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

Taming a Megaloceros in the redwoods of ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and execution due to the unique challenges of the redwood biome and the Megaloceros' behavior. The Megaloceros, also known as the "deer" or "elk," is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you must approach it carefully and feed it the right food to gain its trust. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully tame a Megaloceros in the redwoods.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of taming a Megaloceros. The Megaloceros is a passive tame, so you cannot 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, or Citronal. If you do not have crops, you can use Rare Flowers or Rare Mushrooms, but these are less effective and will take longer. Kibble made from Gallimimus eggs is the most effective taming food, significantly speeding up the process. You will also need to be cautious of its surroundings, as the redwoods are filled with aggressive creatures like Thylacoleos and Carnotaurus that can disrupt your taming process.

To begin, gather the necessary resources. You will need a good supply of the Megaloceros' preferred food, as well as armor and weapons to defend yourself from predators. If you are using crops, make sure you have a steady supply from your base or a nearby farm. If you are using kibble, prepare it in advance by collecting Gallimimus eggs and combining them with other ingredients at a cooking pot or industrial cooker. Additionally, bring a crossbow with grappling hooks or a flying mount like an Argentavis to help you navigate the redwoods safely.

Next, locate a Megaloceros in the redwoods. They are often found near the edges of the biome or in open clearings. Once you spot one, approach it slowly and crouch to reduce your visibility. The Megaloceros is skittish and will run away if it detects you moving too quickly or making sudden movements. If it starts to flee, stop moving and wait for it to calm down before continuing your approach.

When you are close enough, open your inventory and place the preferred food in the far-right slot of your hotbar. This allows you to quickly feed the Megaloceros when prompted. Approach the creature from behind or the side, as it is less likely to detect you. When the prompt appears, feed it the food. After each feeding, the Megaloceros will run a short distance before stopping. Repeat this process until the taming bar is full.

One important tip is to clear the area of threats before starting the taming process. The redwoods are dangerous, and predators can easily interrupt your taming. Use your weapons or tamed creatures to eliminate any nearby threats. If you are playing solo, consider building a small taming pen using wooden or stone structures to trap the Megaloceros temporarily. This will prevent it from running too far and make the process easier.

A common mistake is rushing the taming process. The Megaloceros is easily spooked, and moving too quickly or making noise can cause it to flee. Always approach slowly and patiently. Another mistake is not bringing enough food. The taming process can take a while, especially if you are using less effective foods like Rare Flowers. Make sure you have plenty of supplies before starting.

For advanced techniques, consider using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and time required for your Megaloceros. This can help you plan your resources more efficiently. Additionally, if you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to guard the area while you focus on taming. This is especially useful in PvP servers where other players might try to interfere.

In summary, taming a Megaloceros in the redwoods requires patience, preparation, and caution. Gather the necessary food, approach the creature slowly, and clear the area of threats. Avoid common mistakes like rushing or not bringing enough food, and consider using advanced techniques like taming calculators or tribe coordination. With the right strategy, you can successfully tame a Megaloceros and add it to your collection of tamed creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved.