What is the best way to tame a high-level Pelagornis in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a high-level Pelagornis in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and execution due to its unique behavior and habitat. The Pelagornis is a seagull-like creature found near water, often flying over oceans, rivers, or lakes. It is a versatile tame, capable of both flying and landing on water, making it useful for fishing and transportation. However, its tendency to flee when attacked and its preference for aquatic environments make taming it a bit challenging. Below is a detailed guide to successfully tame a high-level Pelagornis.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of taming a Pelagornis. It is a passive tame, meaning you do not need to knock it out. Instead, you must approach it carefully and feed it its preferred food. The Pelagornis prefers fish meat, raw prime fish meat, or exceptional kibble. Exceptional kibble is the most effective option, as it significantly speeds up the taming process. However, if you do not have access to kibble, raw prime fish meat is the next best choice, followed by regular fish meat. You will also need a few narcotics or biotoxin to keep its torpor stable if it starts to wake up during the taming process.

To begin, locate a high-level Pelagornis near a body of water. They are commonly found flying over oceans or rivers, so search these areas. Once you spot one, prepare your taming supplies. If you are using fish meat, gather a large amount, as high-level Pelagornis require a lot of food to tame. If you are using exceptional kibble, ensure you have at least 10-15 pieces, depending on the level of the Pelagornis. Additionally, bring a crossbow with grappling hooks or a flying mount to help you reach the Pelagornis if it is flying high.

Next, approach the Pelagornis carefully. Since it is a passive tame, you must avoid startling it. If it flies away, you will need to chase it, which can be time-consuming. To prevent this, use a flying mount like an Argentavis or Pteranodon to get close to the Pelagornis without aggroing it. Once you are within range, dismount and approach it slowly. If it starts to fly away, use your grappling hook to latch onto it and reel yourself in. This will allow you to stay close and continue feeding it.

When you are close enough, open your inventory and place the preferred food in the last slot of your hotbar. This makes it easier to feed the Pelagornis quickly. Press the corresponding key to feed it, and wait for it to eat. After each feeding, there will be a cooldown period before you can feed it again. During this time, stay close to the Pelagornis to prevent it from flying away. If it starts to regain torpor, use narcotics or biotoxin to keep it sedated.

One important tip is to build a taming pen near the water where the Pelagornis is located. This can be a simple structure with walls and a roof to trap the Pelagornis once it lands. Lure it into the pen using fish meat or by leading it with a flying mount. Once inside, close the pen to prevent it from escaping. This makes the taming process much easier, as you do not have to chase it around.

Common mistakes to avoid include startling the Pelagornis before you start feeding it, which can cause it to fly away. Additionally, failing to monitor its torpor can result in it waking up and flying off. Always keep an eye on its torpor level and have narcotics or biotoxin ready. Another mistake is not bringing enough food. High-level Pelagornis require a significant amount of food, so ensure you have plenty before starting the tame.

For advanced techniques, consider using a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and time required for the specific level of Pelagornis you are taming. This can help you prepare more efficiently. Additionally, if you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to trap the Pelagornis and feed it simultaneously, speeding up the process. Solo players should focus on building a secure taming pen and using grappling hooks to stay close to the Pelagornis.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need fish meat, raw prime fish meat, or exceptional kibble, along with narcotics or biotoxin. If you are using fish meat, gather at least 50-100 pieces, depending on the level of the Pelagornis. For raw prime fish meat, 20-30 pieces should suffice. Exceptional kibble is the most efficient, requiring only 10-15 pieces. Additionally, bring a crossbow with grappling hooks, a flying mount, and materials to build a taming pen if necessary.

In conclusion, taming a high-level Pelagornis requires patience, preparation, and careful execution. By understanding its behavior, gathering the right resources, and using effective strategies like taming pens and grappling hooks, you can successfully tame this versatile creature. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, these tips and techniques will help you add a high-level Pelagornis to your team, enhancing your survival and exploration in ARK: Survival Evolved.