ARK's Taxidermy Tool: A Guide

In the vast and often brutal world of ARK: Survival Evolved, survival is paramount. However, for many players, the thrill extends beyond mere existence; it's about collecting, showcasing, and truly mastering the environment. One of the most unique and rewarding ways to do this is through taxidermy. The Taxidermy Tool allows you to preserve creatures in a lifelike pose, creating stunning displays for your bases. But how do you get your hands on this essential item? This guide will delve into the specifics of acquiring and utilising the Taxidermy Tool, focusing on the often-confusing process of spawning it via GFI codes.

What is the Taxidermy Tool?

The Taxidermy Tool is a special item in ARK: Survival Evolved that, when used on a corpse, allows you to create a static, displayable version of that creature. Unlike simple trophies, taxidermied creatures can be placed on special Taxidermy Bases, which then allow you to select from a range of poses. This adds a significant level of customisation and aesthetic appeal to your in-game structures. It’s a fantastic way to immortalise your most impressive kills, rare finds, or even your favourite tamed creatures.

Why Use the Taxidermy Tool?

Beyond the obvious aesthetic benefits, taxidermy in ARK serves several purposes:

• Display and Memorabilia: Commemorate significant achievements, such as defeating a powerful boss or taming an exceptionally rare creature.
• Base Decoration: Elevate your base’s interior design from functional to phenomenal. Imagine a hall of legendary beasts or a gallery of your most prized mounts.
• Learning and Information: While not its primary function, the act of taxidermying can sometimes provide a small amount of experience. More importantly, the preserved specimens can serve as visual references for other players.
• Unlocking Customisation: The Taxidermy Tool is the gateway to using Taxidermy Bases, which are crucial for creating dynamic displays.

How to Obtain the Taxidermy Tool

In a standard survival playthrough, the Taxidermy Tool can be learned as an Engram at a relatively high character level (level 38). Crafting it requires specific resources, including Metal Ingots, Obsidian, and Cementing Paste. However, for players who want to speed up the process, experiment with displays, or simply don't want to wait for the Engram unlock, spawning the item directly using its GFI code is the most efficient method.

Understanding GFI Codes

GFI stands for "Give Item." In ARK: Survival Evolved, many items do not have a simple numerical ID that can be used with the `giveitem` command. Instead, they rely on unique GFI codes. These are essentially alphanumeric strings that the game recognises as specific items. The Taxidermy Tool is one such item, meaning you can't just type `giveitem 123` to get it; you need its specific GFI code.

The GFI Code for the Taxidermy Tool

The specific GFI code for the Taxidermy Tool is: WeaponTaxidermyTool.

Spawning the Taxidermy Tool

To spawn the Taxidermy Tool using its GFI code, you'll need to access the game's command console. This is typically done by pressing the `~` (tilde) key on your keyboard. Once the console is open, you can use the following command structure:

GIVEITEM "BlueprintPathOfTheItem" 

However, for items that don't have a direct blueprint path but rather a GFI code, the command is slightly different. You'll use the `GIVEITEM` command directly with the GFI code. The syntax often used is:

GIVEITEM "" 

So, to spawn one Taxidermy Tool with default quality (which is usually of a specific, non-variable quality as it's a unique tool), you would enter:

GIVEITEM "WeaponTaxidermyTool" 1 1 0

Let's break down that command:

• GIVEITEM: The command to give an item.
• "WeaponTaxidermyTool": The GFI code for the Taxidermy Tool. It's crucial to enclose GFI codes in quotation marks.
• 1: The quantity of the item you want to spawn.
• 1: The quality of the item. For the Taxidermy Tool, this parameter might not significantly alter the item's functionality as it’s a unique tool, but it's generally included. A value of 1 is standard.
• 0: This parameter usually relates to whether you want the item as a blueprint (1) or the actual item (0). For the Taxidermy Tool, you typically want the actual item, so 0 is used.

Important Considerations for Spawning

• Server vs. Single Player: If you are playing on a private server or in single-player mode, you can typically use the console commands directly. If you're on a public server, you'll likely need administrator privileges or specific server commands to be enabled.
• Case Sensitivity: While many ARK commands are not case-sensitive, it's best practice to use the exact casing for GFI codes (WeaponTaxidermyTool) to avoid errors.
• Admin Panel: If you have admin privileges, you might also be able to spawn items directly through an admin panel interface, which can be more user-friendly than typing commands.

Using the Taxidermy Tool

Once you have the Taxidermy Tool, the process is straightforward:

1. Equip the Tool: Make sure the Taxidermy Tool is in your hotbar and equipped.
2. Approach a Corpse: Get close to the corpse of the creature you wish to taxidermy.
3. Use the Tool: Press your primary action button (usually the left mouse button) while aiming at the corpse.
4. Select a Pose: If the creature is compatible and the tool is used correctly, you will be presented with a menu of available poses. Choose the pose you desire.
5. Place on Base: The taxidermied creature will then appear, ready to be placed on a Taxidermy Base. If you don't have a Taxidermy Base nearby, you can still place the taxidermied creature directly in the world, but it won't have the pose selection feature and will be fixed in the pose it was created in. For the full experience, you’ll need a Taxidermy Base, which is also learned as an Engram and crafted similarly to other advanced items.

Comparison: Crafted vs. Spawned Taxidermy Tools

While the end result is the same, there are distinct differences in how you acquire the tool:

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you're having trouble spawning the Taxidermy Tool, consider these points:

• Incorrect GFI Code: Double-check that you have typed WeaponTaxidermyTool exactly as shown, including capitalization.
• Command Syntax Errors: Ensure the quotation marks are correctly placed around the GFI code and that there are spaces between each parameter.
• Permissions: Verify that you have the necessary permissions to use console commands on your server or in your game session.
• Game Updates: While unlikely for such a core item, very rarely, GFI codes can change with major game updates. Ensure your game is up to date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I taxidermy any creature in ARK?
A: Yes, you can taxidermy almost any creature corpse in the game, provided it is a valid corpse and not something like a defeated boss that immediately desp)^{*}

Q: Do I need a Taxidermy Base to use the tool?
A: No, you can use the tool on a corpse without a base, but you will be unable to select a pose. The creature will be taxidermied in a default, somewhat awkward pose. For the full functionality and aesthetic, a Taxidermy Base is required.

Q: Is there a limit to how many creatures I can taxidermy?
A: The limit is only bound by the number of Taxidermy Bases you can place and the creatures you can find and kill.

Q: Can I use the Taxidermy Tool on tamed creatures that have died?
A: Yes, you can use the Taxidermy Tool on the corpses of your tamed creatures, allowing you to preserve them even after they are gone.

Q: What happens if I use the GFI code with `ForceBlueprint` set to 1?
A: If you set the last parameter to 1 (e.g., GIVEITEM "WeaponTaxidermyTool" 1 1 1), you will receive the blueprint for the Taxidermy Tool instead of the tool itself. You would then need to craft it normally.

Conclusion

The Taxidermy Tool is a fantastic addition to ARK: Survival Evolved for players who appreciate the finer details of base building and creature preservation. Whether you choose to earn it through diligent gameplay or spawn it instantly using its GFI code, WeaponTaxidermyTool, the ability to create stunning displays of your prehistoric trophies is a rewarding experience. Mastering its use, especially in conjunction with Taxidermy Bases, will allow you to truly personalise your ARK survival journey and showcase your most impressive feats.