How To Tame A Parasaur In Ark (step-by-step Guide)
So, you’ve stumbled upon the awesome world of ARK: Survival Evolved. Awesome choice! You’re probably dodging dinos and trying not to starve. Totally normal. But let’s talk about a real gem. The Parasaur. Yep, that big, goofy-looking herbivore with the weird forehead crest. You might be thinking, “Why bother with that thing?” Oh, my friend, you are in for a treat. Taming one of these guys is like getting your first, super-reliable, slightly-derpy best friend in the game. And trust me, it’s surprisingly fun.
Why the Parasaur, though? Well, they’re not exactly apex predators, are they? They’re more like the chill, always-there, ‘won’t-eat-you’ option. Perfect for beginners. Plus, that crest? It’s not just for show. We'll get to that. But mostly, they’re just plain useful. Think of them as your first step to ARK domination. Or at least, your first step to not having to walk everywhere.
Ready to add a Parasaur to your growing dino squad? Let’s do this. It’s easier than you think, and way more rewarding than wrestling a T-Rex (don’t do that yet, seriously).
Step 1: Find Your Dino Buddy
First things first. You need to locate a Parasaur. They’re pretty common. You’ll find them chilling in grassy areas, often in herds. They like the open plains, so keep an eye out when you’re exploring. They’re usually the ones with the big, colorful crests on their heads. Think of them as the peacocks of the dinosaur world, but way less aggressive. Most of the time.
Look for ones that aren’t already being mobbed by something toothy. A calm Parasaur is a happy (and tamable) Parasaur. You want one that’s just casually munching on some grass, living its best prehistoric life. Don’t get too attached to the first one you see. Sometimes they’re a bit grumpy. You’ll want to aim for a relatively peaceful encounter.
Pro tip: Paras are often seen in groups. This is both good and bad. Good because it means you have options. Bad because sometimes a whole herd can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not ready. Just pick out one that looks particularly unbothered by the world. That’s your target!
Step 2: Stealth Mode Activated (Sort Of)
Now, the tricky part. You can’t just walk up and give a Parasaur a hug. They’re wild animals, after all. And while they’re not aggressive, they are easily spooked. So, you need to approach them stealthily. This means crouching. Yep, get down low. Imagine you’re trying to sneak past your parents after curfew. That’s the vibe.
Avoid making sudden movements. Don’t sprint directly at them. Slowly, carefully, creep towards your chosen Parasaur. You want to get close enough to use your tranquilizer weapon, but not so close that they bolt. Think of it as a dance. A very slow, awkward dance.
If they do get spooked and start to run, don’t panic. You can often catch up. They’re not the fastest creatures on ARK. Just keep a moderate pace and try to cut them off. It’s a bit of a chase, but usually manageable. Just don’t let them wander into a pack of Raptors. That’s a quick way to lose your potential new best friend.
Step 3: Knock 'Em Out!
Okay, you’re close. Now what? It’s time to tranquilize your Parasaur. Your go-to weapon for this is usually a bow with tranquilizer arrows. If you’re super early game, you might even be able to use a slingshot with regular stones. Just make sure you have plenty of ammo. You don’t want to run out mid-knockout.
Aim for the head. It’s a critical hit zone and will knock them out faster. You’ll see a little pink cloud when you hit them, and their torpor (sleepiness level) will start to rise. Keep shooting until they finally slump over. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few shots. They’re surprisingly tough for being herbivores.
A funny quirk of the Parasaur is that when they’re knocked out, they often make this really goofy, sleepy squeak. It’s adorable, really. Like a giant, prehistoric baby. Just remember, stealth is key here. If other dinos see you attacking one of their own, they might get curious. And ‘curious’ in ARK often means ‘hungry’.
Step 4: Feed 'em and Wait
Once your Parasaur is out cold, it’s time for the patient part. You need to feed them to keep them asleep and to build up their tame meter. The best food for them is Berries. Any kind will do, but Mejoberries are the top-tier choice for herbivores. Just shove a bunch into their inventory. Don’t be shy!
Now you wait. Seriously, that’s it. Keep an eye on their taming progress bar at the top of the screen. You’ll also need to monitor their torpor. If their torpor drops too low, they’ll wake up, and you’ll have to start all over. That’s a sad outcome. So, keep an eye on that bar and periodically toss in more berries as it gets low. You can also use Narcoberries to boost their torpor if it’s looking a bit shaky. Just don’t overdo it, or they’ll get a tummy ache. And nobody likes a grumpy, taming-resistant Parasaur.
This is where the Parasaur's crest comes into play! You know that weird head thing? It actually serves a purpose in the wild. They can use it to let out a sonic scream. This scream can alert other Paras to danger, or it can be used to enrage them and make them charge! Pretty neat, huh? Luckily, when they're unconscious, they're too busy dreaming of grass to use it on you.
Step 5: Saddle Up and Explore!
Congratulations! You’ve done it! Your Parasaur is officially tamed. Give yourself a pat on the back. Now comes the fun part: riding your new companion. You’ll need to craft a Parasaur Saddle to ride them. This requires some resources, so make sure you have them. Usually, it’s just some fiber and hide.
Once you’ve got the saddle, equip it to your Parasaur. Then, you can hop on its back and explore the ARK in style! Parasaur’s aren’t the fastest or the strongest, but they are incredibly useful, especially early on. They have a decent carrying capacity, so they’re great for hauling resources. Plus, they have that amazing special ability once tamed: the sonic screech. You can activate this to create a distraction, scare off smaller predators, or even rally other wild Paras to your cause (if you’re feeling particularly chaotic).
Think of your Parasaur as your trusty steed, your pack mule, and your quirky alarm system all rolled into one. They’re the perfect first tame because they’re not a massive hassle and offer immediate benefits. Plus, they have that adorable, slightly derpy charm. You’ll grow to love their little head bobs and their happy little chirps.
So there you have it! Taming a Parasaur. It’s a rite of passage in ARK. It’s your first step into a bigger, wilder world. And it’s way more fun than just running around on your own. Go forth, tame a Parasaur, and conquer the ARK! You got this!