The Gliding Guardian: Unpacking the Maewing in Ark: Survival Evolved
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The “flying squirrel thing” you’re referring to in Ark: Survival Evolved is the Maewing. This creature isn’t literally a flying squirrel, but rather a genetically engineered hybrid designed to be a universal nanny for baby creatures. Think of it as a platypus mixed with the gliding capabilities of a flying squirrel, and a whole lot of advanced technology thrown in for good measure! It’s a versatile and incredibly useful creature, especially for breeders in Ark.
What Makes the Maewing Special?
The Maewing’s defining characteristic is its ability to raise baby dinosaurs. It possesses a built-in milk gland that can feed a wide variety of juvenile creatures. Beyond simple feeding, it can also transport babies in pouches on its sides, making it easier to move vulnerable younglings around the map. Its gliding abilities, coupled with its saddle’s gravity-propulsion capabilities, allow it to travel quickly and efficiently across large distances, making it a mobile nursery.
The Maewing is unlocked early on in the game, making it a valuable early tame for players looking to get into breeding.
Maewing FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Here’s a detailed list of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the Maewing in Ark: Survival Evolved to provide additional information for the readers.
How Do I Tame a Maewing?
Taming a Maewing is relatively straightforward. The most effective method is to use a net projectile to immobilize it. While it’s netted, quickly build a small trap around it (a simple box of stone or metal will suffice). Once trapped, knock it out with tranquilizer arrows or darts. The Maewing has relatively low torpor, so you won’t need a huge amount. Feed it its preferred food, which is Kibble (Extraordinary) or Raw Meat.
What Does the Maewing Eat?
While taming, Kibble (Extraordinary) is the most effective food. Once tamed, the Maewing can eat a variety of foods, including Raw Meat, Raw Fish Meat, Berries, and Kibble. When nursing babies, it primarily uses what’s stored in its inventory, with a preference for meat.
What is the Maewing Saddle Good For?
The Maewing saddle isn’t just for riding; it’s a fully functional nursery control panel. It has settings to control feeding, stealing, and movement. You can set the Maewing to automatically feed babies within range, “steal” unclaimed babies, and control its gliding and movement. The saddle also provides enhanced glide capabilities, allowing for faster and more controlled flight.
Can a Maewing Raise All Baby Dinosaurs?
The Maewing is designed to raise most baby dinosaurs. However, there are some exceptions. Creatures like Giganotosaurus, Managarmr, Bloodstalkers, and aquatic creatures cannot be carried or fed by the Maewing.
How Does Maewing Imprinting Work?
The Maewing itself doesn’t directly provide imprinting bonuses. However, it makes the imprinting process significantly easier. By placing a baby dinosaur in the Maewing’s pouch, you can fulfill walking imprints quickly and safely. Simply whistle for the baby to follow you while it’s in the pouch, and the distance will be counted.
Are Maewings Aggressive?
No, Maewings are generally passive creatures. They won’t attack unless provoked, making them safe to approach and tame.
Can Maewings Pick Up and Feed Baby Reapers?
Yes, a Maewing can pick up and feed baby Reapers. This makes raising Reapers significantly easier, as it eliminates the need for constant monitoring.
What Are the Maewing’s Weight Restrictions for Carrying Babies?
The Maewing has weight restrictions for the creatures it can carry. It can carry smaller babies with no issue, but larger creatures might exceed its weight limit. Experimentation is key to determine which babies it can comfortably carry.
Can You Raise Wyverns With a Maewing?
Yes, you can raise Wyverns with a Maewing. The Maewing provides a convenient way to feed and care for Wyvern babies, and you won’t need Wyvern milk.
What is the Range of the Maewing’s Feeding Ability?
The Maewing’s feeding range is determined by the settings on its saddle. You can adjust the range to cover a wide area, ensuring that all nearby babies are fed.
Is the Maewing Available on All Ark Maps?
The Maewing was originally introduced on the Genesis: Part 2 map. However, it can now be transferred to other maps, making it accessible to players across the Ark universe.
What Are the Best Stats to Focus on When Breeding Maewings?
When breeding Maewings, focus on stats like Food, Weight, and Stamina. Higher food allows it to feed babies for longer periods, higher weight allows it to carry more babies, and higher stamina allows for longer glides.
Can a Maewing Steal Babies From Other Players?
Yes, the Maewing has a setting that allows it to steal unclaimed babies. Be careful when using this setting, as it can lead to unintended consequences and potentially anger other players.
What are some Strategies for Utilizing the Maewing to Breed Dinosaurs Faster?
The most efficient strategy involves using multiple Maewings. Have one Maewing dedicated to feeding babies and another dedicated to transporting them. This streamlined approach significantly speeds up the breeding process. Additionally, ensure that you have adequate food storage nearby to keep your Maewings well-supplied.
What are the Best Maps to Tame Maewings?
While Maewings originated on Genesis: Part 2, they can now be found on other maps via transfer. However, Genesis: Part 2 remains the easiest place to find and tame them due to their higher spawn rate on that map.
Beyond the Game: The Educational Value of Ark
Games like Ark: Survival Evolved offer unique learning opportunities. Players develop problem-solving skills, resource management abilities, and even an understanding of basic genetics and ecology through breeding mechanics. Organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, explore the potential of games for educational purposes. GamesLearningSociety.org recognize the value of interactive experiences in fostering critical thinking and creativity.
In conclusion, the Maewing is a game-changing creature in Ark: Survival Evolved, simplifying the often-tedious process of raising baby dinosaurs. Its versatility, ease of taming, and powerful abilities make it an indispensable asset for any serious Ark player.