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 increases the knockback effect when attacking. To achieve high knockback damage, 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 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, there is a good chance their offspring will also have high melee damage. However, to maximize the chances, you should start by taming multiple creatures of the same species and selecting the ones with the highest melee damage stats.

Once you have identified the creatures with the highest melee damage, you can begin the breeding process. Place the selected creatures in a secure breeding area, such as a fenced-off pen or a dedicated breeding room in your base. Ensure they are well-fed and have the necessary resources to breed, such as food and a suitable environment. After breeding, the female will either lay an egg or give birth to a live baby, depending on the species. For egg-laying creatures, you will need to incubate the egg by maintaining the correct temperature, either through air conditioners, standing torches, or other temperature control methods.

After the baby hatches or is born, it will require constant care. This includes feeding it the appropriate food, such as meat for carnivores or berries for herbivores, and ensuring it is protected from predators. During the baby stage, you can also imprint on the creature by interacting with it when it requests care. Imprinting increases the creature's stats and loyalty, making it more effective in combat. To maximize the melee damage stat, focus on imprinting the creature as much as possible during its growth stages.

Mutations play a crucial role in enhancing the melee damage stat further. Mutations are random and can affect either the stats or the colors of the offspring. To introduce mutations, you will need to breed multiple generations of creatures and hope for a mutation in the melee damage stat. Each mutation increases the stat by a small amount, so it may take several generations to achieve a significant boost. Keep track of your breeding lines and note any mutations that occur, as this will help you plan future breeding pairs.

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 for building and maintaining the breeding area, such as wood, stone, and metal. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your tribe members to gather resources and care for the creatures. If you are playing solo, consider setting up automated feeding systems, such as troughs, to reduce the workload.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting the baby's needs, such as food and protection, which can lead to its death. Additionally, avoid breeding creatures with low melee damage stats, as this will make it harder to achieve high knockback damage. Another mistake is not tracking mutations, which can result in lost progress and wasted time. Always keep detailed records of your breeding lines and mutations to ensure you are making progress toward your goal.

Advanced techniques include stacking mutations to further enhance the melee damage stat. This involves breeding a mutated creature with a non-mutated creature to reset the mutation counter, allowing for additional mutations. However, this process is time-consuming and requires careful planning. Another advanced technique is using cryopods to store and transport creatures, making it easier to manage large breeding operations.

In conclusion, breeding for high knockback damage in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a combination of selective breeding, stat inheritance, and mutation management. By following the steps outlined above, you can create powerful creatures with high melee damage stats, capable of delivering devastating knockback attacks. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and resource management are key to achieving your breeding goals.