What’s the Fastest Dino Mount in Ark: Survival Evolved? Buckle Up, Survivor!
The quest for speed is a constant in Ark: Survival Evolved. Whether you’re escaping a pack of Raptors, traversing vast landscapes, or just trying to get to that crucial supply drop first, having the fastest dino mount can be a game-changer. So, which dino reigns supreme in the speed department?
The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. While the Gallimimus is often touted as the speed demon, it’s more accurate to say that the Maewing is the fastest overall creature due to its gliding/flying capabilities. However, when considering solely ground speed, a well-leveled and imprinted Gallimimus with significant points invested in movement speed is incredibly fast and easily outpaces most ground dinos. So, for the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on the fastest ground dino, understanding the Maewing dominates in combined aerial and ground movement.
Let’s dive deeper into the world of Ark speedsters!
The Gallimimus: King of the Ground?
For years, the Gallimimus has held the title of the fastest rideable ground dinosaur in Ark. This herbivore specializes in one thing: running away. Its slender build, powerful legs, and lightweight frame make it an exceptional sprinter. With enough points pumped into Movement Speed, a Gallimimus can reach blistering speeds, leaving most other creatures eating its dust.
However, it’s crucial to remember the Gallimimus’s limitations. It has incredibly low health and damage output, making it vulnerable in combat. Its primary defense is its speed, so if you’re relying on a Gallimimus, be prepared to run – a lot! Despite its frailties, the Gallimimus’s saddle can accommodate up to three riders, making it a great transport for your squad when covering large distances.
Beyond the Gallimimus: Other Contenders
While the Gallimimus might be the fastest dedicated sprinter, several other creatures offer unique speed-related advantages:
- Equus: The Equus (horse) is a versatile mount with decent speed and the ability to craft primitive items from its saddle. With the right breeding and stat investment, it can be surprisingly quick and a useful all-around option.
- Procoptodon: This giant kangaroo boasts impressive jumping capabilities and the ability to carry a smaller creature (or a baby survivor) in its pouch. While not a pure speedster, its leaps allow for quick traversal of uneven terrain.
- Raptor: While outclassed by the Gallimimus in pure speed, the Raptor’s pack buff and ability to pounce on enemies make it a formidable and relatively fast predator.
Factors Affecting Speed
Several factors influence a dino’s speed in Ark:
- Base Speed: Each creature has a base movement speed stat that determines its inherent quickness.
- Movement Speed Stat: This stat can be increased by leveling up the dino and allocating points.
- Imprinting: Imprinting a dino as a baby grants a bonus to all stats, including movement speed.
- Saddle Weight: Heavier saddles can slightly reduce a dino’s speed.
- Rider Weight: While less impactful than saddle weight, a heavy rider can also slightly slow a dino down.
- Buffs and Debuffs: Certain buffs (like mate boost or pack bonus) and debuffs (like being encumbered) can affect speed.
Speed vs. Utility
Ultimately, choosing the “fastest” dino depends on your specific needs. If you need a pure speedster for escaping danger or covering vast distances, the Gallimimus is your best bet. However, if you need a more versatile mount that can also fight or carry resources, other options might be more suitable. Remember also that the GamesLearningSociety.org has a wealth of research showing how game design elements drive player behavior, so consider how the pursuit of “fastest” plays into your own motivations!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about speed and dinos in Ark:
1. Is the Gallimimus still the undisputed speed king in Ark?
On the ground, yes. A Gallimimus with significant points invested in Movement Speed can outrun almost anything. However, the Maewing’s gliding capabilities make it the fastest overall creature for traversing the map.
2. How much should I invest in Movement Speed on a Gallimimus?
As much as possible! The more points you put into Movement Speed, the faster your Gallimimus will be. Aim for at least 180-200% to outrun most threats.
3. What’s the best strategy for escaping danger on a Gallimimus?
Run in a zig-zag pattern to make it harder for predators to hit you. Also, be aware of your surroundings and try to avoid obstacles that could slow you down.
4. Can a Raptor outrun a Gallimimus?
No, a Gallimimus with sufficient points in Movement Speed will always be faster than a Raptor.
5. Does weight affect a Gallimimus’s speed?
Yes, weight can slightly reduce a Gallimimus’s speed. Try to keep your inventory light and use a lightweight saddle.
6. Is there any way to temporarily boost a dino’s speed?
Yes, consuming certain foods or using stimulants can temporarily boost a dino’s speed. For example, consuming Energy Brew or using Stimberries will provide a temporary speed boost.
7. What is the best way to tame a Gallimimus?
Gallimimus are non-violent tames, requiring you to feed them food. Use crops, or superior kibble for the best taming effectiveness.
8. Can I breed Gallimimus for better speed stats?
Yes! Breeding Gallimimus and focusing on increasing the Movement Speed stat can result in offspring with even faster base speeds.
9. What’s the fastest flyer in Ark?
The Wyvern is generally considered one of the fastest flyers, although the Tapejara can be very quick and maneuverable. As mentioned above, the Maewing has a faster overall flying speed, but the Wyvern has more combat capabilities.
10. Can a Pteranodon outrun a Wyvern?
A 180% Pteranodon can outrun a Wyvern. It’s recommended to have a 200% or more Pteranodon speed for safety.
11. What’s the easiest flyer to tame in Ark?
The Dimorphodon is one of the easiest flying creatures to tame. Use a bola and/or tranq arrows to knock them out of the sky, then feed them meat.
12. Is the Argentavis a fast flyer?
The Argentavis is not particularly fast. It’s more of a utility flyer, excelling at carrying heavy loads and providing a mobile crafting station with its saddle.
13. How can I increase the Movement Speed of my Pteranodon to escape danger?
Level up your Pteranodon and allocate points to the Movement Speed stat. Also, consider using stews to gain a temporary 25% speed boost.
14. What is the difference between a Gallimimus and a Struthiomimus?
The Gallimimus and the Struthiomimus are both ornithomimids, but they are distinct species. In Ark: Survival Evolved, only the Gallimimus is present and rideable. In real life, both dinosaurs would have been very similar!
15. I read that some people can “surf” on the Maewing. Is that true?
Yes, using the Maewing’s special abilities, players can gain significant momentum and “surf” across the water, making it a uniquely fast method of traversing water-heavy areas. This, coupled with its gliding, truly makes it the fastest method of getting around in Ark.
Conclusion
While the Gallimimus remains a top contender for the title of fastest ground mount in Ark: Survival Evolved, remember that its low health makes it a risky choice in dangerous areas. Evaluate your needs, consider the trade-offs, and choose the dino that best suits your playstyle. And, for a deeper dive into the psychology of gaming and learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Happy surviving, and may the odds (and your movement speed) be ever in your favor!