This guide will help you master the art of taming in Ultima Online, covering everything from the basics to advanced techniques. Learn how to choose the right animals, level up your skills, and manage your pets for optimal success.
Introduction
Welcome to the world of Ultima Online animal taming! In this vast and immersive online world, the ability to tame and control creatures is a highly sought-after skill. Taming allows you to acquire loyal companions that can aid you in combat, travel, and even provide a sense of companionship. It’s a rewarding and engaging aspect of the game, but it requires dedication, patience, and a good understanding of the mechanics involved.
This guide will delve into the intricate world of animal taming, providing you with the knowledge and strategies necessary to become a successful tamer. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of Ultima Online, this guide will equip you with the tools to conquer the challenges and reap the rewards of taming.
From understanding the taming mechanics to choosing the right animals, leveling your skills, and managing your pets, this guide will cover every aspect of this captivating skill. So, prepare to embark on a journey of adventure and companionship as you master the art of taming in Ultima Online.
What is Animal Taming?
Animal Taming in Ultima Online is a skill that allows players to befriend and control certain creatures in the game. It’s a complex and rewarding process that involves more than just throwing a few treats at a wild beast. It requires a good understanding of the game’s mechanics, the creature you’re trying to tame, and a bit of patience.
Essentially, taming involves using the Animal Taming skill to establish a bond with a creature. This bond allows you to control the creature’s actions, making it your companion. Tamed creatures can be used for various purposes, such as combat, transport, or even just for companionship.
The taming process is not always easy. Creatures have different levels of wildness, and some are simply untamable. Success depends on your character’s skill level, the creature’s temperament, and a bit of luck. But the rewards are worth the effort, as a well-trained pet can become a valuable asset in your adventures in Ultima Online.
Why Tame Animals in Ultima Online?
Taming animals in Ultima Online offers a multitude of benefits for players, adding depth and versatility to their gameplay experience. The primary reason for taming is to gain a loyal and powerful companion. Tamed creatures act as extensions of your character, offering combat assistance, transportation, and even a sense of companionship.
Pets can significantly increase your combat effectiveness, providing valuable support in battles. They can tank damage, distract enemies, or even deliver powerful attacks, depending on their type and training. Furthermore, some pets offer unique abilities that can be extremely helpful in specific situations, like healing or buffing your character.
Taming animals also opens up opportunities for resource gathering and exploration. Mounts, such as horses or wolves, provide faster travel speeds, allowing you to traverse the vast world of Ultima Online more efficiently. Pets can also be used to collect resources like wood, ore, or even rare materials, making them valuable assets for crafting and trading.
Taming Mechanics
Taming in Ultima Online is a skill-based activity that involves a delicate balance of patience, timing, and strategy. The process begins by standing within three tiles of the target creature with no obstructions. You then target the creature with the Animal Taming skill, initiating the taming attempt.
During the taming process, a series of messages will appear in your journal, indicating the creature’s response to your efforts. These messages provide crucial information about the taming progress, such as whether the creature is accepting you as its master or resisting your attempts. Keep a close eye on these messages to understand how the taming is going.
Once the taming is complete, the creature will be bonded to you, becoming your pet. However, the process doesn’t end there. You’ll need to continue interacting with your pet, providing care and training to ensure its loyalty and development. This includes feeding, healing, and training your pet to improve its skills and abilities.
Taming Requirements
Before you can embark on your journey as an animal tamer in Ultima Online, you need to meet certain requirements. Firstly, you need to have a sufficient level of the Animal Taming skill. The required skill level varies depending on the creature you wish to tame, with some creatures requiring a much higher skill level than others.
In addition to skill level, you may also need to meet specific requirements for certain creatures. For example, some creatures can only be tamed by specific races, such as Elves, while others require the use of special items or spells. It’s essential to research the specific requirements for the creature you want to tame before attempting it.
It’s also important to note that some creatures are simply not tamable, even with the highest skill level. These creatures are typically considered too dangerous or too powerful to be controlled by a player. Therefore, it’s crucial to check the taming charts to see if the creature you’re interested in is actually tamable.
Taming Skill Leveling
Leveling your Animal Taming skill in Ultima Online is a rewarding but often challenging process. The key to efficient skill gain is to find the right balance between difficulty and success rate. If you attempt to tame creatures that are too easy, you’ll barely see any skill gains, while attempting to tame creatures that are too difficult will result in frequent failures and wasted time;
A good strategy is to target creatures that are slightly above your current skill level. This way, you’ll have a reasonable chance of success while still receiving significant skill gains. The Sweet Spot, as it’s often referred to, lies around 10-30 points above the minimum skill required for a particular creature.
Another important aspect of skill leveling is consistency. Taming creatures regularly, even if they’re relatively easy, will contribute to steady skill gains over time. Remember that every successful taming attempt, regardless of the creature’s difficulty, will contribute to your overall skill progression.
Choosing the Right Animals
Selecting the right animals to tame in Ultima Online is crucial for efficient skill leveling and acquiring valuable pets. While some creatures may be easier to tame, they might not offer the same benefits or utility as others. It’s essential to consider factors such as your current skill level, the intended purpose of the pet, and the creature’s strength and abilities.
For beginners, starting with creatures like sheep or cows can be a good way to gain initial experience and skill points. These animals are relatively easy to tame and provide a gentle introduction to the mechanics of taming. As you progress, you can gradually move on to more challenging creatures that offer greater benefits, such as increased carrying capacity, combat prowess, or unique skills.
It’s also important to consider the specific needs of your character and playstyle. If you primarily engage in combat, you might prioritize taming strong and aggressive creatures. If you focus on gathering or crafting, you might prefer pets with high carrying capacity or specialized skills. Ultimately, the best animals to tame are those that align with your goals and enhance your overall gameplay experience in Ultima Online.
Advanced Taming Techniques
As you become more experienced with animal taming in Ultima Online, you can explore advanced techniques to enhance your success and efficiency. These techniques often require a greater understanding of the game’s mechanics and can significantly impact your ability to tame even the most challenging creatures.
One such technique is the use of “peacemaking” on aggressive creatures before attempting to tame them. This can reduce the risk of being attacked and increase your chances of a successful tame. Another strategy involves utilizing honor virtues, which can temporarily pacify creatures, making them easier to tame. Additionally, employing spells like “sleep” or “mass sleep” can immobilize aggressive creatures, providing a safe window for taming.
For those seeking to tame creatures with high taming requirements, understanding the concept of “orneriness” is essential. Orneriness is a measure of a creature’s resistance to being tamed, and it can be influenced by factors such as the creature’s level and the difference between its minimum taming requirement and your current taming skill level. By choosing creatures with lower orneriness, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful tame.
Pet Management
Once you’ve successfully tamed a creature in Ultima Online, it’s crucial to manage your pet effectively to maximize its potential and ensure its loyalty. Proper pet management involves understanding and utilizing various commands and techniques to control your pet’s behavior and optimize its performance.
One essential aspect of pet management is training. Tamed pets can gain skills through combat and other activities, increasing their effectiveness. Regularly engaging your pet in combat or other activities will contribute to its skill development. You can also use “Combat Training” to focus your pet’s skill development on specific areas.
Another key aspect of pet management is providing your pet with appropriate food and supplies. Different pets have different dietary needs, and feeding them the right food can enhance their health and performance. Additionally, equipping your pet with appropriate gear, such as armor and weapons, can further enhance its abilities in combat.
Tips for Successful Taming
Taming in Ultima Online can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. To increase your chances of success, consider these helpful tips⁚
Choose the Right Animal⁚ Not all creatures in Ultima Online are tamable, and some are more difficult to tame than others. Research the creatures you want to tame and choose those that align with your skill level and desired role for the pet. Pay attention to the minimum required taming skill level, and remember that a higher skill level will increase your chances of success.
Utilize Peaceful Strategies⁚ For aggressive creatures, consider using peaceful strategies like “Peacemaking” or “Honor” to reduce their hostility and make taming easier. You can also use spells like “Sleep” or “Mass Sleep” to temporarily incapacitate the creature before attempting to tame it.
Be Patient⁚ Taming can be a time-consuming process. Be patient and persistent, and don’t give up if you fail at your first attempt. Keep trying, and eventually, you’ll be able to tame the creature of your choice.
Practice Makes Perfect⁚ The more you tame, the better you’ll become at it. Experiment with different taming techniques and learn from your successes and failures. The more experience you gain, the easier taming will become.
Taming in Ultima Online is a challenging but rewarding skill that can add a unique dimension to your gameplay. With dedication, patience, and the right strategies, you can master the art of taming and gain loyal animal companions to aid you on your adventures.
Remember, taming is a journey, not a destination. As you progress through the skill, you’ll unlock access to more powerful and interesting creatures to tame. So, embrace the challenges, learn from your experiences, and enjoy the journey of becoming a skilled animal tamer in Ultima Online.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player, this guide has provided you with the essential information to embark on your taming journey. Now, go out there, find your perfect animal companion, and explore the world of Ultima Online with a loyal friend by your side.