In ARK: Survival Evolved, mobility is crucial to survival, and few creatures offer the early-game freedom of movement quite like the Pteranodon. Taming a Pteranodon can open up a whole new world of possibilities, allowing you to scout terrain, escape danger, and travel efficiently across the island. However, despite being one of the first flyers most players tame, it’s not always obvious how to successfully tame one especially for beginners. Knowing how to tame a Pteranodon in ARK can give players a major advantage, and this guide covers every important step, from preparation to saddle crafting and beyond.
Why Tame a Pteranodon in ARK?
Benefits of a Pteranodon
The Pteranodon is one of the fastest flying creatures available early in the game. While it may not have the carrying capacity or combat power of larger flyers like the Argentavis or Quetzal, it excels at reconnaissance, resource scouting, and light transport. Some of its key advantages include:
- High speed: Ideal for quick travel and escaping threats.
- Easy to find: Commonly spawns on beaches and plains.
- Low taming difficulty: Does not require high-tier tranquilizers or kibble.
- Compact size: Fits in tight spaces and can land easily on ledges.
Best Use Cases
After taming, players typically use the Pteranodon for the following:
- Exploring new biomes safely.
- Scouting enemy bases in PvP environments.
- Quick supply runs or item retrieval.
- Transporting small amounts of resources or items between outposts.
Finding the Right Pteranodon
Spawn Locations
Pteranodons are relatively common and can often be found near shorelines, beaches, and open grasslands. Look for them flying in circles above clearings or resting on the ground. They tend to flee quickly if approached on foot, so patience is important.
Level Matters
Before taming, use a spyglass to check a Pteranodon’s level. Higher-level Pteranodons have better stamina and speed, which are both important for effective use. Taming a low-level one may be easier, but investing in a high-level Pteranodon pays off in the long run.
What You Need to Tame a Pteranodon
Tranquilizing Tools
To tame a Pteranodon, you’ll first need to knock it out. This can be done with a few different tools depending on your progression in the game:
- Slingshot: Effective early on, but requires headshots and careful timing.
- Bow with Tranq Arrows: More reliable and efficient.
- Crossbow with Tranq Arrows: Faster knockouts with fewer shots needed.
Trapping Is Optional
Some players use bolas to keep the Pteranodon grounded. This is highly recommended since the creature flies away immediately after taking damage. To do this:
- Wait for the Pteranodon to land.
- Use a bola to immobilize it.
- Quickly knock it out with your chosen tranquilizer.
Required Taming Food
Once unconscious, you need to feed the Pteranodon. There are a few food options, but some are more effective than others:
- Regular Kibble: Best option, resulting in faster taming and better stats.
- Raw Prime Meat: Great alternative if kibble isn’t available.
- Raw Meat: Slower taming and may reduce taming effectiveness.
- Fish Meat: Works, but not preferred.
Narcotics or Narcoberries
Bring narcotics or narcoberries to keep the Pteranodon unconscious during the taming process. Its torpor drops quickly, especially at lower levels, so check frequently and apply more narcotics as needed.
Taming Process Step-by-Step
1. Preparation
Make sure you’re fully prepared before trying to tame:
- Carry a bola or two.
- Bring enough tranq arrows or slingshots.
- Stock up on the best food available (kibble or prime meat preferred).
- Have narcotics or narcoberries on hand.
2. Bola and Knockout
When you spot a Pteranodon, wait until it lands, then approach quietly and throw a bola to pin it down. Once immobilized, fire tranq arrows at its head. Most low-level Pteranodons only require one or two arrows, but higher-level ones may need more. Once it’s knocked out, the taming begins.
3. Feed and Monitor
Open the inventory and place your chosen food in the Pteranodon’s inventory. Keep an eye on the torpor level and use narcotics or berries if it starts to wake up. The taming bar will slowly increase as it eats. Be patient, and do not let the torpor bar empty completely.
4. Tame Completed
Once tamed, the Pteranodon will stand up and be ready to follow your commands. Give it a name, set its behavior, and prepare for the next step making a saddle so you can ride it.
Crafting the Pteranodon Saddle
Unlocking the Engram
You can craft the Pteranodon Saddle once you reach level 38 and unlock the engram. It’s a relatively inexpensive saddle, making it accessible for mid-level players.
Materials Required
To craft the Pteranodon Saddle, you’ll need:
- 230 Hide
- 125 Fiber
- 75 Chitin, Keratin, or Shell Fragments
These materials can be gathered by hunting small dinosaurs and harvesting their corpses. Chitin and Keratin come from turtles, insects, and other armored creatures.
Tips for Using Your Tamed Pteranodon
Leveling Priorities
After taming, you’ll want to level your Pteranodon wisely. The following stats are especially useful:
- Stamina: Extends flight duration.
- Weight: Allows you to carry more items.
- Movement Speed: Boosts travel efficiency.
Flight Management
Pteranodons have limited stamina and must land frequently. Don’t let your mount run out of stamina mid-air, or it will force a landing, potentially into danger. Plan your flight paths with safe resting spots in mind.
Combat Use
While not built for heavy combat, the Pteranodon has a decent spin attack that can be useful for harassing smaller enemies or escaping predators. However, it’s best used as a transport or scout rather than a battle mount.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Chasing in the Air
Trying to knock out a Pteranodon while it’s flying is extremely difficult. Always wait for it to land and use a bola before attempting a knockout.
2. Using the Wrong Food
Using low-efficiency food like regular meat may lower taming effectiveness, reducing the number of bonus levels your Pteranodon gains after taming. If possible, always use kibble or prime meat.
3. Underestimating Torpor Drain
Pteranodons lose torpor quickly. If you don’t have narcotics ready, the creature might wake up before taming completes. Always over-prepare rather than risk losing progress.
Taming a Pteranodon in ARK is one of the most rewarding steps for early and mid-game players. It grants mobility, convenience, and access to areas otherwise unreachable on foot. With the right preparation bolas, tranquilizers, kibble, and narcotics the process becomes straightforward and reliable. Whether you’re scouting new areas, escaping predators, or simply enjoying the view from above, your tamed Pteranodon will quickly become one of your most valued companions in the prehistoric world of ARK: Survival Evolved.