What are the best creatures to breed for long-distance travel in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding creatures for long-distance travel in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and understanding of the game's breeding mechanics. The goal is to create offspring with high stamina, speed, and weight capacity, as these stats are crucial for efficient travel. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve this, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and more.

First, you need to understand the breeding mechanics. Breeding involves pairing two creatures of the same species to produce an egg or live baby. The offspring inherits stats from its parents, with each stat having a chance to come from either parent. This means you can selectively breed creatures with high stamina, speed, and weight to create a superior travel mount. Mutations can also play a role, as they can randomly increase stats or change colors, but they are rare and require careful management.

To start, you need to tame high-level creatures with good base stats. Focus on creatures known for their travel capabilities, such as the Argentavis, Pteranodon, or Thylacoleo. These creatures are naturally fast and have decent stamina, making them ideal candidates for breeding. Once you have a male and female with desirable stats, place them close together 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. Eggs require specific temperatures to incubate, so you may need air conditioners or campfires to maintain the right conditions. Once the egg hatches or the baby is born, you must care for it until it reaches adulthood. This involves feeding it regularly and protecting it from predators. Imprinting is also crucial, as it increases the creature's stats and loyalty. To imprint, interact with the baby during its growth stages and complete the requested tasks, such as walking or feeding.

Resource management is key during the breeding process. You will need a steady supply of food, such as meat or berries, depending on the species. Kibble is the most efficient food for raising babies, so consider farming eggs and crops to produce it. Additionally, you will need materials for incubating eggs, such as air conditioners or campfires, and a secure area to raise the babies. Building a dedicated breeding pen with walls and a roof can help protect the babies from threats.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting imprinting, which can significantly reduce the creature's effectiveness. Another mistake is not planning for mutations. While mutations are rare, they can provide significant stat boosts. To maximize mutations, keep track of your breeding lines and avoid inbreeding, as it can lead to undesirable outcomes. Additionally, ensure you have enough resources to sustain the breeding process, as running out of food or materials can be disastrous.

Advanced techniques involve stacking mutations to create even more powerful creatures. This requires careful tracking of mutations and selective breeding over multiple generations. For example, if you get a mutation that increases stamina, breed that creature with another that has high speed to combine the best stats. Over time, you can create a creature with multiple beneficial mutations, making it an exceptional travel mount.

Tribe and solo considerations differ slightly. In a tribe, multiple players can share the workload, making it easier to manage breeding and resource gathering. Solo players will need to be more efficient and plan ahead to ensure they have enough resources and time to care for the babies. Regardless of playstyle, communication and coordination are essential for successful breeding.

Specific examples include breeding Argentavis for long-distance travel. Argentavis are known for their high stamina and weight capacity, making them ideal for carrying resources over long distances. By selectively breeding Argentavis with high stamina and weight stats, you can create a mount that can travel far without tiring. Another example is the Thylacoleo, which is fast and agile, perfect for navigating difficult terrain. Breeding Thylacoleos with high speed and stamina can result in a mount that excels in both speed and endurance.

In conclusion, breeding creatures for long-distance travel in ARK: Survival Evolved involves understanding the breeding mechanics, selectively breeding for desirable stats, and managing resources effectively. By following the strategies and tips outlined above, you can create powerful travel mounts that will enhance your survival and exploration in the game.