Taming Diplodocus in ARK Survival Ascended

The Diplodocus stands out as one of the most versatile herbivores in ARK: Survival Ascended, offering unique taming opportunities and practical benefits for players at various stages of the game. This guide explores everything from locating these giants to securing a successful tame, ensuring you can add this powerful creature to your arsenal efficiently.

Understanding the Diplodocus: Stats and Capabilities

Diplodocus features impressive base statistics that make it a reliable early-to-mid game companion. Its health pool starts at 1700, providing solid durability against environmental threats, while stamina at 550 supports extended travels. With a food capacity of 10000 and weight of 800, it excels in resource hauling. Torpidity sits at 3000, influencing knockout taming durations.

Key attributes include:

• Health: 1700 (scales +340 per wild level)
• Stamina: 550 (+55 per wild level)
• Weight: 800 (+16 per wild level)
• Melee Damage: 100% base
• Torpidity: 3000 (+180 per wild level)

These stats position Diplodocus as a knockback specialist rather than a direct combatant, ideal for crowd control and protection.

Prime Locations for Spotting Diplodocus

Diplodocus herds roam widely across the island map, excluding snowy biomes where colder temperatures deter them. Focus your search on open plains, beaches, and forested valleys for the highest spawn rates. They often gather in groups, making multiple tames feasible in one outing.

Avoid predator-heavy zones initially to prevent interruptions. Common hotspots include the southern beaches and central grasslands, where terrain allows safe approaches.

Two Taming Paths: Passive vs. Knockout

Diplodocus uniquely supports both passive and knockout taming methods, with identical time efficiencies regardless of choice. Passive taming suits risk-averse players, while knockout appeals to those preferring immobilization.

Passive Taming Mastery

This method involves direct feeding without rendering the creature unconscious. Equip your preferred food in the last hotbar slot and approach carefully. Diplodocus will nudge you playfully, dealing no direct damage but risking falls or predator encounters.

Pro Tip: Position yourself between the front legs or under the chest bulge to immobilize it naturally. It will repeatedly attempt to nudge without success, holding position perfectly for feeding.

Feed when prompted, noting the first interval is longest, shortening thereafter. This ‘playful’ interaction builds taming effectiveness without harm.

Knockout Taming Strategy

For knockout, use ranged weapons or dinos to raise torpidity. Stay under the belly to avoid nudges during attacks. Approximately 75 narcotics per hour keep it down at default rates.

Once unconscious, load food and narcotics into its inventory. Monitor torpidity to prevent waking.

Optimal Foods and Taming Timers

Regular Kibble reigns supreme for speed and effectiveness. Alternatives like crops or berries work but extend times significantly.

Data assumes default settings; adjust for server rates. Low-level females are prime targets for egg production aiding future kibble crafts.

Trapping Techniques Without Structures

Unlike many large dinos, Diplodocus requires no built traps. The natural immobilization spot under its front legs serves as the ultimate hold. Chain Bolas or Large Bear Traps provide alternatives if terrain complicates positioning.

For group tames, clear carnivores first and lead the target to open ground.

Post-Tame Applications and Utility

Tamed Diplodocus shines in multiple roles:

• Knockback Tank: Superior throwback flings enemies off cliffs or into herds, aggroing allies indirectly.
• Protector: Hide beneath for safe ranged attacks during tames or fights.
• Egg Producer: Medium eggs craft Regular Kibble or feed Oviraptors, though compact alternatives exist later.
• Hauler: High weight capacity for berry runs or resource transport.
• Achievement Unlock: Essential for Master Zoologist.

It drops Hide, Raw Meat, and Prime Meat upon death, adding value.

Taming Prep Checklist

• Stock Regular Kibble (priority).
• Prepare narcotics/narcoberries (knockout only).
• Scout low-level targets.
• Bring weapons for predator clearance.
• Clear inventory last slot for food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Diplodocus be tamed violently?

Yes, via knockout, but passive is safer and equally effective.

What biomes avoid Diplodocus spawns?

Snowy areas; stick to plains and beaches.

Does nudging affect taming?

No direct damage, but watch for falls.

Best food for efficiency?

Regular Kibble at 99.6% effectiveness.

Utility in combat?

Excels in knockback and protection, not damage.

Advanced Tips for Multi-Tames

Target females for breeding stock. Use the immobilization trick to park one while approaching others. In PvP, leverage knockback for base defense.