Friendly Faces in the Prehistoric World: A Guide to the Gentlest Giants of Ark

The world of Ark: Survival Evolved is a land of both breathtaking beauty and terrifying dangers. Amidst the fierce predators and colossal beasts, however, are pockets of gentleness. Understanding which dinosaurs are naturally inclined to be friendly can dramatically improve your gameplay experience, from taming and resource gathering to simply enjoying the company of these magnificent creatures. But what exactly are these gentle giants? This article will dive deep into the friendly dinosaurs of Ark, revealing their unique traits and how to best interact with them.

Understanding “Friendly” in the Ark Context

It’s important to clarify what “friendly” means in the context of Ark. No dinosaur is going to be your best friend in the way a dog or cat might. “Friendly,” in this case, means a dinosaur that is typically passive, meaning it will not attack you unless provoked. These dinosaurs usually ignore players unless they are attacked, allowing you to approach them safely. Many of these species are also prime candidates for passive taming, meaning you can befriend them without having to knock them unconscious.

Key Friendly Dinosaurs in Ark

Here’s a look at some of the most amiable dinosaurs you’ll encounter in Ark:

1. Stegosaurus

The Stegosaurus is a classic example of a gentle giant. With its distinctive back plates and spiked tail, this herbivore is often found grazing peacefully. They have a friendly nature, generally ignoring players unless they feel threatened. This makes them an excellent choice for early game resource gathering, particularly when it comes to berries.

2. Triceratops

Another iconic herbivore, the Triceratops, is also typically passive. Their impressive horns and frills may look intimidating, but these dinosaurs are usually content to browse for vegetation. Like the Stegosaurus, they will only become aggressive if you attack them first. They’re also very useful for gathering berries, and their tankiness makes them valuable as mounts.

3. Parasaurolophus

Known as the “Para”, this dinosaur is extremely docile and often considered one of the most beginner-friendly dinos due to its non-aggressive nature. They’re easy to spot with their signature head crest and are excellent for early-game transportation.

4. Carbonemys

The Carbonemys, a large turtle, is another creature that generally keeps to itself. They’re found near bodies of water and, like most passive dinos, will only attack when provoked. They can be used as a tanky mount and are decent swimmers.

5. Lystrosaurus

The Lystrosaurus is a small, adorable dinosaur that is exceptionally friendly. They’re not particularly useful for combat or resource gathering, but they offer a unique bonus. When petted, the Lystrosaurus grants a nearby experience gain buff to other dinosaurs, making them invaluable for training purposes. It’s one of the very few dinos that you can physically pet!

6. Gallimimus

The Gallimimus is known for its incredible speed and generally prefers to flee rather than fight. Although skittish, they are not typically aggressive, making them a very good dinosaur to passively tame. They’re great for fast travel across the map once tamed.

7. Ichthyosaurus

The Ichthyosaurus or ‘Ichthy’ is a friendly marine creature. These playful dolphins swim throughout the waters of Ark and are passive to survivors. They are a quick and great mount for traversing deep oceans and are great for exploring underwater.

8. Equus

The Equus, a horse-like creature, is passive unless attacked, and has a fun and unique passive taming method that revolves around offering it foods. They’re a fast mount with good mobility, making them great for exploration.

9. Otter

The Otter is a small, adorable creature found in the rivers of Ark, and is very friendly. They are a passive tame that is done by giving them fish to befriend them. They are a great creature for keeping around because they can help you carry artifacts.

10. Hesperornis

The Hesperornis is a flightless bird often found along the coast. They’re generally passive and are primarily sought after for their ability to lay golden eggs.

The Benefits of Taming Friendly Dinosaurs

Taming friendly dinosaurs can greatly enhance your Ark experience:

• Resource Gathering: Many friendly herbivores excel at gathering berries, which are crucial for early game survival.
• Transportation: Dinosaurs like the Parasaurolophus and Gallimimus are great for getting around the map quickly.
• Passive Taming Opportunities: Many friendly dinosaurs can be tamed without having to knock them unconscious, making the taming process much simpler.
• Unique Buffs: The Lystrosaurus provides a unique experience buff, beneficial for training other tames.
• Early Game Allies: Friendly dinos are essential for new players. They are easier to manage and build up your own army.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Friendly Dinosaurs in Ark

1. How do I know if a dinosaur is friendly?

Generally, friendly dinosaurs will not attack you unless provoked. Watch their behavior carefully. If they are grazing, minding their own business, and not lunging toward you, they are typically safe to approach.

2. Can friendly dinosaurs still be dangerous?

Yes, if you attack them, even friendly dinosaurs will defend themselves. Always approach with caution, even if they appear docile.

3. What does “passive taming” mean?

Passive taming means befriending a dinosaur by offering it its preferred food while it’s conscious, without having to knock it out first. This is a method that works best with friendly dinos.

4. Which friendly dinosaur is best for beginners?

The Parasaurolophus (Para) is often recommended for beginners due to its docile nature and ease of taming.

5. Can friendly dinosaurs be used for combat?

While not their primary strength, some friendly herbivores, like the Triceratops, can be used as tanks in early combat scenarios.

6. Are there any flying friendly dinosaurs?

While most flying dinos are generally aggressive, the Hesperornis is a flightless bird that is passive and useful for collecting golden eggs. The Ichthyosaurus is also friendly, but is a marine animal.

7. Do friendly dinosaurs eat other dinosaurs?

No, friendly dinosaurs are generally herbivores and only consume plants and berries, except for the Otter which eats fish.

8. How can I make the taming process faster for friendly dinos?

Using a preferred kibble will significantly speed up the taming process and increase taming effectiveness.

9. Can I “pet” all friendly dinosaurs?

No, the Lystrosaurus is unique in that it can be petted and provides a buff when you do.

10. Do friendly dinosaurs stay friendly if I attack other dinos?

Friendly dinosaurs will not get angry if you attack another dinosaur, only when you attack them directly.

11. Which friendly dino is best for gathering berries?

The Stegosaurus and the Triceratops are some of the best early-game berry gatherers.

12. What is the purpose of the Lystrosaurus?

The Lystrosaurus is primarily used to provide an experience buff for nearby dinos when petted.

13. How do I know which food each friendly dinosaur prefers for taming?

Use the Dododex app or website. It provides a detailed guide on which foods are preferred by each dino for taming.

14. Are friendly dinos useful in the late game?

While not as powerful as other tames, friendly dinos can still be useful for resource gathering, transportation, and specific tasks, like the Lystrosaurus for experience buffs.

15. Can I keep friendly dinos as pets in a base?

Yes, many players keep friendly dinos as companions in their base. They are not typically aggressive and can make your base feel more lively.

Conclusion

The world of Ark is filled with fascinating creatures, and understanding which ones are friendly can greatly enhance your gameplay experience. From the gentle Stegosaurus to the adorable Lystrosaurus, these docile dinosaurs offer unique benefits and can make your survival journey a lot easier, and less stressful! Always observe dinosaur behavior, keep the specific taming requirements in mind, and use available tools, like Dododex, to ensure a safe and enjoyable interaction. Good luck, and happy taming!