How To Tame A Pteranodon In Ark Complete Taming Guide

Taming a Pteranodon is one of the most vital early-game milestones for any survivor in ARK: Survival Evolved. As the first accessible flying creature, this skittish reptile opens up faster travel across the island, making scouting and resource gathering much safer. Understanding the right preparation and knock-out techniques ensures a smooth taming process.

Preparing Tools and Locating the Pteranodon

Before approaching a Pteranodon, you need to gather specific gear to trap and knock out the creature efficiently. Crafting a bola is essential because Pteranodons take flight immediately when threatened or attacked. Pair your bola with a bow or crossbow loaded with tranquilizer arrows to render the target unconscious quickly.

Pteranodons are most commonly spotted patrolling shoreline beaches and open grassland areas. Wait patiently until the creature lands on the ground to rest before attempting to immobilize it. Throwing a bola while it is grounded secures it in place, allowing you to land safe tranq shots to the body or head.

Optimal Diet and Feeding Strategies

Once the creature is unconscious, you must place suitable food directly into its inventory so it begins taming. Pteranodons are carnivores, meaning they respond best to meat-based diets. For maximum efficiency and speed, feeding them Regular Kibble yields the best taming effectiveness.

If kibble is unavailable during your early game progression, high-tier meats like Raw Mutton or Raw Prime Meat serve as excellent alternatives. Standard Raw Meat works as well, though it requires more time and reduces the overall stat bonus. Never force-feed the taming food directly, as the creature will eat naturally as its hunger meter drops.

Managing Torpidity and Protecting the Tame

Pteranodons have relatively low torpor pools, which means they can wake up quickly if left unmonitored. Keep a steady supply of Narcotics or Narcoberries in their inventory to keep them asleep throughout the process. Manually force-feeding these specific items restores their torpor bar without disrupting the taming progress.

Wild predators like Raptors or Dilophosaurs frequently attack unconscious tames along open beaches. Surrounding the fallen creature with temporary wooden spike walls provides a safe barrier against roaming threats. Maintaining high torpor and securing the perimeter guarantees a successful tame every time.

Crafting the Saddle for Takeoff

After successfully taming your Pteranodon, riding it requires a specialized saddle unlocked at survivor level 38. Crafting this item requires collecting Hide, Fiber, and Chitin or Keratin. Once equipped, you can take to the skies and explore new territories with incredible speed.