Far Cry Primal Best Beasts (And How to Get Them)

Updated:

23 Nov 2022

Let’s get Primal and explore the best beasts to ride or have fighting by your side in Far Cry Primal. With so many creatures roaming the plains and mountains of the Land of Oros, there are a lot of options. Giant wooly mammoths, ferocious sabretooth tigers, blood-stained wolves, and battle-scarred bears are among the many beasts you can tame to be your companions, or at least provide a ride on their backs, for your treacherous adventure.

The year is 10,000 BC and you are on a journey to expand your tribe while fighting against two other tribes for dominance. Along the way, you learn how to tame wild animals to be your fighting and traveling companions. Pet them when they get a beast kill, feed them meat to heal, and they will be loyal until their dying breath.

Taming most beasts is fairly simple, just toss out the bait and wait, approach slowly, and hold the “Tame” button until it accepts you. It’s the craziness going on around you that makes this simple task a chore. You must do these things first before you can tame animals:

Complete the first mission for Tensay the Shaman before you can catch your first set of beasts, canines.

Tensay the Shaman offers a drink to inspire

To tame wildcats, you will need to level up Tensay’s Hut in The Village.
Unlock taming “Apex Predators” after taming 5 beasts of any kind, even duplicates.
Tame “Cunning Beasts” after taming 8 beasts of any kind.

So, which beasts are good, and which are the best? I have ranked them for you, starting with the good at #17, and ending the list with the #1 “Best Beast”. The Wooly Mammoth deserves an honorable mention because it is rideable, but not tamable. The Mammoth is fun to ride through an enemy camp, stomping on some, goring and tossing others with its giant tusks. Plowing through an enemy camp with a Mammoth is a good way to clear out a good portion of enemies before finishing them off on foot.

17. The Dhole:

A Dhole looks back with an evil stare

The Dhole is a small wild dog that is common but sneaky. Tall grass acts as camouflage for these little pups, and taming one is not so easy because they roam in packs.

Strength 1
Speed 2
Stealth 4
Heal with 1 meat

Once you tame a Dhole:

They are a great distraction when you get in a fight. They dart around and are difficult for enemies to hit.
They are stealthy and will not give you away while you are sneaking into enemy camps or hunting.
They will automatically skin your kills.

The best ways to tame a Dhole are:

Toss out the bait and when one takes it, attempt to tame it in the chaos of the other Doles attacking you. You won’t take too much damage from them.
OR have a companion beast with you already and let your beast distract the rest of the pack while you toss out the bait for one of the Dholes to take. Your current companion shouldn’t attack your current attempted beast taming, and once you tame the new beast, your current companion goes back to the wild until you call for them again.

16. The Rare Dhole:

A Rare Dhole in the sand, smiling like a hyena

The Rare Dhole is the same as the common Dhole, except they are stronger. They are also all black in color. The Rare Dhole appears after you have killed a common Dhole. Finding one is more of a challenge, especially at night.

Strength 2
Speed 2
Stealth 4
Heal with 1 meat

Once you tame a Rare Dhole:

They act the same and have the same benefits as the common Dhole.
Already stealthy, the Rare Dhole is harder to spot in the dark.
They are great for any low-level enemy sneak-attacks.

The best ways to tame a Rare Dhole are:

Make it easy on yourself, hunt for one in the daylight. Avoid trying to find one of them at night.
Get it alone and separated from other Dholes that may be in a pack with it or nearby.
Toss out the bait and tame it. If you are being attacked by other common Dholes, they do not do much damage to you and taming is fairly quick.

15. The Badger:

A badger calls out from a mountainside rock

Badgers are small and slow beasts, but they are vicious and fearless. They can revive themselves one time, and poison is ineffective against them. They are not easy to find, but when you do, it will gnaw at your ankles and make you notice it.

Strength 3
Speed 1
Stealth 3
Heal with 1 meat

Once you tame a Badger:

They are great for attacking enemy camps. Send them out to chew on some unsuspecting enemy while you rummage through treasure sacks.
When you are crossing vast areas of land, this is not the best companion, as they are typically late to every fight. But once they do finally arrive, they fight ruthlessly.
They are really great for attacking the Udam tribe because the Udam use poison attacks, and badgers are immune.

The best ways to tame a Badger:

Badgers are typically alone and are easy to tame.
Once you find one, just back away and toss out some bait. They will get the scent and soon stop attacking you to take the bait.
Use badgers for sprints, not marathons. Close quarter fights are better for badgers than long distance travel.

14. The Wolf:

A wolf looks up for some petting

The wolf growls when warning you about approaching enemies or beasts. If a wolf is close to you as you explore, the mini-map radius is increased by 350 feet.

Strength 1
Speed 3
Stealth 3
Heal with 1 meat

Once you tame a Wolf:

They are stealthy and can help attack enemy camps with ferocious intent.
They keep other wolves and smaller beasts away from you. Packs of wolves will not attack you if your Wolf is near you.
When the wolf gets a kill, it will howl to let you know.

The best ways to tame a Badger:

Wolves typically attack one or two at a time, but occasionally they attack as a pack. Take out a few wolves first but leave a couple. As long as there is more than one, they wont run away.
Toss out your bait and wait for one to take it. If you are attacked by the other while taming one, the damage taken is less than taking it from the whole pack.

13. The White Wolf:

A whilte wolf appears to grin as it gets some love

The white wolf growls when warning you about approaching enemies or beasts. They behave just like the Wolf, but they are a little stronger. White wolves are easy to spot because their white color contrasts against the backdrop of the land. They are only hard to spot in the cold area of the map. White wolves run with wolf packs.

Strength 2
Speed 3
Stealth 3
Heal with 1 meat

Once you tame a White Wolf:

They are stealthy and can help attack enemy camps with a little more strength than the Wolf.
They keep other wolves and smaller beasts away from you. Packs of wolves and other smaller beasts will not attack you if your Wolf is near you.
When the wolf gets a kill, it howls to let you know.

The best ways to tame a White Wolf:

Like the wolves, white wolves typically attack one or two at a time, but occasionally they attack as a pack. Take out a few wolves first but leave a couple. If there is more than one, they won’t run away.
Toss out your bait aimed at the white wolf and wait for it to take the bait. If you are attacked while taming a white wolf, the taming command does not take too long, and once the white wolf is tamed, the other wolves will run away.

12. The Rare Stripe Wolf:

A rare Stripe Wolf makes his appearance

The rare stripe wolf also growls to warn you about approaching enemies or beasts. They behave just like the Wolf, but they are the second strongest of the wolves (the Snowblood Wolf being the strongest). The rare stripe wolf is a “rare” breed so you will need to take out some regular wolves for the rare stripe wolf to appear.

Strength 3
Speed 3
Stealth 3
Heal with 1 meat

Once you tame a Rare Stripe Wolf:

They are stealthy and strong so attacking enemy camps is easier, as it only takes a couple of bites to take out an enemy or a small to medium sized beast.
They keep other wolves and smaller beasts away from you. Packs of wolves and other smaller beasts will not attack you if your stripe wolf is near you.
When the stripe wolf gets a kill, it howls to let you know.

The best ways to tame a White Wolf:

Like the wolves, the rare stripe wolf typically attacks as a pack with regular wolves. Take out a few wolves first but leave one or two besides the stripe wolf. If there is more than one, they won’t run away. Leaving only the stripe wolf may mean it will run away and not take the bait.
Toss out your bait aimed at the stripe wolf and wait for it to take the bait. If you are attacked while taming a stripe wolf, the taming command does not take too long, and once the stripe wolf is tamed, the other wolves will run away.

11. The Cave Lion:

A whilte cave lion looks for approval after assisting a hunt

Cave Lions are common and can be found most anywhere on the map. They are white in color and look intimidating. They can tag nearby people. Stealthy and strong, these beasts can rip an enemy apart and then get to the next enemy quickly. They sometimes chew on their kills while you are searching other corpses.

Strength 3
Speed 3
Stealth 3
Heal with 1 meat

Once you tame a Cave Lion:

They are stealthy and strong so attacking enemy camps is easier, as it only takes a couple of bites to take out an enemy or a small to medium sized beast.
They will typically stay by your side even when other beasts are nearby. They are attentive to the surroundings and are great for detecting trouble before you know its there.
The cave lion scares away most smaller beasts as you travel the map.

The best ways to tame a Cave Lion:

Cave Lions hunt alone, and are hard to spot because they move fast, and they dart around so its difficult to keep track of where they are. When you find one, it is usually hunting other animals and may have started a stampede of mammoths or wooly rhinos, making taming the cave lion a little more challenging.
Toss out your bait as soon as you know the cave lion is near. The faster you can get them to take the bait, the less damage you will take when they are attacking you.

10. The Rare Black Lion:

A rare black lion on the prowl

Rare Black Lions are a little more difficult to find. They are black in color and look strong and muscular. They can tag nearby people, like the cave lion and are very similar, except that they are stronger. Rare black Lions can rip an enemy apart and then get to the next enemy quickly. They also sometimes chew on their kills.

Strength 4
Speed 3
Stealth 3
Heal with 1 meat

Once you tame a Rare Black Lion:

They are stealthy and strong so attacking enemy camps is a breeze.
They are also great at watching your back when your attention is on something else.
The rare black lion scares away most smaller beasts as you travel the map.

The best ways to tame a Cave Lion:

Rare Black Lions hunt alone, and are hard to spot because they move fast and blend in to the environment, and it’s difficult to keep track of where run. When you find one, it is usually hunting other animals and may have started a stampede of mammoths or wooly rhinos, making taming the black lion a little more challenging.
Toss out your bait as soon as you know the black lion is near. The faster you can get them to take the bait, the less damage you will take when they are attacking you.

9. The Jaguar:

The Jaguar appears to be on the hunt

Jaguars are stealthy and can kill quickly but they need to attack a few times, as they are not very strong. They use the “chomp and romp” method of taking a bite out of enemies and then running off, just to quickly come back at another angle and bite again.

Strength 2
Speed 4
Stealth 5
Heal with 1 meat

Once you tame a Jaguar:

They are stealthy but weak so attacking enemy camps in stealth mode is better than kicking in the enemy gates and shaking your spear over your head.
They do not alert enemies if they stay idle. As small as they are, they are not easily detectable.
Most enemies or beasts will not even realize the jaguar is near until it attacks.

The best ways to tame a Jaguar:

Jaguars hunt alone and are hard to spot because they move fast and are somewhat small. Their attack method of bite, run, bite, run makes getting their attention with bait a little challenging. When you find one, it is usually hunting smaller animals that won’t take your bait.
Toss out your bait as soon as you know the Jaguar is near. The faster you can get them to take the bait, the less damage you will take if they are attacking you.

8. The Leopard:

A leopard seeks a meaty payout after a kill

Leopards are stealthy and can tag animals nearby. They are not as stealthy as the jaguar but are stronger. They use the same hunting strategy as the jaguar, and they are easier to spot with their bright white color.

Strength 3
Speed 4
Stealth 4
Heal with 1 meat

Once you tame a Leopard:

They are stealthy but weak so attacking enemy camps in stealth mode is better than kicking in the enemy gates and shaking your spear over your head.
They are not as common and only appear in certain locations.

The best ways to tame a Leopard:

Leopards also hunt alone but are easy to spot, even with their small size. Their attack method of bite, run, bite, run makes getting their attention with bait a little challenging. When you find a leopard, it is usually hunting smaller animals that won’t take your bait.
Toss out your bait as soon as you know the leopard is near. The faster you can get them to take the bait, the less damage you will take.

7. The Rare Black Jaguar:

The Black Jaguar has spotted a bird

Rare Black Jaguars are extremely stealthy and all dark in color. They a little stronger than the normal jaguar, as well. They use the same hunting strategy as the jaguar. To find one, you will need to wipe out a lot of the normal jaguars, first.

Strength 3
Speed 4
Stealth 5
Heal with 1 meat

Once you tame a Rare Black Jaguar:

They are stealthy and strong so attacking enemy camps in stealth mode is as good as kicking in the enemy gates and shouting “come and get it!”.
They do not alert enemies if they stay idle, but when attacking, they are vicious.
Most enemies or beasts will not even realize the black jaguar is near until it attacks.

The best ways to tame a Leopard:

Rare Black Jaguars also hunt alone. Their similar bite, run, bite, run attacks make getting their attention with bait a little challenging. When you find a black jaguar, it is usually hunting smaller animals that won’t take your bait.
Toss out your bait as soon as you know the black jaguar is near. The same strategy applies, the faster you can get them to take the bait, the less damage you will take.

6. The Brown Bear:

A Brown Bear approaches cautiosly

Brown Bears are not stealthy at all. The brown bear is strong and doesn’t need stealth. Their purpose is to attract the attention of enemies and take the heat off you. Their speed makes them great for getting into battle and getting the job done.

Strength 4
Speed 3
Stealth 2
Heal with 2 meats

Once you tame a Brown Bear:

They are strong but large so attacking enemy camps in stealth mode is an exercise in futility.
When the brown bear is idle, it will dig up items it finds randomly around the area and give them to you
Tamed brown bears can be ridden, if you have the beast rider skill. You can ride and attack with the spear or arrows from the bear’s back, and even command the bear to attack.

The best ways to tame a Brown Bear:

Brown Bears hunt in pairs or threes. They are usually roaming around together and can be a challenge when trying to tame one.
Take out the other bears so only one remains. They do not typically run away if they are alone, they just get meaner. When they are alone, toss out the bait and tame it.

5. The Cave Bear:

The large Cave Bear is more noticeable than the Brown Bear

Cave Bears are not stealthy at all but is very strong. Their purpose is to attract the attention of enemies and they do it well as they are large beasts that command attention. Their speed makes them a force to reckon with when they are chasing down an enemy.

Strength 5
Speed 3
Stealth 1
Heal with 2 meats

Once you tame a Cave Bear:

They are strong but large and loud so attacking enemy camps in stealth mode is not realistic.
The cave bear is not a rideable bear, like the brown bear is.
They protect you and take the attention off you in smaller fights.

The best ways to tame a Brown Bear:

Cave Bears hunt alone. They are usually roaming around in a bad mood already and can be a challenge when trying to tame one.
They do not typically run away when attacked, they just get more vicious. Toss out the bait as soon as you can and tame it before it rips you apart.

4. The Sabretooth Tiger:

The ferocious Sabretooth Tiger roars into the air

Sabretooth tigers are categorized as the fastest predators. They can be ridden (if you have learned the skill) and they cover great distances quickly.

Strength 4
Speed 5
Stealth 3
Heal with 2 meats

Once you tame a Sabretooth Tiger:

They are strong and stealthy. Great for attacking enemy camps both quietly, and with rage.
The sabretooth tiger is a rideable beast and covers great distances in less time than sprinting on foot.

The best ways to tame a Sabretooth Tiger:

Sabretooths hunt alone. They are usually hunting and difficult to spot sometimes. They move fast so hunter vision is strongly recommended.
They do not run away once it has a target, they hunt to the death. Toss out the bait as soon as you can and tame it to claim it.

3. The Snowblood Wolf:

A fierce White Wolf that is large and has blood stains on its chin

Snowblood wolves are the rarest wolves. They are basically the same as the other wolves, but stronger and quieter. Taming a Snowblood Wolf is a task that takes a little more than just tossing out some bait and taming it. It is a mission on the map to specifically find it. You will have to track it and chase it down based on the mission parameters.

Strength 4
Speed 3
Stealth 4
Heal with 1 meat

Once you tame the Snowblood Wolf:

They are strong and stealthy. Great for attacking enemy camps and will typically howl when it gets a kill.
The Snowblood Wolf is not a rideable beast but will act like and have the same benefits of the other wolves.

The best ways to tame a Snowblood Wolf:

This is a special mission that Tensay will give you when you have completed his other missions. You will need to follow the tracks and do a special hunt for the Snowblodd Wolf. The mission appears on the map at the South-Eastern corner as an orange circle with a white wolf head.
The Snowblood wolf hunts in a pack of large wolves. Take out the majority of the wolves first to get the Snowblood Wolf alone.
Use the provided traps in the hunt area to help capture the wolf. You will need 3 hardwood supplies for each trap.
Tame it when it is low on health and on the ground no longer running.

2. The Great Scar Bear:

The largest bear in the came, and noticeable because of the scars and arrows all over it

The Great Scar Bear is the rarest bear. It is stronger and a little better at stealth than other bears. Easy to spot because of the scars and all over its body and the permanent arrows stuck in its back. Taming the Great Scar Bear is also a mission on the map to specifically find it. You will have to track it and chase it down based on the mission parameters.

Strength 5
Speed 3
Stealth 2
Heal with 2 meats

Once you tame the Great Scar Bear:

They are strong and great for attacking and terrorizing enemy camps.
It is difficult to kill.
The Great Scar Bear is not a rideable beast but will act like and have the same benefits of the other bears.
Vicious and large, this intimidating beast is a great companion on the road.

The best ways to tame the Great Scar Bear:

This is a special mission that Tensay will give you when you have completed his other missions. You will need to follow the tracks and do a special hunt for the Great Scar Bear. The mission appears on the map at the Eastern side as an orange circle with a black bear head.
The Great Scar Bear hunts alone.
Use the provided traps in the hunt area to help capture the bear. You will need 3 hardwood supplies for each trap.
Tame it when it is low on health and on the ground no longer running.

1. The Bloodfang Sabretooth:

The Bloodfang Sabretooth is the most fierce and powerful animal

The Bloodfang Sabretooth is the best beast for many reasons. It is stronger and a little better at stealth than other bears. Easy to spot because of the scars and all over its body and the permanent arrows stuck in its back. Taming the Great Scar Bear is also a mission on the map to specifically find it. You will have to track it and chase it down based on the mission parameters.

Strength 5
Speed 5
Stealth 3
Heal with 2 meats

Once you tame the Bloodfang Sabretooth:

They are strong, fast, and stealthy. When you absolutely, positively need to kill every enemy in the camp, accept no substitute.
The Bloodfang Sabretooth is a rideable beast and gets you from point A to point B in the fastest time (besides fast travel).
Great companion on the road, due to it warding off most other animals.
Recommended for hunting the other special hunt beasts because it makes taking down the beasts to tamable health much easier.

The best ways to tame the Great Scar Bear:

This is a special mission that Tensay will give you when you have completed his other missions. You will need to follow the tracks and do a special hunt for the Bloodfang Sabretooth. The mission appears on the map at the Central-Eastern side as an orange circle with a sabretooth head.
The Bloodfang Sabretooth hunts alone.
Use the provided traps in the hunt area to help capture the sabretooth. You will need 3 hardwood supplies for each trap.
Tame it when it is low on health and on the ground no longer running.
This may take a few nights to beat down and tame, as when it takes so much damage during your hunt, that it runs off and you are prompted to rest at a camp until the next night to continue the hunt. The Bloodfang’s health will not regenerate on the next night.