How do I breed for higher food stat in a Ovis in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding for a higher food stat in an Ovis in ARK: Survival Evolved involves understanding the game's breeding mechanics, stat inheritance, and mutation systems. The Ovis is a passive creature that provides valuable resources like mutton and wool, making it a useful addition to any tribe. However, breeding for a specific stat like food requires careful planning and execution. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to understand how stat inheritance works. When two Ovis breed, the baby has a 70% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent. This means if one parent has a higher food stat, the baby has a good chance of inheriting that stat. To start, you need to tame multiple Ovis and check their stats. Use a spyglass or the creature's inventory screen to see their base stats before any level-ups. Look for Ovis with high food stats, as these will be your breeding stock.

Once you have identified Ovis with high food stats, place them in a secure breeding area. This area should be enclosed to prevent wild creatures from interfering and should have enough space for the Ovis to move around. You will also need a feeding trough filled with Sweet Vegetable Cake, which is the preferred food for Ovis. This ensures they stay healthy and ready to breed.

To initiate breeding, set both Ovis to wander mode or use the enable mating option in their radial menu. Keep an eye on them, as they will need to be close to each other for the breeding process to start. Once breeding begins, a mating bar will appear, and after a short period, the female Ovis will become pregnant. Alternatively, if you are using two females and one male, the female will lay a fertilized egg instead.

After the baby Ovis is born or hatched, it will require immediate care. Baby creatures in ARK have a high food consumption rate, so you need to be prepared with plenty of Sweet Vegetable Cake. Place the cake in the baby's inventory or a nearby feeding trough. The baby will eat from the trough as long as it is within range. Keep an eye on its food stat and health to ensure it survives the early stages.

Imprinting is another crucial aspect of breeding. Imprinting increases the baby's stats and makes it more loyal to you. To imprint, you will need to interact with the baby Ovis periodically. The game will prompt you with specific requests, such as feeding it a certain type of food or taking it for a walk. Completing these tasks will increase the imprint percentage, which boosts the baby's stats, including food.

Mutations can also play a role in increasing the food stat. Mutations are random and can affect either the stats or the colors of the baby. Each mutation adds two levels to a random stat, which could be food. However, mutations are rare, so you may need to breed multiple generations to achieve the desired result. Keep track of your breeding lines to ensure you are making progress.

One common mistake is not checking the stats of the parents before breeding. Always verify the base stats to ensure you are breeding the best possible Ovis. Another mistake is neglecting the baby's needs during the early stages. Failing to provide enough food or missing imprinting opportunities can result in a weaker Ovis.

Advanced techniques include using a breeding calculator to predict the stats of the offspring. These tools can help you plan your breeding lines more effectively. Additionally, you can use cryopods to store and transport your Ovis, making it easier to manage your breeding stock.

Resource requirements for breeding Ovis include Sweet Vegetable Cake, which requires ingredients like Sap, Rockarrot, Longrass, Savoroot, Stimulant, and Fiber. You will also need a secure base with feeding troughs and a breeding area. If you are playing solo, consider automating some of the processes using feeding troughs and air conditioners to regulate temperature.

In a tribe setting, coordination is key. Assign roles to tribe members to ensure the breeding process runs smoothly. One person can focus on gathering resources, while another handles the imprinting and care of the baby Ovis.

In summary, breeding for a higher food stat in an Ovis involves careful selection of breeding stock, proper care of the baby, and understanding the game's breeding mechanics. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a powerful Ovis with a high food stat, making it a valuable asset in ARK: Survival Evolved.