What is the best way to breed for creatures with high oxygen levels in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding creatures with high oxygen levels in ARK: Survival Evolved involves understanding the game's breeding mechanics, stat inheritance, and mutation systems. Oxygen is one of the seven primary stats a creature can have, and it is particularly useful for aquatic creatures or creatures used for underwater exploration. To breed for high oxygen levels, you need to focus on selective breeding, stat inheritance, and potentially mutations. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to understand how stat inheritance works. When two creatures breed, the baby has a 55% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent. This means if one parent has a high oxygen level and the other has a low one, the baby has a good chance of inheriting the higher oxygen stat. To maximize this, you should start by taming multiple creatures of the same species and checking their stats. Look for individuals with naturally high oxygen levels. These will be your foundation for breeding.

Once you have identified creatures with high oxygen levels, you need to pair them together. Place them in a secure breeding area, such as a fenced-off pen or a dedicated breeding room in your base. Make sure they are set to wander or enable mating in their behavior settings. Keep them well-fed with food appropriate for their species, as breeding consumes a lot of stamina and food. Once they mate, they will produce an egg or a live baby, depending on the species.

After the baby is born or hatched, you need to care for it. Babies require constant feeding and attention until they reach the juvenile stage. For creatures with high oxygen levels, you may want to keep them near water or in an aquatic environment, as this can help with imprinting and overall care. Imprinting is crucial because it increases the babyÔÇÖs stats and loyalty. To imprint, interact with the baby when it requests care, such as walking, cuddling, or feeding. Proper imprinting can significantly boost the creatureÔÇÖs oxygen stat and other attributes.

Mutations can also play a role in achieving high oxygen levels. Mutations are random and can affect a creatureÔÇÖs stats or colors. While mutations are rare, they can provide a significant boost to oxygen levels if they occur. To increase the chances of mutations, you can breed multiple generations of creatures. Each time a baby is born, there is a small chance of a mutation. Keep track of your breeding lines and note any mutations that occur. If a mutation increases oxygen levels, use that creature in future breeding pairs to pass on the mutation.

One common mistake is neglecting to check the stats of the parents before breeding. Always ensure you are breeding creatures with the highest possible oxygen levels to maximize the chances of the baby inheriting those stats. Another mistake is not properly caring for the baby, which can lead to lower stats or even death. Make sure you have enough food and resources to care for the baby until it reaches adulthood.

Advanced techniques include using stat calculators or breeding trackers to monitor your progress. These tools can help you keep track of which creatures have the highest oxygen levels and which mutations have occurred. You can also use cryopods to store and transport your breeding creatures, making it easier to manage large breeding operations. Additionally, consider using a dedicated breeding base with air conditioning units or incubators to maintain optimal conditions for eggs and babies.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food, such as meat for carnivores or berries for herbivores. You will also need materials for building a secure breeding area, such as walls, gates, and feeding troughs. If you are breeding aquatic creatures, you may need to build underwater pens or use platforms to create a safe environment.

For tribes, breeding for high oxygen levels can be a collaborative effort. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person responsible for taming high-oxygen creatures, another for managing the breeding pairs, and another for caring for the babies. This division of labor can make the process more efficient. For solo players, it may take longer to achieve the desired results, but careful planning and resource management can still lead to success.

A specific example would be breeding a high-oxygen Ichthyosaurus for underwater exploration. Start by taming multiple Ichthyosaurs and checking their oxygen stats. Pair the ones with the highest oxygen levels and begin breeding. Care for the babies, imprint on them, and look for any mutations that increase oxygen. Over several generations, you can create an Ichthyosaurus with exceptionally high oxygen levels, making it ideal for long underwater expeditions.

In conclusion, breeding for high oxygen levels in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, attention to detail, and patience. By understanding stat inheritance, utilizing mutations, and properly caring for your creatures, you can create powerful aquatic or exploration-focused dinosaurs. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you achieve your breeding goals.