How do I breed for high armor penetration in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding for high armor penetration in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a deep understanding of the game's breeding mechanics, stat inheritance, and mutation systems. Armor penetration is not a direct stat that can be bred into creatures, but it is influenced by the creature's melee damage stat. Higher melee damage increases the effectiveness of attacks against armored targets, effectively improving armor penetration. To achieve this, you need to focus on breeding creatures with high melee damage stats and potentially introduce mutations to further enhance this stat.

The first step in breeding for high melee damage is to select two creatures of the same species with high base melee damage stats. These creatures will serve as the foundation of your breeding line. You can find high-level creatures in the wild and tame them, or you can obtain them from other players or tribes. Once you have your breeding pair, place them in a secure and controlled environment, such as a breeding pen within your base. Ensure they are well-fed and have the necessary resources to initiate the breeding process.

When the breeding process begins, the female will lay an egg (for egg-laying species) or become pregnant (for live-bearing species). The egg or baby will inherit stats from both parents. Each stat, including melee damage, has a 55% chance to be inherited from either parent. This means there is a chance the offspring will have a higher melee damage stat than either parent if it inherits the higher stat from one parent and a favorable mutation occurs.

Mutations are rare and random, but they can significantly boost a creature's stats. Each mutation increases a stat by two levels and can also change the creature's color. To maximize the chances of getting a mutation in the melee damage stat, you need to breed multiple generations of creatures. Keep track of the stats of each offspring and select the ones with the highest melee damage to continue the breeding line. Over time, you can stack mutations to create a creature with exceptionally high melee damage.

One important tip is to use a breeding calculator or spreadsheet to track the stats and mutations of your creatures. This will help you identify which creatures to breed together to achieve your desired results. Additionally, ensure you have a steady supply of food and resources to care for the babies as they grow. Babies require constant attention, including feeding and imprinting, to reach their full potential.

Imprinting is a crucial aspect of breeding. By interacting with the baby during its growth stages, you can increase its stats and loyalty. Proper imprinting can significantly enhance the creature's melee damage and overall effectiveness in combat. Make sure to allocate time for imprinting and have the necessary resources, such as kibble or other preferred foods, to maximize the imprinting bonus.

Common mistakes to avoid include breeding creatures with low base stats, neglecting to track mutations, and failing to properly care for the babies. Breeding low-stat creatures will result in weaker offspring, making it harder to achieve high melee damage. Not tracking mutations can lead to confusion and missed opportunities to stack beneficial mutations. Neglecting baby care can result in stunted growth or even the death of the offspring, wasting valuable time and resources.

Advanced techniques involve creating separate breeding lines for different stats and then combining them to create a super creature. For example, you could breed one line for high melee damage and another for high health, then breed the best offspring from each line together. This requires careful planning and tracking but can result in a creature with exceptional stats across the board.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food, such as meat or berries, depending on the species. You will also need a secure base with breeding pens, incubators for eggs, and storage for resources. If you are playing solo, managing these resources can be challenging, so it's important to plan ahead and stockpile necessary items. In a tribe, you can divide responsibilities among members to make the process more efficient.

Specific examples of creatures that benefit from high melee damage include the Rex, Spino, and Therizinosaurus. These creatures are commonly used in boss fights and PvP combat, where high melee damage is crucial. By breeding for high melee damage, you can create powerful creatures capable of taking down armored opponents and bosses with ease.

In conclusion, breeding for high armor penetration in ARK: Survival Evolved involves focusing on the melee damage stat through careful selection, breeding, and mutation stacking. By following the steps outlined above, avoiding common mistakes, and utilizing advanced techniques, you can create powerful creatures with exceptional melee damage. Proper resource management, base building, and tribe coordination are essential for success in this complex and rewarding aspect of the game.