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 creature's melee damage stat, 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 goal.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of breeding and stat inheritance. When two creatures breed, the offspring has a 70% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent for each stat category, including melee damage. This means you need to start with a pair of creatures that already have high melee damage stats. To find such creatures, you will need to tame multiple individuals of the same species and compare their stats. Use a tool like the ARK Smart Breeding app or manually record the stats to identify the best candidates.

Once you have identified the creatures with the highest melee damage stats, you can begin the breeding process. Place the two selected creatures in a secure breeding area, such as a fenced-off pen or a dedicated breeding room in your base. 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 during the breeding process. Depending on the species, the female will either lay an egg or give birth to a live baby. If it is an egg, you will need to incubate it at the correct temperature, which can be achieved using air conditioners, standing torches, or other temperature-regulating items.

After the baby is born or hatched, 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's growth stages, you can interact with it to perform imprinting. Imprinting increases the creature's stats and loyalty, making it more effective in combat. To maximize the melee damage stat, prioritize imprinting interactions that boost this stat.

To further enhance the melee damage stat, you can introduce mutations. Mutations are rare and random, but they can provide significant stat boosts. Each mutation increases a stat by two levels and can also change the creature's color. To maximize the chances of getting a mutation in the melee damage stat, you will need to breed multiple generations of creatures. Keep track of the stats and mutations using a breeding log or app 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 subpar stats, making it harder to achieve high knockback damage. Another mistake is neglecting imprinting, as this can significantly enhance the creature's effectiveness. Additionally, avoid inbreeding, as this can lead to negative mutations and reduced stat potential.

Advanced techniques include stacking mutations and using clean males. A clean male is a creature with no mutations that can be bred with mutated females to increase the mutation limit. The mutation limit is 20 per stat, so careful planning is needed to maximize the benefits. Stacking mutations involves breeding multiple generations to accumulate mutations in the desired stat, such as melee damage.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food, such as meat or berries, and materials for building a secure breeding area. You will also need resources for temperature regulation, such as air conditioners or standing torches. If you are playing solo, consider automating the breeding process using feeding troughs and air conditioners to reduce the workload. In a tribe, coordinate with other members to share the responsibilities of breeding and caring for the offspring.

Specific examples include breeding Rexes or Therizinos for high knockback damage. These creatures have high base melee damage stats, making them ideal candidates for this breeding goal. For example, if you start with a Rex with 400% melee damage and another with 420% melee damage, breed them to produce offspring with the higher stat. Continue this process over multiple generations, introducing mutations to further enhance the melee damage stat.

In conclusion, breeding for high knockback damage in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, stat management, and mutation stacking. By following the steps outlined above, you can create powerful creatures with high melee damage stats, capable of delivering devastating knockback attacks. Remember to avoid common mistakes, use advanced techniques, and allocate resources efficiently to achieve your breeding goals.