Taming a wolf in Icarus is not something you can do right away. It is a mid-to-late game feature that requires specific technology, preparation, and patience. Wolves are dangerous predators, and the game is designed so you must earn the ability to control them instead of doing it early.
This guide explains exactly what you need, how the process works, and how to keep your wolf alive once it is tamed.
How Wolf Taming Works in Icarus
It is not possible to tame a wolf just using food or traps. The taming of wolves is specifically linked to the animal husbandry system and demands the correct tech unlocks. As long as you don’t unlock these systems, wolves will always be aggressive and must either be killed or avoided.
Wolves once tamed will behave like companions. They can go with you, fight alongside you, and stay at your camp. But they are not invincible and can perish if not protected.
Unlock the Required Technology First
Before taming a wolf you need to unlock animal taming technology in the tech tree. The Taming Station and the utensils used for making an animal docile will be included in the technology tree.
These technological advancements are made only after the basic survival gear, hence do not forget to level up and invest your tech points first.
It is impossible to tame a wolf through effort alone without these tech tree unlocks.
Establish the Taming Setup
The first step after unlocking the necessary tech is to make the taming structure and set it at your location. This will be the main point for controlling the breeding of animals. It will be very good if you set it in an area that is completely safe because during the process, the wolves may become scared and if that happens they can be attacked or they might fight back.
It is very good to have a base with walls as the area for the taming structure. If you leave the area open, the chances of giving up or death are going to be higher.
Trap a Wolf and Avoid Killing It
This is the most difficult step in the process. Normally, wolves act aggressively and they will attack as soon as they see you. You have to make the wolf weak without killing it. So, try to inflict damage but in a controlled way and don’t shoot the head, because that might lead to its death too quickly.
You can now perform the taming interaction with the taming system once the wolf is weak enough. If the wolf dies, the attempt has failed and you need to look for another one.
Here, preparation is crucial. So, make sure to have healing items, stamina food, and backup weapons with you just in case the encounter doesn’t turn out as you had planned.
Complete the Taming Process
The taming process after the wolf is secure still takes time. It is not possible to rush it. If possible, stay close and protect the area until the process is done. During this stage, enemies might interrupt or kill the wolf, thus wasting your effort.
After the process is done, the wolf won’t be hostile anymore and will be able to obey the basic commands.
Feeding and Keeping Your Wolf
A wolf that has been tamed still requires attention. It is a must that you feed the wolf regularly in order to keep it alive and working effectively. If the wolf is not given proper care, it will die like any other creature in that world.
Your wolf can act as a defender of your base and fight nearby threats, however, it should not be considered a tank. It could be killed by strong enemies, storms, or predators if you do not pay attention.
Is Taming a Wolf Worth It?
Taming a wolf is advantageous but not a must. It gives you a helping hand in fighting and also adds a companion feel to your survival experience but again it comes with the responsibility. If you are after pure efficiency, hunting wolves is generally the safer and quicker option. On the other hand, if you want utility and immersion, taming is definitely worth the effort.
