How To Tame A Mantis In Ark Survival Ascended
Taming a Mantis in ARK: Survival Ascended requires patience, strategic preparation, and an understanding of the unique requirements needed to win over this formidable creature. Known for its agility, formidable combat skills, and the ability to wield tools or weapons, the Mantis is a highly sought-after tame for survivors on the ARK. In this guide, we will walk you through every step necessary to tame your very own Mantis, from preparation to the taming process itself.
Preparation is Key
Before embarking on your quest to tame a Mantis, ensure you're adequately prepared. The Mantis is a carnivore that requires a very specific taming method involving Deathworm Horns, which are the only food it will accept during the taming process. Gathering these horns can be a challenge, as it involves hunting Deathworms beneath the sands of the Scorched Earth, Ragnarok, or Valguero deserts, which is no easy feat. It's recommended to stockpile these horns before attempting a tame as you will need several, depending on the level of the Mantis and the server settings.
Additionally, wearing a full set of Ghillie Armor will reduce your visibility to the Mantis, making it easier to approach without drawing aggression. Also, consider crafting or obtaining Bug Repellant to further reduce your chances of being detected.
Knocking Out The Mantis
Unlike most tames in ARK, the Mantis cannot be tamed through traditional knock-out methods. Instead, it requires a passive taming approach, which means you'll need to feed it while it's awake and not aggressive towards you. This can be quite risky as getting too close can provoke an attack from these highly aggressive creatures.
To safely approach a Mantis for feeding, use the Bug Repellant to minimize your chances of detection. Move slowly towards the Mantis from behind or from the sides, avoiding its line of sight. If you have tribe members with you, have them distract other nearby creatures or even the Mantis itself by leading them away, giving you a window to approach.
Feeding Your Future Companion
Once you're close enough to the Mantis without it noticing you, the option to feed it a Deathworm Horn will appear. Feed it and then immediately retreat to a safe distance. The Mantis will take a few moments to eat before you can feed it again. This process needs to be repeated several times depending on the level of the Mantis and the server's taming speed settings. Patience is crucial here, as rushing or getting too close too soon can lead to the Mantis becoming aggressive, potentially leading to your death and resetting the taming progress.
It's worth noting that higher-level Mantises will require more Deathworm Horns to tame fully, so plan accordingly. If possible, check the Mantis's inventory by approaching it when it's not agitated; this can give you an idea of how many more feeds it will require to be tamed.
Utilizing The Mantis
Once tamed, the Mantis becomes an invaluable asset for any survivor. Capable of wielding melee or harvesting tools in its grasp, it can gather resources at an increased rate, or become a formidable ally in combat situations. Remember, only specific items like Pickaxes, Hatchets, Swords, and Pikes can be equipped by a Mantis. Experiment with different tools and weapons to find what best suits your needs.
Furthermore, investing in the right stats for your newly tamed Mantis can enhance its utility. Boosting melee damage can significantly increase its harvesting efficiency or make it a terror on the battlefield. Alternatively, focusing on health and stamina can turn your Mantis into a durable ally capable of sustaining prolonged engagements.
Final Thoughts
Taming a Mantis in ARK: Survival Ascended is a challenging but rewarding endeavor that requires meticulous preparation and patience. The unique requirements for taming this creature set it apart from other tames in the game. Following this guide will ensure that you're well-equipped to add this versatile and powerful creature to your arsenal. Once tamed, the Mantis can open up a range of possibilities for resource gathering, combat, and exploration on the ARK, making all the effort to tame it well worth it.
