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 management. 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 has a 55% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent. This means you need to start with a pair of creatures that have high melee damage stats. For example, if you are breeding Rexes, you would want to find wild Rexes with high melee damage stats, tame them, and then use them as your breeding pair. The higher the melee damage stat of the parents, the better the chance of the offspring inheriting a high melee damage stat.

Once you have your breeding pair, you need to prepare for the breeding process. This involves setting up a suitable breeding area, which should be safe from predators and have enough space for the creatures to move around. You will also need to ensure you have a steady supply of food for the parents and the baby. Kibble is the best food for taming and breeding, as it provides the most nourishment and reduces the time required for the baby to grow.

After the breeding process begins, the female will lay an egg (for egg-laying creatures) or give birth to a live baby (for mammals). You need to incubate the egg or care for the baby until it reaches adulthood. During this time, you should focus on imprinting the baby. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby at specific intervals to increase its stats and loyalty. Proper imprinting can significantly enhance the melee damage stat, which directly affects knockback damage.

To maximize the melee damage stat, you should aim to introduce mutations. Mutations are random and can affect either the stats or the colors of the offspring. Each mutation increases a stat by two levels and can stack up to 20 times per stat. However, the chance of getting a mutation is low, so you will need to breed multiple generations to achieve the desired results. It is important to keep track of your breeding lines to ensure you are making progress toward your goal.

One common mistake to avoid is breeding creatures with low melee damage stats. This will result in offspring with low melee damage, making it difficult to achieve high knockback damage. Another mistake is neglecting imprinting, as this can significantly reduce the effectiveness of your creatures. Additionally, you should avoid inbreeding, as this can lead to negative mutations and reduce the overall quality of your breeding line.

Advanced techniques include using a breeding calculator to track stat inheritance and mutations. This can help you plan your breeding lines more effectively and ensure you are making progress toward your goal. You can also use cryopods to store and transport your creatures, making it easier to manage your breeding lines.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food, such as kibble, meat, or berries, depending on the species. You will also need a safe and secure breeding area, as well as resources for building incubators or feeding troughs. If you are playing solo, you will need to manage your time carefully to ensure you can care for the baby and imprint it properly. In a tribe, you can divide the responsibilities among members to make the process more efficient.

Specific examples of creatures that benefit from high knockback damage include the Rex, Spino, and Therizinosaurus. These creatures have high base melee damage stats and can be further enhanced through breeding and mutations. For example, a Rex with a high melee damage stat can deal significant knockback damage, making it a formidable opponent in combat.

In conclusion, breeding for high knockback damage in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, selective breeding, and proper care of the offspring. By focusing on the melee damage stat, introducing mutations, and ensuring proper imprinting, you can create powerful creatures with high knockback damage. Avoid common mistakes, use advanced techniques, and manage your resources effectively to achieve the best results. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, following these strategies will help you create a strong and effective breeding line.