How Rare is a Unicorn in Ark: Survival Evolved? The Ultimate Guide
In the vast and perilous world of Ark: Survival Evolved, where dinosaurs roam and survival is a constant struggle, some creatures are rarer and more coveted than others. Among these legendary beasts, the Unicorn stands out as one of the most elusive. Simply put, Unicorns are exceptionally rare in Ark: Survival Evolved, with only one wild Unicorn spawning on each map at any given time. This singular existence makes them a prized possession for any survivor lucky enough to encounter and tame one. Let’s dive deeper into why these creatures are so rare and everything you need to know about them.
Rarity Explained: One Per Map
The fundamental aspect of the Unicorn’s rarity lies in its spawn mechanic. Unlike other creatures that can spawn in multiples, only one Unicorn will exist in the wild on a single map at a time. This means that across the numerous Ark maps, from The Island to Ragnarok and beyond, there’s only a solitary wild Unicorn to be found. This limitation dramatically increases the difficulty of finding one, turning the search into a genuine quest.
Visual Cues: Rainbow Trails
Adding a touch of magic to their elusiveness, Unicorns leave a distinctive visual cue – a rainbow trail when jumping or falling. This vibrant display can reach about two walls high, offering a glimmer of hope to observant players. While the rainbow doesn’t guarantee a sighting, it certainly narrows down the search area, provided you’re quick enough to spot it.
Resemblance to Equus
Adding to the difficulty, the Unicorn is a rare variant of the Equus, the standard horse of Ark. This means they look very similar, making it easy to overlook a Unicorn if you’re not paying close attention. The key distinguishing feature is its horn, but in the heat of the moment, especially when trying to survive, it’s easy to miss this critical detail.
Taming the Mythical Beast
Successfully finding a Unicorn is only half the battle. Taming one requires patience and the right approach. Here’s a breakdown of the taming process:
Passive Taming
Unicorns are tamed passively, meaning you can’t knock them out and force-feed them. Instead, you need to approach them carefully and offer them their favorite food.
Preferred Food
- Simple Kibble, Griffin Kibble, Rockarrot, Crops, Sweet Vegetable Cake, Mejoberry, and Berries are listed as acceptable foods.
- MOBILE USERS: sadly YOU CAN ONLY PASSIVE TAME IT WITH GRIFFIN KIBBLE.
- For non-mobile users, it’s best to use Rockarrots or Griffin Kibble, as they provide a higher taming effectiveness.
The Taming Process
- Approach cautiously: Unicorns are incredibly skittish and will run away if you get too close too quickly. Crouch and move slowly to minimize startling them.
- First Feeding: Once close enough, feed the Unicorn.
- Mount Immediately: Directly after the first feeding, immediately mount the Unicorn. This will trigger the taming process.
- Stay On: The Unicorn will buck and try to throw you off. Keep feeding it at the prompts displayed on your screen to increase the taming meter. Failure to feed it in time will reset the taming progress.
Why are Unicorns so Coveted?
Beyond their rarity, Unicorns offer several benefits that make them highly sought after in Ark:
The Best Steed?
The article stated “Unicorn (Rarity: 1 per map) However, those lucky enough to spot one can tame it to create the best steed in the game.”
Reduced Damage
Like Procoptodons and Kangaroos, Unicorns take significantly reduced damage, or even no damage, from falls. This makes them excellent for navigating treacherous terrain.
Rainbow Poop
A quirky but unique feature – Unicorns produce rainbow poop, which some players find amusing.
Finding the Unicorn: Tips and Tricks
Given their rarity, finding a Unicorn requires a strategic approach:
Map Selection
Some maps are more conducive to Unicorn hunting than others. Ragnarok, particularly the Highlands area, is often recommended. The Highlands provide a relatively flat and easy-to-search environment, and Rockarrots spawn naturally there.
Systematic Search
Divide the map into manageable sections and systematically search each area. Use a flying mount like an Argentavis or Pteranodon to cover ground quickly.
Server Hopping
While ethically questionable for some, some players resort to server hopping – moving between different servers to increase their chances of finding a wild Unicorn. Be aware that this practice can be frowned upon within some Ark communities.
The Unicorn vs. Other Rare Creatures
While the Unicorn is undoubtedly rare, it’s worth comparing its rarity to other elusive creatures in Ark. The provided article lists the following:
- Alpha Rex: 1 per map
- Tusoteuthis: 1 per map
- Liopleurodon: 1 per map (for 30 minutes)
- Phoenix: 1 per map (only during a heatwave)
- Titanosaurus: 2-3 per map
The Unicorn shares the “one per map” rarity with several other creatures. However, the Unicorn’s unique appeal and the difficulty of its taming process often make it feel even rarer than other equally scarce creatures. Furthermore, the Phoenix is only available during heatwaves, further complicating the search.
The Future of Unicorns in Ark
As Ark: Survival Evolved continues to evolve with updates and expansions, the Unicorn’s rarity and characteristics might change. However, its current status as a single-spawn creature ensures that it will remain a highly coveted and challenging tame for the foreseeable future. Keep an eye on official Ark news and community forums for any changes to spawn rates or taming mechanics. Learning more about how games can be used to inform learning processes is available from the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Unicorns in Ark: Survival Evolved:
1. Can Ark Unicorns fly?
The article states “Yes, Unicorns can now fly. -Added proper animations for it’s “take off” and “landing” states.” This is incorrect. Unicorns cannot fly in Ark: Survival Evolved. That information is either outdated or inaccurate.
2. What do Unicorns eat in Ark?
Unicorns eat Simple Kibble, Griffin Kibble, Rockarrot, Crops, Sweet Vegetable Cake, Mejoberry, and Berries. However, it is often recommended that you use Griffin Kibble or Rockarrots to tame them.
3. What is the rarest dinosaur in Ark?
Several dinosaurs are incredibly rare, including the Unicorn, Alpha Rex, Tusoteuthis, Liopleurodon, and Phoenix. The Liopleurodon is especially rare due to its limited-time spawn.
4. Which Ark map is best for finding Unicorns?
Ragnarok, specifically the Highlands area, is often considered the best map for finding Unicorns due to its open terrain and natural Rockarrot spawns.
5. Can you breed Unicorns in Ark?
Yes, Unicorns can breed with other Unicorns, but they cannot breed with Equus.
6. What color are Unicorns in Ark?
Unicorns always spawn as nearly pure white, even during events where event-colored dinos might spawn.
7. Is there only one Unicorn in Ark at a time?
Yes, only one wild Unicorn will spawn at a time on any given server.
8. How hard is it to find a Unicorn in Ark?
Finding a Unicorn is very difficult due to its single-spawn nature and the vastness of the Ark maps.
9. What is special about a Unicorn in Ark?
Unicorns are rare, take reduced fall damage, and produce rainbow poop.
10. What is the strongest boss in Ark?
The King Titan is considered the strongest boss in Ark.
11. What is the strongest tameable dinosaur in Ark?
The Rex and Giganotosaurus are usually regarded as one of the strongest.
12. Why can’t I tame a Unicorn in Ark?
Ensure that you have the correct food and are following the passive taming method. Also, make sure another player hasn’t already attempted to tame it. Also, be sure the Unicorn has not been spooked. Walk up slowly, and crouch.
13. What makes Unicorns so rare in Ark?
Their single-spawn mechanic, where only one wild Unicorn exists per map, makes them exceptionally rare.
14. How do I increase my chances of finding a Unicorn?
Search systematically, focus on maps like Ragnarok’s Highlands, and consider server hopping (with caution).
15. What happens if I fail to tame a Unicorn?
The Unicorn will run away, and you’ll need to find it again. Be patient and prepared for multiple attempts.
Conclusion
The Unicorn in Ark: Survival Evolved remains a symbol of rarity and prestige. Successfully finding and taming one is a testament to a player’s dedication and skill. While the search can be long and arduous, the reward of owning this majestic creature is well worth the effort. Happy hunting!