Mastering the art of securing food for a tamed Pteranodon is a critical milestone for any serious Ark survivor looking to dominate the skies. This magnificent flying mount offers unparalleled mobility and cargo capacity, but achieving that potential begins long before you even saddle up. Understanding the specific dietary needs and the nuances of the taming process is essential for efficiently building your aerial fleet.
The Dietary Requirements of the Pteranodon
The Pteranodon in Ark is a carnivorous creature, and its hunger must be sated with high-quality protein sources to initiate and complete the taming process. Unlike herbivores that graze on foliage, this creature requires a diet rich in meat to satisfy its fast metabolism. Players must prioritize raw meat or prime meat to ensure the taming efficiency is maximized and the process is completed in a reasonable timeframe.
Optimal Food Choices
When preparing to tame a Pteranodon, the quality of the food directly impacts the speed and success rate of the procedure. While the creature will accept standard raw meat, utilizing higher-tier food sources will drastically reduce the time you spend waiting and increase your chances of a smooth taming session.
Efficient Farming and Gathering Strategies
Securing enough food for a single taming can be a daunting task, but establishing a reliable farming system makes the process manageable. Focusing on creatures that drop prime meat ensures you have a consistent supply without constantly hunting dangerous predators. This preparation is key to avoiding setbacks when you finally locate a wild Pteranodon.
Utilize creatures like the Rex or Rock Drake, which drop prime meat upon harvest.
Set up traps or designated hunting grounds to streamline the collection process.
Preserve meat in a refrigerator or smoker to prevent spoilage during long expeditions.
Consider using a specialized berry farm to supplement your food storage for early-level nourishment.
The Taming Process and Utilization
Once you have gathered sufficient food, the taming process itself requires careful attention to your surroundings. The Pteranodon is vulnerable while feeding, but the area must be cleared of aggressive ground predators that could interrupt the procedure. Using a bola to temporarily ground the creature allows for a safer application of the food, reducing the risk of being attacked during the vulnerable feeding animation.
Advanced Tips for Speed and Safety
Experienced players understand that efficiency is just as important as having the right food. Utilizing a tribe mate to distract the wild creature or using a shock rifle to quickly subdue it can save valuable time and resources. The goal is to minimize the window of vulnerability for both the player and the tamed creature, ensuring the transition from wild to domesticated is as smooth as possible.
Maintaining Your Aerial Asset
After the taming process is complete, the relationship shifts from acquisition to maintenance. A Pteranodon requires a steady intake of food to remain loyal and active. Neglecting this duty will result in the creature fleeing or becoming aggressive, undoing all the effort invested in the initial taming. Consistent feeding schedules are non-negotiable for keeping your mount operational.