Taming Basilosaurus in ARK Survival Ascended

The Basilosaurus stands out as one of the most versatile aquatic creatures in ARK Survival Ascended, offering unmatched utility for ocean exploration and combat. This guide provides a complete roadmap to locating these elusive giants, neutralizing their manta escorts, and securing a tame through passive feeding methods. Whether you’re a beginner venturing into deeper waters or a veteran seeking high-level variants, these strategies ensure success.

Understanding the Basilosaurus: Stats and Role

Basilosaurus, often called ‘Basilo’ by survivors, is a massive prehistoric whale with exceptional tanking capabilities. It boasts high health pools, making it ideal for drawn-out underwater battles, and its unique **shock and grab immunity** renders it impervious to stuns from Cnidaria (jellyfish) and grapples from Tusoteuthis. This immunity allows it to charge through electrified waters or evade tentacle traps unscathed.

In terms of base stats, a wild Basilosaurus typically spawns with strong melee damage and stamina, scaling impressively post-tame. Its blood cloud ability, activated on attacks, draws aggro from nearby sea creatures, turning battles into chaotic frenzies where the Basilo shines as a frontline absorber. Difficulty ratings from guides peg it at around 3/5, primarily due to environmental hazards rather than the creature itself.

This table summarizes key attributes, highlighting why Basilosaurus excels in boss fights and resource hauling.

Prime Spawn Locations Across Maps

Basilosaurus appear in ocean biomes on most maps, excluding arid ones like Scorched Earth, Aberration, and Extinction. Focus on deep waters with high creature density for better level spawns.

• The Island: Southern coasts and deep blue zones; guaranteed respawns near specific spawn groups shared with Mantas and Ichthyosaurus.
• Lost Island: Kessler Inlet and shallow island fringes—ideal for beginners due to accessible depths.
• The Center: Surrounding island shallows, where Basilos patrol predictably.
• Genesis Part 1: Ocean biome hosts the rare X-Variant, boasting superior stats for elite tames.
• Other Maps: Ragnarok’s eastern oceans or Valguero’s hidden coves yield high-level specimens.

Use in-game spawn maps or community tools to pinpoint groups containing Basilosaurus, Mantas, Ichthyosaurs, and Megalodons for efficient hunting. Scout during low-traffic server times for fresh respawns.

Gearing Up: Essential Equipment and Mounts

Preparation is crucial before diving in. Stock your inventory with taming foods and defenses against ocean predators.

Preferred Foods (Passive Tame):

• Exceptional Kibble (fastest, highest efficiency)
• Raw Mutton
• Raw Prime Meat
• Cooked Prime Meat or Regular Raw Meat (slower options)

Place food in your hotbar’s last slot for quick access during feeds.

Required Gear:

• SCUBA Gear or high-oxygen armor for extended dives
• Crossbow or Harpoon Launcher for aggroing Mantas
• Medical Brews and Stimulants for jellyfish shocks

Recommended Mounts:

• Ichthyosaurus (Ichthy): Fast, agile for kiting and feeding—tame one first for synergy.
• Sinomacrops: Newer method; scares Mantas passively with screeches.
• Sarcosuchus or Megalodon: Heavy hitters to clear Mantas outright.
• Bionics: Strong alternative for area control.

Enable your creature name screen to monitor taming progress without dismounting.

Overcoming the Manta Menace: Clearance Strategies

The primary challenge is the swarm of Mantas orbiting every Basilosaurus, dealing torpor and damage. Neutralize them before or during taming.

1. Direct Elimination: Use a strong mount like Sarcosuchus to slaughter the pack. Watch for respawns and stragglers.
2. Aggro and Kill: Shoot one Manta with a crossbow—the swarm follows. Lead them away and dispatch.
3. Kiting Trick: Aggro Mantas onto a nearby Basilosaurus, pinning them elsewhere. Requires precision swimming.
4. Sinomacrops Scare: Deploy this flyer underwater to emit screeches, repelling Mantas repeatedly during feeds.

Clear a wide radius, as Basilo’s blood clouds post-feed attract reinforcements. Tribe mates can defend while you feed.

Step-by-Step Passive Taming Process

Basilosaurus requires a non-violent passive tame: approach, feed when prompted, and repeat. Intervals lengthen initially but shorten later.

1. Locate a high-level target (270+ ideal) and clear Mantas.
2. Mount your Ichthy or similar; approach slowly from behind.
3. Dismount at the last second, feed (E key), remount immediately.
4. Wait for the taming bar; repeat, scaring off respawned threats.
5. For X-Variants, monitor closely as feeds accelerate.

Taming pens aren’t needed—do it in open water, but avoid Megalodons or Eels. Morning tames minimize interruptions.

Unlocking Basilosaurus Abilities and Uses

Once tamed, level health, melee, and oxygen first. Key abilities include:

• Blood Cloud: Attacks release aggro bait, shielding allies.
• Immunity Aura: Protects riders from shocks and grabs.
• Oil Farming: Kills yield oil and Black Pearls from Mantas.

Roles: Boss transport, Electrophorus counter, deep-sea hauler. Avoid infinite stats to prevent depth-related deaths.

Breeding and Raising Tips

Basilosaurus breeds quickly. Use Superior Kibble for babies. Nest in safe underwater bases. Mutate for max health/melee lines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Basilosaurus be carried by other creatures?

No, its size prevents pickup by any tame.

What’s the best food for efficiency?

Exceptional Kibble for top effectiveness.

How do I handle respawning Mantas?

Use Sinomacrops screeches or constant patrols.

Is the X-Variant worth the hunt?

Yes, superior stats on Genesis oceans.

Best levels to target?

270-300 for endgame viability.

Advanced Tactics for Solo and Tribe Play

Solo: Rely on Ichthy kiting. Tribes: Designate clearer, feeder, defender. Trap Basilos in shallows with bubble traps if desperate.