The ark spino saddle is one of the most iconic and sought-after items in ARK: Survival Evolved, representing the pinnacle of mid-game progression for any player taming a Spinosaurus aequabilis. Securing this saddle is not just about victory; it is a critical milestone that unlocks the creature's true potential for deep-sea exploration and high-level combat. Understanding the intricate process of acquiring and utilizing this equipment is essential for any survivor looking to dominate the island's oceans.
Acquiring the Blueprint: The First Hurdle
Before you can even think about saddling your massive predator, you must first obtain the engram required to craft the ark spino saddle. This blueprint is not handed out freely and requires a significant investment of time, resources, and risk management. Typically, survivors must reach Level 45 to access the crafting menu, although the engram itself is often found much earlier in the game world.
The most common method involves venturing into the treacherous redwood forests of the island, specifically targeting the towering Redwood trees. Within these dense groves, players can find rare blue supply crates, which contain the engram alongside other valuable tech parts. Alternatively, the engram can be obtained as a drop from high-level carnivores or purchased from other players on ARK marketplace if the server settings allow for it.
Gathering the Materials for Mastery
Once the engram is secured, the real grind begins as you collect the vast array of materials required to forge the ark spino saddle. This process tests a survivor's ability to manage supply lines and resource allocation, as the material cost is substantial.
Polymer: A large quantity of this refined material is needed, requiring you to either harvest it from oil veins or refine it in a refinery using thatch and oil.
Silicon Dioxide: Commonly found in the form of quartz on mountains or in the redwood forests, this is essential for the structural integrity of the saddle.
Metal Ingot: Obtained by smelting metal ore in a furnace, this heavy-duty component ensures the saddle can withstand the forces of deep-sea pressure.
Black Pearls: The rarest component, these are dropped by the formidable Rock Drake or found in the depths of ocean trenches, making them the final bottleneck in production.
The Taming Process: Patience is Key
With the saddle crafted, the survivor must then tame a Spinosaurus, a creature known for its aggressive nature and high food requirements. Taming a Spino is a marathon, not a sprint, and requires careful preparation to avoid losing the creature to starvation or a rival predator.
While the official ARK wiki provides specific kibble recipes, using a combination of Mutton or Prime Meat is often the most efficient method for feeding the Spino during the tranq process. Players must maintain a constant supply of narcotics to manage the creature's torpor, ensuring it does not wake up and attack before the taming bar reaches 100%. The ark spino saddle is the reward for this lengthy and attentive process, transforming the wild beast into a reliable mount.
Utilizing the Saddle's Potentials
The primary function of the ark spino saddle is to enable underwater exploration. Unlike most creatures, the Spino does not require a breathing apparatus when equipped with this saddle, allowing survivors to traverse the ocean floor with ease. This opens up access to valuable resources like Pearl Ore and the elusive Coelacanth, which is necessary for creating the Tek Tek Grenade.
In combat, the Spino is a formidable force. The saddle allows the rider to utilize the creature's powerful Manta Charge ability, which can stun enemies and break through defenses. When equipped with a saddle, the Spino gains significant health and damage stats, making it a viable alternative to the Rex for players who prefer a tanky, fast-moving mount capable of both land and sea traversal.
