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 a stat that determines how long a creature can stay underwater before needing to surface for air. While oxygen is not always a priority for land-based creatures, it is crucial for aquatic or semi-aquatic creatures like the Ichthyosaurus, Megalodon, or Basilosaurus. Breeding for high oxygen levels can be beneficial for underwater exploration, resource gathering, or combat in aquatic environments.
To begin, you need two creatures of the same species with desirable oxygen stats. Stat inheritance is random, meaning the offspring has a 55% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent. 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 stat. However, to maximize efficiency, it is best to start with two parents that already have high oxygen levels. This increases the likelihood of the offspring inheriting the desired stat.
The first step is to tame or breed creatures with naturally high oxygen levels. For example, the Ichthyosaurus is an excellent choice because it has a high base oxygen stat. Once you have two creatures with high oxygen, place them close together in a secure area, such as a breeding pen. Enable wandering or use the mating option to initiate the breeding process. Ensure both creatures are well-fed and have sufficient food in their inventories to avoid interruptions.
After mating, the female will either lay an egg or become pregnant, depending on the species. For egg-laying creatures, you must incubate the egg at the correct temperature. Use air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires to maintain the required temperature. For live-bearing creatures, ensure the mother is safe and well-fed during the gestation period. Once the baby is born or hatched, it will require constant care. Babies need to be fed regularly, and their food consumption is high during the early stages of growth.
Imprinting is a critical aspect of breeding. Interact with the baby during its growth stages to increase its imprinting percentage. Imprinting boosts the creature's stats, including oxygen, and improves its loyalty and effectiveness. To maximize imprinting, ensure you are available to interact with the baby during the imprinting intervals. Use a timer or alarm to remind yourself when the next imprinting opportunity is available.
Mutations can further enhance your breeding efforts. Mutations are rare and random, but they can increase a creature's stats or change its colors. To introduce mutations, breed creatures with high oxygen levels and hope for a mutation in the oxygen stat. Keep in mind that mutations are limited to 20 per stat, so plan your breeding lines carefully to avoid wasting mutations on less important stats.
Resource management is essential for successful breeding. Stockpile food, such as meat or berries, to feed the parents and the baby. For aquatic creatures, consider building a water-based breeding pen to ensure they have access to water during the breeding process. Use preserving bins or refrigerators to store food and prevent spoilage. Additionally, prepare a safe and secure environment to protect the baby from predators or hostile players.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting imprinting, failing to monitor the baby's food levels, and breeding creatures with low oxygen stats. Imprinting is time-sensitive, and missing imprinting opportunities can result in a weaker creature. Babies require constant attention, and running out of food can lead to starvation. Breeding creatures with low oxygen stats will not yield the desired results, so always start with the best possible parents.
Advanced techniques involve stacking mutations and optimizing breeding lines. To stack mutations, breed a mutated creature with a non-mutated one to increase the chances of additional mutations. Keep track of your breeding lines using spreadsheets or notes to ensure you are making progress toward your goals. For example, if you are breeding Ichthyosaurs for high oxygen, document each generation's stats and mutations to identify the best candidates for future breeding.
Tribe and solo considerations differ slightly. In a tribe, multiple players can share the responsibilities of breeding, imprinting, and resource gathering. This makes the process more manageable and efficient. Solo players must handle all aspects of breeding alone, so time management and preparation are crucial. Consider using cryopods to store and transport creatures, as this can save time and resources.
In conclusion, breeding for high oxygen levels in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. Start with creatures that have naturally high oxygen stats, focus on imprinting, and utilize mutations to enhance your breeding lines. Avoid common mistakes, and consider advanced techniques to optimize your results. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, breeding for high oxygen levels can significantly improve your underwater capabilities and overall gameplay experience.
To begin, you need two creatures of the same species with desirable oxygen stats. Stat inheritance is random, meaning the offspring has a 55% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent. 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 stat. However, to maximize efficiency, it is best to start with two parents that already have high oxygen levels. This increases the likelihood of the offspring inheriting the desired stat.
The first step is to tame or breed creatures with naturally high oxygen levels. For example, the Ichthyosaurus is an excellent choice because it has a high base oxygen stat. Once you have two creatures with high oxygen, place them close together in a secure area, such as a breeding pen. Enable wandering or use the mating option to initiate the breeding process. Ensure both creatures are well-fed and have sufficient food in their inventories to avoid interruptions.
After mating, the female will either lay an egg or become pregnant, depending on the species. For egg-laying creatures, you must incubate the egg at the correct temperature. Use air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires to maintain the required temperature. For live-bearing creatures, ensure the mother is safe and well-fed during the gestation period. Once the baby is born or hatched, it will require constant care. Babies need to be fed regularly, and their food consumption is high during the early stages of growth.
Imprinting is a critical aspect of breeding. Interact with the baby during its growth stages to increase its imprinting percentage. Imprinting boosts the creature's stats, including oxygen, and improves its loyalty and effectiveness. To maximize imprinting, ensure you are available to interact with the baby during the imprinting intervals. Use a timer or alarm to remind yourself when the next imprinting opportunity is available.
Mutations can further enhance your breeding efforts. Mutations are rare and random, but they can increase a creature's stats or change its colors. To introduce mutations, breed creatures with high oxygen levels and hope for a mutation in the oxygen stat. Keep in mind that mutations are limited to 20 per stat, so plan your breeding lines carefully to avoid wasting mutations on less important stats.
Resource management is essential for successful breeding. Stockpile food, such as meat or berries, to feed the parents and the baby. For aquatic creatures, consider building a water-based breeding pen to ensure they have access to water during the breeding process. Use preserving bins or refrigerators to store food and prevent spoilage. Additionally, prepare a safe and secure environment to protect the baby from predators or hostile players.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting imprinting, failing to monitor the baby's food levels, and breeding creatures with low oxygen stats. Imprinting is time-sensitive, and missing imprinting opportunities can result in a weaker creature. Babies require constant attention, and running out of food can lead to starvation. Breeding creatures with low oxygen stats will not yield the desired results, so always start with the best possible parents.
Advanced techniques involve stacking mutations and optimizing breeding lines. To stack mutations, breed a mutated creature with a non-mutated one to increase the chances of additional mutations. Keep track of your breeding lines using spreadsheets or notes to ensure you are making progress toward your goals. For example, if you are breeding Ichthyosaurs for high oxygen, document each generation's stats and mutations to identify the best candidates for future breeding.
Tribe and solo considerations differ slightly. In a tribe, multiple players can share the responsibilities of breeding, imprinting, and resource gathering. This makes the process more manageable and efficient. Solo players must handle all aspects of breeding alone, so time management and preparation are crucial. Consider using cryopods to store and transport creatures, as this can save time and resources.
In conclusion, breeding for high oxygen levels in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. Start with creatures that have naturally high oxygen stats, focus on imprinting, and utilize mutations to enhance your breeding lines. Avoid common mistakes, and consider advanced techniques to optimize your results. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, breeding for high oxygen levels can significantly improve your underwater capabilities and overall gameplay experience.