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. The Pelagornis 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, but it will also accept regular raw meat or prime fish meat for faster taming. Using fish meat is the most efficient option, as it is easier to obtain and provides a decent taming speed. Prime fish meat is even better but harder to acquire, as it requires killing large fish like Coelacanths or Sabertooth Salmon. Kibble made from Dodo eggs is the best option for taming, as it significantly speeds up the process and increases taming effectiveness.

To begin taming, you need to locate a Pelagornis. These creatures are commonly found near coastlines, rivers, or shallow waters. Once you spot one, approach it slowly and crouch to avoid startling it. Pelagornis are skittish and will fly away if you get too close or move too quickly. ItÔÇÖs best to wear Ghillie armor to reduce your visibility and make it easier to approach. If you donÔÇÖt have Ghillie armor, staying low and moving slowly will still work, but youÔÇÖll need to be extra cautious.

When youÔÇÖre close enough, open your inventory and place the preferred food (fish meat, prime fish meat, or Dodo Kibble) in the last slot of your hotbar. This allows you to quickly feed the Pelagornis without fumbling through your inventory. Feed it the food, then back away slightly to give it time to eat. Repeat this process until the taming bar is full. Be patient, as passive taming can take some time, especially for high-level Pelagornis.

One important tip is to avoid feeding the Pelagornis while it is flying. If it takes off, wait for it to land again before attempting to feed it. You can also use a Bola to temporarily immobilize it, but this is risky as it may cause the Pelagornis to flee once the Bola wears off. Another consideration is the presence of predators. Pelagornis are often found near dangerous creatures like Megalodons or Sarcosuchus, so clear the area of threats before starting the taming process.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing the approach, feeding the wrong type of food, or attempting to tame in a dangerous area. Always ensure you have enough food and that the area is safe before beginning. Additionally, avoid using weapons or tools that could accidentally harm the Pelagornis, as this will reset its taming progress.

For advanced techniques, consider building a taming pen near the water. Use stone or metal structures to create a small enclosure with a ramp leading into it. Lure the Pelagornis into the pen using fish meat or by aggroing it slightly, then trap it inside. This prevents it from flying away and makes the taming process much easier. You can also use a flying mount like an Argentavis to carry the Pelagornis to a safer location for taming.

Resource preparation is key. Gather plenty of fish meat by fishing or killing Coelacanths. If you plan to use Dodo Kibble, ensure you have a steady supply of Dodo eggs and the necessary ingredients to craft the kibble. Bring extra food and supplies in case the taming process takes longer than expected.

For tribe or solo considerations, taming a Pelagornis is manageable alone, but having a tribe member assist can make the process faster and safer. One player can distract or protect the Pelagornis while the other feeds it. In solo play, focus on preparation and patience to ensure success.

In specific scenarios, such as taming in a dangerous area, use a raft to create a mobile taming pen. Drive the raft close to the Pelagornis, lure it onto the raft, and then trap it. This allows you to move the Pelagornis to a safer location for taming. Alternatively, use a flying mount to carry the Pelagornis to a secure base.

By following these steps and tips, you can successfully tame a high-level Pelagornis and add a versatile mount to your collection. Its ability to land on water makes it an excellent choice for exploring coastal areas and gathering resources from the ocean. With proper preparation and strategy, taming a Pelagornis becomes a rewarding and straightforward process.