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 mutation mechanics. Knockback damage is primarily determined by the melee damage stat of a creature, as higher melee damage results in stronger knockback effects. 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 goal.
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 the higher-stat parent and a 45% chance from the lower-stat parent. This means that if you have two creatures with high melee damage, their offspring has a good chance of inheriting that high stat. To maximize this, you should start by taming or breeding creatures with naturally high melee damage stats. For example, creatures like the Rex, Spino, or Therizinosaurus are excellent candidates due to their naturally high base melee damage.
Once you have a pair of creatures with high melee damage, you can begin the breeding process. Place the two creatures close to each other and enable mating. Ensure they are well-fed and in a safe environment. After mating, the female will either lay an egg (for egg-laying species) or become pregnant (for mammals). The egg or baby will inherit stats from both parents, so it is crucial to track which stats are being passed down. Use a spreadsheet or notes to keep track of the stats of each generation.
After the baby is born or hatched, it will require constant care. Baby creatures need to be fed regularly, and you must ensure they are in a safe environment. As the baby grows, you will have the opportunity to imprint on it. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby at specific intervals, such as feeding it or taking it for walks. Successful imprinting increases the creature's stats and loyalty, making it more effective in combat. For knockback damage, focus on imprinting bonuses that enhance melee damage.
Mutations are a key part of breeding for high knockback damage. Mutations can increase a creature's stats or change its colors. Each mutation adds 2 levels to a random stat, and there is a small chance of getting a mutation in the melee damage stat. To maximize mutations, you should breed multiple generations of creatures. Keep the best offspring with the highest melee damage and breed them with other high-stat creatures. Over time, you can stack mutations to significantly increase the melee damage stat. However, be aware that there is a limit of 20 mutations per stat, so plan your breeding lines carefully.
Resource management is critical for successful breeding. You will need a steady supply of food, such as meat or berries, to keep your creatures fed. Additionally, you will need resources like preserving salt or a preserving bin to store eggs if you are breeding egg-laying species. For mammals, you will need a steady supply of food for the pregnant female and the baby. Ensure your base is well-stocked with these resources before starting the breeding process.
Tribe and solo considerations also play a role in breeding. In a tribe, multiple players can share the workload of caring for babies and managing resources. This can make the breeding process more efficient. However, solo players can still achieve high knockback damage by carefully planning their breeding lines and managing their time effectively. Use timers or alarms to remind yourself when to check on the baby or perform imprinting tasks.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting to track stat inheritance, failing to imprint on the baby, and not planning for resource requirements. It is also important to avoid over-mutating, as this can lead to diminishing returns. Stick to the 20-mutation limit per stat and focus on stacking mutations in the melee damage stat.
Advanced techniques include using cryopods to store and transport creatures, which can save time and resources. You can also use a breeding calculator to predict the stats of offspring and plan your breeding lines more effectively. Additionally, consider using a breeding pen with air conditioning or incubators to maintain optimal conditions for eggs and babies.
In summary, breeding for high knockback damage in ARK: Survival Evolved involves careful planning, resource management, and a deep understanding of breeding mechanics. By focusing on high melee damage stats, utilizing mutations, and properly imprinting on your creatures, you can create powerful offspring with devastating knockback effects. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you achieve your breeding goals and dominate the ARK.
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 the higher-stat parent and a 45% chance from the lower-stat parent. This means that if you have two creatures with high melee damage, their offspring has a good chance of inheriting that high stat. To maximize this, you should start by taming or breeding creatures with naturally high melee damage stats. For example, creatures like the Rex, Spino, or Therizinosaurus are excellent candidates due to their naturally high base melee damage.
Once you have a pair of creatures with high melee damage, you can begin the breeding process. Place the two creatures close to each other and enable mating. Ensure they are well-fed and in a safe environment. After mating, the female will either lay an egg (for egg-laying species) or become pregnant (for mammals). The egg or baby will inherit stats from both parents, so it is crucial to track which stats are being passed down. Use a spreadsheet or notes to keep track of the stats of each generation.
After the baby is born or hatched, it will require constant care. Baby creatures need to be fed regularly, and you must ensure they are in a safe environment. As the baby grows, you will have the opportunity to imprint on it. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby at specific intervals, such as feeding it or taking it for walks. Successful imprinting increases the creature's stats and loyalty, making it more effective in combat. For knockback damage, focus on imprinting bonuses that enhance melee damage.
Mutations are a key part of breeding for high knockback damage. Mutations can increase a creature's stats or change its colors. Each mutation adds 2 levels to a random stat, and there is a small chance of getting a mutation in the melee damage stat. To maximize mutations, you should breed multiple generations of creatures. Keep the best offspring with the highest melee damage and breed them with other high-stat creatures. Over time, you can stack mutations to significantly increase the melee damage stat. However, be aware that there is a limit of 20 mutations per stat, so plan your breeding lines carefully.
Resource management is critical for successful breeding. You will need a steady supply of food, such as meat or berries, to keep your creatures fed. Additionally, you will need resources like preserving salt or a preserving bin to store eggs if you are breeding egg-laying species. For mammals, you will need a steady supply of food for the pregnant female and the baby. Ensure your base is well-stocked with these resources before starting the breeding process.
Tribe and solo considerations also play a role in breeding. In a tribe, multiple players can share the workload of caring for babies and managing resources. This can make the breeding process more efficient. However, solo players can still achieve high knockback damage by carefully planning their breeding lines and managing their time effectively. Use timers or alarms to remind yourself when to check on the baby or perform imprinting tasks.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting to track stat inheritance, failing to imprint on the baby, and not planning for resource requirements. It is also important to avoid over-mutating, as this can lead to diminishing returns. Stick to the 20-mutation limit per stat and focus on stacking mutations in the melee damage stat.
Advanced techniques include using cryopods to store and transport creatures, which can save time and resources. You can also use a breeding calculator to predict the stats of offspring and plan your breeding lines more effectively. Additionally, consider using a breeding pen with air conditioning or incubators to maintain optimal conditions for eggs and babies.
In summary, breeding for high knockback damage in ARK: Survival Evolved involves careful planning, resource management, and a deep understanding of breeding mechanics. By focusing on high melee damage stats, utilizing mutations, and properly imprinting on your creatures, you can create powerful offspring with devastating knockback effects. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you achieve your breeding goals and dominate the ARK.