The Definitive Guide To Taming A Procoptodon In ARK: Survival Evolved
The Procoptodon is a specialized herbivorous marsupial in ARK that requires Rare Mushrooms as its primary taming food and a passive taming methodology rather than the traditional knockout method. Success hinges on maintaining a significant distance to avoid spooking the creature, utilizing a Ghillie Suit for stealth, and deploying high-tier kibble or mushrooms to maximize taming effectiveness.
Strategic Preparation and Equipment Requirements
Taming a Procoptodon effectively requires a departure from standard tranquilizer-based strategies. Because these creatures are extremely skittish and possess a high movement speed, preparation must focus on concealment, mobility, and resource accumulation. You must avoid aggressive tactics, as attacking the creature will cause it to flee rapidly, making it nearly impossible to track across dense terrain.
- Essential Gear and Consumables:
- Ghillie Suit: A full set is mandatory to minimize your detection radius. Without this, the Procoptodon will detect you from a significant distance and flee.
- Rare Mushrooms: These are the mandatory food source. While they can be found by harvesting swamp trees or crystal-rich mountain nodes, ensure you have a minimum of 30 to 50 mushrooms for a high-level creature.
- Longneck Rifle with Tranquilizers (Emergency Only): Carry this only as a secondary measure if the creature becomes stuck or if you need to defend against predators. Do not use it on the target.
- Bug Repellant: Optional but highly recommended to keep aggressive insects or predators from interfering with your pathing while approaching the target.
- Movement Buffs: Consider having an Argentavis or similar flyer parked nearby to reposition or scout if the target runs into hazardous territory.
Executing the Passive Taming Procedure
The Procoptodon is a passive tame, meaning you must approach it cautiously and feed it directly from your inventory. The process requires patience and precise movement.
Step 1: Identifying and Isolating the Target
Locate the Procoptodon, typically found in mountainous regions or near the Redwood forest borders. Once spotted, assess the surrounding area for hostile carnivores. If predators are nearby, eliminate them quietly using a long-range weapon before approaching, as a single attack from a Raptor or Sabertooth will startle the Procoptodon, causing it to bound away at high velocity.
Step 2: The Stealth Approach
Equip your full Ghillie Suit and ensure you are not riding a mount. Approach the creature from behind or from its blind spot. Crouch-walk to reduce your noise and detection profile. If you have Bug Repellant applied, use it now. Move slowly; if the Procoptodon turns its ears or body toward you, stop moving immediately and wait for it to return to its ambient state.
Step 3: Administering the Food
Once you are within reach of the creature, place the Rare Mushrooms into the right-most slot of your hotbar. When the prompt appears, press the interaction key to feed the Procoptodon. After the first feeding, the creature will wait for a specific interval before it accepts the next portion. Maintain your crouched, stealthy position throughout the entire wait period.
Pro-Tip: If the Procoptodon begins to walk away, do not sprint after it. Follow at a walking pace, keeping your distance until it settles in a new location. Rapid movement is the primary cause of taming failure.
Step 4: Monitoring Taming Progress
Continue feeding the creature whenever the prompt appears. Monitor your stamina and hunger levels while waiting. If the creature gets caught on terrain or trees, use this to your advantage to keep it stationary. Do not leave the render distance of the creature, or the taming progress may reset or the creature may despawn.
Procoptodon Ark Taming : Procoptodon - XIOBLM
Comparative Taming Efficiency and Resource Metrics
The following table details the effectiveness of various food items used during the taming process. Note that while Rare Mushrooms are the standard, specific kibble tiers can significantly reduce the total time required and increase the bonus levels gained upon success.
| Food Item | Taming Effectiveness Modifier | Availability Difficulty | Requirement Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare Mushrooms | Baseline (1.0x) | Moderate | Every 45-60 seconds |
| Basic Kibble | High (1.5x) | Easy (Farmable) | Every 30-40 seconds |
| Exceptional Kibble | Highest (2.5x) | Hard (Late-game) | Every 15-20 seconds |
| Berries | Negligible | Very Easy | Not recommended |
Troubleshooting Common Taming Complications
Even with perfect execution, external variables can jeopardize a tame. Use these field fixes to salvage the encounter.
- Target Spooked by Predators: If a predator attacks the Procoptodon, it will leap away. Actionable Fix: Use a flyer to hover above the Procoptodon and track it from the air. Do not land. Wait for it to stop moving, then descend slowly and re-engage stealth protocols.
- Target Glitched into Terrain: Occasionally, the Procoptodon may get stuck in rock geometry. Actionable Fix: Attempt to lead it out by positioning yourself in the direction you want it to move, or use a large creature to push it gently (though this carries a high risk of spooking).
- Accidental Aggro: If you accidentally punch or shoot the creature, it will enter a permanent flee state. Actionable Fix: There is no way to reset a fleeing Procoptodon. You must leave the area, allow the creature to de-render, and return after a game-day cycle to reset its status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Trap to tame a Procoptodon?
Yes, you can build a trap using stone gateways and doors. Lead the creature inside and close the gate. While this makes the passive taming process significantly easier, ensure the trap is made of stone or higher tier, as the Procoptodon can jump over low walls.
Does the Procoptodon have special riding requirements?
The Procoptodon requires a specific saddle, which unlocks at level 30. It does not require a special mount to tame, but you must be level 30 or higher to craft and equip the saddle once the taming process is complete.
Why is my taming effectiveness dropping?
Taming effectiveness drops if the creature takes damage while you are taming it, or if you feed it lower-quality food. Always ensure the area is clear of threats before beginning, and prioritize Kibble over Rare Mushrooms to ensure the highest potential level gain.
Will the Procoptodon eat if it is jumping?
No, the creature must be in a stationary or walking idle state to accept food. If the creature is currently performing its leaping animation, the interact prompt will be unavailable.
Master the Desert and Redwoods
Mastering the Procoptodon allows you to navigate the rugged terrain of the ARK with unparalleled vertical mobility and carry capacity for smaller creatures. Ensure your taming setup is prepared, stock up on Exceptional Kibble, and secure your own hopping companion today to revolutionize your exploration capabilities.
