TideUp (Tides of Fortune / Bob Tales DLC)
Studio Wildcard is expanding the ecosystem of ARK: Survival Ascended with two distinctive creatures that are exclusively available via paid DLCs. While the Burrowbuck marks the first animal of the "Fantastic Tames" pack, the Tidepup integrates into the maritime expansion "Tides of Fortune" within Bob's Tall Tales.
The Burrowbuck: Tactics from the Underground (Fantastic Tames)
The Burrowbuck, scientifically named Antilolexus saxatilis, visually resembles the North American Jackalope – a horned rabbit. In its function, it most closely resembles the Procoptodon, but focuses less on jumping and more on terrain manipulation, aka meshing ;-).
As an aggressively evasive herbivore, it uses sand and dirt to blind potential attackers before evading confrontation by burrowing at lightning speed.
The greatest gameplay feature is the complex tunnel system. A tamed Burrowbuck allows the player to construct underground networks that function as a fast transport system. Since these tunnels are tightly sized, access remains barred for large creatures like the Rex, making the Burrowbuck a valuable tool for the logistics of smaller tames. To ensure stability, these structures must be regularly maintained. Additionally, the creature offers a defensive component: pitfall traps can be created via false entrances, trapping unwary intruders in collapsing shafts.
Further details:
- Community Crunch: https://survivetheark.com/index.php?/articles.html/community-crunch-503-burrowbuck-the-tunnel-trickster-r2534/
- Official Wiki: https://ark.wiki.gg/wiki/Burrowbuck
The Tidepup: Evolution Instead of an End (Tides of Fortune)
In contrast to the nimble earth dweller, the Tidepup acts as an aquatic companion in the Genesis environment. It plays a similar role to the otter, but goes significantly further in its mechanical depth. The Tidepup starts as a shoulder pet that passively supports the survivor. Its true strength, however, lies in a dynamic growth system that is directly influenced by the pressure and battles that the player faces.
The creature's development is non-linear; the experiences at its owner's side shape its final abilities and form. Unique is the so-called dormancy system: if the Tidepup suffers a supposedly fatal defeat in battle, it does not die permanently. Instead, it retreats into a dormant state, regenerates over time, and eventually returns in a reformed form. This mechanic makes it one of the most robust companions in the game, as permanent loss of the creature is largely ruled out, as long as the player accounts for the regeneration phases.
The Tidepup shows clear parallels to the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), especially regarding its regenerative capacities. In biology, the axolotl is known for its ability to completely restore limbs and even organs, which forms the mechanical model for the Tidepup's dormancy system. The aquatic, larval appearance also reflects the neoteny of its earthly role model.
Dossier: Axolotl medicaemicus
Species: Axolotl medicaemicus
Time: Holocene
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Benevolent
Wild
This little charmer is perhaps the first truly altruistic organism I've ever encountered. These salamander-like Samaritans wander around healing the injured and sick... Even the fiercest predators seem to be aware of the Tidepup's good nature and grant them safe passage across the ARKs without hunting them. So here is living proof that the "fittest" can survive by choosing kindness.
Domesticated
Befriending a Tidepup is surprisingly easy. Demonstrate your compassionate nature by bringing it your injured creatures to heal until it is exhausted. Allow the creature to rest a little before repeating the process, and soon it will see you as a kindred spirit. You'll know you've won its trust when you feel those healing hands on your shoulder. It even makes room for a SECOND shoulder pet while it rides along with you!
Utility
With a Tidepup nearby, you are always safer. Your gentle new friend helps you recover from any misfortune or affliction, cleansing you of any debilitating toxins or status effects. Should it ever become severely injured, your protective healer rolls up into a portable lucky charm until it can recover.
Once you have proven yourself worthy through good deeds, your Tidepup can grow into an amphibious mount the size of a Thorny Dragon – with an equally expanded healing range. In its larger form, this gentle giant monitors its companions for disease and injury, tending to them as needed.
- Community Crunch: https://survivetheark.com/index…
- Official Wiki: https://ark.wiki.gg/wiki/Tidepup
