What are the best creatures to breed for resource transportation in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding creatures for resource transportation in ARK: Survival Evolved is a strategic process that requires careful planning and execution. The goal is to create offspring with high weight capacity, stamina, and speed to efficiently carry resources across the map. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve this, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and more.

To begin, you need to select the right creatures for breeding. Some of the best creatures for resource transportation include the Argentavis, Ankylosaurus, and Brontosaurus. The Argentavis is excellent for air transport due to its high weight capacity and ability to carry smaller creatures. The Ankylosaurus is ideal for gathering and transporting metal and other heavy resources. The Brontosaurus is a massive land creature with an enormous weight capacity, making it perfect for moving large quantities of resources over land.

The breeding process starts with finding two high-level creatures of the same species. Higher-level creatures generally have better base stats, which can be inherited by their offspring. Once you have a male and female, place them close to each other and enable the "Enable Wandering" option. This will initiate the mating process. Keep in mind that both creatures need to be well-fed and in a suitable environment. After mating, the female will either lay an egg or, in the case of mammals, become pregnant.

For egg-laying creatures, you need to incubate the egg. This involves maintaining the correct temperature, which can be achieved using air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires. Once the egg hatches, you will have a baby creature that requires constant care. For mammals, the baby will be born directly and will also need immediate attention.

Baby care involves feeding the creature regularly. Baby creatures have a rapid food consumption rate, so you need to have a steady supply of food. For carnivores, this means raw meat, and for herbivores, it means berries or crops. As the baby grows, it will go through several stages: baby, juvenile, and adolescent. During these stages, you need to interact with the creature to imprint on it. Imprinting increases the creature's stats and loyalty, making it more effective in transportation tasks.

One important tip is to focus on breeding for weight and stamina. These stats are crucial for resource transportation. You can achieve this by selectively breeding creatures with high weight and stamina stats. Over multiple generations, you can combine the best stats from both parents to create a superior offspring. Mutations can also play a role in enhancing these stats, although they are rare and random.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting the baby's food supply and failing to imprint properly. Both can result in a weaker creature that is less effective for transportation. Another mistake is not planning for the long-term. Breeding takes time and resources, so it's important to have a steady supply of food and materials to support the process.

Advanced techniques involve using breeding lines to track and optimize stat inheritance. By keeping detailed records of each generation's stats, you can make informed decisions about which creatures to breed next. This can help you achieve your desired stats more efficiently. Additionally, using mutations strategically can give you an edge. While mutations are random, you can increase your chances by breeding multiple generations and selecting for desirable traits.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food, materials for incubation, and space for raising the baby. You will also need a secure base to protect your creatures from predators and other players. For tribes, coordinating breeding efforts can be beneficial. Assigning roles, such as one person responsible for gathering food and another for imprinting, can streamline the process. Solo players will need to manage all aspects themselves, so planning and preparation are key.

Specific examples include breeding an Argentavis for air transport. Start by finding two high-level Argentavis with good weight and stamina stats. Breed them and incubate the egg. Once hatched, focus on feeding and imprinting the baby. Over several generations, you can create an Argentavis with exceptional weight capacity and stamina, making it ideal for transporting resources across the map.

In conclusion, breeding creatures for resource transportation in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. By selecting the right creatures, focusing on key stats, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create powerful offspring that excel in resource transportation. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and execution are essential for success.