How do I breed for high weight capacity in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding for high weight capacity in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of selective breeding, stat inheritance, and careful management of mutations. Weight capacity is one of the key stats for creatures, especially for those used in resource gathering or transportation. To achieve a high weight capacity, you need to understand the mechanics of breeding, stat inheritance, and mutations, as well as how to optimize your breeding process.

First, you need to understand how stats are inherited. When two creatures breed, the offspring has a 55% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent. This means if one parent has a high weight stat and the other has a low weight stat, the baby has a 55% chance to inherit the higher weight stat. To maximize the chances of getting a high weight stat, you should start by taming multiple creatures of the same species and checking their stats. Look for creatures with naturally high weight stats, as these will serve as the foundation for your breeding line.

Once you have identified creatures with high weight stats, you can begin the breeding process. Place the two selected creatures close to each other and enable mating. Make sure they are well-fed and in a safe environment. After mating, the female will either lay an egg (for egg-laying species) or become pregnant (for mammals). The egg or baby will inherit stats from both parents, so it is important to ensure that at least one parent has a high weight stat.

After the baby is born or hatched, you need to care for it until it reaches adulthood. During this time, you can imprint on the baby by interacting with it at regular intervals. Imprinting increases the baby's stats and loyalty, making it more effective in combat or other tasks. To maximize the weight stat, focus on imprinting actions that boost weight, such as feeding the baby specific foods or taking it on walks.

Mutations can also play a role in increasing weight capacity. Mutations are random and can affect either stats or colors. When a mutation occurs, it adds 2 levels to a random stat, which could include weight. However, mutations are rare, so you may need to breed multiple generations to get a mutation that increases weight. Keep track of your breeding lines to ensure you are making progress toward your goal.

One common mistake is neglecting to check the stats of the offspring. Always check the stats of the baby as soon as it is born or hatched. If the baby does not inherit the high weight stat, you may need to breed the parents again or introduce a new creature with a higher weight stat into the breeding line. Another mistake is not providing enough food for the baby. Babies require a lot of food to grow, so make sure you have a steady supply of the appropriate food type.

Advanced techniques include using a breeding calculator to predict the stats of the offspring. This can help you plan your breeding lines more effectively. You can also use cryopods to store and transport creatures, making it easier to manage your breeding program. Additionally, consider using a dedicated breeding base with feeding troughs, air conditioners (for egg incubation), and plenty of space for the creatures.

Resource requirements for breeding include food, shelter, and time. You will need a steady supply of food for both the parents and the babies. For egg-laying species, you may need air conditioners or other temperature control methods to incubate the eggs. For mammals, you will need to ensure the pregnant female is well-fed and protected. Time is also a significant factor, as breeding and raising a baby to adulthood can take several hours or even days, depending on the species.

Tribe considerations include coordinating with other tribe members to manage the breeding program. In a tribe, multiple players can help with feeding, imprinting, and protecting the babies. Solo players will need to manage all aspects of the breeding program on their own, so it is important to plan ahead and ensure you have the necessary resources.

Specific examples include breeding Argentavis for high weight capacity, as they are commonly used for transporting resources. Start by taming multiple Argentavis and checking their weight stats. Select the ones with the highest weight stats and begin breeding. Use a breeding calculator to predict the stats of the offspring and track your progress. Over time, you can create a line of Argentavis with significantly higher weight capacity, making them more effective for resource transportation.

In conclusion, breeding for high weight capacity in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, stat management, and resource allocation. By understanding the mechanics of breeding, stat inheritance, and mutations, you can create a line of creatures with exceptional weight capacity. Avoid common mistakes, use advanced techniques, and consider tribe or solo play when planning your breeding program. With patience and dedication, you can achieve your goal of breeding high-weight creatures for resource gathering and transportation.