How do I tame a Pteranodon in ARK: Survival Evolved as a beginner?

Taming a Pteranodon in ARK: Survival Evolved is a great early-game goal for beginners, as this flying creature provides fast travel and easy access to hard-to-reach areas. The Pteranodon is a relatively simple dinosaur to tame, but it requires preparation and careful execution. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully tame a Pteranodon, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.

The Pteranodon is a passive flyer, meaning it will not attack you unless provoked. However, it is skittish and will flee if you get too close or attack it. To tame a Pteranodon, you must knock it unconscious using tranquilizing methods and then feed it its preferred food. The preferred food for a Pteranodon is raw meat, but using kibble (specifically Dodo Kibble) will significantly speed up the taming process and improve the taming effectiveness.

To begin, you will need to gather the necessary resources and tools. For a beginner, the most accessible method of knocking out a Pteranodon is using a slingshot or a bow with tranq arrows. You will also need narcotics or narcoberries to keep the Pteranodon unconscious during the taming process. Additionally, gather raw meat or prepare Dodo Kibble if possible. Dodo Kibble requires Dodo eggs, which can be obtained by taming and breeding Dodos, along with other ingredients like fiber, mejoberries, and cooked meat.

Once you have your tools and resources ready, locate a Pteranodon. These creatures are commonly found near beaches, cliffs, and other open areas. Approach carefully, as Pteranodons will fly away if you get too close. Use your slingshot or bow to shoot the Pteranodon with tranq arrows or stones. Aim for the head to maximize torpor gain. Be patient, as it may take several hits to knock it out. Once the Pteranodon is unconscious, quickly access its inventory and place the raw meat or Dodo Kibble inside. Monitor its torpor level and feed it narcotics or narcoberries as needed to keep it unconscious.

One common mistake beginners make is not preparing enough narcotics or narcoberries. If the Pteranodon wakes up before the taming process is complete, you will have to start over. Another mistake is not protecting the unconscious Pteranodon from other predators. Build a small taming pen or surround the area with wooden spikes to keep other creatures away. Additionally, avoid using weapons that deal too much damage, as this can kill the Pteranodon before it is knocked out.

For advanced players, using a taming pen can make the process much easier. Build a small enclosure with walls and a roof, then lure the Pteranodon inside using a bola or by aggroing it. Once inside, close the entrance and knock it out safely. This method prevents the Pteranodon from flying away and protects it from other threats. Another optimization is using a crossbow with tranq arrows, which deals more torpor and is more accurate than a slingshot.

If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and protect the taming area. One player can focus on knocking out the Pteranodon, while others gather narcotics or keep watch for predators. Solo players should prioritize preparation and ensure they have enough resources before starting the taming process.

In summary, taming a Pteranodon involves knocking it out with tranquilizing tools, feeding it raw meat or Dodo Kibble, and keeping it unconscious with narcotics. Prepare your tools and resources in advance, protect the unconscious Pteranodon from predators, and consider using a taming pen for added safety. With patience and careful execution, you will have a reliable flying mount to aid in your survival and exploration in ARK: Survival Evolved.