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 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 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 you need to start with a pair of creatures that have high melee damage stats. You can find these creatures in the wild or tame them, but it is essential to check their stats before taming to ensure they have the desired high melee damage.

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. Ensure they are well-fed and in a safe environment to avoid interruptions. 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 until it hatches. For live-bearing creatures, you will need to wait for the gestation period to complete.

After the baby is born or hatched, it will require constant care. You 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 prompted. 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.

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 two levels to a stat, which can significantly boost melee damage. However, mutations are rare and random, so you may need to breed multiple generations to achieve the desired result. Keep track of your breeding lines to ensure you are making progress toward your goal.

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, focus on stacking mutations on one side of the lineage. For example, breed a mutated male with multiple non-mutated females to keep the mutation count low on the female side.

Advanced techniques include using stat calculators to predict the outcome of breeding pairs and optimize your breeding lines. These tools can help you determine the best pairs to breed and track the progress of your mutations. Additionally, you can use cryopods to store and transport creatures, making it easier to manage large breeding operations.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food, such as meat or berries, depending on the species. You will also need a safe and secure breeding area, preferably within a base with walls and turrets to protect your creatures from wild predators or enemy players. For egg-laying creatures, you may need air conditioners or other temperature control methods to incubate the eggs properly.

Tribe considerations are important if you are playing with others. Breeding can be time-consuming, so dividing tasks among tribe members can make the process more efficient. For example, one member can focus on gathering food, while another handles imprinting and mutation tracking. Solo players will need to manage all aspects of breeding themselves, so it is essential to plan and prepare accordingly.

Specific examples of creatures with high knockback damage include the Therizinosaurus and the Rex. Both of these creatures have high base melee damage, making them ideal candidates for breeding. By focusing on increasing their melee damage through selective breeding and mutations, you can create powerful creatures capable of dealing significant knockback damage in combat.

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 and avoiding common mistakes, you can create powerful creatures with high melee damage stats. With careful planning and resource management, you can achieve your goal and dominate the battlefield with your knockback-focused creatures.