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

Taming a high-level Maewing in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and execution due to its unique abilities and behavior. The Maewing is a versatile creature that can glide across the map, making it an excellent choice for transportation and resource gathering. However, its taming process is passive, meaning you cannot knock it out and must instead feed it its preferred food while avoiding aggression. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully tame a high-level Maewing.

The first step in taming a Maewing is preparation. You will need its preferred food, which is Sweet Vegetable Cake. This food is essential for passive taming and can be crafted using ingredients like Sap, Rockarrot, Longrass, Savoroot, Stimulant, Fiber, and Water. Sweet Vegetable Cake is also used to heal herbivores, so having extra is beneficial for your tamed creatures. Additionally, you will need a reliable method to approach the Maewing without startling it. Ghillie Armor is highly recommended as it reduces your visibility, making it easier to get close without triggering its flight response. Carry a few extra pieces of Sweet Vegetable Cake in case the Maewing moves or you make a mistake during the taming process.

Once you have gathered the necessary resources, locate a Maewing in the wild. These creatures are commonly found in areas like the Eden biome on Genesis Part 2 or other maps where they spawn. When you spot a high-level Maewing, observe its behavior. Maewings are generally docile but will flee if they detect you. Approach slowly and crouch to minimize your visibility. If you are wearing Ghillie Armor, this will further reduce the chances of being detected. Keep a safe distance and avoid sudden movements.

The next step is to feed the Maewing. Open your inventory and place the Sweet Vegetable Cake in the last slot of your hotbar for quick access. Slowly approach the Maewing from behind or the side, as this reduces the risk of it noticing you. When you are close enough, press the appropriate key to feed it the Sweet Vegetable Cake. After feeding, the Maewing will gain a small amount of taming progress. However, it will also become temporarily alert and may move away. Do not chase it immediately. Instead, wait for it to calm down and repeat the process. This cycle of feeding and waiting will continue until the Maewing is fully tamed.

One important consideration is the Maewing's torpor. Unlike knockout taming, passive taming does not involve torpor management. However, you must ensure that the Maewing does not take damage during the process. If it is attacked by other creatures or takes fall damage, its taming progress will reset. To prevent this, clear the area of potential threats before starting the taming process. You can also build a temporary taming pen using structures like stone gates or walls to contain the Maewing and protect it from predators. However, be cautious when building near the Maewing, as it may flee if it detects construction activity.

Advanced techniques can optimize the taming process. For example, using a taming calculator can help you determine the exact number of Sweet Vegetable Cakes required for a specific level of Maewing. This allows you to prepare the right amount of food and avoid running out mid-tame. Additionally, using a taming pen with a roof can prevent the Maewing from gliding away if it becomes startled. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to surround the Maewing and block its escape routes. This is especially useful in open areas where the Maewing can easily glide away.

Resource management is crucial for a successful tame. Sweet Vegetable Cake requires rare ingredients like Sap and Stimulant, so gather these in advance. Farming Rockarrot, Longrass, and Savoroot in a crop plot ensures a steady supply of vegetables. If you are playing solo, prioritize gathering these resources before attempting to tame a Maewing. In a tribe, assign roles to members to streamline the preparation process. For example, one player can focus on gathering Sap while another farms vegetables.

Common mistakes to avoid include approaching the Maewing too quickly or without Ghillie Armor, which can cause it to flee. Feeding it from the front is also risky, as the Maewing is more likely to detect you. Additionally, failing to clear the area of predators can result in the Maewing taking damage and resetting its taming progress. Always scout the surroundings and eliminate threats before starting the tame.

In conclusion, taming a high-level Maewing requires patience, preparation, and careful execution. By gathering the necessary resources, using Ghillie Armor, and approaching the Maewing cautiously, you can successfully tame this versatile creature. Building a taming pen and coordinating with your tribe can further enhance your chances of success. Avoid common mistakes like startling the Maewing or neglecting to clear the area of threats. With these strategies, you can add a high-level Maewing to your team and take advantage of its unique abilities in ARK: Survival Evolved.