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 has a 70% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent for each stat category, including melee damage. This means you can selectively breed creatures with high melee damage to increase the likelihood of passing on this stat to the next generation. Start by taming multiple creatures of the same species and checking their stats. Look for individuals with naturally high melee damage, as these will serve as the foundation for your breeding program.

Once you have identified creatures with high melee damage, you can begin the breeding process. Place the two selected 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. This includes feeding it the appropriate food and ensuring it is protected from predators. During the baby stage, you can interact with the creature to imprint on it. Imprinting increases the creature's stats and loyalty, making it more effective in combat. To maximize knockback damage, focus on imprinting actions that boost melee damage.

Mutations can further enhance your breeding program. Mutations are random and can affect a creature's stats or colors. To increase the chances of a mutation in the melee damage stat, breed multiple generations of creatures. Each mutation adds 2 levels to a stat, so over time, you can significantly increase the melee damage of your creatures. However, mutations are rare, so be prepared for a long-term breeding project.

Resource management is crucial for successful breeding. You will need a steady supply of food for both the parents and the offspring. For carnivores, this means a large stockpile of meat, while herbivores will require berries or crops. Additionally, you will need resources for building a secure breeding area, such as walls, gates, and feeding troughs. Ensure your base is well-defended to protect your breeding creatures from wild predators or enemy players in PvP.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting to check the stats of the parents before breeding, failing to provide adequate care for the baby, and not planning for long-term resource needs. It is also important to avoid inbreeding, as this can lead to weaker offspring. Always introduce new creatures with high stats into your breeding program to maintain genetic diversity.

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. Additionally, consider using cryopods to store and transport your breeding creatures, as this can save time and resources.

Tribe considerations are important if you are playing with others. Coordinate with your tribe members to share the workload of breeding and caring for the creatures. Assign specific roles, such as one person responsible for gathering food and another for monitoring the breeding process. In solo play, you will need to manage all aspects of breeding on your own, so efficient time management is key.

Specific examples include breeding Rexes or Therizinos for high knockback damage. These creatures have naturally high melee damage stats, making them ideal candidates for a knockback-focused breeding program. Start by taming multiple Rexes or Therizinos, selecting those with the highest melee damage. Breed them over multiple generations, introducing mutations to further enhance the melee damage stat. With careful planning and management, you can create a powerful creature capable of delivering devastating 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 and knockback potential. Whether playing solo or with a tribe, careful planning and resource management are essential for success in this deep and rewarding aspect of the game.