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 breeding for high oxygen levels is particularly useful for aquatic creatures or creatures used for underwater exploration. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

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. This means if one parent has a high oxygen level and the other has a low one, thereÔÇÖs a good chance the baby will inherit 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 levels, you need to prepare a breeding area. This area should be safe, enclosed, and have enough space for the creatures to move around. YouÔÇÖll also need a steady supply of food to keep the parents fed during the breeding process. Kibble is the most efficient food for breeding, but meat or berries can also work depending on the species. Make sure you have a preserving bin or refrigerator to store the food and keep it fresh.

To start breeding, set the creatures to wander or enable mating in their behavior settings. Keep them close together, as they need to be in proximity to breed. Once breeding begins, youÔÇÖll see hearts above their heads. After a short period, the female will either lay an egg or become pregnant, depending on the species. For egg-laying creatures, youÔÇÖll need to incubate the egg by placing it in a suitable environment. This usually involves maintaining the correct temperature, which can be achieved using air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires. For live-bearing creatures, youÔÇÖll need to wait for the gestation period to complete.

Once the baby is born or hatched, it will require constant care. Baby creatures need to be fed regularly, and their food consumption is high. YouÔÇÖll need to have a large supply of food on hand, such as raw meat for carnivores or berries for herbivores. As the baby grows, youÔÇÖll 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.

To achieve high oxygen levels, youÔÇÖll need to focus on selective breeding over multiple generations. Each time you breed two creatures, check the offspringÔÇÖs stats. If the oxygen level is higher than the parents, use that offspring for future breeding. Over time, youÔÇÖll create a lineage of creatures with increasingly high oxygen levels. This process can be time-consuming, but itÔÇÖs the most effective way to achieve your goal.

Mutations can also play a role in increasing oxygen levels. Mutations are random and can affect a creatureÔÇÖs stats or colors. While mutations are rare, they can provide significant boosts to stats. If youÔÇÖre lucky enough to get a mutation that increases oxygen, incorporate that creature into your breeding line. Keep in mind that each creature can have up to 20 mutations on each parentÔÇÖs side, so plan your breeding carefully to avoid hitting the mutation cap.

One common mistake is neglecting other stats while focusing on oxygen. While high oxygen is useful, itÔÇÖs important to maintain a balance with other stats like health, stamina, and melee damage. A creature with high oxygen but low health wonÔÇÖt be very effective in combat or survival situations. Make sure to monitor all stats and adjust your breeding strategy as needed.

Advanced techniques involve using external tools or mods to track breeding lines and stat inheritance. Some players use spreadsheets or breeding calculators to keep track of their creaturesÔÇÖ stats and plan future breedings. These tools can help you optimize your breeding process and achieve your goals more efficiently.

Resource requirements for breeding include food, shelter, and temperature control. YouÔÇÖll need a steady supply of meat, berries, or kibble, depending on the species. Air conditioners or other temperature control devices are essential for incubating eggs. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, managing these resources can be challenging, so plan ahead and stockpile what you need. In a tribe, you can divide responsibilities, with some members focusing on resource gathering while others handle breeding and care.

Specific examples include breeding high-oxygen creatures like the Ichthyosaurus or the Basilosaurus for underwater exploration. These creatures are naturally suited to aquatic environments, and increasing their oxygen levels can make them even more effective. For example, a Basilosaurus with high oxygen can stay submerged for longer periods, making it ideal for deep-sea exploration or resource gathering.

In conclusion, breeding for high oxygen levels in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and patience. By understanding the mechanics of stat inheritance, mutations, and imprinting, you can create powerful creatures tailored to your needs. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the key is to stay organized and focused on your breeding goals. With time and effort, youÔÇÖll have a lineage of creatures with exceptional oxygen levels, ready to tackle the challenges of the ARK.