How do I tame a Pteranodon early game in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Taming a Pteranodon early in ARK: Survival Evolved is a great way to gain mobility and access to areas that are otherwise difficult to reach. Pteranodons are flying creatures that can be tamed relatively easily, but they require careful preparation and execution. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to tame a Pteranodon, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To tame a Pteranodon, you will need to knock it out using tranquilizers and then feed it its preferred food. Pteranodons are carnivores, so they prefer raw meat, but using prime meat or kibble will speed up the taming process. The first step is to gather the necessary resources. You will need a slingshot or a bow with tranq arrows, narcotics or narcoberries to keep the Pteranodon unconscious, and the appropriate food. Early game, a slingshot is the most accessible tool for knocking out a Pteranodon, but a bow with tranq arrows is more efficient and requires fewer hits.

Once you have your tools and resources, the next step is to find a Pteranodon. They are commonly found near beaches and cliffs. When you locate one, approach it carefully. Pteranodons are skittish and will fly away if they feel threatened. To prevent this, you can build a simple taming pen using wooden structures like walls and a gate. Lure the Pteranodon into the pen and close the gate behind it. This will prevent it from escaping while you knock it out.

To knock out the Pteranodon, aim for its head with your slingshot or tranq arrows. Each hit will increase its torpor, but it will also start to decrease over time. Keep an eye on the torpor level and be ready to administer narcotics or narcoberries to keep it unconscious. Once the Pteranodon is knocked out, open its inventory and place the food inside. Raw meat is the most basic option, but prime meat or kibble will tame it faster. Kibble made from Dodo eggs is the most effective food for taming a Pteranodon, but it requires more preparation.

While the Pteranodon is taming, monitor its torpor and hunger levels. If the torpor drops too low, it will wake up, and you will have to start over. Keep a supply of narcotics or narcoberries on hand to maintain its torpor. The taming process can take some time, especially if you are using raw meat, so be patient. Once the taming bar is full, the Pteranodon will be yours.

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when taming a Pteranodon. One is not having enough narcotics or narcoberries to keep it unconscious. Another is using the wrong type of food, which can slow down the taming process. Additionally, failing to secure the Pteranodon in a taming pen can result in it flying away or being attacked by other creatures.

For advanced techniques, consider using a bola to immobilize the Pteranodon before knocking it out. This will make it easier to hit with your slingshot or tranq arrows. You can also use a taming calculator to determine the exact amount of food and time required for the tame. This can help you plan your resources more efficiently.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need stones and fiber for the slingshot, or wood, thatch, and flint for the bow and tranq arrows. For narcotics, you will need narcoberries and spoiled meat. If you are using kibble, you will need Dodo eggs, cooked meat, and other ingredients. Preparing these resources in advance will make the taming process smoother.

Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, taming a Pteranodon can be a valuable asset. In a tribe, you can divide the tasks, with one person gathering resources and another handling the taming process. Solo players will need to manage everything themselves, so preparation is key.

In specific scenarios, such as taming a high-level Pteranodon, you may need more resources and time. High-level creatures have higher torpor and hunger levels, so be prepared with extra narcotics and food. Additionally, consider the environment. Taming near water or in areas with many predators can be risky, so choose a safe location.

By following these steps and tips, you can successfully tame a Pteranodon early in ARK: Survival Evolved. This will give you a significant advantage in terms of mobility and exploration, helping you progress faster in the game.