The Lumina is the only tame in Ark where the creature kidnaps you as part of the process.
You shoot it, it screeches, it picks you up, and then you are riding an untamed dragon through three skill challenges. Clear them and it bonds with you. Fail and it drops you — probably somewhere inconvenient.
This is an Ark: Survival Ascended creature, and the method is completely different from anything in Survival Evolved.
Why you want it
The look. The Lumina is an aerial reptilian dragon with a light-themed color palette, leaning toward light orange, yellow, green, blue and purple tones. It roams the skies rather than lurking on the ground.
The temper. It is typically docile and elusive, appearing during the day and roaming until provoked. That docility is what makes the tame possible at all.
The novelty. Very few tames in Ark put you on the creature’s back before the taming is finished. This is the entire mechanic.
The numbers
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Group | Aerial, Reptiles |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Temperament | Neutral |
| Tameable | Yes (riding-phase method) |
| Egg | Lumina Egg |
| Equipment | Lumina Saddle |
The taming method
Step 1: do not approach from the ground
Do not approach the Lumina aggressively from the ground. That path goes badly.
Instead, use a firearm — a shotgun is highly recommended — and deal damage to lower its health to about 20 percent.
Step 2: let it scoop you up
Once weakened, the dragon screeches and scoops you up, which initiates the riding phase. You are now on its back, and the taming has become a series of challenges.
Step 3: the three mini-games
To fully bond with the Lumina, you must clear three successive mini-games while riding it.
Game 1 — Simon Says. The Lumina performs a series of movements. You must memorize and correctly repeat the sequence of button prompts. This is a memory test, and the sequences get longer.
Game 2 — Target practice. You fly through the air while destroying several glowing light beacons using the Lumina’s breath attack. This tests your aim and your control of the mount at the same time.
Game 3 — Diving. You dive downward for a set distance while dodging obstacles rapidly. This is the reflex challenge, and the one most likely to end a run early.
Clear all three and the Lumina is yours.
Practical advice
Bring a good shotgun. The first phase is a damage race, and a shotgun does it fastest. Fabricated quality is strongly recommended before you attempt this.
Do not overkill. The method needs the Lumina alive at roughly 20 percent health. A Lumina that dies before it scoops you up cannot be tamed at all.
Practice the prompts. Simon Says is pure memory. If you are not confident in your recall, expect to fail this game a few times before it clicks.
Watch the daylight. Luminas appear during the day, so plan your taming attempt for a day cycle. Searching at night wastes your time.