Taming Quetzals in ARK: Survival Ascended

The Quetzal stands as one of the most coveted flying mounts in ARK: Survival Ascended due to its massive carrying capacity and aerial dominance. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to locating these majestic creatures, employing reliable trapping techniques, selecting the best taming foods, and managing the taming process for optimal results. Whether you’re a solo survivor or part of a tribe, mastering Quetzal taming unlocks new possibilities for transportation and base-building efficiency.

Understanding the Quetzal’s Role and Stats

Quetzals excel in utility, capable of hauling heavy loads across vast distances while soaring high above threats. Their base stats make them ideal for resource gathering and troop transport. Key attributes include:

• Health: 1200 base, scaling with +240 per wild level.
• Stamina: 800 base, with +40 per wild level, supporting prolonged flights.
• Weight: Exceptionally high, perfect for carrying large hauls.
• Melee Damage: Moderate, but enhanced when saddled for combat support.

Post-taming, these stats receive bonuses, especially in effectiveness-driven levels. A high-effectiveness tame can yield up to 73 extra levels on top of the wild base, reaching tamed levels around 223 for top specimens.

Prime Spawn Locations for Quetzals

Quetzals predominantly appear in elevated biomes, favoring highlands and mountain ranges where they can glide effortlessly. Interactive spawn maps highlight hotspots on maps like The Island, Scorched Earth, and others ported to Ascended. Focus on:

• High-altitude zones in the northern and southern mountain chains.
• Areas with minimal ground cover to spot them circling overhead.
• Avoid lowlands, as Quetzals rarely descend there naturally.

Use a fast flyer like a Pteranodon or Argentavis to scout efficiently. Look for their distinctive silhouette—large wingspan with a long tail—often patrolling in packs or solitarily.

Preparation Essentials Before the Hunt

Success hinges on thorough preparation. Stock up on:

• Flyer Mount: Argentavis preferred for weight and durability; Pteranodon as minimum.
• Luring Item: Giant Bee Honey, harvested from beehives, to draw Quetzals earthward.
• Trap Materials: 4-6 Dino Gateways, Stone Foundations/Walls, Spike Walls for security.
• Taming Gear: Longneck Rifle with Tranq Darts, Exceptional Kibble, Narcotics (quantities via dododex.com calculators).
• Saddle: Quetzal Saddle blueprint (level 74+ engram).

Calculate needs using tools like dododex.com, adjusting for server taming speed and weapon damage. For a level 150 perfect tame, expect 1 Exceptional Kibble and ample narcotics.

Method 1: Honey Lure Ground Trap

This beginner-friendly technique brings even high-level Quetzals (up to 150) to the ground safely, minimizing fall damage risks.

1. Locate Target: Spot a Quetzal from your flyer and position above it.
2. Deploy Honey: Drop Giant Bee Honey directly over its head, repeating to guide it downward toward a clear, flat area. Honey’s scent compels it to follow.
3. Build Trap on Approach: As it nears ground level, rapidly place Dino Gateways in a rectangle (e.g., 2×3 configuration). Add walls or ceilings if needed to prevent escape.
4. Secure and Clear: Once inside, close the gateway. Eliminate nearby threats with your flyer, then deploy Spike Walls around the perimeter.
5. Knockout Phase: Dismount, load your Longneck Rifle, and fire Tranq Darts into its body. Monitor torpor and administer Narcotics as it rises.

Taming time varies: 1:35 hours with Exceptional Kibble at 98% effectiveness.

Method 2: Aerial Box Trap Tame

For advanced players with a tamed flyer, this mid-air method avoids ground lures entirely.

1. Construct Box: Build a floating trap using Behemoth Gate Frame on one side, walls/ceilings forming a 6×4 foundation enclosure, with ramps leading to the gate.
2. Lure with Honey: Position near the Quetzal, tossing honey to draw it toward the trap opening.
3. Guide Inside: Fly your mount to encourage entry; once in, close the Behemoth Gate.
4. Tame Internally: Enter the trap safely and proceed with tranqs and food.

This setup ensures the Quetzal can’t flee upward during torpor buildup.

Method 3: Solo Chase and Shoot

A high-risk, no-trap option for solo players emphasizing speed.

1. Pursue Aggressively: Whistle your flyer to follow the target Quetzal while shooting Tranq Darts from behind.
2. Maintain Proximity: Stay low to the ground to catch it upon knockout, preventing fatal falls.
3. Land and Tame: Grapple or parachute if needed; feed immediately as torpor drops rapidly.

Ideal for low-level targets; riskier for high-level ones due to pack predators.

Taming Food Comparison Table

Data assumes default server settings.

Post-Tame Care and Raising

Juvenile Quetzals require 13+ hours of care. Enable auto-decay off in structures, use a secure pen with Cryopod storage for breaks. Mating interval is standard; imprint for stat boosts. Total maturation: Around 13 hours 13 minutes.

Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips

• Fall Damage: Always tame near flat terrain or use low-altitude pursuits.
• Predator Interference: Clear areas with Argentavis attacks before committing.
• Torpor Management: Quetzals wake quickly—keep Narcotics hotbarred.
• Server Boosts: Adjust calculations for x-rates; higher speeds reduce food needs.
• Multiple Tames: Trap several for a flock, enhancing tribe mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to tame a Quetzal?

With Exceptional Kibble, expect 1.5-2 hours for high-level targets under standard settings.

What’s the best food for Quetzal taming?

Exceptional Kibble offers the fastest time and highest effectiveness.

Can you tame Quetzals solo?

Yes, via chase method, but traps improve safety for high-level ones.

Where do Quetzals spawn most frequently?

Mountainous highlands on major maps.

Do Quetzals need a saddle to fly?

Yes, craft at level 74; essential for control and weight bonuses.