Quick Links

When one thinks of a hybrid animal, most images that come to mind are that of Ligers (offspring of a Lion and Tiger) or Mules (offspring of a Donkey and Horse). What these have in common is that they are all mammals, however, in ARK: Survival Evolved, DNA isn't so restrictively confined.

RELATED: Ark Survival Evolved: How To Find & Tame A Maewing

As such, it's possible to have creatures such as the majestic and bizarre Shadowmanes, which are fantasy creatures that seem to be a mix between a big cat and some sort of tropical fish. Being so unique in appearance and ability makes them desirable for many players in ARK: Survival Evolved.

Statistical Information About The Shadowmane

ark survival evolved shadowmane light blue close up

Shadowmane General Information

Animal Groups

Fantasy, Fish, & Mammal

Diet

Carnivorous

Temperament

Hostile

Shadowmane Domestication Information

Taming

Possible

Breeding

Possible

Riding

Possible

Preferred Food

Fish

Saddle Needed For Riding

No

RELATED: Ark Survival Evolved: Everything You Need To Know About The Desert Titan

Shadowmane Reproduction Information

Time Needed To Gestate

2 hours 23 minutes 48 seconds

Time Spent As A Baby

4 hours 52 minutes 23 seconds

Time Spent As A Juvenile

19 hours 29 minutes 35 seconds

Time Spent As An Adolescent

24 hours 21 minutes 59 seconds

Time Needed Between Reproductions

18 hours to 48 hours

Sexual Dimorphism Of Shadowmanes

ark survival evolved male and female shadowmane

Shadowmane Behaviour & Taming

ark survival evolved player with black shadowmane

Shadowmane Day & Night Activity

During the day, Shadowmanes can be found lounging around and generally resting. They can be found alone or sometimes with up to 2 other Shadowmanes in couples or small packs.

At night, Shadowmanes are much more active and do a lot of hunting. They are able to turn completely invisible to the player and can only be detected by the footprints they leave behind them.

RELATED: Ark Survival Evolved: Everything You Need To Know About The Pteranodon

How To Tame A Shadowmane

Unlike a large number of other creatures, Shadowmanes can only be tamed in a passive method. Doing so will require quite a lot of fish, so be sure to stock up before attempting to tame a Shadowmane. There are many ways to make the process go smoother, however, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid issues.

Wild Shadowmanes are instantly hostile to players, so the only way to interact with them safely is while they are sleeping during the day. The best means to do so is to approach them from behind so that they can't sense the player as easily. Don't take too long, however, as Shadowmanes only shut their eyes for about 20 seconds at a time before getting up, moving somewhere else, and getting some more shut-eye. As one gets within range, gamers can feed the Shadowman some fish, which will make them wake up and walk away (so be sure to stay behind them to avoid detection). This process must be repeated multiple times, though, since the Shadowmane turns invisible while walking, players will need to use their Taming Tracking System in order not to lose their target.

A great way to prevent Shadowmanes from escaping is to build walls around them as they resting and ambling about an area. As long as one is careful not to be seen, this will make taming go a lot quicker, as walls will both prevent the Shadowmane from going too far and will keep other creatures out. Shadowmanes are hostile to prey animals, such as large herbivores, and other large carnivores that enter their domain; both of which could spell doom for a lone Shadowmane under disadvantageous situations.

Another great way to make taming a Shadowmane go smoother is to make them over-encumbered. Some creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved pick up and carry items in their inventories, which means that they can be over-encumbered just as a player can by attempting to lug around too much. Shadowmanes will pick up meat and corpses, so dropping a bunch of dead bodies in the vicinity of a Shadowmane can tempt them into gorging themselves and becoming too heavy to move around effectively.

What Shadowmanes Are Good For

ark survival evolved player riding shadowmane

Shadowmanes have excellent offensive capabilities and can be awesome for taking down other creatures after they are tamed and if the player is riding them. However, their speed and ability to be mounted without a saddle also makes them naturally very suitable for transportation.

Best Shadowmane Roles

  • Ambusher - Had the ability to turn completely invisible to more easily sneak up on prey

  • Land & Sea Transportation - In addition to possessing a fast running speed, Shadowmanes can swim extremely well and leap huge distances
  • Passenger Transportation - Two players can comfortably ride a Shadowman at once
  • Boss Slayer - Due to fast attack speed, decent natural armor, an offensive buff, and high-damage attacks, Shadowmanes can be a great leader for taking down bosses

ARK: Survival Evolved is available on Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, and Stadia.

MORE: Ark Survival Evolved: Everything You Need To Know About The Thorny Dragon