Longneck in ARK: A Comprehensive Guide to the Brontosaurus

The longneck, more formally known as the Brontosaurus, is a colossal herbivore in ARK: Survival Evolved. This gentle giant is a favorite among players due to its massive size, incredible carrying capacity, and ability to harvest large amounts of berries. Understanding the longneck‘s strengths and weaknesses is crucial for any survivor looking to tame and utilize this magnificent creature.

This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about the longneck in ARK, from its natural habitat and taming methods to its various uses and breeding tips. Whether you’re a seasoned ARK veteran or a newcomer to the island, this guide will provide valuable insights into maximizing the potential of the Brontosaurus.

Understanding the Brontosaurus (Longneck)

The Brontosaurus, often affectionately called the longneck by ARK players, is one of the largest creatures you’ll encounter. Its sheer size makes it an imposing sight, and its peaceful nature makes it a relatively safe creature to observe from a distance. However, provoking a longneck can be a dangerous mistake, as its powerful tail can inflict significant damage.

Habitat and Location

Longnecks are typically found in open areas with abundant vegetation. Look for them in grasslands, plains, and along riverbanks. They tend to roam in small herds, so if you spot one, there’s a good chance others are nearby. Common spawn locations include The Island’s central plains and the southern coasts of Scorched Earth. On Ragnarok, they are frequently seen in the Highlands and near the Viking Bay. On Extinction, they can be found wandering the Sanctuary. Knowing their spawn locations is critical for planning your taming strategy. Remember to check the ARK wiki or a reliable resource for the most up-to-date spawn information, as spawn locations can sometimes change with game updates.

Temperament and Behavior

Longnecks are generally docile creatures, preferring to graze peacefully on vegetation. They will only become aggressive if attacked or if you get too close to their young. When provoked, they will use their powerful tail to lash out, dealing significant knockback and damage. Their immense size also makes them difficult to maneuver around, so it’s best to avoid confrontation if possible. It’s important to note that while individual longnecks are generally peaceful, a herd can become quite dangerous if one member is attacked. The entire herd may become aggressive, making escape difficult.

Taming the Longneck (Brontosaurus)

Taming a longneck is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Due to their high health and torpor, it requires significant resources and patience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to successfully taming a Brontosaurus:

Preparation is Key

Before attempting to tame a longneck, you’ll need to gather the necessary supplies. This includes:

• Tranquilizer Darts or Arrows: The higher the quality, the better. Use a high-damage weapon like a fabricated sniper rifle or a crossbow.
• Narcotics or Biotoxin: To keep the longneck unconscious throughout the taming process. Biotoxin is more effective but harder to obtain.
• Preferred Food: Crops like Mejoberries are the most effective, followed by other berries. Kibble is also an option, providing faster taming.
• A Safe Location: Ideally, a raised platform or a trap to prevent the longneck from wandering too far.

The Taming Process

1. Locate a Suitable Longneck: Find a longneck in an open area with minimal threats.
2. Create Distance: Position yourself at a safe distance, preferably on a raised platform or inside a trap.
3. Administer Tranquilizers: Begin firing tranquilizer darts or arrows at the longneck‘s head. Be mindful of the torpor level and adjust your firing rate accordingly.
4. Maintain Torpor: As the longneck‘s torpor increases, administer narcotics or biotoxin to keep it unconscious.
5. Feed the Longneck: Once the longneck is unconscious, access its inventory and place the preferred food inside. The taming process will begin automatically.
6. Protect the Taming Longneck: Keep an eye out for predators that may attack the unconscious longneck.
7. Claim Your Prize: Once the taming bar reaches 100%, the longneck is yours!

Taming Tips and Tricks

• Use a Trap: Building a simple trap out of stone or metal can make the taming process much easier and safer. A common design involves four doorframes placed in a square with a ramp leading inside.
• Headshots are Key: Aim for the head to maximize the torpor inflicted with each shot.
• Monitor Torpor: Keep a close eye on the longneck‘s torpor level to prevent it from waking up prematurely.
• Clear the Area: Eliminate any potential threats in the area before starting the taming process.
• Bring a Friend: Taming a longneck is much easier with a friend to help protect the unconscious creature.

Uses of the Longneck (Brontosaurus)

Once tamed, the longneck becomes a valuable asset to any tribe. Its primary uses include:

Resource Gathering

The longneck is an exceptional berry gatherer, capable of harvesting massive amounts of berries with a single tail swipe. This makes it an invaluable tool for tribes that rely on berries for food, dyes, or crafting. It also gathers thatch effectively, though not as efficiently as berries.

Mobile Base

With its immense carrying capacity, the longneck can be used as a mobile base. You can build structures on its platform saddle, allowing you to transport resources, equipment, and even other creatures. This is particularly useful for long-distance travel or for setting up temporary outposts.

Defense

While not primarily a combat creature, the longneck‘s sheer size and powerful tail can be used for defense. It can effectively deter smaller predators and provide cover for your tribe. However, it’s important to remember that the longneck is vulnerable to larger carnivores and should not be used as a frontline combatant.

Transportation

The longneck can be used to transport large amounts of resources or survivors across the map. While not the fastest creature, its carrying capacity and stamina make it a reliable option for long-distance travel. It can also traverse difficult terrain, making it useful for exploring remote areas.

Breeding the Longneck (Brontosaurus)

Breeding longnecks can be a time-consuming but rewarding process. Here are some tips for successfully breeding Brontosaurus:

Setting Up the Breeding Pen

You’ll need a large, secure pen to house your breeding longnecks. The pen should be large enough to accommodate their size and prevent them from wandering too far. Ensure the pen is well-lit and protected from predators.

The Breeding Process

To initiate breeding, place a male and female longneck inside the pen and enable mating. The longnecks will mate, and the female will become pregnant. The gestation period for Brontosaurus is quite long, so be prepared to wait several hours. During gestation, the female will require a significant amount of food. Keep her well-fed to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Caring for the Baby Longneck

Once the baby longneck is born, it will require constant care and attention. Baby longnecks have a very high food consumption rate, so you’ll need to provide them with a steady supply of berries or other food. Imprinting on the baby longneck will increase its stats and make it more loyal to you. Be sure to imprint on the baby regularly to maximize its potential.

Longneck (Brontosaurus) Stats and Abilities

Understanding the longneck‘s stats and abilities is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness. Here’s a breakdown of the key attributes:

• Health: High health makes the longneck durable and resistant to damage.
• Stamina: Decent stamina allows the longneck to travel long distances without tiring.
• Weight: Immense carrying capacity makes the longneck ideal for transporting resources.
• Damage: The longneck‘s tail attack deals significant damage and knockback.
• Torpor: High torpor makes the longneck difficult to tame.

The longneck also possesses the ability to gather large amounts of berries with a single tail swipe. This makes it an efficient resource gatherer and a valuable asset to any tribe.

Conclusion

The longneck, or Brontosaurus, is a powerful and versatile creature in ARK: Survival Evolved. Its immense size, carrying capacity, and berry-gathering abilities make it an invaluable asset to any tribe. While taming a longneck can be challenging, the rewards are well worth the effort. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, you can effectively utilize the longneck to enhance your survival and thrive in the harsh world of ARK. So, venture forth, survivor, and tame your own gentle giant!

[See also: Taming a Giganotosaurus in ARK: A Comprehensive Guide]

[See also: ARK: Survival Evolved Base Building Tips and Tricks]

[See also: The Best Resource Gathering Dinosaurs in ARK]