Can You Tame a Cave Wolf in Ark: Survival Evolved? Unveiling the Truth!

The short answer, aspiring Ark survivor, is generally no, you cannot directly tame a cave wolf in Ark: Survival Evolved or its various expansion maps. These wolves, often found deep within treacherous cave systems, are typically designated as non-tamable. The game’s mechanics often flag creatures spawning within caves as creatures without the “wild” tag on their name plate which means that they’re for decoration only. But, as with Ark, there are exceptions and nuances to this rule. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case and explore the fascinating exceptions and alternatives to consider.

Understanding Cave Creature Mechanics

Why Cave Wolves are Usually Off-Limits

The primary reason you can’t typically tame cave wolves lies in the way Ark handles creature spawning and properties within cave environments. Most caves are designed as challenging areas, intended to test a player’s combat skills and resourcefulness. To maintain this difficulty and prevent players from easily acquiring powerful creatures, cave spawns are often configured as non-tamable entities.

• “Wild” Tag Absence: Creatures that spawn in caves often lack the “wild” tag typically found on tameable dinos. Without this tag, the game doesn’t recognize them as potential tames, regardless of your efforts with tranquilizer darts or preferred food.
• Balancing Considerations: Allowing the easy taming of high-level creatures found in caves would disrupt the game’s balancing. Cave creatures frequently spawn at higher levels than their surface counterparts, offering a significant advantage if tamed.
• Cave Design Intent: Caves are meant to be perilous expeditions, requiring careful planning and execution. Easily taming powerful cave creatures would undermine this core design principle.

The Exceptions to the Rule

While the general rule holds true, there are always exceptions in the sprawling world of Ark. Some specific caves, especially in certain expansion maps, may feature tamable creatures. These instances are rare and often tied to specific game mechanics or events. Here are a couple of caves that has tamable creatures in Ark : Survival Evolved

• Lower South Cave
• Upper South Cave

Focus on the Direwolf

The direwolf, a formidable canine, holds a unique position in the Ark ecosystem. While you might encounter direwolves within cave systems (like the Yeti Cave on The Island), their presence there is often linked to their lair or habitat, not necessarily as permanent, untamable cave dwellers. Outside these specific locations, direwolves are indeed tamable. Focus your taming efforts on finding them roaming the snowy regions of maps like The Island, Ragnarok, or Fjordur.

Taming Direwolves Outside Caves: A Practical Guide

Locating Your Target

Direwolves are typically found in colder regions, like the snow biomes and mountainous areas of various Ark maps.

Preparation is Key

Before embarking on your direwolf taming adventure, ensure you have the following:

• Tranquilizer Darts or Arrows: These are essential for knocking out the direwolf without killing it. A crossbow or rifle is ideal for delivering these projectiles.
• Preferred Food: Direwolves favor Raw Mutton or Kibble (Superior) for taming. Kibble significantly speeds up the taming process and improves taming effectiveness.
• Narcotics or Narcoberries: To keep the direwolf unconscious during the taming process.
• Protective Gear: Fur armor is recommended to protect against the cold.
• A Safe Taming Area: Consider building a small enclosure to keep the direwolf contained and safe from predators while it’s unconscious.

The Taming Process

1. Knockout: Carefully approach the direwolf and use your tranquilizer darts or arrows to knock it unconscious. Aim for the head for maximum effectiveness.
2. Maintain Unconsciousness: Continuously monitor the direwolf’s torpor level and administer narcotics or narcoberries as needed to keep it unconscious.
3. Feed the Preferred Food: Place the Raw Mutton or Kibble in the direwolf’s inventory. It will automatically consume the food as it gets hungry.
4. Protect the Tame: Defend the unconscious direwolf from predators and other threats while it’s taming.
5. Claim Your Prize: Once the taming meter is full, the direwolf is yours! Equip it with a saddle and enjoy your new companion.

Fjordur’s Fenrir: A Different Kind of Wolf

On the Fjordur map, there’s a unique wolf-like creature called the Fenrir. However, the Fenrir isn’t tamed through conventional methods. Instead, you acquire a Fenrir (lvl150) after defeating the Fenrirsūlfr boss. The resulting tame is delivered in a cryopod after the boss dies. You must kill the final boss on fjordur to tame this creature.

Cave Exploration and Alternatives

While you can’t tame most cave wolves, caves remain a vital part of the Ark experience. Here are some tips for successful cave exploration:

• Baryonyx is the way to go: They are fast both on land and in water, slim to fit most caves and strong enough to kill everything on caves.
• Baryonyx: They are fast both on land and in water, slim to fit most caves and strong enough to kill everything on caves.
• Equip for the Environment: Wear appropriate armor to protect against temperature extremes and potential hazards.
• Bring a Reliable Mount: A strong, maneuverable mount like a Baryonyx can be invaluable for navigating caves.
• Carry Torches or Light Sources: Caves are dark, so bring torches, a charged lantern, or a light pet to illuminate your path.
• Be Prepared for a Fight: Caves are home to dangerous creatures, so bring weapons and ammunition to defend yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I tame any creature I find in a cave?

Generally no. Most creatures that spawn exclusively within caves are non-tamable. However, there are exceptions, particularly in certain expansion maps or with specific events.

2. What happens if I try to tame a non-tamable cave creature?

You can try shooting it with a tranq dart, but nothing happens. The torpor will not increase and you will just waste your darts.

3. Are cave dinos higher level than those on the surface?

Yes, cave dinos often spawn at higher levels, making them attractive to tame if they were possible to tame.

4. Can I bring tamed dinos into caves?

Yes, you can bring tamed dinos into most caves, although some may be too small for larger creatures. Baryonyx or Thylacoleo are excellent choices for cave exploration.

5. What’s the best way to explore a cave?

Preparation is key. Bring appropriate gear, a reliable mount, light sources, and weapons.

6. What are the benefits of exploring caves?

Caves often contain valuable resources like crystals, metal, and artifacts, which are essential for progressing in the game.

7. Are there any creatures that are only found in caves?

Yes, some creatures, like the Onyc (bat), are exclusively found in cave environments.

8. Does difficulty setting affect creature levels in caves?

Yes, the difficulty setting influences the maximum level of creatures that can spawn, including those in caves.

9. Can I use console commands to tame cave creatures?

While console commands can force-tame creatures, this may disrupt the game’s balance and is generally discouraged in non-private server environments.

10. What’s the difference between a direwolf and a cave wolf?

“Cave wolf” is a general term for wolves found in caves. Direwolves are a specific creature type that can be tamed outside of caves in specific environments.

11. Can I transfer creatures from a cave to my base?

Yes, you can transfer tamed creatures from a cave to your base, provided they can physically fit through the cave entrance.

12. Are there any special taming methods for direwolves?

No, direwolves are tamed using standard tranquilizing and feeding methods. Focus on using their preferred food for the best results.

13. What food tames a direwolf the fastest?

Kibble (Superior) is the fastest and most effective food for taming direwolves.

14. Do direwolves have any special abilities?

Direwolves have a pack bonus, gaining increased strength and damage when in close proximity to other direwolves. They also have a howl ability that boosts their pack.

15. Where can I find more information about Ark: Survival Evolved?

You can find more information about Ark: Survival Evolved on the official Ark website, the Ark Wiki, and various online communities and forums. You might also find resources for educators using the game at the Games Learning Society website or GamesLearningSociety.org!

Conclusion: Embracing the Wild

While taming cave wolves directly is generally not an option in Ark: Survival Evolved, understanding the game’s mechanics and exploring alternative taming opportunities can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Whether you’re venturing into the depths of a treacherous cave or patiently taming a direwolf in the snow, Ark offers a world of adventure and endless possibilities. Happy surviving!