What is the best way to tame a high-level Megalania in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a high-level Megalania in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and execution due to its unique behavior and habitat. Megalania is a large, aggressive lizard found in caves, particularly in the Lava Cave on The Island and other cave systems across ARK maps. It is a carnivore, so it requires meat or kibble for taming. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully tame a high-level Megalania.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics. Megalania is a knockout tame, meaning you must render it unconscious before feeding it. However, it has a unique ability to climb walls and ceilings, making it challenging to trap or isolate. Its torpor drops relatively quickly, so youÔÇÖll need to monitor its unconsciousness level and use narcotics or biotoxin to keep it sedated. Megalania prefers raw mutton, cooked lamb chop, or exceptional kibble for taming, as these options provide the highest taming effectiveness and speed.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. YouÔÇÖll need a ranged weapon like a crossbow or longneck rifle with tranq arrows or darts to knock it out. Bring plenty of narcotics or biotoxin to maintain its torpor. For food, raw mutton is the best option if available, but cooked lamb chop or exceptional kibble are good alternatives. Additionally, bring armor, weapons, and medical supplies to protect yourself from cave dangers and other predators.

Next, locate a Megalania. They are commonly found in caves, so prepare for a dangerous environment. Clear the area of other threats, such as bats, spiders, or scorpions, before engaging the Megalania. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider building a small taming pen near the cave entrance to trap the Megalania. Use stone or metal structures to prevent it from escaping. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with teammates to lure the Megalania into the pen while others keep the area safe.

Once the Megalania is trapped, start knocking it out. Aim for its head to maximize torpor gain. Be cautious, as it may climb walls or ceilings to escape. If it starts climbing, use ranged weapons to keep it grounded. After itÔÇÖs unconscious, quickly place the preferred food in its inventory and begin feeding it. Monitor its torpor level and administer narcotics or biotoxin as needed to keep it sedated.

Important tips and considerations include bringing a high-level mount like a Sabertooth or Thylacoleo to help clear the cave and protect you during the taming process. Use a spyglass to check the MegalaniaÔÇÖs level and stats before engaging. If youÔÇÖre taming in a dangerous area, consider bringing a few taming traps or bear traps to immobilize the Megalania temporarily. Always have a backup plan in case things go wrong, such as extra supplies or an escape route.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the cave environment and its dangers. Megalania can be difficult to tame in tight spaces, so avoid engaging in areas with limited mobility. Another mistake is not bringing enough narcotics or food, which can lead to a failed tame. Additionally, failing to clear the area of other predators can result in the Megalania being killed or interrupted during the taming process.

Advanced techniques include using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics needed for the MegalaniaÔÇÖs level. This can save time and resources. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, assign roles to each member, such as one person focusing on knocking out the Megalania while others protect the area and gather resources. For solo players, consider using a grappling hook to maneuver around the cave and avoid attacks.

Resource requirements and preparation are critical. Bring at least 50 tranq arrows or darts, 100 narcotics or biotoxin, and enough food for the taming process. Raw mutton is the most efficient, but cooked lamb chop or exceptional kibble can also work. Ensure your armor and weapons are in good condition, and bring medical brews or cooked meat to heal yourself if needed.

Tribe and solo considerations differ slightly. In a tribe, you can divide tasks and work together to tame the Megalania more efficiently. Solo players must be extra cautious and prepared, as they wonÔÇÖt have backup in case of emergencies. Building a taming pen and using traps can make the process easier for solo players.

Specific examples and scenarios include taming a level 150 Megalania in the Lava Cave on The Island. Clear the cave of threats, build a taming pen near the entrance, and lure the Megalania into it. Use a crossbow with tranq arrows to knock it out, then feed it raw mutton while maintaining its torpor with narcotics. This process can take around 1-2 hours, depending on the MegalaniaÔÇÖs level and the food used.

In conclusion, taming a high-level Megalania requires preparation, patience, and strategy. By following these steps and tips, you can successfully tame this powerful creature and add it to your arsenal of tamed dinosaurs in ARK: Survival Evolved.