Complete Pyromane Guide: Ark Survival Ascended

In this comprehensive Ark Pyromane guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about one of ARK: Survival Ascended’s most fiery and fascinating creatures. The Pyromane, an enigmatic flame-wielding feline, brings a mix of ferocity, functionality, and mythical charm to the game. Whether you’re tracking it in the wild, taming it as a companion, or unlocking its wide array of abilities, mastering the Pyromane requires both strategy and knowledge.

Quick Glance Info: Pyromane

Behavior of the Pyromane

In the wild, the Pyromane is an aggressive predator that should not be underestimated.

While tamed and left unprovoked, it typically maintains a low burn and stays in a compact, cat-like form. However, if threatened or disturbed, it erupts into a lion-sized inferno capable of devastating damage. This sudden transformation serves as both an intimidation tactic and a combat mechanism.

Previously, wild Pyromanes could leave behind a flame trail when retreating, though this was patched out once developers introduced a mechanic to douse their flames.

Details About the Pyromane

First up in this Pyromane guide, let’s discuss the basic details to know: available variations, colors (and regions), temperament, and drops. Pyromanes are tied to the paid DLC “Fantastic Tames”, and their presence varies depending on the map. On Scorched Earth, they spawn in the wyvern trench, where water—essential for taming—is scarce. On Aberration, spawn rates were significantly reduced by 75% in a recent patch to balance gameplay.

While there are currently no variants of the Pyromane, it does utilize 3 of the 6 color regions, those regions being listed in order below:

1. Region 0: Unused
2. Region 1: Unused
3. Region 2: Body Color
4. Region 3: Flame
5. Region 4: Unused
6. Region 5: Body Accent

The Pyromane, classified as Ignis Leoforma, is a carnivorous creature with a mysterious origin. It exhibits a striking duality in its physical form: a small, kitten-sized shoulder pet and a full-scale mount resembling a fire-cloaked lion. Males can be easily recognized by the larger, denser flames surrounding their necks, mimicking a mane that hides their skin entirely.

This creature is unlike others in that it explodes upon death, leaving no corpse and, consequently, no traditional drops. Instead of regular feces, it produces Flaming Medium Animal Feces, which can be used in Compost Bins but not by Dung Beetles. When these flaming droppings spoil, they turn into charcoal, adding an unusual utility to its biology.

With a drag weight of 149, the Pyromane can be immobilized using a bola. Females are only capable of mating in their large form, and though the gestation process disables their ability to transform, the cooldown can continue while in their small form. Post-birth bugs have been patched, resolving issues where newborns appeared wild and unclaimable.

Pyromanes are tied to the paid DLC “Fantastic Tames”, and their presence varies depending on the map. On Scorched Earth, they spawn in the wyvern trench, where water—essential for taming—is scarce. On Aberration, spawn rates were significantly reduced by 75% in a recent patch to balance gameplay.

Abilities, Utilities, & Combat of the Pyromane

Next up, let’s go over the various ways the Pyromane can serve you and your tribe. The Pyromane is loaded with active and passive abilities that make it a formidable ally in combat and an invaluable companion at base.

Active Abilities

• Bite: Delivers 35 base damage and inflicts the “Pyromane Enflamed” status, which stacks up to 10 times.
• Flame Leap: A powerful aerial pounce that deals area damage. Costs 50 stamina and has a 12-second cooldown.
• Flame Trail: Leaves a continuous fire trail while moving, consuming stored flame energy. This cannot be activated in rain.
• Flame Absorb: Pulls fire from burning targets or environmental sources to build stored flame, essential for taming and fueling abilities.
• Flame Boost: Temporarily boosts damage by 50% at the cost of absorbed flame.
• Shoulder Swap: Seamlessly switches between shoulder pet and mount modes.

Passive Abilities

• Natural Armor: Up to 60 armor based on creature level, placed in the saddle slot.
• Cooking Station: Functions like a campfire and preserving bin, producing Cooked Meat and Jerky passively.
• Fuel Source: Automatically powers flame-using structures within a configurable radius (up to 18 foundations).
• Transformation Mechanics: Changes size and role instantly based on player commands or combat situations. Will auto-transform to lion form if attacked in kitten state.
• Insulation Buffs:
  • Cuddled by Fire: While on your shoulder, grants strong cold and heat resistance.
  • Wreathed in Fire: While mounted, offers extreme heat resistance—enough to walk through lava.
• Doused Debuff: Activates after contact with water. Temporarily disables key fire abilities and visual flame effects but doesn’t affect cooking or fueling.
• Sleep Mode: Using the sleep command grants health regeneration and cuts food consumption in half, making the Pyromane self-sustaining over long periods.

Combat Tactics

The Pyromane excels in mid- to close-range combat. With a bite that scales and a leap that can clear terrain and enemies alike, it is an aggressive force on the battlefield. It was previously capable of attacking while resting—a bug that has since been addressed. Its damage was also reduced by 20% in a balancing patch, but it remains a formidable mount.

How to Tame the Pyromane

Taming a Pyromane is not a simple task, and begins with a monetary unlock. Once you’ve gained access, a precise process must be followed. This method is very similar to the Carcha taming process.

Step 1: Purchase Access

Before initiating any interaction, you must unlock the Pyromane by purchasing it through the in-game store for $4.99. Without this purchase, taming is disabled.

Step 2: Kite to Water

Locate a wild Pyromane and draw its attention toward a nearby water source. The Pyromane must be doused before you can proceed.

Step 3: Weaken the Creature

Once it is under the Doused debuff, begin attacking it carefully. The goal is to bring its health below 50%, which enables the next phase.

Step 4: Mount the Pyromane

When weakened and doused, the Pyromane becomes mountable. Interact with it to climb aboard and initiate the taming mini-game.

Step 5: Flame Absorption Taming

While riding the Pyromane, attack nearby creatures to light them on fire. Then, use the Flame Absorb ability to siphon those flames. Each successful absorption progresses the taming meter.

Special Case: Taming on Scorched Earth

Due to the lack of accessible water in the wyvern trench, you’ll need to use a wyvern or rhynio to transport the Pyromane to a water source. Recommended locations include areas near the Red or Blue Obelisks.

Taming effectiveness will impact post-tame stats such as health, stamina, and melee damage, so aim for minimal damage taken during the process for the best result.

Fun Facts About the Pyromane

• The Pyromane’s dossier philosophically debates whether it is a creature of flame mimicking a feline or a cat infused with fire.
• Its design and mechanics evoke comparisons to the Phoenix, Shadowmane, and even Pyroar from Pokémon.
• A tamed Pyromane can fuel a forge and dry meat into jerky without oil, making it a perfect mobile base companion.
• In kitten form, it doubles as a shoulder-mounted flamethrower, offering both defense and insulation.
• A patch resolved a strange bug where the Pyromane would become massive when placed inside a Procoptodon pouch.
• It once had an exploit allowing players to bypass turret targeting mechanics, but this has been corrected.

Join Wolfe’s Den Servers

The Pyromane is more than just a majestic fire-beast—it’s a multi-functional, evolution-inspired creature that blends practical utility with raw power. From fueling forges and cooking food to lighting enemies ablaze in combat, it is a creature that rewards tactical play and dedication. Whether you’re braving the dangers of Aberration or soaring across Scorched Earth, this guide will help ensure you’re ready to tame and thrive with your own blazing companion.

If you’re eager to explore more about the Pyromane or get involved in the ARK community, come join the Wolfe’s Den public servers! Whether you’re looking to team up with other survivors or learn advanced taming techniques, our Discord community and servers are the perfect place for you.