Keeping the Giga Asleep: A Comprehensive Guide to Taming the Ark’s Apex Predator

Keeping a Giganotosaurus asleep in Ark: Survival Evolved requires a strategic approach, combining the right tools, techniques, and a good understanding of the game’s mechanics. Once knocked unconscious, the primary method to maintain its slumber is by consistently increasing its torpor stat using narcotics or narcoberries. However, the Giga has a notoriously high torpor drain, requiring a substantial amount of these resources to ensure a successful tame. To keep a Giga asleep, you must continuously monitor its torpor level and feed it narcotics or narcoberries as its torpor decreases, ideally while it’s inside a secure taming pen to prevent unexpected awakenings or rampages. The critical aspect is to maintain a higher torpor level than the unconscious Giga’s natural torpor drain rate, which is significantly higher than other creatures in the game. The key is relentless vigilance and abundant resources.

The Torpor Taming Process

Understanding Torpor Mechanics

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, it’s crucial to grasp how torpor works in Ark. Torpor is a state of unconsciousness, induced by specific items and weapons. When a creature’s torpor reaches its maximum threshold, it falls unconscious. Once unconscious, its torpor will slowly decrease over time. If the torpor reaches zero, the creature wakes up. To keep the Giga asleep, you must constantly counteract its high torpor drop by applying more torpor through narcotics or narcoberries.

Narcotics vs. Narcoberries

Both narcotics and narcoberries increase torpor, but at different rates. Narcotics provide a larger torpor increase but are more resource-intensive to produce. Narcoberries, on the other hand, offer a much smaller torpor increase, but are easily obtainable in large quantities. Interestingly, the game mechanics around torpor application make narcoberries surprisingly effective for Gigas. When torpor is applied, the actual torpor application is briefly paused while it registers. This pause combined with the slower torpor increase from narcoberries makes it easier to apply a larger overall torpor amount, which is essential when taming a Giga. This makes them viable if you have a large quantity on hand.

The Importance of Timing

Timing is everything when maintaining a Giga’s unconsciousness. Unlike most creatures that wake up every few minutes, Gigas can awaken in a matter of seconds if their torpor isn’t consistently replenished. The crucial element is constant monitoring and proactively feeding narcotics or narcoberries to ensure the torpor never reaches zero. Preemptively feeding, especially during the crucial initial stages after knocking it out, is crucial to ensure the tame is not ruined.

How to Keep the Giga Down

1. Preparation is Key: Gather a copious amount of narcotics and narcoberries (ideally the latter due to how they apply torpor). Having hundreds, if not thousands, on hand is advisable. If you plan to use narcotics, keep several hundred on hand.
2. Secure the Taming Area: Use a metal trap to encase the Giga after it’s knocked out. This will prevent the Giga from wandering off and will also keep other wild creatures from attacking it during the taming process.
3. Continuous Monitoring: Constantly monitor the Giga’s torpor bar on the HUD. Don’t wait for it to get too low before applying narcotics or narcoberries.
4. Methodical Feeding: Transfer the narcotics or narcoberries from your inventory to the Giga’s inventory. The torpor increase will be gradual, so continue feeding it throughout the tame.
5. Be Patient: Taming a Giga takes time. Be patient, stay vigilant, and keep the narcotics or narcoberries flowing to ensure a successful taming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Giga Taming

1. How many tranq darts/arrows does it take to knock out a Giga?

The number varies depending on the Giga’s level and the weapon being used. On average, it takes between 80 to 150 tranq darts or 400 to 700 tranq arrows to knock out a Giga. Always bring more than you think you need due to missed shots and other variables.

2. Is it better to use tranq darts or tranq arrows?

Tranq arrows are generally easier to craft and less expensive, making them ideal for dealing with the high health pool of a Giga. However, the longneck rifle with tranq darts provides better torpor per hit and may be preferred by some.

3. How many narcotics are needed to keep a Giga asleep?

A very high number of narcotics is typically needed to maintain a Giga’s unconsciousness, sometimes in excess of 1000. However, using narcoberries can be more efficient due to the way the game applies torpor. It is advisable to prepare with as many as 3000+ narcoberries.

4. Can wild Gigas be stronger than tamed Gigas?

Yes, wild Gigas are significantly stronger, dealing roughly three times the damage compared to tamed Gigas. This highlights the importance of having a strong team of dinos to take on wild Gigas.

5. How fast does a Giga wake up if not fed narcotics or narcoberries?

Gigas have a very fast torpor drain rate, and can wake up in as little as 30 seconds if their torpor is not actively maintained. This makes consistent feeding essential.

6. What is the best method to knock out a Giga?

Utilizing a Quetzal with a platform saddle is one effective method. Positioned on the platform, multiple players can rain down tranq darts or arrows on the Giga. Alternatively, using a metal trap with bear traps is also effective to prevent it from running off while you shoot it down.

7. What is the fastest way to knock out a Giga?

The fastest way to knock out a giga involves baiting it into a metal trap with bear traps and then closing the trap. After trapping, firing tranq darts or arrows until its unconscious.

8. What is the best weapon to use when taming a giga?

When knocking out a Giga, the best weapon is the longneck rifle paired with tranq darts for accurate, high torpor damage per shot. When you just begin the tame and need to secure it in place, you can also use tranq arrows.

9. Can Gigas destroy metal structures?

While Gigas inflict minimal damage to metal structures, they can destroy stone and lower-tier structures with ease. Building taming pens and bases with metal is essential to withstand a Giga’s power.

10. Can you breed a normal giga and an R-Giga?

No, you cannot breed a normal Giganotosaurus and an “R-Giga” together. R-Gigas are variants with unique bonuses.

11. Do Gigas have a rage mode?

Yes, when a Giga (tamed or wild) takes too much damage or gets to low health, it will enter a rage mode, turning on everything around, including its own tamer.

12. What are the best dinos to fight a Giga?

Using very high level bred Rexes or Spinos is a good method, especially when used in groups. However, be aware that these dinosaurs will not fare as well once the giga rages and will need to be evacuated.

13. How do I trap a giga?

You can construct a simple U-shaped trap using metal gateways and then lure the giga into the trap. Placing a large bear trap in the center can help to keep it in place while you close the final gate, completing the square shape.

14. Does a giga break tek?

No. While a giga is capable of breaking every material except metal, it cannot destroy Tek structures.

15. Is drowning an option to defeat a Giga?

Yes, strategically drowning the Giga can be a viable option if other options are limited. This approach eliminates the need for weapon-based taming.

Successfully taming a Giga is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding experiences in Ark. By using the right tools, the right strategy, and by being prepared with a large amount of torpor-inducing materials, you can successfully add this terrifying beast to your dino army. Remember, patience and consistency are paramount in the long, challenging process of giga taming.