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

Taming a Megatherium in the redwoods of ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and execution due to the creature's unique behavior and the dangerous environment of the redwoods. The Megatherium is a large, sloth-like herbivore that becomes a powerful ally, especially when fighting insects or gathering resources like chitin and fiber. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you tame one successfully.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of taming a Megatherium. This creature is a knockout tame, meaning you must render it unconscious before feeding it its preferred food. Megatheriums prefer Giant Bee Honey, Rare Flowers, Vegetables, Mejoberries, and other berries. Giant Bee Honey is the most effective and will significantly speed up the taming process. However, it can be challenging to obtain, so you may need to settle for other options if you donÔÇÖt have access to honey.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. You will need a ranged weapon like a crossbow or longneck rifle with tranq arrows or tranquilizer darts. Bring plenty of narcotics or biotoxin to keep the Megatherium unconscious during the taming process. Additionally, carry a good amount of food, such as Rare Flowers or Mejoberries, depending on what you have available. ItÔÇÖs also wise to bring armor, weapons, and healing items to protect yourself from other predators in the redwoods, such as Thylacoleos or Carnotaurus.

Next, locate a Megatherium in the redwoods. These creatures are often found wandering near trees or in open areas. Once youÔÇÖve found one, you need to knock it out. Megatheriums have high health and torpor, so be prepared for a lengthy process. Start by shooting it with tranq arrows or darts from a safe distance. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain. Be cautious, as the Megatherium will become aggressive and charge at you if it spots you. Use terrain to your advantage by leading it into a taming pen or behind obstacles to avoid its attacks.

After the Megatherium is unconscious, quickly place the food in its inventory. If you have Giant Bee Honey, use it for the fastest taming. Otherwise, use Rare Flowers or Mejoberries. Monitor its torpor level and feed it narcotics or biotoxin as needed to keep it unconscious. The taming process can take a while, especially if youÔÇÖre not using the most effective food, so be patient.

There are several important tips to consider. First, always be aware of your surroundings. The redwoods are filled with dangerous creatures that can interrupt your taming process. Building a taming pen beforehand can help secure the Megatherium and protect it from other predators. Use stone or metal structures to ensure the pen is strong enough to contain the creature. Additionally, bring a few taming effectiveness boosters like Sweet Vegetable Cake if you have them, as they can help maintain taming efficiency if the Megatherium takes damage.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the MegatheriumÔÇÖs strength and torpor. ItÔÇÖs easy to run out of tranq arrows or darts if youÔÇÖre not prepared, so bring extras. Also, avoid taming in open areas where other predators can easily attack. Always have a plan for escape or defense in case things go wrong. Another mistake is not monitoring the MegatheriumÔÇÖs torpor closely. If it wakes up, youÔÇÖll have to start the process over, which can be frustrating and resource-intensive.

For advanced techniques, consider using a trap to make the taming process easier. Build a taming pen with a large gate and lure the Megatherium inside. Once itÔÇÖs trapped, you can safely knock it out without worrying about it running away or attacking you. Another optimization is to use a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics youÔÇÖll need. This can save time and resources by ensuring youÔÇÖre fully prepared.

If youÔÇÖre playing solo, taming a Megatherium can be more challenging due to the lack of backup. Make sure you have a strong mount, such as a Carnotaurus or Rex, to help defend yourself while taming. In a tribe, you can divide tasks, with one person distracting the Megatherium while another knocks it out. This teamwork can make the process faster and safer.

In conclusion, taming a Megatherium in the redwoods requires preparation, patience, and awareness of the dangers in the area. By following these steps and tips, you can successfully tame this powerful creature and add it to your arsenal of tamed dinosaurs. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the Megatherium is a valuable ally for gathering resources and fighting insects, making the effort well worth it.