In ARK: Survival Ascended, some creatures must be tamed using the passive taming method instead of knocking them out. This is especially common for smaller creatures and shoulder pets, many of which can only be tamed by feeding them directly.
So how does passive taming work?
First, place the required food in the last slot of your hotbar. Different creatures prefer different foods, such as berries, seeds, or specific items, so make sure you prepare the correct food before approaching.
Once ready, slowly approach the creature without startling it. Aim at the target and press E (Interact key) to feed it and begin the taming process. If you are unsure how it works, refer to the image below.
Keep in mind that most passive tames cannot be completed with a single feeding. After feeding once, you must wait until the creature becomes hungry again before the next feeding prompt appears.
Additional tips for successful passive taming:
- Move slowly when approaching; running may scare the creature away.
- Crouching helps reduce detection and increases success rate.
- If the creature is attacked or alerted, taming progress may reset.
- Wearing Ghillie Armor reduces visibility and makes passive taming easier.
Mastering passive taming is essential for obtaining useful shoulder pets early in the game and improving survival efficiency.
