How do I breed for higher oxygen in a Ichthyosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding for higher oxygen in an Ichthyosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved involves understanding the game's breeding mechanics, stat inheritance, and mutation systems. The Ichthyosaurus is a small, fast aquatic creature that is often used for early-game water exploration. While it is not typically bred for combat, increasing its oxygen stat can make it more efficient for underwater travel and resource gathering. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to understand the basics of breeding. Breeding in ARK involves pairing two creatures of the same species, in this case, two Ichthyosaurs. To start, you need a male and a female Ichthyosaurus. Place them close to each other and enable the "Enable Wandering" option. This will allow them to mate. Once mating begins, a progress bar will appear, showing how long until the female lays an egg or, in the case of mammals, gives birth. For Ichthyosaurs, the female will lay an egg after mating.

Once the egg is laid, you need to incubate it. Ichthyosaurus eggs require a specific temperature range to hatch. You can use air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires to maintain the correct temperature. The egg will display an icon indicating whether it is too hot or too cold. Adjust the temperature accordingly until the egg begins to hatch. Once the egg hatches, you will have a baby Ichthyosaurus.

The baby Ichthyosaurus will require constant care. It needs to be fed regularly, and you must ensure it has enough food in its inventory. Baby creatures have a high food consumption rate, so itÔÇÖs important to have a steady supply of food, such as raw meat or fish, available. As the baby grows, it will go through several stages: baby, juvenile, and adolescent. During these stages, you can interact with the baby to imprint on it. Imprinting increases the creatureÔÇÖs stats and makes it more loyal to you. To imprint, simply follow the on-screen prompts, which may include feeding the baby, walking with it, or petting it.

Now, letÔÇÖs focus on breeding for higher oxygen. Stat inheritance in ARK is based on the parents' stats. When you breed two Ichthyosaurs, the baby has a 70% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent. This means if one parent has a high oxygen stat and the other has a low one, the baby has a good chance of inheriting the higher oxygen stat. To increase the oxygen stat over generations, you need to selectively breed Ichthyosaurs with higher oxygen stats. This involves keeping track of the stats of each generation and choosing the best individuals for further breeding.

Mutations can also play a role in increasing the oxygen stat. Mutations are random and can affect either the stats or the colors of the creature. Each mutation adds 2 levels to a random stat and can also change the creatureÔÇÖs appearance. However, mutations are rare, with only a 2.5% chance per breeding. To maximize the chance of getting a mutation, you need to breed as many Ichthyosaurs as possible. This requires a large breeding operation with multiple females and a few males.

One advanced technique is to use a breeding line. A breeding line involves keeping track of the stats and mutations of each generation and selectively breeding the best individuals. For example, if you have a male Ichthyosaurus with a high oxygen stat and a mutation, you can breed it with multiple females to increase the chances of passing on the mutation. Over time, you can create a line of Ichthyosaurs with increasingly higher oxygen stats.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food, a safe environment for the baby, and the necessary equipment for temperature control. You will also need a large area to house your breeding operation, especially if you are breeding multiple Ichthyosaurs at once. ItÔÇÖs important to have a secure base to protect your breeding operation from predators or other players in PvP.

For solo players, breeding can be time-consuming, as you need to constantly monitor the baby and ensure it has enough food. However, in a tribe, you can share the responsibilities, making the process more manageable. Tribe members can take turns feeding the baby and imprinting on it, which can speed up the process and improve the creatureÔÇÖs stats.

Common mistakes to avoid include not having enough food for the baby, not maintaining the correct temperature for the egg, and not imprinting on the baby. Imprinting is crucial for maximizing the creatureÔÇÖs stats, so make sure to interact with the baby regularly. Another mistake is not keeping track of the stats and mutations of each generation. Without proper tracking, itÔÇÖs easy to lose progress and end up with weaker creatures.

In conclusion, breeding for higher oxygen in an Ichthyosaurus involves understanding the breeding mechanics, stat inheritance, and mutation system. By selectively breeding Ichthyosaurs with higher oxygen stats and using advanced techniques like breeding lines, you can create a powerful line of Ichthyosaurs optimized for underwater exploration. Proper resource management, base building, and tribe coordination are essential for success. With patience and careful planning, you can achieve your goal of breeding an Ichthyosaurus with exceptional oxygen stats.