Mastering the wild world of ARK: Survival Evolved and Survival Ascended begins with choosing the right ARK tames. Whether you are playing on a PvP server or exploring PvE maps, your choice of dinosaurs determines how quickly you progress from a beach dweller to a high-tech survivor. In this guide, we rank the most essential ARK tames that provide the best utility, power, and resource efficiency for your tribe.

1. Argentavis (The “All-Rounder”)

The “Argy” is widely considered the most essential tame in the game. While not the fastest flyer, its weight reduction on resources (like metal and obsidian) and its ability to act as a mobile crafting station (Smithy) make it the backbone of any base-building operation.

2. Rex (The Boss Killer)

The Tyrannosaurus Rex remains the gold standard for boss fights. With high health and massive melee damage, a pack of high-level, mutated Rexes is the most reliable way to take down the Broodmother, Megapithecus, and many other endgame threats.

3. Ankylosaurus (The Metal King)

If you want to progress into the metal and industrial tiers, you need an Anky. It is the premier gatherer for Metal, Flint, and Crystal, featuring an 85% weight reduction on raw metal.

Pro Tip: Carry your Anky with an Argentavis or Karkinos to harvest metal nodes without ever having to land.

4. Yutyrannus (The Commander)

Essential for any large-scale battle or boss fight. Its Courage Roar provides a 25% damage boost and 20% damage resistance to all nearby allied tames, making it the ultimate support unit.

5. Baryonyx (The Cave Specialist)

The Baryonyx is arguably the best “all-terrain” mount. It’s fast on land, doesn’t require oxygen underwater, and has a powerful tail-spin move that can stun almost any aquatic predator. Its size allows it to fit into nearly every cave on The Island.

6. Giganotosaurus / Carcharodontosaurus (The Apex Predators)

While too large for most boss arenas, these “Gigantic” carnivores are unmatched for open-world combat and meat runs. The Carcharodontosaurus (Carcharo) has become a fan favorite recently due to its “Blood Rage” mechanic, which increases its speed and healing the more it kills.

Giganotosaurus

Carcharodontosaurus

7. Therizinosaurus (The Jack-of-All-Trades)

Often called the “Tickle Chicken,” the Theri is a herbivore that hits like a Rex. It is incredible for gathering Fiber, Wood, and Hide, and is a top-tier alternative to the Rex for the Dragon boss fight because herbivores take less damage from fire.

8. Rhyniognatha (The Super-Bug)

One of the newer additions that has redefined the sky. It is a massive insect that can carry almost anything—including Vaults and even some medium-sized dinosaurs. It can also fire resin projectiles to ground enemies.

9. Basilosaurus (The Ocean Guardian)

For underwater exploration, the Basilosaurus is king. It is immune to the shocks of Jellyfish (Cnidaria) and Eels (Electrophorus), which are the primary causes of death for most other aquatic mounts.

10. Stegosaurus (The PvP Tank)

While slow, the Stego is indispensable for soaking turrets in PvP due to its hardened plates which reduce incoming damage. In PvE, its different plate modes make it excellent for gathering berries and wood while protecting the rider from being dismounted.