What is the best way to breed for higher weight in a Ankylosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding for higher weight in an Ankylosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of understanding the game's breeding mechanics, careful planning, and patience. The process revolves around selectively breeding Ankylosauruses to produce offspring with higher weight stats, which can be useful for gathering resources like metal and obsidian. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you achieve this goal.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of breeding and stat inheritance. When two Ankylosauruses breed, the baby inherits stats from both parents. Each stat, including weight, has a 55% chance to be inherited from either parent. This means that if one parent has a higher weight stat, thereÔÇÖs a good chance the baby will inherit it. However, the process is not guaranteed, so you may need to breed multiple generations to achieve the desired result.

To start, youÔÇÖll need a pair of Ankylosauruses with decent stats. Tame several wild Ankylosauruses and check their stats. Focus on those with higher weight stats, as these will be your breeding stock. Once you have a male and female with good weight stats, place them close together in a secure area, such as a fenced-off pen or a base with enough space. Enable mating by setting them to "Enable Wandering" or using the "Enable Mating" option in their radial menu. Make sure they are well-fed and have enough food to sustain the breeding process.

After mating, the female will lay a fertilized egg. Pick up the egg and place it in a suitable environment for incubation. Ankylosaurus eggs require a hot environment to hatch, so you may need to use air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires to maintain the correct temperature. Once the egg hatches, the baby Ankylosaurus will require constant care. YouÔÇÖll need to feed it regularly, as it cannot eat from troughs until it reaches the juvenile stage. Keep a supply of berries or other appropriate food nearby.

As the baby grows, youÔÇÖll have the opportunity to imprint on it. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby at specific intervals, such as feeding it or taking it for a walk. Successful imprinting increases the babyÔÇÖs stats and loyalty, making it more effective in combat and resource gathering. Aim for 100% imprinting to maximize the benefits.

To breed for higher weight, youÔÇÖll need to repeat this process over multiple generations. Each time you breed, check the babyÔÇÖs stats. If it has a higher weight stat than its parents, use it as part of your breeding stock for the next generation. Over time, youÔÇÖll create a line of Ankylosauruses with increasingly higher weight stats.

One important tip is to keep track of your breeding lines. Use a spreadsheet or notebook to record the stats of each Ankylosaurus and their offspring. This will help you identify which pairs produce the best results and avoid inbreeding, which can lead to weaker stats. Additionally, consider using mutations to your advantage. Mutations can randomly increase a stat, including weight, by two levels. While mutations are rare, they can significantly boost your breeding efforts if youÔÇÖre lucky.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting to imprint on the baby, not keeping track of stats, and rushing the process. Breeding for higher stats takes time, and skipping steps like imprinting can result in weaker creatures. Also, avoid using Ankylosauruses with low weight stats in your breeding stock, as this can dilute the gene pool and slow your progress.

Advanced techniques include using multiple breeding pairs to increase your chances of producing a high-weight Ankylosaurus. You can also use cryopods to store and transport your breeding stock, making it easier to manage large numbers of creatures. Additionally, consider using mods or server settings to speed up the breeding process if youÔÇÖre playing on a private server.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food, such as berries or crops, and materials for building a secure breeding area. YouÔÇÖll also need resources for incubating eggs, such as air conditioners or torches. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider setting up a small base near a metal-rich area to make resource gathering easier. In a tribe, coordinate with other members to share the workload and resources.

In conclusion, breeding for higher weight in an Ankylosaurus requires a combination of careful planning, patience, and attention to detail. By understanding the mechanics of breeding, tracking your progress, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a powerful line of Ankylosauruses with impressive weight stats. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, this process can be a rewarding way to enhance your gameplay in ARK: Survival Evolved.