Carnotauruses and Wyverns act fairly rectilinearly in Ark. They have a couple of default attacks, and they perform them during a combat. However, wild predators often perform a short "charge" when hunting prey. (Example cheetah charges pray)
The proposal is to implement a charge mechanic for mid-size theropod predators such are carnotaurus, allosaurus, megalosaurus. The predator accelerates and makes a jump or special attack in the last few meters from the target. This allows it to quickly shorten the distance and catch the target alongside with dealing a huge amount of damage and push/knock/stunning effect. The charge & headbutt attack is really good for Carno since it has horns.
Such an attack, on the other hand, should consume a large amount of stamina and make the predator difficult to control (significantly reduce turning speed/aiming) during acceleration and jump/headbutt. Charge is effective agains large/slow targets. Small foes could dodge charge attacks if not ambushed.
Charge mechanic specifics:
-
deals huge damage
-
hard to aim
-
good for pursuing, since it allows to reduce the distance right before the attack if the target is not far away
-
it will look awesome!
-
charge & pull back & chargetactic against slow but strong foes -
charge attack should reduce predator movement and turn speed for 1-2 seconds after completion which makes him vulnerable if it misses.
-
megalosaurus could also grab the target with a successful charge attack
NOTE: it would be nice if a charge attack could knock down small animals (smaller than Stego) on hit. The animations of falling and getting up are already implemented and used when the animal falls under the torpor for taming. Falling and instantly waking up will immobilize the victim of a charge attack thus giving predator enough time to recover from negative effects.
Yutyrannus, Rex or Gigas are too heavy for charges. The described mechanic is only suitable for mid-sized creatures that are heavy enough to knock the target from feet but also mobile enough to accelerate and final jump.
Wyvern could also implement a charge mechanic which allows it to dive from the sky and deal melee damage if necessary. The wyvern charge mechanic is similar to rock drake acceleration. This will make wyverns look even more immersive and add a bit more tactic variance into Ark combat aspect.
Fire light sources could be really a good way to protect yourself from dangerous predators for beginners. The mechanic of "scared by light sources" is already used for troodons. All small sized predators could be scared of fire (especially mammals like a sabertooth or a wolf) which will make the game look really advanced.
Wild animals do not always fight to the death. In most cases, predators do not fight with each other if this is not absolutely necessary. While hunting predators also prefer easy prey but not deadly battles.
As for Ark, it is a common situation when a lone raptor is attacking a pack of high level Stegos like a true berserk (and instantly sent to raptorian Valhalla right after that). The mechanic of enemies evaluation is already used for Hyaenodons which do not attack if their chances are not that good. The same mechanics could be applied to all creatures in ARK.
Also, it will be realistic if all the prey and small-sized predators will instantly run away from a tamed high-level Rex exactly as hyaenodons are running from a player that approaches them.