Ark Ascended: Your Ultimate Pteranodon Taming Guide!

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Hey there, fellow Ark survivors! Ready to take to the skies and become a Pteranodon pilot in Ark Ascended? These majestic creatures are not just great for traversing the map; they're also fantastic for resource gathering and early-game combat. Taming a Pteranodon can feel a bit daunting at first, but don't worry, this guide will break down everything you need to know, from finding these feathered friends to keeping them happy and healthy. Let's dive in and get you soaring through the Ark skies!

Finding Your Pteranodon: Where to Look

First things first, let's locate these flying beauties. Pteranodons are relatively common in Ark Ascended, but knowing their preferred habitats will save you a lot of time. You'll typically find them in the following areas:

Beaches and Coastlines: Often, they'll be soaring around the beaches, searching for fish and other creatures. Keep an eye out when you're exploring the starting areas. These areas are usually the easiest to access early on.
Mountains and Cliffs: Pteranodons love to nest on cliffs and mountains, especially those with good vantage points. This makes them tricky to spot, but also provides great opportunities for ambushing. Scout the high ground carefully.
Canyons and Valleys: These areas often provide the thermals and updrafts they enjoy, so explore these regions to boost your chances.

Scouting and Preparation are Key!

Before you go hunting for a Pteranodon, here are some essential tips:

Binoculars or a Spyglass: These are your best friends for spotting Pteranodons from a distance. Use them to scan the skies and cliffs.
A good mount: A fast land mount can be beneficial, particularly if you need to chase them. Raptors, for example, are a solid choice.
Scout the Area: Spend some time surveying the area you intend to search. Note any dangers, like predators, or advantageous locations for trapping your target. Remember, it's always best to be over-prepared.

Once you've located a Pteranodon, the real work begins. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the taming process.

The Taming Process: Knocking Out the Competition

Alright, so you've found a Pteranodon, and now it's time to tame it. Unlike some creatures in Ark Ascended, Pteranodons need to be knocked unconscious before you can feed them. This requires some careful planning and execution. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the best method:

Step 1: Gathering Supplies for Knockout

You'll need the right tools to bring the Pteranodon down safely. There are a few options here, each with its pros and cons.

Tranq Arrows: These are probably your go-to early game. They do torpor damage over time, which is effective for knocking out the Pteranodon without killing it. Craft them using regular arrows and narcotics. It's usually a good idea to bring a lot, you don't want to run out mid-tame.
Bow or Crossbow: You’ll need either of these to fire your tranq arrows. Crossbows are slightly more accurate at the cost of being slower to fire.
Longneck Rifle: If you have access to a Longneck Rifle and tranq darts, the process becomes significantly easier. The rifle's range and the darts' potency make knocking out a Pteranodon from a distance a breeze. This is the optimal strategy if available.

Step 2: Selecting Your Target and Planning Your Approach

Choose your Pteranodon carefully. Consider the surrounding environment. Are there other predators nearby? Is the terrain safe for you to move around? Here are some strategies:

Lure it to a Safe Area: If possible, try to lure the Pteranodon away from dangerous creatures. A good spot is a secluded area free from predators.
Use Terrain to Your Advantage: Mountains, cliffs, and structures can provide cover. Use these to get closer without being spotted or to make the Pteranodon easier to hit.

Step 3: Knocking Out the Pteranodon

This is where things get tense. Here's how to do it efficiently:

Positioning: Get into a good position to shoot the Pteranodon. Range is key. The closer you are, the more effective your shots will be. However, stay far enough to avoid getting attacked.
Aiming: Aim for the Pteranodon's head for maximum torpor damage. The body works too, but you'll get more bang for your buck by aiming for the head. It's also worth noting that the Pteranodon will move, so factor in bullet drop and travel time.
Shooting: Start shooting, and keep an eye on the Pteranodon's torpor level. You need to hit it enough times to make it unconscious but not enough to kill it. If you're using tranq arrows, keep in mind they do damage over time, and be careful of overdoing it.
Be Prepared: Be ready for the Pteranodon to try to fly away. This can happen, so be ready to follow it if necessary.

Step 4: Securing the Pteranodon

Once the Pteranodon is down, it's time to secure it. This means protecting it from predators and keeping its torpor up.

Build a Temporary Enclosure: Quickly build some walls around the unconscious Pteranodon to protect it. Even a small fence will do in a pinch, as most predators are more interested in you than the dino.
Guardian Duty: Stay near the Pteranodon. Keep an eye out for predators, and be ready to defend your prize.

That's it, guys. The hardest part is over! Now, let's learn how to feed your new friend.

Feeding Your New Friend: The Right Diet for a Happy Pteranodon

Alright, you've got your unconscious Pteranodon safely secured. Now comes the crucial step: feeding it. The right food is critical to taming efficiency. This is where you need to have the right resources and the know-how to keep the taming process going.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Food

Pteranodons prefer meat, but they'll also eat other types of food. The most effective options are:

Raw Prime Meat: This is by far the best choice for taming. It provides a significant boost to taming effectiveness, shortening the time it takes to tame the Pteranodon. You'll get prime meat from high-level creatures like the Carnotaurus or the Rex.
Raw Meat: A more readily available alternative, Raw Meat works but will take longer to tame the Pteranodon. It's a solid choice if you don't have access to prime meat.
Kibble: Kibble can be extremely effective, but you need to know which type of kibble to use. The best kibble for taming a Pteranodon is Exceptional Kibble This can significantly speed up the taming process. Make sure to learn how to make it before you start!

Step 2: Inventory Management and Feeding Process

Here’s how to feed the Pteranodon and keep the process going smoothly:

Place Food in its Inventory: Open the Pteranodon's inventory and place the food inside. Make sure to have a stack of food ready.
Monitor Torpor: As mentioned earlier, Pteranodons regain consciousness over time. Make sure you have Narcoberries or Narcotics on hand to keep the torpor up.
Use Narcotics or Narcoberries: Narcotics (or Narcoberries, for early-game taming) are crucial for keeping the Pteranodon unconscious. They increase the torpor level, preventing it from waking up. Place these in the Pteranodon's inventory as well. You'll need to feed it regularly, or your taming progress will be reset.
Taming Progress: Keep an eye on the taming bar. This will tell you how far along you are in the taming process. It also gives you an estimate of how long it will take to complete.

Step 3: Staying Vigilant During Taming

Monitor Torpor Regularly: Check the torpor level of the Pteranodon frequently, and top it up with Narcotics or Narcoberries as needed.
Defend the Pteranodon: Keep a watchful eye out for any predators that might try to attack it. Protect your investment!
Be Patient: Taming can take some time. Remain patient and keep providing food and narcotics until the taming bar reaches 100%.

Post-Taming: What to Do With Your New Pteranodon

Congratulations, you've successfully tamed a Pteranodon! So, what now? These flying creatures are incredibly versatile, offering several benefits:

Step 1: Saddle Up!

First things first, you'll need a Pteranodon Saddle to ride it. You can craft this at a Smithy once you've reached level 38. Saddles are essential, so make sure to get one ASAP.

Step 2: Exploring the Skies

Now, it's time to take to the skies! The Pteranodon is a fantastic mount for exploration. Here are some things you can do:

Travel Quickly: They are one of the fastest ways to travel across the Ark, making them perfect for reaching new areas or escaping danger.
Scout from Above: Use your Pteranodon to scout for resources, potential base locations, or enemy players.
Transport Resources: They can carry a decent amount of weight, making them excellent for transporting resources or loot.

Step 3: Gathering Resources

Pteranodons are also great for gathering resources. They excel at:

Harvesting Berries: Use them to quickly gather large amounts of berries.
Gathering Resources from the Air: They can make it easier to reach difficult to reach resources, such as those on high cliffs.

Step 4: Combat and Utility

Pteranodons are more than just a means of transportation. They can be very useful in various situations.

Early Game Combat: While not as powerful as other creatures, they can still do damage in combat, especially when swooping down on enemies.
Base Defense: Use them to patrol your base and spot intruders.
Distraction: They can be used as a distraction to lure creatures away from your base or a specific area.

Advanced Taming Tips and Tricks

Want to optimize your Pteranodon taming even further? Here are some pro tips:

Taming Multipliers: Check your server settings for taming multipliers. Higher multipliers significantly speed up the taming process.
Taming Efficiency: Keep the Pteranodon's torpor as high as possible. This ensures that you get the most out of each feeding session.
Imprinting: Once your Pteranodon is tamed, consider imprinting it. This increases its stats and provides bonuses, which will improve it over time.
Cryopods: Carry Cryopods to quickly transport your Pteranodon. This also allows you to keep it safe when not in use.
Check the Stats: Before you start the taming process, check the Pteranodon's stats. This will let you know what you are getting and if it is worth your time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes that can derail your taming efforts:

Not Enough Narcotics: Running out of Narcotics is a classic mistake. Always bring more than you think you need.
Overlooking the Surroundings: Ignoring potential threats can lead to the death of your Pteranodon or yourself.
Using the Wrong Food: Using inferior food will drastically slow down the taming process.
Not Monitoring Torpor: Neglecting the Pteranodon's torpor level will cause it to wake up and ruin your progress.
Not Protecting Your Target: Leaving the Pteranodon unguarded is an easy way to lose your prize. Keep it safe!

Conclusion: Soaring to Success!

Taming a Pteranodon in Ark Ascended is a rewarding experience. It provides a massive advantage, especially in the early game. With the right preparation, patience, and knowledge, you can become a skilled Pteranodon tamer and dominate the skies. Have fun, keep exploring, and enjoy the adventure! Happy taming, guys!