How do I tame a Megaloceros in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Megaloceros in ARK: Survival Evolved is a straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation and execution. The Megaloceros, also known as the "deer" or "elk," is a herbivorous creature that can be tamed passively, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you will need to approach it carefully and feed it the right food to gain its trust. Below is a detailed guide on how to tame a Megaloceros, including mechanics, strategies, tips, and considerations.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of taming a Megaloceros. The Megaloceros is a passive tame, which means you do not need to use tranquilizers or knockout methods. Instead, you must approach it slowly and feed it its preferred food. The Megaloceros prefers vegetables, specifically crops like Rockarrot, Longrass, Savoroot, and Citronal. These crops can be grown in crop plots using seeds and fertilizer. If you do not have access to crops, you can also use berries, but this will take significantly longer and may require more resources. The taming process involves feeding the Megaloceros one piece of food at a time, waiting for it to eat, and repeating until the taming bar is full.

To begin taming a Megaloceros, you will need to prepare the necessary resources. Gather at least 20-30 crops or a large stack of berries, depending on the level of the Megaloceros. Higher-level creatures require more food and take longer to tame. You should also bring a few stacks of Narcoberries or Narcotics in case you accidentally aggro the Megaloceros and need to calm it down. Additionally, wear armor to protect yourself from other predators in the area, and consider bringing a ranged weapon like a bow or crossbow to deal with any threats.

Once you are prepared, locate a Megaloceros in the wild. They are commonly found in forests and grasslands, such as the Redwood Forest or the areas around the Green Obelisk. Approach the Megaloceros slowly and crouch to reduce your visibility. If you move too quickly or get too close, the Megaloceros will run away. When you are close enough, open its inventory and place the food inside. The Megaloceros will eat the food over time, and you will see the taming bar increase. Be patient, as this process can take several minutes, especially if you are using berries instead of crops.

One important tip is to avoid startling the Megaloceros during the taming process. If it runs away, you will need to chase it down and start over. To prevent this, stay crouched and move slowly. You can also build a taming pen using wooden or stone structures to trap the Megaloceros, making it easier to tame without it escaping. Another tip is to use a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and time required for the specific level of Megaloceros you are taming. This will help you plan your resources and avoid running out of food mid-tame.

Common mistakes to avoid include approaching the Megaloceros too quickly, using the wrong type of food, or not bringing enough resources. If you accidentally aggro the Megaloceros, it will run away, and you may need to use Narcoberries or Narcotics to calm it down. Additionally, be aware of your surroundings, as other predators or hostile creatures can interrupt the taming process. Always clear the area of threats before attempting to tame.

For advanced techniques, consider using a taming pen or trap to make the process easier. You can build a simple pen with walls and a gate, then lure the Megaloceros inside using a Bola or by leading it in. Once trapped, you can tame it without worrying about it running away. Another optimization is to use Kibble, which is the most effective taming food. Megaloceros prefer Superior Kibble, which can be crafted using specific eggs, crops, and other resources. Using Kibble will significantly reduce the taming time and increase the taming effectiveness.

In terms of tribe or solo considerations, taming a Megaloceros is relatively easy for both solo players and tribes. Solo players may need to be more cautious about their surroundings and resource management, while tribes can assign roles, such as one player gathering food while another builds a taming pen. Tribes can also use multiple players to lure the Megaloceros into a trap more efficiently.

In conclusion, taming a Megaloceros in ARK: Survival Evolved requires patience, preparation, and careful execution. By gathering the right resources, approaching the creature slowly, and using advanced techniques like taming pens or Kibble, you can successfully tame a Megaloceros to aid in your survival and exploration. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, following these steps will ensure a smooth and efficient taming process.