In the vast and dangerous world of Valheim, survival depends not just on crafting, fighting, and building, but also on forming useful relationships with the creatures that roam the land. One of the most powerful and awe-inspiring creatures you can tame is the Lox a large, woolly, reptilian beast found in the Plains biome. Taming a Lox is no easy task, but doing so offers unique advantages including transportation, companionship, and defense. Understanding the right steps and strategies to tame a Lox can be the difference between life and death in the harsh environments of Valheim.
What Is a Lox in Valheim?
Lox are massive, prehistoric-looking creatures that resemble a mix between a buffalo and a lizard. Covered in thick, dark fur and equipped with sharp tusks, Lox are native to the Plains biome one of the most dangerous regions in Valheim. They are usually found grazing in herds and can be aggressive if provoked. However, despite their intimidating appearance, Lox can be tamed, making them not only allies but also ridable mounts if you craft the proper equipment later in the game.
Why Tame a Lox?
Taming a Lox comes with several benefits that can make exploration and combat more manageable:
- Mountable: Once tamed and equipped with a saddle, Lox can be ridden, allowing for faster travel.
- Defensive Companion: A tamed Lox can help distract or fight enemies during skirmishes.
- Base Guarding: They can serve as protectors for your outposts in the Plains biome.
- Breeding (planned feature): Potential future updates may allow for Lox breeding and farming.
Where to Find Lox
Before attempting to tame a Lox, you need to know where to look. Lox only spawn in the Plains biome, which is characterized by golden grass, sparse trees, and deadly foes like Deathsquitos and Fulings. You should only attempt to tame a Lox once you’re well-equipped with mid to late-game armor and weapons, especially after defeating Moder, the fourth boss, to unlock access to the Plains biome more safely.
Scouting Safely
As you explore the Plains, look for Lox grazing in open areas, usually near the water. It’s best to clear the area of nearby enemies before beginning the taming process. Fulings and Deathsquitos can easily disrupt the taming attempt and put you in danger.
How to Prepare for Taming
Taming a Lox isn’t as simple as walking up and offering food. You’ll need patience, preparation, and a safe environment. Before approaching the creature, make sure you have the following:
- Plenty of Cloudberries: Lox can be tamed using Cloudberries, a bright red-orange fruit found in the Plains biome.
- Building Hammer and Materials: Use wood and stone to create enclosures or walls to protect the taming site.
- Food and Armor: Equip yourself with good food and armor in case things go wrong during the process.
Recommended Gear
- Padded Armor Set: Offers high protection suitable for the Plains biome.
- Black Metal Weapons: In case you need to defend against enemy mobs.
- Bow and Arrows: Useful for luring a Lox without getting too close.
Steps to Tame a Lox
Once you’ve found your target and cleared the area, follow these steps to tame a Lox in Valheim successfully:
1. Build a Taming Enclosure
Construct a sturdy enclosure using stakewalls or stone walls around the Lox. Alternatively, you can build it nearby and lure the Lox into it. Make sure the structure is large enough to contain the Lox and tall enough so it can’t escape or damage it easily.
2. Lure the Lox Inside
Use a bow or simply walk near the Lox to get its attention. Once it starts following you, lead it into the enclosure. Once inside, quickly run out and close the opening with more walls. Be careful, as Lox attacks can deal significant damage.
3. Add Cloudberries
After the Lox is contained, drop a good amount of Cloudberries into the enclosure. These berries are the only taming food for Lox at the moment. Walk away and give the Lox time to calm down. The taming process won’t begin until it is no longer agitated by your presence.
4. Wait and Monitor
The taming process takes real-time minutes. Stay close to the enclosure but out of the Lox’s sight. You can use sneak mode to monitor the taming progress from a distance. The Lox will periodically eat the Cloudberries and slowly become tame. A progress bar will appear above it once it starts eating.
5. Protect the Area
Make sure no Fulings or Deathsquitos enter the area and interrupt the taming. Reinforce your enclosure if needed and patrol the surroundings to eliminate threats. If the Lox is attacked or agitated again, the taming progress may stall or reverse.
After Taming a Lox
Once the Lox is fully tamed, it will no longer be aggressive toward you. It will follow you around and can be kept near your base. You can now move to the next exciting step: riding your Lox.
Crafting a Lox Saddle
To ride a tamed Lox, you’ll need to craft a Lox saddle using a Workbench. The saddle requires:
- 20 Linen Thread
- 15 Black Metal
- 10 Leather Scraps
Linen Thread is made at the Spinning Wheel using Flax, which you can farm after defeating Fulings and raiding their villages. Once the saddle is crafted, approach your tamed Lox and interact with it to equip the saddle.
Riding and Steering
Riding a Lox is an incredible experience. While mounted, you can control the direction and speed of the Lox, though its movement is slower than boats or portals. It’s more suited for exploring and looking cool than fast travel. You can’t attack from the Lox’s back, but it can be used as a distraction or pack animal (in future updates).
Tips and Warnings
Here are some additional tips to make your Lox taming experience smoother:
- Build the enclosure near your base for easier management.
- Use multiple Cloudberries to speed up the taming process.
- Do not attack the Lox once taming starts, or the progress will reset.
- You can tame more than one Lox to create a herd.
Future of Lox in Valheim
With Valheim still being developed and updated, Lox may receive more functionality in the future. Possible additions include breeding, pack carrying, and new combat features. This makes taming Lox not just a novelty, but an investment in future gameplay features that will enhance exploration and survival in the world of Valheim.
Taming a Lox in Valheim is one of the more rewarding challenges the game offers. It requires preparation, courage, and a bit of patience, but the payoff is well worth it. Whether you want a loyal companion, a powerful mount, or a unique guard for your base, the Lox is a beast worthy of your attention. Master the process, and you’ll add a new layer of power and prestige to your Viking legend.