Dododex
ARK: Survival Evolved & Ascended Companion
Tips & Strategies

This is the reason why you need to upgrade to a wooden shelter as soon as possible. I have a love hate relationship with raptors because they are incredibly useful and equally infuriating. Unlike the dilos that you will eventually be able to punch to death in less than a minute, For some reason raptors find a way to be irritating and dangerous in literally every game stage, and although you may get stronger, they will still be strong and fast enough to kill you if you let your guard down for a second. Raptors are a surprisingly versatile mount that can serve as both a scout and calvary unit. Their weight isn't great, but they are fast and they can definitely do some damage. If you focus on stamina, damage, and health you will get a great mount that can help you explore while being able to take down smaller threats, and allow you to escape large ones.
More Raptor Utility Tips
If you are taming raptors I would recommend taming around 3-5 raptors if you can. Raptors are a great way of quick transportation because if you are traveling with your group of raptors it can easily kill any decent threat if you use them right. I would recommend choosing the best raptor and making the other raptors follow it.
The best early to mid game tame. Once you get just one, your hide and meat problems are made much less difficult. A high level with a pack of weaker raptors are enough to take down most regular Dino’s and the occasional alpha without losses.
I recommend leveling to around 2k~ hp assuming use of saddles. Then maxing damage. Stamina shouldn’t be an issue for high levels and most mid levels.
Bolas are recommended, crossbow/bow is nice, but slingshot can also do the job. Just don’t expect to tame the entire pack with bolas and a slingshot.
As a travel mount they are ok. Trikes are generally better because of their great knock back and weight early on.
Typically you’ll see packs of 3-2 but you can see packs of 6-7 if unlucky.
Raptors are essentially better Dilos. Whe lacking the poisonous blinding spit of a Dilo, they have a much better DPS due to their speed. In groups of three or more they benefit from a pack boost, and in groups of at least four I notice they tend to take on bigger threats on the Ark (notably Sarcos and Kapros). Plus their pounce ability is not to be overlooked.
In short, tame Dilos for the early game, but Raptors as you move into mid game.
Thank you for coming to my TedTalk. Up so newbies can see :)