Parrot Power: Understanding the Role of Parrots in ARK: Survival Evolved
In ARK: Survival Evolved, parrots play a unique and valuable role, primarily functioning as early warning systems rather than combat mounts or resource gatherers. Unlike many other creatures in the game, the parrot’s strength lies in its keen senses and ability to mimic the sounds of nearby threats. These avian companions are particularly useful in exploring dangerous environments, offering an auditory heads-up to potential ambushes. Essentially, parrots serve as living radar systems, making them a crucial asset for players navigating the perilous landscapes of ARK. They are not typically ridden, and are instead carried on the player’s shoulder.
Parrots: The Avian Alarm System
Parrots in ARK, specifically referring to the unique variant introduced with the ARKipelago DLC, are not your typical jungle birds. Their primary function revolves around their innate ability to detect and mimic nearby threats. When a hostile creature is present within a certain radius, the parrot will emit a distinct screech. Following this screech, it will attempt to imitate the specific call or growl of the detected creature, providing players with a clear identification of the danger and it’s potential location. This feature is invaluable for navigating tricky terrains and avoiding otherwise unexpected encounters with predators.
The mimicking ability is a key component of the parrot’s utility. It allows players to prepare strategically for incoming threats. Knowing whether you’re about to be ambushed by a Raptor, Carno, or Rex allows you to react accordingly, potentially avoiding a costly confrontation or even a complete wipe. Furthermore, this warning system operates consistently, keeping you informed about your surroundings while travelling or building.
While they don’t possess strong offensive capabilities or resource gathering abilities, their warning system makes them a vital early-game pet for all players, particularly beginners struggling to adjust to the hostile environments.
How to Tame a Parrot in ARK
Taming the parrot in ARK is a unique process that depends on the specific variant you encounter. Elemental parrots, which come in Caustic, Electric, Fire, and Ice forms, require Elemental Kibble for taming. Light and Dark parrots need Elemental Advanced Kibble. It’s important to note that you will need to have these kibbles on hand before approaching the parrot.
Unlike some creatures that may become aggressive when approached, parrots do not typically attack unless provoked by the player. This means that when you encounter the parrot, you can calmly approach it, but be sure to be prepared with the correct type of kibble. The taming process is similar to other passive tames, in which you will feed the parrot when prompted. Note that there is a taming effect that will be affected by the creature’s levels, just like every tame in the game, the higher the level of parrot the more patience and dedication you’ll require to tame.
Once successfully tamed, the parrot will become a loyal companion, readily perched on your shoulder, providing invaluable warnings as you venture through the dangerous world of ARK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Parrots in ARK
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about parrots in ARK, designed to provide further insight into their uses and characteristics:
1. What exactly is the main utility of a parrot in ARK?
Parrots primarily serve as an early warning system, alerting players to the presence of nearby aggressive creatures by screeching and mimicking their calls.
2. Can parrots be used in combat?
No, parrots are not effective in combat. Their primary purpose is detection, not fighting. They will be perched on the player’s shoulder, and can’t do anything but alert to dangers and be carried around.
3. How do I tame an elemental parrot in ARK?
Caustic, Electric, Fire, and Ice parrots require Elemental Kibble for taming, while Light and Dark parrots need Elemental Advanced Kibble.
4. Are there different types of parrots in ARK?
Yes, there are several types of parrots, including the Caustic, Electric, Fire, Ice, Light, and Dark elemental variants. Each requires different kibble to tame.
5. Does the parrot have other uses besides warning of threats?
Beyond their warning system, parrots offer no other specific utility. They are not pack animals, mounts, or resource gatherers.
6. Can you ride a parrot?
No, parrots cannot be ridden in ARK. They are designed to be shoulder pets, not mounts.
7. How accurate is the parrot’s warning system?
The parrot’s detection range is limited, but it is generally reliable within its radius. It is effective for alerting you to creatures in the immediate vicinity.
8. Does the parrot warn about every creature in ARK?
The parrot specifically alerts to aggressive creatures that pose a direct threat to the player. It will not warn of passive creatures.
9. Is the parrot’s warning system useful in both PVE and PVP modes?
Yes, the parrot’s warning system is beneficial in both PVE, helping players avoid dangerous predators, and in PVP, alerting to nearby enemy players.
10. Can the parrot be used to locate other players?
The parrot will warn you when a player is near you, but they won’t be able to differentiate friendly players from hostile ones.
11. What makes the parrot different from other warning creatures, like the Bulbdog?
The main difference is the parrot’s ability to mimic the specific sounds of the threats it detects, offering a clearer identification of the incoming danger, unlike the Bulbdog which offers no creature-specific identification.
12. What kind of food do you give parrots after taming?
Once tamed, parrots will consume different kinds of meats. It is important to know what type of kibble each individual parrot eats, as these are the only method in taming them.
13. Can a parrot be harmed?
Yes, parrots can be harmed by hostile creatures. Although they are shoulder pets, you’ll need to be careful not to run into dangers when you have one with you, as it will likely take damage along with you.
14. Are parrots easily found on all ARK maps?
The Parrot is specific to the ARKipelago DLC, and is not available on maps outside of this DLC.
15. How do I protect my parrot from attacks?
Keep your parrot safe by being cautious of your surroundings and ensuring you are never overwhelmed by more creatures than you can handle.
Conclusion: The Parrot’s Place in the ARK Ecosystem
While not a powerhouse in combat or a utility specialist in the traditional sense, the parrot holds a unique niche in ARK: Survival Evolved. Its role as an early warning system, combined with its capacity to mimic the calls of dangerous creatures, makes it an essential companion for both novice and veteran players. Taming a parrot offers a valuable advantage, allowing for more strategic navigation and survival across the ARK universe. Their ability to act as your personal radar system makes them a worthwhile companion for any survivor venturing into the wild.