How To Find And Tame A Thorny Dragon In Ark Survival Ascended

How To Find And Tame A Thorny Dragon In Ark Survival Ascended

In the vast and perilous world of Ark: Survival Ascended, survival hinges not just on the player's ability to adapt and conquer but also on their knack for befriending the wild and often deadly creatures inhabiting this prehistoric landscape. Among the myriad of fascinating creatures available for taming, the Thorny Dragon stands out as a unique desert dweller, offering not only companionship but also a strategic advantage with its spiked tail and versatile utility.

Taming a Thorny Dragon can be a complex task, however, with the right approach and preparation, it can be turned into a manageable endeavor, rewarding the player with one of the most resourceful mounts in the game. Here's an in-depth guide on how to locate and tame your very own Thorny Dragon in Ark: Survival Ascended.

Finding a Thorny Dragon

Thorny Dragons predominantly inhabit the arid and unforgiving deserts of the Scorched Earth map, although they can also be found wandering the dry areas of Ragnarok and Valguero. To initiate your search, equip yourself adequately for desert survival; high-temperature resistances are crucial, as daytime temperatures can be lethal. Stock up on water containers, wear desert cloth armor for its cooling properties, and never venture without a contingency plan for unexpected dangers like sandstorms or hostile creatures.

Once prepared, traverse the desert landscapes, focusing on areas with dense cactus growth and rocky terrain, as Thorny Dragons tend to use these features for camouflage and protection from predators. Flying mounts can expedite your search, allowing you to cover more ground and easily evade confrontations with aggressive fauna.

Preparation for Taming

Before attempting to tame a Thorny Dragon, ensure you're equipped with the following essentials:

  • Tranquilizer Arrows or Darts: Due to their tough exterior, Thorny Dragons require potent narcotics to bring down. A crossbow or longneck rifle equipped with tranquilizer arrows or darts is recommended.
  • Camelsaurus Kibble (Preferred Taming Food): While raw meat can suffice, using Camelsaurus Kibble significantly speeds up the taming process.
  • Protective Gear and Weapons: The desert is home to numerous dangers; besides your taming tools, carry weapons and wear armor to defend yourself against unexpected threats.
  • Taming Pen (Optional): Constructing a taming pen near your targeted Thorny Dragon can provide a controlled environment for the taming process, reducing the risk of interference from other creatures.

Taming Process

With your preparations in place, it’s time to apply your strategy to tame the Thorny Dragon:

  1. Tranquilization: Approach your chosen Thorny Dragon carefully, and begin tranquilizing it. Aim for the body rather than the head to maximize damage avoidance. Maintain your distance as it will retaliate once attacked.
  2. Monitoring Torpor: After successfully knocking out the Thorny Dragon, promptly check its torpor level. Use narcotics or narcoberries to keep it unconscious throughout the taming process.
  3. Feeding: Place the Camelsaurus Kibble in the creature’s inventory for the fastest taming results. If kibble is not an option, resort to the highest quality meat you have.
  4. Guarding: As your Thorny Dragon tames, stay vigilant. Protect the unconscious beast from predators and ensure it remains asleep by administering narcotics as needed.

Post-Tame Care

Congratulations on your newly tamed Thorny Dragon! This versatile creature serves multiple functions – from gathering resources like wood and thatch with exceptional efficiency to acting as a mobile smithy once saddled. As a mount, its ability to hurl spikes at enemies adds a ranged attack option to your arsenal, making it invaluable for both defense and hunting.

To maximize its utility, invest in its weight-carrying capacity and melee strength. Doing so will enhance its resource gathering capabilities and increase the potency of its defensive mechanisms against attackers.

Taming a Thorny Dragon is just the beginning of your adventure in Ark: Survival Ascended. With this formidable creature by your side, you not only gain a reliable mount and an efficient gatherer but also an adept defender that can protect you and your assets against the myriad threats that roam the ARKs. Happy taming, and may your Thorny Dragon galvanize your survival story with its thorny embrace!