Flowers
Rare Flowers, while not primarily a taming food, play a crucial role in attracting insects, including Mantises. Eating a Rare Flower causes the player to be covered in a pheromone that attracts nearby creatures. This can be used to lure a Mantis out of a dangerous area or to keep it in a more manageable location during the taming process. However, it’s important to note that consuming Rare Flowers also attracts other creatures, some of which may be hostile. Therefore, careful planning and preparation are essential when using Rare Flowers in conjunction with Mantis taming. Obtaining Rare Flowers can be risky, as they are often found in swamps and other dangerous areas.
Harnessing the Power of Bug Repellant
Bug Repellant can be a valuable tool when taming a Mantis. Applying Bug Repellant reduces the chances of being detected by insects, making it easier to approach the Mantis without provoking it. This is particularly useful when taming Mantises in caves or other areas with high insect populations. Crafting Bug Repellant requires a combination of ingredients, including citronal, rockarrot, and sap. The ingredients and the campfire are needed to be able to craft the bug repellant. Using Bug Repellant allows you to move more freely around the Mantis, increasing your chances of success.
The Ultimate Mantis Delicacy: Deathworm Horns
Deathworm Horns represent the pinnacle of ark mantis taming food. They offer the highest taming effectiveness, resulting in the fastest taming process and the highest potential level for the tamed Mantis. However, obtaining Deathworm Horns is no easy task. Deathworms are formidable creatures that reside in the dangerous deserts of Scorched Earth and the frozen wastes of Ragnarok. Hunting Deathworms requires specialized equipment, advanced combat skills, and a significant amount of risk. The difficulty of obtaining Deathworm Horns makes them a rare and valuable resource. While Deathworm Horns are the ideal choice for taming Mantises, their scarcity often makes them impractical for most players. However, if you can obtain them, they offer an unparalleled advantage in the taming process.
Other Factors to Consider
Beyond the food item used, other factors significantly influence the taming process. The Taming Effectiveness stat plays a critical role in the final stats of the tamed Mantis. Maintaining a high Taming Effectiveness throughout the taming process is essential. This means using the best possible food and avoiding any interruptions or distractions that could lower the stat. The wild Mantis’s level also impacts the amount of food required. Higher-level Mantises require more food to tame, but they also offer better stats once tamed. Server taming multipliers can significantly affect taming speed and food consumption. Understanding these multipliers is crucial for planning your taming strategy. Finally, potential disturbances from predators or other players can disrupt the taming process. It’s essential to clear and secure the area before attempting to tame a Mantis.
Strategies and Tips for Mantis Domination
Successful Mantis taming requires careful planning and execution. Location scouting is essential. Mantises are commonly found in caves, deserts, and other challenging environments. Preparing the location beforehand by clearing out potential threats and setting up defenses can significantly increase your chances of success. Stealth and patience are paramount. Using Ghillie Suits to reduce detection and moving slowly and deliberately can help you avoid provoking the Mantis. Inventory management is also crucial. Ensure you carry enough of the chosen food item to complete the taming process. Having backup plans in case things go wrong can also be helpful. Avoiding aggro is essential. Keep a safe distance from the Mantis and avoid sudden movements or loud noises.
After successfully taming a Mantis, it’s essential to equip it with armor to protect it from damage. The Mantis’s ability to wear tools makes it an invaluable asset for harvesting resources. It can efficiently collect thatch, wood, fiber, and other essential materials.
Conclusion
Taming a Mantis in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Understanding the best ark mantis taming food is crucial for success. While Deathworm Horns offer the highest taming effectiveness, Rockarrots provide a reliable and accessible alternative. By carefully planning and preparing, you can tame this formidable creature and unlock its full potential. The Mantis is an invaluable asset to any survivor, offering unique abilities and access to valuable resources. So, gather your supplies, hone your skills, and embark on the journey to tame the terrifying Mantis. The rewards are well worth the effort.