Introduction
The bioluminescent world of ARK: Survival Evolved teems with fascinating creatures, but few are as endearing and practically useful as the Shinehorn. These diminutive, glowing companions provide a welcome light source in the darkest depths of the Aberration map and beyond. But before you can bask in their radiant glow, you’ll need to tame one. This process, while not violent, requires careful planning and, most importantly, the right shinehorn taming food. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the best sustenance for befriending these charming creatures, ensuring a successful taming experience and a valuable addition to your tribe.
Understanding Shinehorn Taming Mechanics
Understanding the nuances of Shinehorn taming is crucial for success. Unlike many creatures in ARK, Shinehorns are tamed passively. This means you won’t be knocking them unconscious and force-feeding them narcotics. Instead, you’ll need to approach them stealthily and offer them their favorite food. The effectiveness of the food you provide directly impacts the Taming Effectiveness, a hidden stat that determines the bonus levels and stats your Shinehorn will receive after the taming process is complete. Using subpar food will result in a lower Taming Effectiveness, leading to a weaker, less impressive creature. Therefore, selecting the optimal shinehorn taming food is paramount for anyone seeking a top-tier Shinehorn companion.
The Best Shinehorn Taming Foods
Choosing the correct victuals makes all the difference when enticing a Shinehorn to join your tribe. Let’s explore the most effective options:
Superior Kibble: The Gold Standard
When it comes to shinehorn taming food, Superior Kibble reigns supreme. This crafted delicacy offers the highest Taming Effectiveness, significantly reducing the amount of time and effort required to tame your glowing friend. Superior Kibble is crafted using special ingredients including a fertilized egg, a prime meat jerky, a sap, a rare mushroom, a fiber, and water. While the recipe may seem simple enough, acquiring all the necessary components can be a challenge. The fertilized eggs come from larger creatures, requiring a stable breeding setup and careful management of your dinosaur population. Prime meat jerky demands preserving prime meat, a resource that spoils quickly and must be carefully crafted. Saps and rare mushrooms require exploring dangerous locations and harvesting them. Fiber and water are simple to come by.
The significant advantage of Superior Kibble lies in its ability to dramatically shorten the taming process. With each offering, the Taming Effectiveness bar will fill rapidly, bringing you closer to your goal. A well-prepared survivor armed with a sufficient supply of Superior Kibble can tame a high-level Shinehorn in a matter of minutes, maximizing its potential stats and making it a truly formidable companion. While its acquisition may be more involved, the investment in Superior Kibble pays off handsomely with a superior Shinehorn.
Plant Species Z Seeds: A Viable Alternative
For survivors who find themselves lacking the resources or inclination to craft Superior Kibble, Plant Species Z Seeds offer a readily available alternative for shinehorn taming food. These seeds, harvested from the glowing Plant Species Z found throughout the Aberration and Genesis maps, are a comparatively less effective shinehorn taming food than Superior Kibble. The Taming Effectiveness gain per feeding is noticeably lower, meaning you’ll need more seeds and a longer taming session to achieve the same result.
However, the ease of acquisition makes Plant Species Z Seeds a compelling option, especially for solo players or those just starting out. Simply venturing into the designated areas and harvesting the plants yields a plentiful supply of these seeds. While exploring, be wary of any potential dangers. The convenience of finding Plant Species Z seeds outweighs its lack of effectiveness.
Other Potential Food Options: The Last Resort
While Superior Kibble and Plant Species Z Seeds represent the optimal choices for shinehorn taming food, desperate survivors may consider using other fruits and vegetables. Common options include Amarberries, Azulberries, Mejoberries, and other basic crops. However, it’s crucial to understand that these options offer extremely low Taming Effectiveness. The taming process will be significantly longer, requiring a massive amount of food and exposing you to increased risks. Furthermore, the resulting Shinehorn will likely have significantly lower stats due to the reduced Taming Effectiveness.
These alternative shinehorn taming foods should only be considered as a last resort when no other options are available. In most cases, it’s worth investing the time and effort to acquire either Superior Kibble or Plant Species Z Seeds to ensure a successful and rewarding taming experience.
Preparing for a Shinehorn Taming Attempt
Before embarking on your Shinehorn taming adventure, proper preparation is essential.
Gathering Resources: Stocking Up for Success
The key to a smooth taming process lies in having an ample supply of your chosen shinehorn taming food. If you’re opting for Superior Kibble, dedicate time to breeding and acquiring the necessary ingredients. Establish a stable breeding program for the egg-laying creatures, set up a prime meat jerky production line, and scout the map for sap trees and rare mushroom locations. Plant Species Z seeds require only traveling to the plants and taking seeds. For Plant Species Z seeds, explore the designated areas and harvest as many seeds as possible. Remember, it’s always better to have too much shinehorn taming food than to run out mid-taming.
Finding a Suitable Shinehorn: Location, Location, Location
Shinehorns are typically found in dark, secluded areas. Look for them in caves, ravines, and other dimly lit environments. When approaching a Shinehorn, exercise caution. They are easily spooked, and startling them will cause them to flee. Consider wearing camouflage armor or using a Ghillie Suit to reduce your visibility. Approaching at night or during a rainstorm can also help you stay hidden.
Taming Environment: Creating a Safe Haven
The environment in which you attempt to tame your Shinehorn plays a crucial role in your success. Choose a location that is relatively safe from predators and other threats. Consider clearing the area of any aggressive creatures or building a small enclosure to provide added protection. A well-prepared taming area will minimize distractions and allow you to focus on the taming process.
Step-by-Step Taming Process
Now, let’s delve into the actual taming process, step by step.
Approaching the Shinehorn: Stealth is Key
Approach the Shinehorn slowly and cautiously, keeping a safe distance to avoid startling it. Crouch or prone to further reduce your visibility. Monitor the Shinehorn’s behavior closely. If it seems agitated or about to flee, stop and wait for it to calm down before proceeding.
Feeding the Shinehorn: The Moment of Truth
Once you’re within range, place the shinehorn taming food in the last slot of your hotbar. Interact with the Shinehorn to offer it the food. The Taming Effectiveness bar will fill, indicating your progress. Be patient and wait for the Shinehorn to become hungry again before offering another piece of food. This is a time consuming step, be patient.
Maintaining the Taming Process: Patience and Vigilance
Throughout the taming process, remain vigilant and maintain a low profile. Avoid making sudden movements or attracting the attention of nearby creatures. Continuously monitor the Taming Effectiveness bar to ensure it doesn’t drop. If the bar begins to decrease, it may indicate that the Shinehorn is losing interest or that something is interfering with the taming process. Address any issues promptly to prevent a taming reset.
Post-Taming Care
Once the taming process is complete, your Shinehorn is ready to join your tribe! However, your responsibilities don’t end there.
Imprinting: Building a Bond
Imprinting is crucial for maximizing your Shinehorn’s potential. Imprinting involves performing tasks requested by the Shinehorn, such as cuddling, walking, or providing specific food items. Completing these tasks strengthens the bond between you and your Shinehorn, resulting in increased stats and improved performance.
Feeding and Nutrition: Keeping Your Shinehorn Healthy
Like all creatures in ARK, Shinehorns require proper nutrition to maintain their health and happiness. Consult your Shinehorn’s inventory screen to determine its preferred food. Provide a steady supply of this food to keep your Shinehorn well-fed and energized.
Using Your Shinehorn: Illuminating the Way
Shinehorns possess a unique ability: they emit light. This light is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves a practical purpose. The light can be used to ward off certain creatures and to illuminate dark areas. Furthermore, Shinehorns can emit a charge light which can also hurt creatures. Take advantage of these abilities to enhance your gameplay and navigate the ARK world with ease.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful planning, you may encounter challenges during the Shinehorn taming process. Here are some solutions to common problems:
Taming Resetting: Preventing Setbacks
Taming Effectiveness can drop for various reasons, such as being spotted by the Shinehorn, taking damage, or having another creature interfere with the taming process. To prevent taming resets, remain hidden, avoid taking damage, and clear the area of any potential threats.
Shinehorn Disappearing: Keeping Track of Your Prize
Shinehorns can sometimes wander off during the taming process, making it difficult to find them. To prevent this, consider building a small enclosure around the Shinehorn to keep it contained. You can also use a tracking device to monitor its location.
Aggressive Creatures: Defending Your Taming Attempt
Aggressive creatures can pose a serious threat to your Shinehorn taming attempt. Before starting the taming process, scout the area and eliminate any potential threats. Consider bringing a powerful mount to provide protection during the taming process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering Shinehorn taming requires understanding their preferences. Choosing the right shinehorn taming food, such as Superior Kibble or Plant Species Z Seeds, is paramount for a successful outcome. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to tame your own radiant companion and unlock its full potential. So, gather your resources, prepare your taming area, and embark on your Shinehorn taming adventure. With patience, persistence, and the right shinehorn taming food, you’ll soon be basking in the glow of your very own tamed Shinehorn. Happy taming!
