How to Tame the Megaraptor in ARK: Valguero Ascended

The Megaraptor is one of the new creatures released with Valguero Ascended, and taming it works differently from anything else in ARK. Instead of knocking it out, you’ll have to claim a special altar, defend it using fire, and keep the Megaraptor away until it submits. It’s more like a small event than a classic tranq tame, so good preparation is key.

How the Taming Mechanic Works

Every wild Megaraptor patrols around a pile of carcasses. This is its altar, and interacting with it starts the taming process. Once you claim the altar, the Megaraptor becomes enraged and tries to reclaim it. Your goal is to hold control of the altar for the entire tame.

Unlike most creatures, the Megaraptor cannot be tamed with torpor. The only way to keep it under control is by using fire, which causes it to hesitate and retreat. If you can maintain the altar’s control long enough, the taming bar will fill and the creature will become tame.

What to Bring

You don’t need endgame gear, but you do need fire sources, protection, and mobility. A good setup looks like this:

Fire: at least two reliable fire sources.
- Torches (carry a spare)
- Fire arrows (bow or crossbow)
- Campfires or standing torches to place around the altar
- Optional: flamethrower, oil jars, or fire grenades for extra control
Armor: Flak or better, plus medical brews to survive any hits.
Mobility: Grappling hooks, gliders, or a fast mount to reposition quickly.
Backup: A friend or one strong tame can help distract the Megaraptor if needed, but avoid bringing too many creatures, crowding can cause chaos.

Before starting, it’s smart to set up the area. Place campfires or standing torches in a ring around the altar and fill them with fuel. This “fire zone” will become your main defense when the Megaraptor attacks.

Where to Find Megaraptors

Megaraptors spawn in forested regions of Valguero Ascended. The easiest way to find them is to look for their altars rather than the creatures themselves. These are obvious piles of bones and corpses. If you find one, prepare your fire defenses first, then interact to claim it and start the tame.

Tribe scanners or map pins can help you keep track of good altar locations for future tames.

Step by Step: Taming the Megaraptor

Find the altar and make sure the area is safe.
Place and fuel your fire sources around the altar.
Claim the altar to begin the tame. This enrages the Megaraptor.
Light the fires and kite the creature through the flames as it charges.
Maintain control by keeping the fires burning and blocking it from the altar.
Once the taming bar fills, the Megaraptor will calm down and become your tame. Whistle it passive, clear remaining threats, and lead it to safety.

Best Fire Setups

Different setups work depending on how many people you have:

Solo: 2 good quality torches, 30–50 fire arrows, and 6–10 campfires arranged around the altar.
Duo: Fire arrows for both players, plus standing torches or oil jars for area control.
Tribe: Flamethrower support, perimeter spikes, and a tanky tame to help keep the creature at bay.

The key is constant fire pressure. If the flames die down, the Megaraptor will rush the altar fast.

Combat Behavior & Tips

The Megaraptor is aggressive and focused on its altar. It won’t wander off during the tame, it will keep trying to reclaim what’s “theirs.” Fire interrupts its approach and buys you time. Staying mobile, using terrain, and setting up spikes or obstacles around the altar make a big difference.

Avoid overloading the area with creatures or tribemates. Too many bodies can make it hard to kite properly, and the Megaraptor can take advantage of the confusion.

Why Tame One?

The Megaraptor is designed to be a fast, high-damage skirmisher. It excels at picking off single targets and moving quickly through terrain. Once tamed, it’s great for:

Solo hunting and ambushes
Meat and hide farming
PvP hit-and-run tactics in forests or low visibility areas

It performs best when allowed to operate with space, rather than in the middle of large groups.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

The altar doesn’t show or can’t be used:
Clear the area of predators, leave, and return. The altar can bug if nearby creatures are interfering.

Fire doesn’t stop the Megaraptor:
Use more fire sources or improve placement. A ring of standing torches or multiple campfires works better than just a single torch.

Can I knock it out?
No. Torpor has no effect on this creature. The tame relies entirely on the altar and fire.

Best time to tame?
Any time works, but night can make it easier to see the creature and your flames. Bring lights for visibility.

Final Notes

The Megaraptor is one of the most unique creatures added to ARK: Survival Ascended, combining area control, timing, and environmental tools into one memorable tame. Once you understand how the altar and fire work, the process becomes much easier.