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

Taming a Megatherium in ARK: Survival Evolved is a rewarding process, as this creature is highly effective for gathering resources like chitin and fiber, and it becomes exceptionally powerful when fighting insects due to its unique buff. The Megatherium is a large, sloth-like herbivore that can be found in the Redwood and Snow biomes. Taming it requires careful preparation and execution, as it is a knockout tame, meaning you must render it unconscious before feeding it the appropriate food.

To begin, you will need to gather the necessary resources for taming. The Megatherium prefers Giant Bee Honey, Rare Flowers, or Vegetables as its taming food. Giant Bee Honey is the most effective and will significantly speed up the taming process. However, if you do not have access to honey, you can use Rare Flowers or Vegetables like Rockarrot, Longrass, or Savoroot. Additionally, you will need a large supply of Narcotics or Narcoberries to keep the Megatherium unconscious during the taming process. Tranquilizer arrows or darts are essential for knocking it out, and a crossbow or longneck rifle is recommended for this purpose. You may also want to bring a taming pen or build one on the spot to trap the Megatherium, as it can be aggressive and difficult to control in the wild.

Once you have gathered your resources, locate a Megatherium in the Redwood or Snow biome. Approach it cautiously, as it can become aggressive if provoked. If you are playing solo, it is highly recommended to use a taming pen to trap the creature. You can build a simple pen using stone or metal structures with a large gate. Lure the Megatherium into the pen by shooting it with a tranquilizer arrow or dart, then quickly close the gate behind it. This will prevent it from escaping or attacking you while you work on knocking it out.

Next, use your crossbow or longneck rifle to shoot the Megatherium with tranquilizer arrows or darts. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain, but be careful not to kill it. The Megatherium has a high health pool, so it can take several shots to knock it out. Once it is unconscious, quickly place the preferred taming food in its inventory. If you are using Giant Bee Honey, be aware that it spoils quickly, so you may need to feed it in small batches. Monitor the creature's torpor level and use Narcotics or Narcoberries to keep it unconscious. The taming process can take a significant amount of time, especially if you are not using the most effective food, so be patient.

One important tip is to avoid using melee weapons or low-damage weapons like slingshots, as they will not be effective against the Megatherium's high health and torpor. Additionally, be cautious of other predators in the area, as they can attack the unconscious Megatherium and ruin your taming efforts. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to protect the area and gather resources more efficiently. Solo players should consider bringing a tamed creature for protection, such as a Carnotaurus or Rex, to fend off any threats.

Advanced techniques for taming a Megatherium include using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and time required for the tame. This can help you plan your resources and avoid running out of Narcotics or food mid-tame. Additionally, using a taming pen with a ramp can make it easier to lure the Megatherium into the trap without taking damage. If you are taming in the Snow biome, be sure to bring warm clothing or a tamed creature with insulation to protect yourself from the cold.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the Megatherium's strength and aggression. It can deal significant damage if it catches you off guard, so always be prepared to retreat or defend yourself. Another mistake is not bringing enough Narcotics or food, which can result in the Megatherium waking up before the taming process is complete. Finally, avoid taming in areas with high predator activity, as this can lead to unnecessary complications.

In conclusion, taming a Megatherium requires careful preparation, patience, and strategy. By gathering the right resources, using a taming pen, and monitoring the creature's torpor and hunger levels, you can successfully tame this powerful creature. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the Megatherium is a valuable addition to your team, especially for gathering resources and fighting insects. With the right approach, you can master the taming process and enjoy the benefits of having a Megatherium by your side in ARK: Survival Evolved.