In ARK: Survival Evolved, few herbivores command as much respect and caution as the formidable Therizinosaurus. Often referred to by the community as the "tickle chicken," this creature combines aggressive territorial behavior with devastating melee power. Securing one requires thorough strategic planning and a clear understanding of its unique mechanics.
Essential Gear and Torpor Management
Before initiating an encounter, players must gather the correct equipment to safely knock out the creature. Utilizing a longneck rifle equipped with tranquilizer darts is highly recommended to avoid accidentally killing the target. Because its torpor drains at an exceptionally rapid rate, bringing an abundance of narcotics or bio toxin is mandatory to keep it asleep.
Failing to secure enough sedative materials beforehand will almost certainly result in the creature waking up mid-tame. Players should also pack an ample supply of their preferred taming food to maximize efficiency. Preparing these items well in advance ensures you can manage the high-maintenance knockout phase smoothly.
Building a Secure Taming Trap
Attempting to knock out a Therizinosaurus in the open wilderness is incredibly risky due to its high movement speed. Constructing a reliable taming trap out of stone or metal materials is the safest approach to contain it. A standard design involves a simple two-by-two grid of foundations surrounded by doorframes and a ramp entry.
Once the trap is built, players can lure the angry herbivore up the ramps and force it to drop into the enclosure. Because it cannot fit through standard doorframes, it will remain trapped while you safely fire tranquilizers from the outside. This controlled method minimizes interference from wandering predators and protects the player from lethal slashing attacks.
Selecting the Ideal Taming Food
Once the creature is unconscious, choosing the right food source dictates how long the process will take. Exceptional Kibble provides the fastest taming speed and ensures the highest possible taming effectiveness bonus. If kibble is unavailable, fresh crops like citronal or rockarrots serve as a decent alternative for patient survivors.
Mejoberries can also be used as a budget option, though they significantly prolong the duration of the tame. Maintaining a high taming effectiveness is crucial because it grants bonus levels to the creature upon successful completion. Feeding it high-quality food reduces the overall time spent monitoring its rapidly draining torpor meter.
Utilizing the Versatile Herbivore
Successfully taming a Therizinosaurus rewards players with one of the most versatile utility mounts in the entire game. It features distinct harvest attacks that allow it to selectively gather delicate fibers, thick wood, or rare berries with extreme efficiency. Its high base damage also makes it an excellent combatant capable of standing toe-to-toe with powerful predators.
Many tribes utilize a pack of these well-trained creatures to take on challenging island bosses due to their high health pool. Investing points into their weight and melee damage further amplifies their gathering and combat capabilities. With the proper initial investment and preparation, this magnificent creature quickly becomes an indispensable asset to your survival journey.