You know, back when I first started my life as a meta-human in the wilds of Nalcott, the thought of having a pet crocodile seemed like a recipe for a one-way trip back to the respawn point. But here we are in 2026, and taming these scaly brutes has become one of the most rewarding—and let's be honest, coolest—parts of building a thriving territory in Once Human. They're not just scary faces; they're your loyal base defenders and your personal breakfast chefs, regularly laying eggs once you've earned their trust. The journey from a tranquilizer dart to a trusted guardian, though, is a story of knowing where to look and how to care for your new, toothy friend.
Finding Your Scaly Companion: The Hunt is On!
Alright, let's cut to the chase. Finding Crocodiles can feel a bit... random. You might wander into an area marked as a predator zone on your map, heart pounding, only to find a pack of Wolves or a grumpy Boar giving you the side-eye. I've been there, trust me. After countless expeditions across the continent, I can tell you that while Crocodiles can spawn in various places, relying on chance is a surefire way to waste your precious Tranquilizer Throwing Needles.
Forget the unreliable wild spawns around Chalk Peak—though it's a classic starting point if you're feeling lucky. If you want a guaranteed scaly encounter, you need to head to Harborside. This place is something else.
This settlement, southeast of Meyer's Market in the Broken Delta, is perpetually flooded. Seawater has claimed the streets, shops, and homes, creating the perfect swampy playground for Crocodiles. And boy, do they love it here. The spawn rate is consistently high. But a word of warning: these reptiles are masters of ambush. One minute you're wading through a quiet street, the next you've got several hundred pounds of armored predator lunging from the murky water. It keeps you on your toes!
The silver lining? The Crocodiles in Harborside are usually around level 12. This makes them a perfect target for players who are still finding their feet in Nalcott. You won't need end-game gear to take one down. Just remember the golden rule for taming: look for the white line on their HP bar. Your job is to whittle their health down below that line without killing them. Then, it's just a matter of landing a tranquilizer dart to put them to sleep. Scoop them up, and congratulations—you've got a crocodile in your pocket!
From Captive to Companion: The Taming Process
So, you've got a snoozing crocodile in your inventory. Now comes the real test: turning this grumpy capture into a loyal member of your homestead. Head back to the safety of your territory, open your inventory, and use (F) the Crocodile to place it on the ground. It'll appear, still sedated, and the taming timer will begin.
This isn't a "set it and forget it" process. You've got to earn its trust. Here’s what you need to provide:
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Food: Crocodiles are carnivores through and through. They'll happily munch on:
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Raw Fish 🐟
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Large Animal Meat 🥩
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Meat Pellets Feed (Cooked on a Stove) – This is the pro-tamer's choice. It uses more meat upfront but lasts way longer before spoiling.
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Water: They get thirsty too! Provide Boiled Water or, if you're feeling fancy, Pure Water.
Managing this for one animal is easy, but if you're building a whole menagerie, it becomes a chore. That's where Animal Troughs are a game-changer. Just plop one down, and it acts as a communal pantry and water bowl for all your animals. You can even mix predator and prey food in the same trough—the system is smart enough to feed the right animal the right food. It's a real quality-of-life upgrade.
The taming progress is measured in tameness percentage. Here's the milestone breakdown:
| Tameness % | Status & Benefits |
|---|---|
| 0% | Hostile and captive. Handle with care! |
| 20% | Officially "Tame." The aggression is gone, and it recognizes you as its provider. |
| 50% | This is the big one! You can now gather resources from your Crocodile. Interact with it to collect Crocodile Eggs. |
| 100% | Fully bonded. Maximum efficiency and happiness. |
Reaching that 50% mark is the ultimate reward. It transforms your crocodile from a simple guard dog into a productive member of your base. Those eggs are a valuable resource, making all the effort of hunting and feeding completely worth it.
A Safer World for Tamers in 2026
I have to take a moment to appreciate how far the taming system has come. Veterans might remember the early, wild-west days of Once Human. Back then, taming a predator was a nerve-wracking gamble. You'd follow all the steps, feed it, care for it, only for it to reach a certain tameness level and immediately turn around and try to make you its next meal. It was brutal!
The developers at Starry Studio have really listened to the community. The current system, refined over the past couple of years, is intuitive and rewarding. The once-dangerous act of befriending a top-tier predator like a Crocodile is now a structured, engaging gameplay loop. It's a testament to the game's evolution into a deeper survival experience where your relationship with the world's creatures is central to success.
So, if you're roaming Nalcott in 2026 and your base feels a little empty, consider adding some reptilian flair. Head to Harborside, brave the flooded streets, and bring home a crocodile. Just don't forget the food pellets. They're a lot friendlier on a full stomach.