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 careful management of mutations. Knockback damage is primarily determined by the melee damage stat of a creature, as higher melee damage results in greater knockback 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 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. This means you need to start with a pair of creatures that have high melee damage stats. Capture or tame multiple creatures of the same species and compare their stats. Select the ones with the highest melee damage to begin your breeding program.

Once you have your breeding pair, place them in a secure and controlled environment, such as a breeding pen. Ensure they are set to wander or enable mating in their behavior settings. Keep them well-fed with the appropriate food to maintain their health and stamina. When they mate, they will produce an egg (for egg-laying species) or a live baby (for mammals). The baby will inherit stats from its parents, and you will need to monitor its melee damage stat.

After the baby is born or hatched, you must care for it until it reaches adulthood. This involves feeding it regularly and protecting it from predators. Imprinting is a crucial part of this process. By interacting with the baby during its growth stages, you can increase its stats and loyalty. Imprinting bonuses can significantly enhance the creature's melee damage, so make sure to complete the imprinting process fully.

To further enhance the melee damage stat, you can introduce mutations. Mutations are random and rare, but they can provide significant boosts to stats or unique color variations. When a mutation occurs, it can increase the melee damage stat beyond the normal limits. To maximize the chances of mutations, breed multiple generations of creatures and keep track of their stats. If a mutation occurs in the melee damage stat, use that creature as a parent for future breeding.

Resource management is essential for successful breeding. You will need a steady supply of food, such as meat or berries, to feed both the parents and the offspring. Additionally, you will need materials to build a secure breeding pen and storage for resources. If you are playing solo, this can be time-consuming, so plan accordingly. In a tribe, you can divide tasks among members to make the process more efficient.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting imprinting, not tracking stat inheritance, and failing to secure the breeding area. Imprinting is crucial for maximizing stats, so do not skip this step. Keep detailed records of each creature's stats to ensure you are making progress toward your goal. Finally, make sure your breeding area is safe from predators and other threats.

Advanced techniques include stacking mutations and using multiple breeding lines. Stacking mutations involves breeding creatures with multiple mutations in the melee damage stat to create even stronger offspring. Using multiple breeding lines allows you to combine the best stats from different creatures. For example, you could have one line focused on melee damage and another on health, then breed them together to create a well-rounded creature.

In conclusion, breeding for high knockback damage in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. By selecting creatures with high melee damage stats, introducing mutations, and completing the imprinting process, you can create powerful creatures capable of delivering devastating knockback damage. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you achieve your breeding goals and dominate the game.