Surviving the treacherous environments of ARK Survival Evolved requires players to constantly expand their roster of domesticated creatures to secure valuable resources. Among the most unique assets you can add to your tribe is the Gigantopithecus, a massive ape-like creature that wanders the island with surprising grace. Mastering the art of befriending this powerful beast provides survivors with a versatile helper capable of gathering materials and throwing riders over high obstacles.
Finding the Wild Gigantopithecus in the Island Ecosystem
Locating these towering mammalian creatures requires a careful expedition into specific biomes scattered across the map. They are most commonly spotted roaming through the dense vegetation of the Redwoods or navigating the shaded floor of deep forest areas. Survivors should keep a close eye on their surroundings, as these gentle giants often blend in perfectly with the massive tree trunks and thick undergrowth.
Because these creatures share their habitat with dangerous predators like raptors and terror birds, tracking them down can quickly become a risky endeavor. It is highly recommended to clear out neighboring threats before attempting to initiate the taming process to prevent sudden interruptions. Patience is key when scanning the horizon, as their spawns can occasionally be sparse depending on local wildlife activity.
Selecting the Best Food Options for an Efficient Process
Unlike standard prehistoric predators that require massive amounts of meat, this large primate adheres to a strictly herbivorous diet. Utilizing high-quality Regular Kibble stands as the absolute fastest and most effective method to secure their trust quickly. Having a well-stocked cooking pot ready before your journey ensures you minimize the time spent vulnerable in the wilderness.
If premium kibble is unavailable, survivors can rely on a large supply of harvested Mejoberries to complete the process. While using standard berries takes significantly more time, it remains a highly accessible alternative for low-level players exploring the region. Keeping your taming slots organized prevents accidental feeding errors that might otherwise reset your hard-earned progress.
Mastering the Passive Strategy Without Triggering Aggression
Befriending this large primate requires an entirely non-violent approach, meaning you must leave your traditional tranquilizer darts behind. Survivors must place the chosen food choice into the final slot of their hotbar before carefully approaching the creature from behind. Walking slowly while remaining crouched is an excellent way to minimize your visual footprint and avoid startling the target.
Maintaining a safe distance immediately after feeding the creature is crucial, as getting too close to their front will instantly trigger an aggressive response. If the creature becomes startled, it will quickly turn hostile and strike with immense physical power. Utilizing a ghillie suit can drastically reduce the creature's detection radius, making the entire sequence far more manageable for solo players.
Utilizing the Unique Abilities of Your New Primate Companion
Successfully completing the process rewards survivors with an incredibly capable companion that does not even require a standard saddle to ride. Players can simply hop onto the shoulders of the beast to guide it directly through treacherous mountain paths and thick woods. Its high raw health pool makes it an exceptional defensive line against smaller predators looking for a quick meal.
Beyond physical combat, these creatures excel at automatically harvesting massive quantities of fiber and wood from nearby foliage. Their most celebrated ability allows riders to be launched high into the air, providing a brilliant tactical method to scale steep cliffs or infiltrate enemy bases. Investing points into weight and melee damage guarantees your new tribal asset remains relevant throughout your survival journey.
