Best Flying Tames In ARK Survival Ascended

Players entering the mid-game phase of ARK Survival Ascended are likely to incorporate flight as a primary means of navigating the island. With a plethora of Tames to choose from, it's essential to select the most suitable one. If you're soaring through the skies in ARK and want to ensure you've picked the optimal Tame for the job, we've got you covered.

Below, you'll find a detailed breakdown of our recommendations for the top flying mounts/tames in ARK Survival Ascended, outlining the utility each mount provides and highlighting potential drawbacks you should be aware of before taking flight. So, without further delay, let's dive right in.

Best Flying Tames in ARK Survival Ascended

We've previously explored the flight mechanics and available mounts in an article about flying in ARK Survival Ascended. In it, you'll find details about the game's flight dynamics. Concerning the mounts themselves, some outshine others. To assist you in selecting the most suitable one for your needs, we've identified the top three in the game:

3. Quetzal

Often dubbed the "mobile base," the Quetzal stands out for its unique ability to carry a complete base foundation on its back. This allows you to set up forging and crafting stations as well as transport dinos, providing a convenient resting spot regardless of your location.

The Quetzal also excels in battle due to its substantial health and stamina, enabling it to carry large dinos into combat. When equipped with tribe members and turrets on its platform, it also becomes a formidable force in aerial assaults.

Unfortunately, the Quetzal is limited in gathering abilities (unable to collect most resources independently) and relies on survivor actions to maximize its combat effectiveness. Nevertheless, it remains a valuable asset for survivors facing tough foes or large PvP groups.

2. Rhyniognatha

The Rhyniognatha claims a close second position as one of the best flying mounts in the game. Boasting multiple abilities, such as firing projectiles from its tail while airborne, a fear-inducing roar (a debuff to other dinos), a high defense stat for durability, and a significant carry weight, allowing it to transport larger creatures like a T-Rex.

Notably, it can disregard weight limitations inside chests, enabling easy transportation of vast resources, and it even serves as the only flying tame capable of carrying wild creatures with a Drag Weight above 400 up to 600. However, its complexity in taming, particularly for early-mid-game players, makes it less advisable as a first choice. So if you're prepared to deal with its difficult taming process and elevate your mount game, the Rhyniognatha is a worthy option.

1. Argentavis

Finally, we arrive at the top choice for flying in ARK Survival Ascended, according to our perspective – the Argentavis. This bird embodies the perfect combination of desirable traits in a flying mount: formidable damage output, a balanced mix of defense and offense stats, resource-gathering ability, and the capacity to carry smaller dinos. While it may not match the speed of some other tames, its convenience and utility compensate for this drawback.

Taming the Argentavis is comparatively straightforward, and once obtained, it allows you to transport substantial resources due to its high carry weight. The saddle on its back can even function as a makeshift Smithy, making it an ideal companion for adventurous survivors looking to explore, collect resources, fight enemies, and progress through the game, regardless of where you are in your journey. 

In conclusion, we've provided a comprehensive overview of the top three flying tames in ARK Survival Ascended. The exclusion of the Tapejara and Pteranodon from our list is based on their fewer unique features compared to the three highlighted mounts, positioning them as more entry-level flying tames. The recommended choices cater to various needs and should serve as dependable companions for your exploration of the Island.