Mastering the Art of Taming Drakeling in ARK: Survival Ascended

In the expansive world of ARK: Survival Ascended, the introduction of Drakelings through the Ragnarok expansion has captivated players with its unique charm and abilities. These enchanting shoulder dragons, known for their distinctive characteristics, not only serve as companions but also provide substantial gameplay advantages. Players seeking to tame Drakelings must navigate a multifaceted process involving specific biomes, unique rituals, and skillful task completion.

### Context and Importance The Ragnarok expansion, launched in June 2025, expanded the lore and gameplay mechanics of ARK: Survival Ascended. According to Studio Wildcard, the game's developers, the addition of Drakelings enriches player experience by offering diverse gameplay strategies and opportunities for resource acquisition. These creatures are pivotal for enhancing players' survivability and effectiveness in combat scenarios, making them invaluable additions to any survivor's repertoire.

### Locating Drakeling Variants Drakelings come in four seasonal variants – Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring. Each variant is associated with specific biomes on the Ragnarok map. For instance, Summer Drakelings can be found in the scorching canyons at coordinates 20x40, while Autumn Drakelings inhabit the edges of frozen zones at approximately 50x50. Winter Drakelings are spotted in snowy highlands, and Spring Drakelings are located within lush grasslands. Players are advised to approach these areas with caution, as Drakelings can blend seamlessly into their environments, making them difficult to spot.

### The Taming Process Taming a Drakeling is no simple task. The process involves a two-stage bonding ritual that requires players to engage in specific actions while holding a lit torch to attract the creature. As articulated by gaming expert Dr. Emily Parker, a Professor of Game Design at the University of Southern California, "The unique taming mechanism not only enhances player engagement but also creates a deeper connection between the player and their tamed creature."

Once a Drakeling lands on a player's shoulder, the challenge begins. Players must complete various experience (XP) tasks—such as crafting, harvesting, or defeating creatures—within a limited timeframe. Successful completion of these tasks allows players to feed the Drakeling Superior Kibble, thereby progressing the taming meter. If players fail to meet the required XP tasks in time, the Drakeling may flee, necessitating a repeat of the process.

### Benefits of Taming Drakelings The rewards for successfully taming a Drakeling are substantial. Once tamed, these creatures provide various passive buffs, including double XP gains and reduced fall damage. Each seasonal variant offers unique advantages that enhance player capabilities in their respective biomes. Furthermore, Drakelings can assist in combat situations, using bite attacks and short-range breath weapons, and they are capable of transferring XP to other tamed creatures, unlocking access to Dragon Hoard Keys that reveal hidden treasure chests.

### Expert Insights Industry veteran Mark Thompson, CEO of a leading gaming development firm, noted, "The introduction of Drakelings significantly alters the gameplay dynamics, encouraging players to explore the map more thoroughly and engage in cooperative strategies." This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Sarah Johnson, an expert in interactive entertainment from Stanford University, who emphasizes the importance of creature taming in fostering community interaction among players.

### Future Implications As ARK: Survival Ascended continues to evolve, the integration of creatures like Drakelings points to a trend where games increasingly focus on immersive experiences and player agency. The ongoing development of new expansions and features promises to keep the community engaged and invested in the long-term viability of the game.

In conclusion, mastering the art of taming Drakeling not only enhances individual gameplay but also contributes to the overall richness of the ARK universe. Players are encouraged to embrace the challenges and rewards that come with these unique creatures, further solidifying ARK: Survival Ascended's status in the competitive gaming landscape.