How do I 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 that creatures can inherit from their parents, and it is particularly useful for aquatic creatures or creatures used for underwater exploration. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to breed for high oxygen levels.

First, you need to understand how stat inheritance works. When two creatures breed, the offspring has a 55% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent for each stat category, including oxygen. 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 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 serve as the foundation for your breeding line.

Once you have identified creatures with high oxygen stats, you need to prepare a breeding area. This area should be safe, enclosed, and have enough space for the creatures to move around. You will also need a steady supply of food for the parents and the eventual baby. Kibble is the best food for taming and breeding, but meat or berries can also work depending on the species. Make sure you have preserving bins or refrigerators to store the food, as breeding can take time.

To initiate breeding, set the creatures to wander or enable mating in their behavior settings. Keep them close together and ensure they are well-fed. Once breeding starts, you will see hearts above their heads. After a successful mating, the female will either lay an egg or become pregnant, depending on the species. For egg-laying creatures, you will need to incubate the egg at the right temperature. Use air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires to maintain the required temperature. For live-bearing creatures, the female will give birth after a gestation period.

After the baby is born or hatched, it will require constant care. Baby creatures need to be fed regularly, and their food consumption is high. Use a feeding trough to make this process easier. As the baby grows, you will have the opportunity to imprint on it. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby at specific intervals, such as feeding it or taking it for a walk. Successful imprinting increases the babyÔÇÖs stats and makes it more loyal to you. Imprinting is crucial for maximizing the creatureÔÇÖs potential, including its oxygen stat.

Mutations can also play a role in breeding for high oxygen levels. Mutations are random and can affect a creatureÔÇÖs stats or colors. Each mutation increases a stat by two points and can stack over generations. However, mutations are rare, and there is a limit to how many mutations a creature can have. To increase your chances of getting a mutation, breed as many creatures as possible. Keep track of your breeding lines to avoid inbreeding, which can lead to undesirable traits.

Resource management is key to successful breeding. You will need a steady supply of food, materials for building the breeding area, and resources for maintaining the environment. If you are playing solo, this can be challenging, but with a tribe, you can divide the tasks among members. For example, one person can focus on gathering food, while another handles the breeding process.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting the babyÔÇÖs food needs, failing to imprint, and not keeping track of stat inheritance. Always monitor the babyÔÇÖs food levels and ensure it has enough to eat. Imprinting should be done as soon as the prompt appears to maximize the stat boost. Keep detailed records of each creatureÔÇÖs stats to ensure you are making progress toward your goal.

Advanced techniques include using stat calculators to predict the outcome of breeding pairs and optimizing your breeding lines. Stat calculators are available online and can help you determine the best pairs to breed. You can also use cryopods to store and transport creatures, making it easier to manage large breeding operations.

In summary, breeding for high oxygen levels in ARK: Survival Evolved involves selecting creatures with high oxygen stats, setting up a breeding area, managing resources, and carefully monitoring the breeding process. By understanding stat inheritance, utilizing mutations, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create powerful creatures with exceptional oxygen levels. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, careful planning and execution will lead to success.