Tapejara vs. Pteranodon: Which Flyer Reigns Supreme in Ark?
The question of whether a Tapejara is better than a Pteranodon in Ark: Survival Evolved isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends entirely on what you need the flyer for. The Pteranodon is generally easier to tame and offers superior speed for long-distance travel and quick escapes, especially in the early to mid-game. However, the Tapejara shines with its versatility, maneuverability, and the ability to carry multiple riders, making it a tactical asset for combat, exploration, and utility tasks. Ultimately, the “better” flyer is the one that best suits your current needs and playstyle within the Ark.
Decoding the Dinos: A Comparative Analysis
Choosing between a Pteranodon and a Tapejara in Ark is like choosing between a sports car and a utility truck. Both have their strengths, and understanding these nuances is crucial for survival.
Pteranodon: The Speed Demon
- Speed and Stamina: The Pteranodon’s primary strength lies in its speed. It boasts a significantly higher sprint speed than the Tapejara, allowing for faster travel across the map. While its base speed might be slightly lower (Pteranodon base speed 600, Tapejara base speed 700), the Pteranodon’s sprint speed potential makes it the faster option for long distances. Stamina management is essential, but with proper leveling, a Pteranodon can cover vast distances quickly.
- Ease of Taming: The Pteranodon is renowned for its ease of taming. It is a docile creature that generally doesn’t attack unless provoked. A simple bola and some well-placed tranquilizer darts are usually sufficient for a successful tame, making it an ideal early-game flyer.
- Early-Game Utility: The Pteranodon’s speed and ease of taming make it invaluable in the early to mid-game. It is perfect for scouting locations, gathering resources, and escaping dangerous situations. It provides a significant advantage in exploring the Ark’s diverse landscapes.
- Wyvern Escapes: A properly leveled Pteranodon can outrun a Wyvern, especially with some stew buffs. Reports suggest that a Pteranodon with 180%-200% movement speed can effectively evade these dangerous creatures.
Tapejara: The Versatile All-Rounder
- Maneuverability and Combat: The Tapejara excels in maneuverability. It can cling to walls, fly backwards, and hover, providing a tactical advantage in combat. Warlike tribes often use them as aerial rotorcraft, capable of rapid positional changes and aggressive agility.
- Multi-Rider Capability: The Tapejara saddle can accommodate up to three riders, making it ideal for cooperative gameplay. One player can pilot while others provide support with weapons or tools.
- Resource Gathering and Utility: The Tapejara can carry small dinos, making it useful for transporting tames or gathering creatures for specific purposes. Its versatility extends beyond combat, making it a valuable asset for various tasks.
- Wyvern Luring: With a movement speed of 225%, a Tapejara can safely outrun Wyverns, making it a popular choice for milk runs. However, attempting this with speeds around 202.2% involves significant risk.
Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the choice between a Tapejara and a Pteranodon depends on your immediate goals and long-term strategies. If you prioritize speed and easy taming, the Pteranodon is the clear winner. However, if you value versatility, combat prowess, and multi-rider capability, the Tapejara is the superior choice.
FAQs: Unveiling the Mysteries of Ark’s Flyers
1. What is faster, a Tapejara or a Pteranodon?
While the Tapejara has a slightly higher base speed, the Pteranodon’s sprint speed potential makes it faster overall for covering long distances.
2. What is a Tapejara good for?
The Tapejara is excellent for combat, resource gathering, multi-rider transport, and maneuvering in tight spaces. Its versatility makes it a valuable asset for many tasks.
3. Can a Tapejara outrun a Wyvern?
Yes, a Tapejara with approximately 225% movement speed can safely outrun a Wyvern. Speeds around 202.2% are risky and may result in death.
4. Can a Pteranodon outfly a Wyvern?
A Pteranodon with 180%-200% movement speed can outrun a normal Wyvern. Alpha Wyverns require higher speeds for evasion. Using stews can temporarily boost speed by 25%.
5. What is the easiest flying Dino to tame in Ark?
The Pteranodon is one of the easiest flying dinos to tame due to its docile nature.
6. Is a Tapejara hard to tame?
Yes, Tapejaras are notoriously difficult to tame. Bolaing them and using tranquilizer darts with a longneck rifle is a recommended approach.
7. What kills Wyverns?
The Wyvern is vulnerable to the frostburn debuff, making frost-based weapons effective. Strong weapons like beam swords can also dispatch them quickly.
8. Are Tapejaras worth it?
Yes, Tapejaras are valuable for their versatility, combat capabilities, and multi-rider support. They are a strong alternative to Pteranodons.
9. Are Tapejaras rare?
Tapejaras are relatively rare and tend to flee when approached.
10. Is there a Tek Tapejara?
Yes, there is a Tek Tapejara Saddle, which includes a laser gun that consumes element.
11. What can a Tapejara carry?
The Tapejara can carry small dinos like Compys, Dilos, Dodos, and Jerboas.
12. Can Tapejaras be Bola’d?
Yes, Tapejaras can be bola’d, which is a common strategy for taming them.
13. What did Tapejara eat?
Tapejaras likely had a diet of fruits and seeds, similar to modern-day parrots and hornbills.
14. Can two people ride a Tapejara?
Yes, the Tapejara saddle allows for up to three riders: a pilot and two passengers.
15. Is A Tapejara good in Ark?
The Tapejara is an excellent tame in Ark, providing a safe way to take out powerful creatures and offering early to mid-game utility.
The world of Ark: Survival Evolved is vast and complex, and the choices you make regarding your tames can significantly impact your survival and success. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of creatures like the Tapejara and Pteranodon allows you to make informed decisions, optimizing your gameplay experience. For those interested in further exploring the dynamics of games and learning, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.