What are the best creatures to breed for resource transportation in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding creatures for resource transportation in ARK: Survival Evolved is a strategic process that requires careful planning and execution. The goal is to create offspring with high weight capacity, stamina, and speed to efficiently move resources across the map. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve this, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and considerations.

To begin, you need to select the right creatures for breeding. Some of the best creatures for resource transportation include the Argentavis, Ankylosaurus, and Brontosaurus. The Argentavis is excellent for air transport due to its high weight capacity and ability to carry smaller creatures. The Ankylosaurus is ideal for gathering and transporting metal and other heavy resources, while the Brontosaurus is unmatched in land-based transportation due to its massive weight capacity and ability to carry large quantities of resources.

The breeding process starts with finding two high-level creatures of the same species. Higher-level creatures generally have better base stats, which can be passed down to their offspring. Once you have a male and female, place them close together and enable the mating option. Ensure they are well-fed and in a safe environment to avoid interruptions. After mating, the female will either lay an egg or, in the case of mammals, become pregnant. Eggs need to be incubated at the correct temperature, which can be achieved using air conditioners, standing torches, or other temperature-regulating items.

Once the egg hatches or the baby is born, the real work begins. Baby creatures require constant care, including feeding and protection. They have a rapid food consumption rate, so it's essential to have a steady supply of food. For carnivores, this means raw meat, and for herbivores, berries or crops. As the baby grows, you will need to interact with it to imprint, which increases its stats and loyalty. Imprinting involves performing specific tasks, such as walking or cuddling, and feeding the baby its preferred food.

Stat inheritance is a crucial aspect of breeding. Each stat has a chance to be inherited from either parent, so it's important to breed creatures with high stats in the areas you want to improve. For resource transportation, focus on weight, stamina, and speed. You may need to breed multiple generations to combine the best stats into a single creature. Mutations can also play a role, as they can introduce new stat boosts or color variations. However, mutations are rare and random, so they require patience and careful tracking.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting baby care, failing to plan for food requirements, and not tracking stat inheritance. Babies can starve quickly if not fed regularly, so always have a surplus of food on hand. Additionally, failing to imprint can result in a less effective creature, so prioritize imprinting tasks. Tracking stat inheritance is essential to ensure you are making progress toward your breeding goals.

Advanced techniques include using breeding lines to isolate and combine specific stats. For example, you might breed one line for high weight and another for high stamina, then combine the best offspring from each line. This requires careful record-keeping and multiple generations of breeding. Another advanced technique is using mutations to introduce new stat boosts. While mutations are rare, they can significantly enhance a creature's effectiveness if managed correctly.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food, temperature-regulating items for eggs, and a safe environment for raising babies. Preparation is key, so ensure you have all necessary resources before starting the breeding process. For tribes, coordination is essential, as multiple players can share the workload of feeding and imprinting. Solo players will need to manage their time carefully to ensure babies are cared for properly.

Specific examples include breeding an Argentavis with high weight and stamina for air transport. Start by taming high-level Argentavis and breeding them to combine the best stats. Use air conditioners to incubate the eggs and ensure a steady supply of raw meat for the babies. Imprint regularly to boost stats and loyalty. For land transport, breed Ankylosaurus with high weight and stamina. Use standing torches to incubate eggs and keep a supply of berries or crops for the babies. Imprint to enhance their effectiveness.

In conclusion, breeding creatures for resource transportation in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. By selecting the right creatures, managing stat inheritance, and providing proper care, you can create powerful and efficient transporters. Avoid common mistakes, use advanced techniques, and prepare thoroughly to achieve the best results. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and execution will lead to success in your breeding endeavors.