How to Train a Monkey in Ark: A Comprehensive Guide
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The world of ARK: Survival Evolved is teeming with fascinating creatures, and among the most intriguing are the various primate species. While you might not be “training” them in the traditional sense of teaching tricks, taming and utilizing these monkeys effectively requires a specific approach. Let’s dive into how you can successfully incorporate these agile, sometimes mischievous, companions into your ARK survival strategy.
Understanding Monkey Taming in Ark
The core of “training” a monkey in ARK revolves around passive taming, a method distinct from knocking out creatures. Unlike dinosaurs that require tranquilizing and then feeding, monkeys are tamed by patiently offering them their favorite treats. Specifically, we’re focusing on the Mesopithecus, the small, shoulder-perching monkey, and to a lesser extent, the Gigantopithecus, the larger ape creature.
For the Mesopithecus, forget aggressive tactics; it’s all about patience and stealth. The key steps are as follows:
- Food Preparation: Ensure you have their preferred food readily available. The best options include Mejoberries, Citronal, or even Dodo Kibble. Place this food in the far-right slot (usually slot 0 or 10) of your hotbar.
- Stealth Approach: Approaching a Mesopithecus head-on will likely scare it away. Instead, crouch to minimize your profile and carefully move towards the monkey from behind.
- Prompt Activation: As you get close, you should see a prompt on screen to “feed” the monkey (typically the “E” key on PC, “X” on PlayStation, or “Y” on Xbox). Make sure you’re looking directly at the monkey to activate the prompt.
- Repeated Feeding: The Mesopithecus will not be tamed with a single offering. Continue feeding it its preferred food each time the prompt reappears until it is fully tamed. This may take some patience.
Maximizing Monkey Utility
Once tamed, a Mesopithecus becomes a valuable asset, far beyond just a cute shoulder pet. Here’s what they can do:
- Shoulder Companion: They can ride comfortably on your shoulder, following you wherever you go.
- Early Warning System: They have a screech that serves as a warning for incoming danger. This is an invaluable asset, particularly in dangerous environments.
- Fecal Assault: In combat, the Mesopithecus throws feces at enemies. This isn’t merely for comedic effect, it applies a slow and damage-over-time debuff to targets.
Gigantopithecus: The Gentle Giant
The Gigantopithecus, while tamed through similar means, is a much different creature than the Mesopithecus. You will need to feed the creature its favorite foods repeatedly, making sure to get to the prompt before it runs away. These include: Regular Kibble, Titanoboa Kibble, Mejoberries, and other Berries.
The Gigantopithecus is not tamed for small utility, but rather combat and transportation. These large apes are capable of doing damage and carrying quite a lot of weight.
Beyond the Basics
Taming monkeys is just the first step. Here are some nuances to consider:
- Door Unlocking: Mesopithecus can open doors from the inside. This can be both an asset and a hazard. If you trap a monkey inside your base, be prepared for it to potentially unlock doors to escape. This can be helpful, though, if you are trapped inside.
- Lock Picking Misconception: Contrary to popular belief, Monkeys cannot pick locks. They can only operate the lock mechanism if they are on the correct side.
- Taming Efficiency: The speed at which you tame a Mesopithecus (and other animals) can be increased through the use of Taming Effectiveness multipliers, either through server settings or consumable items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I tame a Monkey Boss in Ark?
Yes, the Megapithecus can be temporarily tamed and ridden during the “Survive the Ark” mission in Genesis Part 2. This is not a permanent tame and is tied to that specific mission.
2. What is Passive Taming?
Passive taming involves feeding a creature while it’s conscious, rather than knocking it out first. Many creatures, including Mesopithecus, Gigantopithecus, and Unicorns, utilize this method.
3. What’s the best food for taming Mesopithecus?
While any berry can work, Mejoberries are the most effective for taming Mesopithecus. Other great options are Citronal, and Dodo Kibble.
4. Can Monkeys open doors in Ark?
Yes, Mesopithecus can open doors from the inside. They will try and open doors to escape, which is how they can open doors inside of bases.
5. What are some creatures I can’t tame in Ark?
Several creatures are considered un-tamable, including Aberrant Cnidaria, Alpha Bosses like the Alpha Deathworm, and many of the other Alpha versions of creatures.
6. Can Mesopithecus pick locks?
No, Mesopithecus cannot pick locks. They can only operate door mechanisms from the inside, meaning that they need to enter via a window, hole, or an open door and then open a door for you.
7. What does the Megapithecus eat?
The Megapithecus, as a boss, isn’t tamed through feeding. The boss is temporarily tamed in Genesis Part 2 when using a blue obelisk, which allows you to temporarily control the beast.
8. What is the big monkey in Ark?
The big monkey in Ark is the Gigantopithecus. These large apes are usually found in forests and can be a significant addition to your party.
9. Can you tame a Unicorn in Ark?
Yes, Unicorns can be tamed using a passive taming method. They require a special food offering and are instantly tamed after the first feeding, provided you immediately ride them.
10. Are there any unbreedable creatures in Ark?
Yes, many creatures, usually the Aberrant variants, are unbreedable. This includes Aberrant Cnidaria, Aberrant Meganeura, and several others.
11. What’s the best dino for the Megapithecus boss fight?
Many dinosaurs are suitable for the Megapithecus boss fight. The best include Rexes, Allos, and Therizinos, though Therizinos are often preferred since they are viable for other boss fights.
12. Can I tame any animal in Ark just by feeding it?
Some creatures are tamed by feeding from your hotbar (passive taming). If a prompt doesn’t appear, you usually need to resort to knocking the creature out first (knock-out taming).
13. What do you need for the Megapithecus fight?
You need specific Artifacts and items, including the Artifact of the Brute, Devourer, and Pack, as well as Megalania Toxin, Megalodon Tooth, Spinosaurus Sail, Therizino Claws, and Thylacoleo Hook-Claw.
14. What are the other “monkey dinos” in Ark?
The Dinopithecus, or “Baboon,” is a primate creature introduced in the Lost Island DLC. This is considered another monkey in Ark but is much more complex to tame.
15. What Dinos are not allowed in boss fights?
Specific creatures like Gigas, Brontos, and Titanosaurs are not allowed in most boss arenas. Standard teams usually include Yutys, Daeodons, and Rexes.
Conclusion
Taming and utilizing monkeys in ARK: Survival Evolved adds a unique layer to the game. From the shoulder-riding Mesopithecus to the larger Gigantopithecus, these creatures offer various benefits, enhancing both your exploration and survival capabilities. Understanding the nuances of their taming methods, their limitations, and their unique abilities will significantly aid your journey through the ARK world. Remember, patience and a stealthy approach are key to adding these primates to your collection.