How do I create a base with a functional lox pen for taming?

Creating a functional lox pen in Valheim is a rewarding project that combines aesthetics and practicality. Lox are massive, tamable creatures found in the Plains biome, and they can be used for transportation, combat, and resource gathering. To build a base with a lox pen, you’ll need to understand the game mechanics of taming, base building, and biome-specific challenges.\n\nFirst, locate a Plains biome. This is essential because lox only spawn in this biome. Ensure your base is nearby or within the Plains for easy access. Before attempting to tame lox, prepare by crafting a workbench, a hammer, and gathering materials like wood, stone, and core wood. You’ll also need a cultivator to grow barley and cloudberries, which are used to feed lox during the taming process.\n\nTo build the lox pen, start by selecting a flat area or terraforming the ground to create a level surface. Use raised earth walls or stone walls to create a sturdy enclosure. Lox are large and powerful, so the pen must be strong enough to contain them. A pen measuring at least 10x10 meters is recommended to give lox enough space to move around. Use gates or doors for entry and exit, but ensure they are reinforced to prevent lox from breaking out.\n\nOnce the pen is built, locate a lox in the wild. Approach cautiously, as lox are aggressive when provoked. Use a bow or ranged weapon to lure the lox into the pen. Once inside, close the gate and begin the taming process. Drop barley or cloudberries into the pen, ensuring the lox can reach them. Taming takes time, so be patient and avoid startling the lox by staying at a distance.\n\nA common challenge is keeping the lox safe from enemy attacks. Plains biomes are dangerous, with Fulings and Deathsquitos posing significant threats. To protect your lox, build defensive structures like stake walls or stone walls around the pen. Place workbenches or campfires nearby to prevent enemy spawns. Additionally, consider building a watchtower or elevated platform to monitor the area and defend against raids.\n\nFor aesthetic purposes, integrate the lox pen into your base design. Use decorative elements like banners, torches, or wooden beams to enhance the visual appeal. You can also create a feeding area with troughs made from wood or stone, adding a functional yet stylish touch. If you’re feeling ambitious, build a roofed shelter over part of the pen to protect the lox from rain and provide shade.\n\nFinally, remember that lox can be ridden once tamed. Craft a lox saddle using 10 leather scraps, 15 linen thread, and 20 black metal. Riding a lox is not only fun but also practical for traversing the Plains biome and transporting heavy loads. Keep your lox well-fed and safe, and they will become a valuable asset to your base.\n\nIn summary, creating a functional lox pen requires careful planning, biome-specific knowledge, and attention to detail. By following these steps, you can build a secure and visually appealing pen that enhances your Valheim base and provides a reliable source of tamed lox.