Introduction
The depths of ARK: Survival Evolved hold many dangers, but few are as iconic and fearsome as the Megalodon. These prehistoric sharks dominate the underwater landscapes, posing a significant threat to unprepared survivors. However, the reward for conquering your fear and successfully taming one of these apex predators is immense. A tamed Megalodon becomes a powerful ally, an unparalleled underwater mount, and a key to unlocking valuable resources. This guide will delve deep into the art of Megalodon taming, with a primary focus on the crucial role of ARK Megalodon taming food in achieving success. We’ll explore the optimal foods to use, the strategies for a safe and efficient tame, and the myriad benefits of adding a Megalodon to your ARK arsenal. Forget those frustrating failed taming attempts. With the right knowledge of ARK Megalodon taming food and preparation, you’ll be riding your own terror of the deep in no time!
Understanding Megalodon Taming Mechanics
Before diving headfirst into the ocean, it’s important to understand the fundamental mechanics of taming creatures in ARK. The general process involves rendering the target creature unconscious, feeding it a preferred food item to increase its taming meter, and ensuring its torpor (unconsciousness) remains high throughout the process. The higher the torpor, the less likely the creature is to wake up and potentially turn hostile. Keeping your future pet unconscious relies on administering narcotics or narcoberries. Each food item has a different effectiveness regarding taming progress, and this effectiveness directly impacts the creature’s level after it’s tamed, a stat referred to as Taming Effectiveness.
Megalodon taming presents unique challenges due to their aggressive nature, their tendency to hunt in packs, and the inherent dangers of the underwater environment. You will have to contend with limited oxygen, crushing pressure, and other predatory creatures eager to make a meal of you while you focus on your taming attempt. Furthermore, food spoils much faster underwater, requiring careful planning and potentially the use of preserving salts to extend its freshness. The speed at which you feed your potential pet also impacts the taming process; slower is better because it gives it more time to digest the ARK Megalodon taming food, leading to higher effectiveness.
The concept of Taming Effectiveness is crucial for any ARK player. It essentially determines how many bonus levels your creature gains after the taming process is complete. Using the most effective ARK Megalodon taming food will maximize Taming Effectiveness, resulting in a higher-level, more powerful Megalodon. Conversely, using low-quality food will result in a lower-level tame with fewer bonus stats. Maintaining a high Taming Effectiveness also keeps the creature from losing any of its levels.
The ARK Megalodon Taming Food Hierarchy
Choosing the right ARK Megalodon taming food is absolutely essential for a successful and efficient taming process. Different food types offer varying degrees of effectiveness, impacting both the taming speed and the creature’s final level. Here’s a breakdown of the best options, ranked from most to least effective:
Exceptional Kibble
At the very top of the list sits Exceptional Kibble. This is the gold standard for ARK Megalodon taming food. Exceptional Kibble requires an Extraordinary Egg, which can be obtained from creatures like the Yutyrannus, Rock Drake, Golden Hesperornis, and others. Creating Exceptional Kibble involves a bit of preparation, but the payoff is well worth it. Using Exceptional Kibble drastically reduces the taming time and provides a significant boost to Taming Effectiveness, ensuring your Megalodon emerges from the taming process at the highest possible level. If you’re serious about taming the best Megalodon possible, Exceptional Kibble is the way to go.
Raw Mutton
Next in line is Raw Mutton. Sourced from Ovis, the fluffy sheep of ARK, Raw Mutton is a fantastic alternative if you’re not quite ready to tackle the challenge of producing Exceptional Kibble. While it doesn’t quite match the speed and effectiveness of Kibble, Raw Mutton offers a significant improvement over the other raw meat options. Farming mutton can be accomplished by breeding ovis and harvesting the carcasses once grown.
Raw Prime Fish Meat
Following Raw Mutton is Raw Prime Fish Meat. This is a step up from regular Raw Fish Meat and can be harvested from larger fish species such as Leedsichthys, Sabertooth Salmon, and others. While not as efficient as Mutton or Kibble, Raw Prime Fish Meat still offers a decent taming speed and a respectable boost to Taming Effectiveness. Hunting these larger fish can be a bit challenging, but the reward of faster taming is often worth the effort.
Raw Fish Meat
Bringing up the rear is Raw Fish Meat. While readily available from virtually any fish you encounter, Raw Fish Meat is the least effective ARK Megalodon taming food for Megalodons. It will get the job done, but the taming process will be significantly longer, and the Taming Effectiveness will be considerably lower, resulting in a lower-level Megalodon. Use this only as a last resort.
It’s also important to note that cooked fish meat is not recommended for taming Megalodons. The cooking process reduces its effectiveness and negatively impacts the taming progress. Stick to raw meat options for the best results.
Strategies and Tips for a Safe and Successful Tame
Effective ARK Megalodon taming requires more than just knowing the best food; it requires careful planning and execution. Preparation is absolutely critical to ensure a safe and successful taming experience.
First and foremost, gather a substantial supply of your chosen ARK Megalodon taming food *before* even attempting to locate a Megalodon. Running out of food mid-tame is a recipe for disaster. Calculate how much of your chosen food you will need, depending on the Megalodon’s level. Secondly, stock up on Narcotics or Narcoberries to keep the Megalodon unconscious throughout the taming process. The amount you will need varies, but it’s always better to have more than you think you’ll need.
Creating a secure taming pen is highly recommended. This provides a safe space to knock out and tame the Megalodon without the interference of other hostile creatures. The pen can be a simple underwater cage constructed from stone or metal, or a more elaborate structure designed to lure the Megalodon inside. Scuba gear is absolutely essential for underwater taming, allowing you to breathe and move freely. A crossbow or harpoon launcher with tranquilizer darts is the ideal weapon for knocking out the Megalodon from a safe distance.
When it comes to pen design, simple is often best. A few strategically placed walls and a gate can create a safe haven for the taming process. Luring the Megalodon into the pen can be accomplished by swimming near it and leading it inside. Once inside, quickly close the gate to prevent it from escaping.
The underwater environment is fraught with danger, so staying alive and taming safely is paramount. Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for other predators that may be attracted to the commotion. Consider bringing a strong mount to protect you from threats. Oxygen management is also crucial. Keep an eye on your oxygen levels and surface for air when needed. Taming with a friend or tribe makes it significantly easier and safer. One person can focus on administering Narcotics, while the other handles food and defends against threats.
Finally, when feeding your choice of ARK Megalodon taming food, monitor the taming bar and feed the Megalodon as needed. Try to feed it just before its hunger bar reaches zero. Avoid letting its torpor drop too low, as this can cause it to wake up and potentially attack.
Post-Taming Uses for Megalodons
Once you’ve successfully tamed your Megalodon, you’ll have a powerful and versatile asset at your disposal. These creatures excel in several roles:
Combat
Megalodons are formidable combatants, especially when deployed in packs. Their powerful jaws and aggressive nature make them effective against a wide range of underwater creatures. They are fantastic for clearing out dangerous areas or protecting your underwater bases. They can also be ridden. Mounted combat allows you to utilize weapons while riding your Megalodon, providing even greater firepower.
Resource Gathering
Megalodons are also valuable resource gatherers. They can efficiently harvest fish meat, pearls, and oil from the ocean floor. This makes them an invaluable asset for survivors looking to acquire these essential resources.
Transportation
Finally, Megalodons offer incredibly fast underwater travel. They are significantly faster than most other aquatic creatures, allowing you to quickly traverse vast distances.
Conclusion
Successfully taming a Megalodon in ARK: Survival Evolved is no easy feat, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By understanding the taming mechanics, choosing the right ARK Megalodon taming food, and implementing effective taming strategies, you can increase your chances of success and add a powerful ally to your tribe. The benefits of having a tamed Megalodon are numerous, ranging from combat and resource gathering to transportation and exploration. So, gear up, gather your supplies, and dive into the depths to tame your own terror of the deep! Do you have any tips or tricks for taming Megalodons? Share them in the comments below! We would love to hear your experience with ARK Megalodon taming food.
