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 process, while straightforward in concept, requires a specific understanding of the creature’s mechanics to execute efficiently and safely. The Bronto, or Tyrannosaurus Rex, may capture the imagination, but the Trike remains the foundational workhorse of the early game. Mastering its taming curve provides the confidence and resources necessary to progress into the more complex challenges of the ARK.
The Case for the Triceratops
Before diving into the how, it is essential to understand the why. The Trike is revered for its exceptional durability and defensive capabilities, boasting the highest health pool of any herbivore in the early tiers. This natural tankiness makes it ideal for scouting dangerous territories and harvesting resources without fear of immediate death. Furthermore, its low food consumption compared to larger creatures means less time spent farming and more time exploring. For players who prefer a straightforward, hit-and-play strategy, the Trike is the optimal choice for surviving the harsh initial hours of ARK.
Gathering the Essentials
Efficiency in taming begins long before the first tranquilizer dart is fired. Preparation is the difference between a quick domestication and a frustrating death on the plains. You must secure the necessary equipment to knock out the creature without killing it, as dead dinosaurs do not tame. Focus on acquiring a reliable weapon, such as a wooden spear or stone axe, and sufficient crafting materials for basic tranquilizers. Stockpiling narcotics like narcoberries or narco soup is also critical to maintaining the sedation required throughout the process.
Stone or Metal Pickaxe for harvesting thatch and berries.
Slings or Bola for initial immobilization.
Tranquilizer Arrows or Bombs for safe knockout.
Large quantities of Narcoberries or Narcotic Paste.
Kibble (usually from Raptors or Carno eggs) for accelerated feeding.
Locating and Engaging the Target
Finding a suitable Trike is usually not difficult, as they spawn frequently in the grasslands and forests of most maps. Look for herds moving slowly across the landscape, as these are the ideal candidates for taming. Approach with extreme caution, utilizing high ground or cover to avoid immediate aggro. Once engaged, prioritize knocking out the creature rather than killing it; a lowered health pool makes it easier to manage the torpor drop during sedation.
Taming Mechanics and Feeding
Once the Trike is unconscious, the real work begins. You must monitor the torpor bar closely, as it decreases over time and can lead to death if it hits zero. To prevent this, you must interact with the creature to feed it. In the creature's inventory screen, place stacks of Narcoberries or, preferably, Kibble into the feeding slot. The creature will consume these items automatically, raising both its hunger and torpor bars. The key to a fast taming is maintaining a high feeding rate to outpace the torpor drain.
