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, their offspring has a good chance of inheriting that high stat. However, to maximize the chances, you should start by taming multiple creatures of the same species and selecting those with the highest melee damage stats. This will give you a strong foundation for your breeding line.

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. Make sure they are well-fed and in a safe environment. After mating, the female will either lay an egg or become pregnant, depending on the species. For egg-laying creatures, you will need to incubate the egg at the correct temperature. Use air conditioners, standing torches, or other temperature-regulating items to maintain the required temperature. For live-bearing creatures, simply wait for the gestation period to complete.

After the baby is born or hatched, it will require constant care. You will need to feed it regularly and protect it from predators. During this time, you can also imprint on the baby by interacting with it when it requests care. Imprinting increases the baby's stats and loyalty, making it more effective in combat. To maximize the melee damage stat, focus on imprinting actions that boost this stat. Once the baby reaches adulthood, you can evaluate its stats and decide whether to continue breeding with it or introduce new mutations.

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 stat, which can significantly boost melee damage. However, mutations are rare and random, so you will need to breed many generations to achieve the desired results. To increase your chances of getting mutations, breed as many creatures as possible and keep track of their stats. When a mutation occurs, check whether it affects the melee damage stat. If it does, incorporate that creature into your breeding line.

One common mistake to avoid is over-mutating. Each creature can have a maximum of 20 mutations on the maternal and paternal sides combined. Once this limit is reached, further mutations will not occur. To avoid this, keep track of the mutation count and focus on breeding creatures with the highest melee damage stats. Another mistake is neglecting imprinting. Imprinting not only increases stats but also improves the creature's overall effectiveness. Make sure to fully imprint each baby to maximize its potential.

Advanced techniques include using a breeding calculator to track stats and mutations. This tool can help you plan your breeding lines and predict the outcomes of each generation. Additionally, you can use cryopods to store and transport creatures, making it easier to manage large breeding operations. Cryopods also allow you to quickly swap creatures in and out of breeding pairs, saving time and resources.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food, such as meat or berries, depending on the species. You will also need a secure base with enough space to house multiple creatures. Consider building a dedicated breeding area with air conditioners, feeding troughs, and protective walls. If you are playing solo, breeding can be time-consuming, so plan accordingly. In a tribe, you can divide responsibilities, such as one player handling breeding while another gathers resources.

Specific examples of creatures with high knockback damage include the Rex, Spino, and Therizinosaurus. These creatures have high base melee damage and are excellent candidates for breeding. For example, if you breed two Rexes with high melee damage stats, their offspring will likely inherit those stats. By introducing mutations and imprinting, you can create a Rex with exceptionally high knockback damage, making it a formidable opponent in combat.

In conclusion, breeding for high knockback damage in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, patience, and attention to detail. By focusing on stat inheritance, mutations, and imprinting, you can create powerful creatures with devastating knockback effects. Avoid common mistakes, use advanced techniques, and ensure you have the necessary resources to support your breeding efforts. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, this process can be highly rewarding and significantly enhance your gameplay experience.