Sloths of the ARK: A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The world of ARK: Survival Evolved is teeming with prehistoric creatures, and among the most fascinating are the sloths. Specifically, ARK features the Megatherium, or Giant Sloth. This creature serves multiple roles, from a powerful mount and chitin harvester to a formidable opponent in certain boss battles. Understanding the Megatherium’s unique characteristics, diet, taming process, and combat capabilities is crucial for any ARK survivor looking to thrive on the island. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the sloths of ARK, covering everything you need to know about these gentle giants turned ferocious insectivores.
Megatherium: The Gentle Giant (Until Bugs Appear)
The Megatherium in ARK: Survival Evolved is based on the real-world extinct giant ground sloth. While in real life the Megatherium was an herbivore, in ARK, it has a unique twist: it becomes incredibly aggressive and powerful when encountering insects. This duality makes it a valuable asset for players seeking to control the chitin-rich caves of the ARK.
Key Features of the Megatherium
-
Size and Appearance: The Megatherium is a large, lumbering creature covered in fur. It’s significantly larger than modern-day sloths, reflecting its prehistoric origins.
-
Temperament: Normally passive, the Megatherium will not attack unless provoked. However, when invertebrates (insects, spiders, etc.) are nearby, it enters a “Megatherium Frenzy”, becoming highly aggressive and receiving a significant damage buff.
-
Utility: The Megatherium is a versatile creature with several uses:
- Chitin Harvesting: Its insect frenzy makes it exceptionally efficient at gathering chitin from insects in caves.
- Combat: When frenzied, it’s a formidable combatant, capable of taking on even large predators.
- Mount: It can be ridden, providing a relatively slow but sturdy mount.
- Boss Battles: Especially effective against the Broodmother due to its insect bonus.
-
Diet: Megatherium can eat a variety of foods, including berries, meat, and kibble, making them relatively easy to feed after taming.
-
Location: They are often found in colder regions, such as the snow biome, and inside caves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Megatheriums in ARK
1. What does the Megatherium eat after being tamed?
A tamed Megatherium consumes a wide range of foods. These include Superior Kibble, Giant Bee Honey, Raw Mutton, Raw Prime Meat, Cooked Lamb Chop, Cooked Prime Meat, Raw Prime Fish Meat, Raw Meat, Mejoberries, Cooked Meat, Berries, Raw Fish Meat, Cooked Prime Fish Meat, and Cooked Fish Meat.
2. What is the easiest way to tame a Megatherium?
The easiest method to tame a Megatherium involves trapping it in a small enclosure and feeding it your preferred taming food (Superior Kibble is the most efficient). Since they are slow-moving, you can easily kite them into a pen. Keep a safe distance and tranq them out using tranq darts or arrows.
3. Can a Megatherium break stone structures?
Yes, Megatheriums can damage stone structures. This means you cannot reliably trap them within stone walls if they become aggressive. Metal structures are recommended for more secure enclosures.
4. What can pick up a Megatherium?
A Quetzal is capable of picking up a Megatherium. This can be useful for relocating tamed Megatheriums or transporting wild ones to a taming pen.
5. How effective is the Megatherium against the Broodmother?
The Megatherium is exceptionally effective against the Broodmother due to its insect frenzy ability. The increased damage and attack speed when fighting insects make it a powerful asset in this boss fight. Bringing a pack of well-leveled and imprinted Megatheriums is a common strategy for defeating the Broodmother on Gamma, Beta and Alpha difficulties.
6. Are Megatheriums aggressive to players?
Megatheriums are generally passive and will not attack players unless provoked. However, they will become highly aggressive and attack anything (including players) when insects or spiders are nearby.
7. Is it worth taming a Megatherium?
Yes, the Megatherium is definitely worth taming. Its ability to efficiently harvest chitin, its combat prowess when frenzied, and its usefulness in boss battles make it a valuable addition to any tribe.
8. What is the Megatherium Frenzy?
The Megatherium Frenzy is a state that the Megatherium enters when it encounters insects or spiders. During this frenzy, it receives a significant damage boost and becomes highly aggressive. This makes it incredibly effective at clearing caves and fighting the Broodmother.
9. Can Megatheriums be used for PvP?
While Megatheriums are powerful, they are generally not ideal for PvP. Their slow movement speed and vulnerability to ranged attacks make them less effective in open combat against other players and their tames.
10. What are some good stats to focus on when leveling up a Megatherium?
When leveling up a Megatherium, focus on Health and Melee Damage. Health is crucial for survivability, while melee damage increases its effectiveness in combat, especially during the frenzy. Some points into Stamina are also helpful for longer harvesting runs.
11. Where is the best place to find Megatheriums?
Megatheriums are most commonly found in caves and in snowy regions. Look for them wandering the cave floors or roaming the snow-covered landscapes.
12. What is the best kibble for taming a Megatherium?
The best kibble for taming a Megatherium is Superior Kibble. This kibble provides the highest taming effectiveness and reduces the amount of time and resources needed to tame the creature.
13. What kind of saddle does a Megatherium require?
The Megatherium requires a Megatherium Saddle, which is unlocked at level 50 and requires hide, fiber, and metal ingots to craft.
14. Do Megatheriums have any special abilities besides the insect frenzy?
While the insect frenzy is their most notable ability, Megatheriums also possess a natural resistance to torpor, making them harder to knock out. They are also able to harvest thatch and wood in decent quantities, though not as efficiently as specialized gatherers like the Mammoth or Castoroides.
15. What are some of the challenges of owning a Megatherium?
One of the main challenges of owning a Megatherium is managing its frenzy state. It can be difficult to control when it becomes aggressive around insects, potentially leading to accidental attacks on other tames or structures. Additionally, their large size can make them difficult to maneuver in confined spaces. However, the benefits they offer, such as chitin farming and Broodmother effectiveness, generally outweigh these challenges.
Learning about the creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved can be an engaging educational experience. The Games Learning Society promotes research and understanding of the educational potential of games like ARK. You can find more about their work at GamesLearningSociety.org.
The Megatherium in ARK: Survival Evolved represents a fascinating blend of prehistoric reality and creative gameplay mechanics. Its unique insect frenzy ability and versatile utility make it a valuable asset for any ARK survivor willing to tame and utilize its power. By understanding its behaviors, diet, and combat capabilities, players can effectively harness the potential of the Megatherium and thrive in the challenging world of ARK.