Can You Trap a Titanosaur in ARK: Survival Evolved? The Ultimate Guide
The simple, definitive answer is no, you cannot reliably trap a Titanosaur in ARK: Survival Evolved for the purpose of taming it. Attempting to trap a Titanosaur will trigger a mechanic that prevents it from taking further torpor damage, effectively making it impossible to knock out and tame through traditional methods. The game is designed to prevent this kind of cheesing of the taming process for such a powerful creature.
But why is that the case? And what can you do with these colossal creatures? Let’s delve into the specifics of taming, utilizing, and surviving alongside the mighty Titanosaur in ARK: Survival Evolved.
Understanding the Titanosaur’s Unique Taming Mechanics
The Titanosaur is unlike any other creature in ARK. Its sheer size and power make it a formidable force, and its taming process reflects that. Unlike standard creatures that can be knocked out by inducing torpor and then passively tamed by feeding, the Titanosaur requires a more direct and active approach.
The core reason trapping is impossible lies in the game’s code. The Titanosaur is programmed to require movement to be tamed. If it becomes stuck or confined, the torpor inflicted will cease to accumulate. This effectively prevents you from knocking it out, no matter how many cannon balls, catapult rocks, or rocket turret blasts you unleash. This ensures the method of taming it is a challenging exercise, requiring skillful and precise targeting whilst keeping it moving.
This mechanic was implemented to ensure that players engaged with the Titanosaur in a more dynamic and challenging way, preventing them from exploiting the game’s mechanics to easily acquire such a powerful asset. It is not about exploiting, but about surviving.
Effective Titanosaur Taming Strategies
So, if trapping is off the table, what does work? The only way to successfully tame a Titanosaur is to continuously inflict headshot damage with cannons, catapults, or rocket turrets while keeping it moving. This is a challenging process that requires significant preparation and coordination.
Here’s a breakdown of the key elements for a successful Titanosaur tame:
- Location: Choose a relatively open area with minimal obstacles that could hinder the Titanosaur’s movement. A large, flat plain is ideal.
- Equipment:
- Cannons or Catapults: These are the most reliable options for inflicting torpor. Cannons deliver more torpor per shot, but Catapults have a wider area of effect. Rocket turrets can also work.
- A Platform Saddle: Essential for mobile cannon firing, as your character alone could quickly become overwhelmed and be killed easily. A Quetzal or Bronto platform saddle is ideal.
- Plenty of Cannon/Catapult Ammo: You’ll need a substantial supply of Cannon Balls or Catapult Rocks. A high-level Titanosaur will require a significant investment.
- Protective Gear: Be prepared for the Titanosaur’s attacks. High-armor gear and strong tames to protect you are essential.
- Procedure:
- Locate a Titanosaur: Scan the map carefully for a Titanosaur spawn. These creatures are rare and often roam in remote areas.
- Prepare the Area: Clear any potential obstacles and position your platform saddle creature for optimal firing angles.
- Engage the Titanosaur: Aggro the Titanosaur and lure it to the prepared area.
- Maintain Movement: Ensure the Titanosaur is constantly moving. If it gets stuck, the taming process will halt.
- Headshot Focus: Aim for the head with every shot. Headshots are crucial for inflicting maximum torpor.
- Saddle Up: Once the Titanosaur is knocked out, quickly equip a Titanosaur Platform Saddle. The taming is instant once the saddle is applied.
- Enjoy (Briefly): Remember, the Titanosaur’s tame is temporary, unless modifications are used. Plan your activities accordingly.
Why Bother Taming a Titanosaur?
Given the difficulty and temporary nature of Titanosaur taming, it’s fair to ask: why even bother? The Titanosaur offers unmatched offensive and defensive capabilities, making it a devastating weapon in large-scale raids. Its massive size and health pool allow it to soak up tremendous amounts of damage, and its powerful attacks can quickly demolish enemy structures.
However, their temporary nature of only 16-24 hours before starvation has to be considered for raids, unless Raid Dino Feeding is enabled.
Ultimately, taming a Titanosaur is a strategic decision. If you have a specific raid target in mind and need a temporary but incredibly powerful asset, the Titanosaur can be a game-changer. However, if you’re looking for a long-term tame, you’re better off focusing on other creatures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Titanosaurs
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further understand the ins and outs of Titanosaurs in ARK: Survival Evolved.
1. Can you permanently tame a Titanosaur in ARK?
No, not in the vanilla game. The Titanosaur’s taming is designed to be temporary. However, mods are available that allow for permanent taming and leveling of Titanosaurs. These mods often rework the creature’s mechanics to make it a more viable long-term tame.
2. What do Titanosaurs eat?
In the wild, titanosaurs are high browsers, consuming leaves and branches from tall trees. However, once tamed, Titanosaurs do not eat. This is a crucial factor in their temporary taming mechanic. Their health will gradually deplete due to starvation, eventually leading to their demise.
3. How many tranq arrows does it take to knock out a Titanosaur?
Tranq arrows are completely ineffective against Titanosaurs. They cannot be knocked out with traditional tranquilizing methods. You must use cannons, catapults, or rocket turrets to inflict torpor through direct damage.
4. Can a Giganotosaurus take down a Titanosaur?
While a Giganotosaurus is a formidable predator, it’s generally not recommended to use it against a Titanosaur. A Titanosaur can often overpower a Giga due to its significantly higher health pool and powerful attacks. Using tactics such as Wyverns or the Carcharodontosaurus’ Shred debuff are better alternatives.
5. What is the best weapon to knock out a Titanosaur?
Cannons are generally considered the best weapon for knocking out a Titanosaur. They deliver a high amount of torpor per shot, making them more efficient than catapults. Rocket turrets can also be used, but the risk of killing the Titanosaur is higher.
6. How much damage does a level 1 Titanosaur do?
A level 1 Titanosaur has a base damage of 500. This is a significant amount of damage, making it a potent offensive force. They also boast a staggering 150,000 health.
7. Can you use a MEK to tame a Titanosaur?
While the MEK’s cannon module can inflict torpor, it might not be the most efficient option. Rockets can also work but are risky. Cannons and catapults remain the preferred methods due to their balance of torpor infliction and safety.
8. What is the spawn code for a Titanosaur?
To spawn a Titanosaur, you can use the GMSummon command “TitanosaurCharacterBP_C”. This command will spawn a wild Titanosaur in your vicinity.
9. Can you knock out a Titanosaur with a rocket launcher?
Yes, but it’s risky. While rockets can inflict torpor, they also deal a significant amount of damage. There’s a high chance of accidentally killing the Titanosaur before it’s knocked out. Use caution and aim carefully for headshots. Using a rocket turret is preferred.
10. What do you get for killing a Titanosaur?
Killing a Titanosaur typically yields very little in terms of resources. The primary reward is preventing it from being used against you or your tribe. However, the cost of killing one (in terms of ammunition and potential tame losses) often outweighs the benefits.
11. How long can you keep a Titanosaur tamed?
A Titanosaur typically lasts for 16-24 hours before it starves and dies, unless Raid Dino Feeding is enabled on your server. Plan your activities accordingly and only tame one if you have an immediate use for it.
12. Do you have to hit a Titanosaur in the head to tame it?
Yes! Headshots are absolutely essential for successfully taming a Titanosaur. Only headshots will inflict the necessary torpor. Body shots will do little to nothing.
13. Can you bring a Titanosaur to a boss fight?
No. Titanosaurs exceed the drag weight limit for boss arenas. Only creatures under 550 drag weight are allowed to enter.
14. Can a Titanosaur damage metal structures?
Yes. Titanosaurs are capable of damaging metal structures, making them extremely effective siege creatures. Their sheer size and strength allow them to easily demolish enemy bases.
15. What is the best strategy to defend against a Titanosaur?
Defense against Titanosaur is difficult. The best strategies revolve around either:
- Outranging it with turrets: Plant X- or Heavy Turrets on elevated structures.
- Distracting it with expendable tames: Use hordes of low-level creatures to keep it occupied.
- Using Carcharodontosaurus or Wyverns: Exploit their abilities to inflict significant damage.
Conclusion
While you can’t trap a Titanosaur, mastering the mechanics of taming and combating these behemoths is a crucial part of the ARK experience. Understanding their limitations and strengths will make you a more formidable survivor. So, gear up, gather your tribe, and prepare for the challenge of taming or surviving the might of the Titanosaur! The GamesLearningSociety.org emphasizes the importance of understanding complex systems in games, and the Titanosaur is a perfect example of that complexity in ARK: Survival Evolved. And who knows, maybe you’ll learn a little something in the process!