Taming a Trike in Ark: Survival Evolved is often the first major milestone for new players, transforming a fragile survivor into a reliable mount and combat asset. This sturdy herbivore offers an excellent balance of manageable resource requirements and significant utility, making it an ideal first taming project. Successfully raising a Rex provides mobility, protection, and a foundation for exploring the game’s deeper mechanics. Understanding the specific needs of this creature is the key to a smooth and efficient early-game experience.
The Trike's Role in Survival
The importance of the Trike extends far beyond being a simple mode of transport. As a primary herbivore, it is essential for efficiently gathering thatch and fiber, resources required for nearly every early crafting recipe. Its defensive capabilities are equally vital, as a fully grown Trike can deter or outright challenge creatures like Raptors and even aggressive Pulmonoscorpius. When equipped with a saddle, it becomes a durable platform for scouting and engaging early-game combat, capable of dealing substantial damage with its headbutt.
Required Resources and Location
Before initiating the taming process, preparation is critical. You will need a significant amount of basic resources, primarily thatch and fiber, to craft the necessary Kibble. The most efficient source for this is typically large thatch deposits and thatch thatch bushes found in the surrounding biome. Additionally, securing a Rex from an egg requires careful timing and a place to incubate it, so choose your base location with access to resources and safety in mind. The plains and grasslands biomes are the most common and accessible areas to find a wild Trike herd.
Taming Methods: Passive vs. Active
There are two primary approaches to taming a Trike, each with its own advantages and challenges. The passive method, while slower, is significantly safer and requires no direct combat with the creature. The active method is much faster but demands precise timing and carries a high risk of death if you are not prepared. Choosing the right strategy depends on your available resources, level of experience, and tolerance for risk.
Passive Taming Strategy
The passive taming strategy involves knocking out the Trike and feeding it its preferred food without engaging in combat. This method is ideal for players who lack strong weapons or wish to conserve health and ammunition. The process requires a strong tranquilizer, such as a Fabricated Pistol with Tranquilizer Darts, to render the creature unconscious. Once incapacitated, you must protect it from other predators and begin the feeding process.
Feeding and Maintenance
Preferred Food: Raw Meat or Prime Meat.
Secondary Food: Cooked Meat is accepted but significantly slows the taming process.
Critical Requirement: Narcotics, crafted from Narcoberries and spoiled meat, must be administered regularly to counteract the creature's torpor (sleep) and prevent it from waking.
During this process, you are vulnerable to attack, so fortifying your position near a natural chokepoint or building a simple shelter is highly recommended. The taming time is substantial, so patience and consistent monitoring of the Trike's health and narcotic levels are essential for success.
Active Taming Strategy
For experienced players seeking a faster result, the active taming strategy involves fighting the Trike to lower its health before feeding it. This method drastically reduces the time required to knock it out but demands precise execution. The goal is to deal enough damage to bring its health into a specific window where it will accept food but will not die from your attacks.
