Ark Survival Evolved Complete Dunkleosteus Species Guide: Taming, Uses, and Survival Tips

Ark: Survival Evolved’s oceans are inhabited by some of the most powerful and interesting animals in the game. Among these animals, the Dunkleosteus comes to mind not only due to its large size. Because of its incredible armor and utility. This primeval, deep-water fish is a key player in marine survival strategies. Especially for the ones who are looking for a tough, resource-gathering friend.

Besides the tough body armor, big weight capacity, and the ability to get valuable items such as metal and oil from the sea, the Dunkleosteus is not only destined for fighting. Its strengths in attack and utility make it one of the most versatile pets in the game. Especially for those groups which underwater travel and mining are the main activities.

Underwater habitats in which survival is highly depending on gear and protection. Picking the suitable armor is just as important as the perfect mount. If you also try to cover surface-level dangers and generally improve your survivability. Then, it is advisable to have a look at the Best Armors in Ark Survival Evolved in order to have the best land and sea adventures.

This manual is your one-stop resource, which tells you all about the Dunkleosteus, including its habitats, the best ways of taming it, and also how to unleash its powerful abilities after the compulsive taming process.

Where to Find the Dunkleosteus

The deep oceans of most ARK maps are the places where one can find the Dunkleosteus without any difficulty. The Island, Ragnarok, Crystal Isles, The Center, and Genesis Part 2 are in the list. The ocean floor is the place this creature normally haunts. While it moves slowly and tries not to come into contact with players and other animals except in the case of being attacked.

Peculiarly, the Dunkleosteus’ battery-like armor and its giant size make it very conspicuous amongst the rare creatures of ocean depths. Particularly when scouting the depths using a submersible device or scuba gear. Nevertheless, it is imperative for the player to not forget that other predators. Such as Mosasaurus or Megalodon are lurking for a chance in the same region. While playing on a platform such as Ark Survival Evolved Crystal Isles, you will really realize how extensive the ocean zones are, and they are full of not only opportunities but also hazards. Thus the Dunkleosteus is a particularly valuable tame for that environment.

Base Stats and Combat Characteristics

The stats of the Dunkleosteus are designed in such a way that it is perfect for both taking in damage and gathering resources. Although it is not the fastest, it can still take a significant amount of damage and be alive either to run away or to end the fight.

Base Stats (at Level 1)

1. Health: 710
   
2. Stamina: 200
   
3. Oxygen: 150
   
4. Weight: 910
   
5. Melee Damage: 60 (Bite)
   
6. Movement Speed: Slow
   
7. Torpidity: 1,150
   

Key Traits

• High armor reduces incoming melee and projectile damage
  
• Able to harvest metal, oil, stone, and crystal from underwater resource nodes
  
• Low mobility makes it vulnerable to faster aquatic creatures
  
• Passive until attacked, allowing a safer approach for scouting or taming setup

Preparation for Taming

Capturing a Dunkleosteus is definitely a whole different game from taming most of the other creatures. Its reinforced natural armor counteracts the tranquilizing effect of the energizer to such an extent that it takes more shots than usual. Additionally, since it dwells in the depths of the ocean, equipping a scuba set, having an aquatic ride, and procuring the right kind of ammo are an indispensable part of a tame preparation.

Recommended Supplies

• Scuba gear (mask, tank, leggings, and flippers)
• Crossbow or harpoon launcher with a large supply of tranq arrows or tranq harpoons
• Narcotics or a bio toxin (for keeping it unconscious)
• A fast or agile aquatic mount such as Ichthyosaurus or Baryonyx
• Superior Kibble (preferred food) or Raw Prime Fish Meat as an alternative

Moreover, employing a platform saddle like the Paraceratherium or constructing underwater taming pens can also lead to less danger and more efficient taming.

How to Tame a Dunkleosteus

Step-by-Step Taming Process

1. Locate a Dunkleosteus: Go through the deep ocean zones on your preferred map and find a Dunkleosteus that is distant from the bunch of predators. If needed, make the place clean.
2. Begin Tranquilization: While on a mount or swimming in circles around the creature, use tranquilizer arrows or harpoons. Concentrate on shooting regularly and do not attack from the front so your risk will be less.
3. Monitor Torpor and Aggro: The animal might try to run away while the torpor is rising. Keep fueling at a paced rhythm and continue shooting until it faints. Your mount can be used to keep the enemy creatures away.
4. Feed and Wait: After fainting, put in its inventory the fastest food for taming, Superior Kibble. Otherwise, take raw prime fish meat or regular raw fish meat in consideration, but the time needed will be longer.
5. Protect and Maintain: Stay close in order to protect the newborn from sharks or jellyfish. Check the torpor level and give narcotics if it is necessary so that the animal being asleep can continue throughout the taming process.

Post-Tame Uses and Applications

After being tamed, the Dunkleosteus in ARK is a true rocket for diving. The Dunkleosteus is not suitable for traveling because of its speed but it is very effective in other roles that are beneficial for groups working on underwater expansion or resource farming.

Resource Harvesting

The Dunkleosteus in ARK is very effective in breaking and gathering resources such as:

• Oil nodes
• Metal rocks
• Stone and crystal clusters

Besides that, it is the one that gives the least weight for those things, which means that you can collect more items in one go without being too heavy.

Tanking and Combat

Due to its natural armor, the Dunkleosteus is a perfect underwater tank. It can take a lot of damage and be the shield of other weaker aquatic creatures or of players who are going on foot or with small mounts. Although the speed of its bite is not very high, it gives continuous damage and can still defend itself against most of the danger.

Transportation

Because of its big carrying capacity and high endurance, the Dunkleosteus is a good option for moving things or gear between the ocean bases or underwater caves. Also, it is not affected by some stuns and knockbacks, which means that it is more dependable than the fragile ones.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• High durability and excellent damage resistance
• Powerful resource harvester for oil, metal, and crystal
• Not aggressive unless attacked, making it easier to approach
• Useful in underwater PvP due to armor and carrying capacity

Disadvantages

• Very slow swim speed and poor maneuverability
• Difficult to tame due to armored resistance
• Requires significant resources and preparation for taming
• Vulnerable to faster aquatic predators during taming and travel

Tips for Effective Use

1. Level up Weight and Melee Damage to optimize resource gathering.
2. Use it in combination with faster mounts to protect valuable materials.
3. If traveling in groups, keep the Dunkleosteus in the center as a tank while faster creatures scout ahead or cover the rear.
4. Avoid open-ocean battles where high mobility is required. Instead, use the creature for structured tasks like cave defense or resource runs.

For a trip in environments such as Ark Scorched Earth, where water animals are not allowed, think about changing your survival strategy to land-based mounts or using animals like the Procoptodon for transportation and other functionalities.

Don’t forget: If you are improving your armor setting, hunting for new places like Crystal Isles or Scorched Earth, or playing with versatile animals like the Ark Survival Evolved Procoptodon Species, being familiar with the capabilities of each tame gives you a giant step ahead in this world.

Conclusion

The Dunkleosteus is a unique water beast that is the best among its kind in terms of durability and gathering abilities for ARK survivors. However, it is a very hard creature to tame and requires a lot of investment and time, but its continued usefulness is the best reward. The Dunkleosteus, perfect for players whose main focus is underwater mining, base defense, or exploration, is like the ocean’s king and the most useful one in the depths of ARK’s seas.

For the players who are searching to be in their best form while in aquatic environments, this armoured predator is a perfect choice for your underwater armory. A well-prepared plan, equipped with the right gear, and a good strategy execution, taming and operating a Dunkleosteus will give your survival and efficiency under the waves a great boost.

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