How do I breed for high knockback damage in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding for high knockback damage in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of selective breeding, stat inheritance, and mutations. Knockback damage is primarily determined by the melee damage stat of a creature, as higher melee damage increases the knockback effect when attacking. To achieve this, you will need to focus on breeding creatures with high melee damage stats and potentially introduce mutations to further enhance this stat. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of breeding and stat inheritance. When two creatures breed, the offspring inherits stats from either parent. Each stat, including melee damage, has a 55% chance to be inherited from one parent and a 45% chance from the other. This means you need to start with a pair of creatures that have high melee damage stats. The higher the base melee damage of the parents, the better the chances of the offspring inheriting a high melee damage stat.

To begin, you should tame multiple creatures of the same species with high melee damage stats. For example, if you are breeding Rexes, you would want to tame several Rexes and check their stats after taming. Look for Rexes with naturally high melee damage. Once you have a few candidates, you can start breeding them to combine their stats. The goal is to create a breeding pair where both parents have high melee damage stats, increasing the likelihood of the offspring inheriting those stats.

Next, you need to consider mutations. Mutations can randomly occur during breeding and can increase a stat by 2 points. Mutations can also change the creature's color, but the stat increase is the primary focus here. Each mutation adds to the creature's mutation counter, and there is a limit of 20 mutations per stat. To maximize melee damage, you want to introduce as many mutations as possible into the melee damage stat. This requires careful tracking of mutations and breeding lines.

To introduce mutations, you will need to breed your high melee damage creatures repeatedly. Each time a baby is born, check its stats to see if it has a mutation in the melee damage stat. If it does, you can use that baby as a new breeder to continue the line. Over time, you can stack multiple mutations in the melee damage stat, significantly increasing the knockback damage of your creatures.

One important tip is to keep track of your breeding lines. Use a spreadsheet or notes to record the stats and mutations of each creature. This will help you avoid inbreeding and ensure you are making progress toward your goal. Inbreeding can lead to wasted mutations and less efficient breeding lines.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food for the parents and babies, as well as a safe environment for raising the offspring. You will need a breeding pen or area where the creatures can mate and where the babies can grow safely. Make sure you have plenty of food, such as raw meat or berries, depending on the species. You will also need to prepare for the time commitment, as raising babies can take several hours or even days, depending on the species and server settings.

For tribes, breeding for high knockback damage can be a collaborative effort. Tribe members can help with taming, breeding, and raising the babies. This can speed up the process and allow for more efficient resource management. For solo players, it is important to plan ahead and ensure you have the necessary resources and time to dedicate to the breeding process.

Common mistakes to avoid include not tracking mutations, inbreeding, and neglecting baby care. Failing to track mutations can lead to wasted effort and less efficient breeding lines. Inbreeding can reduce the effectiveness of your breeding program. Neglecting baby care can result in the death of the offspring, wasting all your effort.

Advanced techniques include using cryopods to store and manage your breeding creatures. Cryopods allow you to store creatures in a frozen state, saving space and making it easier to manage your breeding lines. You can also use incubators to monitor egg health and ensure optimal hatching conditions.

In conclusion, breeding for high knockback damage in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and a deep understanding of breeding mechanics. By focusing on high melee damage stats, introducing mutations, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create powerful creatures with significant knockback damage. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the process is rewarding and can give you a significant advantage in the game.