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Outpacing the Flames: What’s Faster Than a Wyvern in ARK: Survival Evolved?

The skies of ARK: Survival Evolved are ruled by formidable creatures, none more iconic (and feared!) than the Wyvern. Obtaining a Wyvern egg, escaping an enraged Alpha Wyvern, or simply needing to get from point A to point B quickly often hinges on one crucial factor: speed. So, what can actually outpace these winged terrors? The short answer is: it depends. Several creatures, with the right stats and conditions, can leave a Wyvern eating dust (or scorched earth). The Pteranodon, Desmodus, Voidwyrm, and even an Argentavis with significant speed investment are viable contenders. Let’s delve into the specifics.

The Speed Demons of ARK

Here’s a detailed breakdown of creatures that can rival or surpass a Wyvern in terms of speed, along with the factors that influence their performance:

Pteranodon: The Pteranodon (Ptera) is your early-game speedster. A Pteranodon with around 180%-200% movement speed can outrun a standard Wyvern. For an Alpha Wyvern, aiming for the higher end (close to 200%) is essential. Stews can further boost speed, providing a crucial edge. However, Pteras are fragile. Prioritize agility and evasive maneuvers.
Desmodus: The Desmodus (Bat) is a game-changer, particularly on maps where it’s available. Its unique flight mechanics allow it to achieve incredible speeds. By aiming downwards and moving sideways, a Desmodus can effectively double the speed of a Wyvern. This makes it the ideal choice for rapid escapes and Wyvern egg snatching.
Voidwyrm: Found in Genesis: Part 2, the Voidwyrm is a powerful contender. These creatures boast superior speed and stamina compared to most other flyers, including Wyverns. Their drawback is a wide turning radius, requiring practice to master their maneuverability.
Argentavis: The trusty Argentavis (Argent) can be a surprisingly effective escape vehicle. While slower than a Ptera or Desmodus by default, an Argentavis with 200% or more movement speed can reliably outrun Wyverns. Their high carry weight also allows for carrying a second player and a Jerboa for added benefits.
Snow Owl: Don’t underestimate the Snow Owl. While not inherently faster, their imprinted speed boost (20%) and gliding ability can give them an advantage. Skilled players can use the Snow Owl’s turning radius and maneuverability to evade Wyvern attacks and even engage them in combat.
Gallimimus: This land-based option is a surprising contender. A tamed Gallimimus has a base speed of 2190. With a minimum of +6% Movement Speed, a player can effectively outrun a Wyvern. Due to it being on land, watch out for stamina.

Factors Affecting Speed

Several factors beyond the creature’s base stats influence its speed and ability to outrun a Wyvern:

Movement Speed Stat: This is the most crucial factor. Invest points into this stat during leveling to maximize speed.
Imprinting Bonus: Imprinting provides a significant stat boost, including speed. A fully imprinted creature will always be faster and more effective than an un-imprinted one.
Encumbrance: Carrying excessive weight drastically reduces speed. Travel light when trying to outrun Wyverns.
Buffs and Debuffs: Stews, like the Focal Chili, can provide temporary speed boosts. Conversely, status effects like being encumbered or webbed can slow you down.
Terrain: Flying close to the ground or navigating through obstacles can provide a speed advantage or disadvantage depending on the creature.

Strategies for Wyvern Evasion

Outrunning a Wyvern isn’t just about speed; it’s about strategy:

Knowing Your Creature’s Strengths: Each creature has its own advantages. Pteras are agile, Desmodus are incredibly fast, Argentavis are durable, and Voidwyrms have high stamina.
Using the Environment: Fly low to the ground, weave through trees and rocks, and exploit narrow passages to break line of sight and lose pursuing Wyverns.
Teamwork: Traveling with a friend allows one person to focus on piloting while the other provides support or watches for threats.
Traps: Luring Wyverns into traps is a reliable method for obtaining eggs or eliminating threats.
Dodging: Learning to time your dodges to avoid Wyvern breath attacks can significantly increase your survivability.
Whips: Remember whips can pick things up, If you use them correctly it will be faster to get the egg and run!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a Griffin outrun a Wyvern in Ark?

While Griffins were once considered speed demons, a speed nerf significantly impacted their performance. Currently, Griffins are generally slower than Wyverns, focusing more on maneuverability than raw speed.

2. What’s the best strategy for stealing Wyvern eggs?

The Desmodus is arguably the best choice for stealing Wyvern eggs due to its incredible speed and maneuverability. Alternatively, a well-leveled Pteranodon or Argentavis can also be used with careful planning and execution.

3. Is a Crystal Wyvern faster than a regular Wyvern?

Yes, Crystal Wyverns are faster than regular Wyverns, making them a good choice for traveling.

4. How much movement speed do I need on my Pteranodon to outrun an Alpha Wyvern?

Aim for 200% movement speed on your Pteranodon to reliably outrun an Alpha Wyvern. Use stews to gain a 25% movement speed gain on the pteranodon.

5. What is the rarest Wyvern type in Ark?

The Ice Wyvern is considered the rarest Wyvern type, although it’s also one of the weakest.

6. What is the fastest land dino in Ark?

According to the research, the Dodorex is the fastest land dino in Ark.

7. Can a Thylacoleo knock me off a Wyvern?

Yes, Thylacoleos can leap from trees and pin you off of any mount, including a Wyvern. Be cautious when flying through forested areas.

8. What is the fastest sea creature in Ark?

The Ichthyosaurus is the fastest sea creature in Ark, perfect for exploring underwater caves.

9. How long can a Wyvern survive without food?

Wyverns lose 1 good point per 10 seconds, and 360 points per hour. So 1 wyvern milk will sustain a wyvern for 3.33 hours due to it’s 1200 food points. If it’s a low level, it might not have 1200 points and have to be force fed milk to avoid starvation.

10. Do Wyverns have venom?

The wyvern (/ˈwaɪvərn/ WY-vərn, sometimes spelled wivern) is a type of mythical dragon with two legs, two wings, and often a pointed tail which is said to be a venomous stinger.

11. What is the strongest Wyvern?

Monster Hunter: The 10 Strongest Flying Wyverns 8 Rathalos.

12. Can a Tapejara outrun a wyvern?

202.2% movement speed is the bare minimum to lure a wyvern into a trap at GREAT RISK of loss of life. 225% will let you safely outrun them and is a widely accepted speed of preference for milk runs.

13. How fast does a wyvern starve?

Wyverns lose 1 good point per 10 seconds, and 360 points per hour.

14. Is a Pteranodon faster than a wyvern?

The Pteranodon is one of the fastest alternate flyers, although it is just BARELY faster than wild Wyverns (must not be encumbered) and has low health.

15. Do Desmodus eat blood?

Yes, Desmodus eat blood and are known as Vampire Bats

Conclusion

Outsmarting a Wyvern in ARK requires a combination of speed, strategy, and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics. While the Wyvern is a formidable predator, several creatures can outpace it under the right circumstances. Choosing the right mount, investing in movement speed, and employing clever tactics are key to surviving and thriving in the skies of ARK. Explore more about the intersection of games and learning at the Games Learning Society.

What is faster than a Wyvern ARK?