Introduction
In the vibrant world of Ark: Survival Evolved, players step into the shoes of a survivor on a mysterious island teeming with prehistoric creatures. Among the most captivating elements of this game is the ability to not only coexist with dinosaurs but also to tame, ride, and care for them. One fundamental aspect of this caretaking is knowing how to effectively manage your dinosaur’s inventory, particularly when it comes to feeding them. In this article, we will delve into the essential methods of putting food in a dinosaur’s inventory, ensuring your prehistoric pals remain well-fed and ready for adventure.
Understanding Dinosaur Inventory Basics
Before diving into the intricate mechanics of feeding your dinosaurs, it’s vital to understand how the inventory system works. Creatures in Ark have a dedicated inventory space, similar to your character’s inventory, where you can place food, items, and resources.
How Dino Inventory Works
Each dinosaur has a limited capacity for items they can carry in their inventory. Understanding this capacity is crucial for effective management:
- Dinosaur Type: Different species have varying inventory capacities, meaning larger dinosaurs can carry more than smaller ones.
- Weight Limit: Each item has a specific weight as well. Make sure the total weight of the items you place in the inventory does not exceed the dino’s weight limit.
Types of Food for Dinosaurs
Nutrition is vital for the wellbeing of your dinosaurs. Different dinosaurs require different types of food based on their species, dietary preferences, and taming status.
Categories of Food
In Ark, food for dinosaurs can be broadly categorized into three types:
- Herbivorous Food: Types of food like berries, vegetables, and fruits are necessary for herbivores.
- Carnivorous Food: Meat, prime meat, and fish are essential for carnivorous dinosaurs.
- Special Foods: Certain pets may require unique items, such as kibble or specific meats to optimize their health and efficiency.
How to Put Food in a Dinosaur’s Inventory
Now that you have a solid understanding of your dinosaur’s inventory, let’s explore the step-by-step process to put food in their inventory.
Step 1: Approach the Dinosaur
To begin, you’ll need to approach the dinosaur you wish to feed. Remember, not all dinosaurs react the same way. Some may be passive while others might become aggressive if they feel threatened.
Step 2: Open the Inventory
Once you’re close to the dinosaur, press the appropriate button to access the dinosaur’s inventory. This can typically be done by:
- Pressing the action key (E on PC, Square on PlayStation, or X on Xbox).
- Using the context menu that appears when you are near the dino to select “Open Inventory.”
Step 3: Transfer Food Items
Now that you have the dino’s inventory open, it’s time to transfer food items. Here’s how to do it:
Manual Transfer
- Open your own inventory by pressing the designated key.
- Locate the food items you wish to transfer. You can find various types of food in your inventory.
- Click on the food item and drag it to the dinosaur’s inventory window.
Quick Transfer
If you’re in a hurry, you can also utilize the ‘Transfer All’ button that quickly sends all items to the dinosaur’s inventory. However, be aware that this transfers all the items, not just food.
Step 4: Close Inventory
After successfully transferring the food, exit both inventories. Be sure to keep an eye on your dinosaur’s food meter to ensure they are well-fed.
Feeding Strategies for Optimal Care
Feeding your dinosaurs isn’t just about putting food in their inventory; it’s also about doing so in a way that ensures their long-term survival and effectiveness.
Regular Feeding Schedule
Establishing a feeding routine will help maintain consistent health:
- Check their food level regularly.
- Ensure that they have access to enough food based on their consumption rate.
Utilizing Feeding Troughs
For larger setups, especially with many dinosaurs, consider using a feeding trough.
Benefits of Feeding Troughs
- Time-Saving: Instead of feeding each dinosaur manually, you can fill a trough and let multiple dinosaurs feed from it.
- Preservation of Food: Feeding troughs keep food fresher for a more extended period, reducing spoilage rates.
- Area Utilization: A feeding trough can be placed in a sheltered area where dinosaurs can access food without roaming too far.
Understanding Spoilage Rates
Just as with human food, dinosaur food has a spoilage rate. Be cautious to rotate out older food items regularly and keep an eye on the expiration date displayed in their inventory.
Enhancing Dinosaur Health with Kibble
Kibble is a specialized food option that significantly enhances the taming efficiency of many dinosaurs. It is crafted from various ingredients and can change the dynamics of your dinosaur care.
Crafting Kibble
To craft kibble, a player needs to gather specific ingredients, including crops, eggs, and meats. Each dinosaur prefers different types of kibble, which offers higher nutritional value compared to regular food.
| Dinosaur Type | Preferred Kibble |
|---|---|
| Tyrannosaurus Rex | T-Rex Kibble |
| Triceratops | Trike Kibble |
Preventing Overfeeding and Managing Resources
While it’s crucial to keep your dinosaurs healthy and fed, overfeeding can be just as detrimental. Be aware of the following:
Overfeeding Consequences
- Weight Issues: Overstuffing can lead to weight management problems and reduced mobility.
- Resource Waste: Consistently using high-quality food on dinosaurs when regular food suffices results in wasted resources.
Signs of Overfeeding
- Your dinosaur’s food meter is at full capacity.
- Spoiled food remains in their inventory for prolonged periods.
Tips for New Players
If you’re just starting your journey in Ark: Survival Evolved, consider the following tips to manage your dinosaurs effectively:
Start with a Variety
As a beginner, it’s essential to gather a variety of food types. Having an array allows you to accommodate different species.
Gathering Food Resources
- Collect berries and vegetables for herbivores.
- Hunt for meat or fish for carnivores.
Regular Check-Ins
Frequent inventory checks can ensure your dinosaurs are well fed and healthy.
Be Mindful of Starvation
A dinosaur can die from starvation if not fed. Therefore, vigilance is crucial.
Conclusion
Caring for and managing a dinosaur’s inventory in Ark: Survival Evolved can seem daunting at first, but with a little practice and understanding, it will become second nature. By placing food in their inventories accurately and utilizing feeding strategies like troughs, regular checking, and crafting kibble, you can ensure your dinosaurs thrive in their environment. Remember, developing a bond with your dinosaurs enhances not only their efficiency but also the entire gaming experience. So prepare, feed, and embark on your next adventure with your well-fed prehistoric companions!
What are the basic dietary needs of dinosaurs in Ark: Survival Evolved?
In Ark: Survival Evolved, each dinosaur species has specific dietary needs. Most herbivorous dinosaurs primarily consume berries and vegetables, while carnivorous dinosaurs require meat, which can include raw fish or cooked meat. Omnivores have a diverse diet and can eat both plant and animal-based food. It’s essential to provide the appropriate food for each species to maintain their health and prevent starvation.
In addition to standard diets, certain dinosaurs may benefit from specific food types. For example, some might prefer kibble, which is a more nutritious option that can also enhance taming effectiveness. Understanding the specific needs of your dinosaurs will help you provide a balanced diet that optimizes their health and performance in the game.
How can I gather food for my dinosaurs efficiently?
Gathering food for dinosaurs can be a time-consuming task, but several strategies can streamline the process. One effective method is to use tools such as the Sickle, which allows players to harvest large quantities of berries quickly from bushes. For carnivorous dinosaurs, hunting smaller creatures can yield meat efficiently, especially when you team up with a dinosaur to aid in combat and gather resources simultaneously.
Additionally, constructing a farm for growing crops can significantly reduce the need for constant foraging. By planting seeds, you can sustainably produce berries and vegetables needed for herbivorous dinosaurs. Utilizing compost bins or preserving bins can also help in managing resources more efficiently and extending the shelf life of gathered food.
What types of food should I feed my herbivorous dinosaurs?
Herbivorous dinosaurs can consume a variety of plant-based foods, primarily berries, vegetables, and seeds. Common berries include Mejoberries, Narkberries, and Tintoberries, which are not only nutritious but also easy to gather in bulk. By providing a mixture of different berries, you can ensure that your herbivores receive a balanced diet that meets their dietary needs.
In addition to berries, cooking in a cooking pot can yield more advanced food options, such as vegetable cakes or other recipes that require crops. These specialized foods can have enhanced benefits, including better health regeneration and more stamina. It’s advisable to diversify their diet for optimum satisfaction and health, as varied nutrition can lead to improved performance in the game.
Should I use kibble, and how do I make it?
Kibble is a highly nutritious food option that enhances the effectiveness of taming dinosaurs. Each kibble type is specific to a dinosaur species, providing not only better nourishment but also increasing the speed of taming. Using kibble can be especially beneficial when you are trying to tame more advanced creatures, as it can reduce the number of feedings required.
To make kibble, you need to harvest specific ingredients, typically including the base ingredient, cooked meat or vegetables, and eggs from the same species as the kibble you wish to create. You’ll also need a Cooking Pot or an Industrial Cooker to combine these items. The crafting process requires a little preparation, but once you gather the necessary resources, making kibble can be a game-changer in caring for your dinosaurs efficiently.
How often should I feed my dinosaurs?
Dinosaurs in Ark: Survival Evolved have hunger bars that decrease over time. Monitoring their hunger levels is crucial, and it is generally recommended to feed them when their hunger bar drops below halfway. However, different species may have varying hunger rates, so getting accustomed to the specific needs of your dinosaurs will help refine your feeding schedule.
Furthermore, if dinosaurs are not fed as required, they can experience negative effects, including health degradation and eventual starvation. Keeping a consistent feeding routine can ensure their vitality, especially during battles or long expeditions. Developing a good habit of checking their hunger regularly will lead to better management and care for your dinosaurs.
Can dinosaurs eat spoiled food?
Dinosaurs can consume spoiled food, but it’s not an optimal choice. While dinosaurs won’t be harmed by eating spoiled food, it doesn’t provide the best nutritional value and may lead to lower health performance. It’s a good practice to avoid feeding them spoiled items unless absolutely necessary, as this could affect their health in the long run.
If you find yourself with an excess of spoiled food items, consider using it for composting or as fertilizer instead. This can help produce crops to sustain your herbivores in the future. Keeping a watchful eye on your food supplies will ensure that your dinosaurs always receive the best possible nutrition while preventing waste.
What happens if I don’t feed my dinosaurs?
If you neglect to feed your dinosaurs, they will gradually lose health and eventually reach a state of starvation. Once a dinosaur’s hunger level reaches critical levels, it will begin to lose health over time, which can lead to death if not addressed. Additionally, starving dinosaurs may not perform well in combat or while gathering resources, which can impact your gameplay experience.
In extreme cases, failing to feed can result in the dinosaur becoming unconscious. Once this occurs, you will need to feed it immediately to revive it. Regular checks and timely feedings are key to ensuring that your dinosaurs thrive, especially in challenging survival scenarios where their health and performance are critical to your success in the game.