What is the best way to tame a Pteranodon early in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Pteranodon early in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial step for players looking to enhance their mobility and exploration capabilities. Pteranodons are fast-flying creatures that can significantly reduce travel time and provide a tactical advantage in both PvE and PvP scenarios. To tame a Pteranodon effectively, you need to understand the mechanics involved, prepare the necessary resources, and follow a strategic approach.

The first step in taming a Pteranodon is to gather the required resources. Pteranodons are carnivores, so you will need raw meat or prime meat to tame them. However, the most efficient taming food for Pteranodons is kibble, specifically Dodo Kibble. Early in the game, you may not have access to kibble, so raw meat is a viable alternative. Additionally, you will need narcotics or narcoberries to keep the Pteranodon unconscious during the taming process. Narcotics are more effective as they provide a higher torpor boost and last longer. You will also need a weapon to knock out the Pteranodon, such as a slingshot, bow with tranq arrows, or a crossbow with tranq arrows. Tranq arrows are more effective and require fewer shots to knock out the creature.

Once you have gathered the necessary resources, the next step is to locate a Pteranodon. Pteranodons are commonly found near beaches and coastal areas. They are relatively easy to spot due to their distinctive flying patterns. When you find a Pteranodon, approach it carefully to avoid aggroing it. Pteranodons are not aggressive unless provoked, but they will fly away if they feel threatened. To prevent the Pteranodon from escaping, you can build a simple taming pen using wooden structures. A taming pen with walls and a roof will trap the Pteranodon, making it easier to knock out and tame.

To knock out the Pteranodon, use your chosen weapon to shoot it with tranq arrows or stones from a slingshot. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain. Be mindful of the Pteranodon's torpor level, as it will decrease over time. You will need to administer narcotics or narcoberries to keep the Pteranodon unconscious. Once the Pteranodon is knocked out, access its inventory and place the raw meat or kibble in its inventory. The Pteranodon will start eating the food, and the taming bar will gradually fill up. Monitor the torpor level and continue to administer narcotics as needed to prevent the Pteranodon from waking up.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when taming a Pteranodon. First, always carry extra narcotics or narcoberries, as the torpor level can drop quickly, especially in higher-level Pteranodons. Second, avoid using melee weapons to knock out the Pteranodon, as this can cause unnecessary damage and potentially kill the creature. Third, be aware of your surroundings and ensure that no other predators are nearby that could attack you or the Pteranodon during the taming process. Fourth, if you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your tribe members to gather resources and protect the taming area. Solo players should prioritize safety and prepare thoroughly before attempting to tame a Pteranodon.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the amount of narcotics needed, failing to secure the taming area, and not having enough food to complete the taming process. Additionally, players often make the mistake of using low-quality food, which prolongs the taming process and increases the risk of the Pteranodon waking up. To optimize the taming process, use the best available food, such as kibble or prime meat, and ensure that you have a steady supply of narcotics.

Advanced techniques for taming a Pteranodon include using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and narcotics required based on the Pteranodon's level. This can help you prepare more efficiently and reduce the risk of running out of resources. Another advanced technique is to use a taming pen with a trapdoor, allowing you to easily trap and tame multiple Pteranodons without the need for constant monitoring.

In terms of resource requirements and preparation, you will need at least 10-20 tranq arrows, 50-100 narcotics, and a sufficient amount of raw meat or kibble. The exact amount will vary depending on the Pteranodon's level. For solo players, it is essential to gather these resources in advance and ensure that you have a safe location to conduct the taming process. Tribe players can divide the tasks, with some members gathering resources while others scout for Pteranodons and protect the taming area.

Specific examples and scenarios include taming a low-level Pteranodon on the beach near your base. In this scenario, you can use a simple taming pen made of wood and stone to trap the Pteranodon. Once trapped, use tranq arrows to knock it out and feed it raw meat. Another scenario involves taming a high-level Pteranodon in a more dangerous area, such as near a predator spawn. In this case, you will need to be more cautious and may require additional resources and preparation to ensure a successful tame.

In conclusion, taming a Pteranodon early in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, strategic planning, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully tame a Pteranodon and gain a valuable ally for exploration and survival. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, mastering the taming mechanics and optimizing your approach will greatly enhance your gameplay experience.