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 water-loving bird that can land on water surfaces, making it a versatile mount for both land and sea exploration. To tame one effectively, you need to understand its mechanics, prepare the right resources, and follow a step-by-step strategy.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of taming a Pelagornis. Pelagornis are passive tames, meaning you do not need to knock them out. Instead, you must approach them carefully and feed them their preferred food. Their preferred taming foods are Regular Kibble, Raw Mutton, Raw Prime Fish Meat, and Raw Prime Meat. Regular Kibble is the most effective, as it speeds up the taming process significantly. However, if you donÔÇÖt have kibble, Raw Mutton or Raw Prime Fish Meat are good alternatives. Raw Prime Fish Meat can be obtained by killing Coelacanths or Sabertooth Salmon, which are common in rivers and oceans.

To begin taming, you need to locate a Pelagornis. They are often found near bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, or coastlines. Once you spot one, approach it slowly and quietly. Pelagornis are skittish creatures, so sudden movements or loud noises can scare them away. If you have a Ghillie Suit, wearing it can help reduce your visibility and make it easier to get close. Additionally, crouching while moving will further reduce your chances of startling the bird.

When you are close enough, open your inventory and place the preferred food in the last slot of your hotbar. This allows you to quickly access it when needed. Approach the Pelagornis from behind or the side, as they are less likely to notice you. Once you are within range, feed it the food by pressing the corresponding hotkey. After feeding, the Pelagornis will become temporarily passive and will not flee. However, you must wait a short period before feeding it again. This cooldown period varies depending on the food type and the PelagornisÔÇÖs level.

During the taming process, itÔÇÖs important to monitor the PelagornisÔÇÖs surroundings. Other predators, such as Sarcosuchus or Piranhas, can attack the Pelagornis and disrupt the taming process. To prevent this, consider building a small taming pen near the waterÔÇÖs edge. Use stone or wooden structures to create a secure area where the Pelagornis can be lured and contained. Once inside the pen, you can safely feed it without worrying about external threats.

One common mistake players make is not preparing enough food for the taming process. High-level Pelagornis require a significant amount of food, so make sure you have plenty of Regular Kibble, Raw Mutton, or Raw Prime Fish Meat before starting. Additionally, avoid using low-quality food like Raw Meat, as it will take much longer to tame the Pelagornis and may result in a lower taming effectiveness.

Advanced techniques for taming a Pelagornis include using a Bola to immobilize it temporarily. While Pelagornis are passive tames, using a Bola can give you a few seconds to approach and feed it without it flying away. However, be cautious, as the BolaÔÇÖs effect is short-lived, and the Pelagornis may flee once it wears off. Another optimization is to use a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and time required for the specific level of Pelagornis you are taming. This helps you plan your resources and avoid running out of food mid-tame.

Resource preparation is crucial for a successful tame. In addition to the taming food, bring along a few stacks of Narcotics or Narcoberries to keep the Pelagornis unconscious if you accidentally aggro it. While Pelagornis are passive tames, mistakes can happen, and having these items on hand can save the tame. Also, bring a few Waterskins or a Canteen to stay hydrated, especially if you are taming near water.

For solo players, taming a Pelagornis can be challenging due to its skittish nature. However, with patience and careful movement, it is entirely possible. If you are in a tribe, consider having a teammate help by distracting the Pelagornis or guarding the area while you focus on feeding it. Tribe members can also assist in building a taming pen or gathering resources, making the process smoother.

In specific scenarios, such as taming a Pelagornis in a dangerous area, itÔÇÖs wise to clear the area of predators beforehand. Use a strong mount, like a Carnotaurus or Rex, to eliminate any threats before attempting the tame. Additionally, if you are taming near the ocean, be cautious of aquatic predators like Megalodons or Leedsichthys, which can attack both you and the Pelagornis.

In conclusion, taming a high-level Pelagornis requires preparation, patience, and attention to detail. By understanding its passive taming mechanics, gathering the right resources, and using strategies like taming pens or Bolas, you can successfully tame this versatile bird. Avoid common mistakes like insufficient food or startling the Pelagornis, and consider advanced techniques to optimize the process. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, a well-tamed Pelagornis can be a valuable asset for exploring both land and water in ARK: Survival Evolved.