The Definitive Guide On How To Tame A Compy In ARK: Survival Evolved
Taming a Compsognathus, or Compy, in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a passive taming approach using Raw Prime Meat or Raw Prime Fish Meat, necessitating a high-tier food source to avoid extended taming durations. Because Compies are social creatures that gain a significant combat buff when in groups, players must isolate a single target or utilize a taming pen to prevent aggressive interference from the rest of the pack.
Pre-Taming Logistics and Gear Requirements
The Compy is a deceptively dangerous creature; while individually weak, their propensity to travel in swarms makes them a lethal threat to unprepared survivors. Before attempting to tame, you must understand that the Compy is a non-aggressive creature until a pack threshold is met or it is provoked. Unlike many other creatures in the ARK, the Compy does not use a knockout-based taming system. Instead, it relies on passive taming, which requires the player to feed the animal directly from their inventory without initiating combat.
Essential Gear and Equipment Checklist:
- Primary Bait: Raw Prime Meat (Highest efficiency), Raw Prime Fish Meat (Excellent secondary), or Cooked Lamb Chop (Alternative).
- Containment Tools: Bola (to immobilize the target) or a small 1x1 structure/trap (to isolate the desired Compy).
- Personal Protection: Ghillie Armor (recommended to minimize detection radius), though cloth armor suffices if moving slowly.
- Movement Speed: Ensure your base movement speed is at least 110% to outrun any aggressive pack members that may aggro during the process.
- Support Items: Bug Repellant is not required for Compies, but a Megapithecus or high-level tame may be used to clear surrounding threats before beginning the process.
The Technical Execution of Passive Taming
Step 1: Target Identification and Isolation
Locate a Compy in areas such as the beaches or jungles of The Island, or the vast savannas of other maps. Once you identify a target, you must isolate it from its pack. If you approach a pack, they will remain neutral until you interact with one of them, at which point the entire group will attack. Use a Bola to snare your target. This provides a 30-second window to safely separate it from the pack or build a quick structure around it to prevent it from fleeing or having friends join the fray.
Step 2: Resource Slotting and Inventory Preparation
Open your inventory and place your chosen taming food—Raw Prime Meat is significantly more effective than Raw Meat—into the last slot of your hotbar. It is critical that your hands are empty; holding a weapon or tool will prevent the prompt to feed the creature from appearing. Ensure you have cleared the immediate area of predators such as Dilophosaurs or Raptors, as any damage taken by the Compy during the taming process will reset the taming progress and likely turn the creature hostile.
Step 3: Executing the Feeding Sequence
Approach the Compy slowly. Once you are within proximity, the prompt "Feed [Item] to Tame" will appear. Press the assigned interaction key (E on PC, Y on Xbox, Triangle on PlayStation). Once fed, the Compy will wander for a brief period before it becomes hungry again. Follow the creature at a safe distance. If you lose track of it, the taming effectiveness will begin to drop. Repeat this process until the taming bar reaches 100%.
Pro-Tip: If the Compy wanders into a thick forest or dense brush, use a tracking device or simply crouch to maintain visibility without triggering its flight response.
Warning: Do not attempt to feed a Compy while it is actively being attacked by another creature. The presence of nearby threats forces the Compy into a defensive state, rendering it uninterested in your food.
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Comparative Taming Efficiency and Dietary Specifications
The following table outlines the efficacy of various food sources for a level 150 Compy. Taming efficiency is calculated based on the hunger intervals of the creature and the quality of the food item provided.
| Food Item | Taming Affinity Value | Relative Efficiency | Taming Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Prime Meat | High | 100% | Shortest |
| Raw Prime Fish Meat | Moderate-High | 85% | Short |
| Cooked Lamb Chop | Moderate | 70% | Moderate |
| Raw Meat | Low | 40% | Long |
| Cooked Meat | Very Low | 20% | Longest |
Troubleshooting Common Taming Failures
Even with proper preparation, environmental factors can compromise a taming session. Below are the most frequent issues encountered by survivors.
- Failure Scenario 1: Accidental Aggression.
- Root Cause: The player accidentally attacked the Compy or moved too quickly, triggering the pack's defensive AI.
- Actionable Fix: Sprint away until the pack loses interest, then return to the area after roughly 60 seconds to reset the creature's state. Do not kill the pack members if you intend to tame one, as it complicates the process.
- Failure Scenario 2: Taming Effectiveness Drops Rapidly.
- Root Cause: The Compy took damage from environmental hazards (like thorns, lava, or other predators) while waiting to be fed.
- Actionable Fix: Use building structures to create a safe "feeding stall" so the Compy is shielded from external threats during the cooldown periods.
- Failure Scenario 3: Unable to Feed.
- Root Cause: The player has a weapon or tool equipped, blocking the interaction prompt.
- Actionable Fix: Unequip all items to ensure your character's hands are empty. Verify that the food is in the correct hotbar slot (Slot 0/10).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Compies provide a pack buff when tamed?
Yes, tamed Compies retain their pack bonus mechanic. The more Compies you have following you in a group, the higher their damage and damage resistance stats will climb, making a swarm of high-level Compies a viable combat force.
Can I use Kibble to tame a Compy?
No, Compies are exclusively passive-tamed using meat products. They do not respond to traditional Kibble-based taming methods found in other species.
How do I stop a Compy from wandering away?
The best method is to build a small enclosure using thatch walls or a doorway. By pinning the Compy in a small area, you ensure it cannot path away from you while you wait for its hunger to deplete.
Are Compies effective for early-game combat?
Compies are excellent early-game bodyguards. Their small hitbox makes them difficult for larger predators to land hits on, and their pack bonus allows them to take down creatures significantly larger than themselves when grouped.
Master the Wilds of the ARK
Successfully taming a Compy is the first step toward building an effective, low-maintenance pack that can secure your early-game base. Apply these technical strategies to your next expedition, and remember to always keep your inventory stocked with Prime Meat for maximum results.
