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, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

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 both parents, with each stat having a chance to come from either parent. Mutations can also occur, which can increase stats or change colors. To start breeding, you need a male and female of the same species, a suitable environment, and enough food to keep them healthy. Once the breeding process begins, the female will either lay an egg or give birth to a live baby, depending on the species.

For long-distance travel, the best creatures to breed are those with high base speed and stamina. Some of the top choices include the Argentavis, Pteranodon, and Thylacoleo. The Argentavis is excellent for carrying heavy loads over long distances, while the Pteranodon is fast and agile, making it ideal for quick travel. The Thylacoleo is a versatile mount that can climb walls and has good stamina, making it useful for navigating difficult terrain.

To start breeding, you need to find high-level creatures with good stats. Look for wild creatures with high stamina, speed, and weight. Once you have tamed these creatures, place them in a secure breeding area. Make sure they are well-fed and have enough space to move around. To initiate breeding, set the creatures to "Enable Wandering" mode. Once breeding starts, the female will lay an egg or give birth to a baby. For egg-laying species, you will need to incubate the egg by placing it in a suitable environment. For live births, you will need to care for the baby immediately.

Baby care is a critical part of breeding. The baby will need constant feeding and protection until it reaches adulthood. You can speed up the growth process by using a Maewing or by placing the baby in a cryopod and then releasing it, which will reduce the time needed for growth. Imprinting is also important, as it increases the baby's stats and loyalty. To imprint, interact with the baby during its growth stages and complete the requested tasks, such as feeding it or taking it for a walk.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food, such as meat or berries, depending on the species. You will also need a secure base with enough space for the breeding area and storage for resources. Advanced players can use air conditioners or standing torches to regulate the temperature for egg incubation. For live births, you will need a safe environment to protect the baby from predators.

Tribe and solo considerations are important when breeding for long-distance travel. In a tribe, multiple players can share the workload of breeding and caring for the offspring. This can make the process faster and more efficient. Solo players will need to manage all aspects of breeding on their own, so it is important to plan ahead and have enough resources.

Common mistakes to avoid include not having enough food for the baby, not imprinting properly, and not protecting the baby from predators. It is also important to avoid overbreeding, as this can lead to overcrowding and resource shortages. Advanced techniques include using mutations to increase stats and selectively breeding multiple generations to combine the best stats into a single creature.

In summary, breeding creatures for long-distance travel in ARK: Survival Evolved involves understanding the breeding mechanics, selecting the right creatures, and providing proper care for the offspring. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can create powerful and efficient mounts for long-distance travel. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and resource management are key to success.