How do I breed for creatures with high weight capacity in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding creatures with high weight capacity in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of selective breeding, stat inheritance, and careful management of mutations. The goal is to produce offspring with the highest possible weight stat, which is crucial for carrying large amounts of resources or items. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of stat inheritance. When two creatures breed, the offspring has a 70% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent. This means if one parent has a high weight stat and the other has a low one, the baby has a good chance of inheriting the high 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 weight stats, as these will form the foundation of your breeding program.

Once you have identified creatures with high weight stats, you need to prepare a breeding area. This should be a secure, enclosed space with plenty of room for the creatures to move around. You will also need a steady supply of food to keep the parents and babies fed. Kibble is the best food for taming and breeding, but meat or berries can also work depending on the species. Make sure you have a feeding trough nearby to automate the feeding process.

To start breeding, set the creatures to wander or enable mating in their behavior settings. Keep an eye on them, as they will need to be close to each other to breed. Once breeding is initiated, the female will either lay an egg or become pregnant, depending on the species. Eggs need to be incubated at the right temperature, so you may need air conditioners or campfires to maintain the correct environment. Pregnant creatures will need to be kept safe and well-fed until they give birth.

After the baby is born or hatched, it will require constant care. Babies need to be fed frequently, and you will need to imprint on them to increase their stats and loyalty. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby at specific intervals, such as feeding it or taking it for a walk. Proper imprinting can significantly boost the babyÔÇÖs weight stat, so itÔÇÖs important to stay on top of this.

Mutations can also play a role in breeding for high weight capacity. Mutations are random and can affect a creatureÔÇÖs stats or colors. While mutations are rare, they can provide a significant boost to the weight stat if youÔÇÖre lucky. To increase your chances of getting a mutation, breed as many creatures as possible and keep an eye out for any offspring with unusually high stats. However, be aware that mutations are capped at 20 per stat, so you canÔÇÖt rely on them indefinitely.

One common mistake is neglecting the other stats while focusing solely on weight. While a high weight stat is important, you also need to consider health, stamina, and other stats to ensure your creature is well-rounded and capable of surviving in the wild. Another mistake is not keeping track of your breeding lines. ItÔÇÖs easy to lose track of which creatures have which stats, so keep detailed records to avoid inbreeding and to ensure youÔÇÖre making progress toward your goal.

Advanced techniques include using external tools or mods to track breeding lines and stats. Some players use spreadsheets or breeding calculators to keep track of their creatures and plan their breeding programs. This can save a lot of time and help you optimize your breeding efforts. Additionally, consider using cryopods to store and transport your creatures, as this can make managing large breeding programs much easier.

Resource requirements for breeding can be significant. You will need a steady supply of food, materials for building and maintaining your breeding area, and resources for crafting items like air conditioners or cryopods. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, this can be a lot of work, so consider teaming up with a tribe to share the workload. In a tribe, different members can take on different roles, such as gathering resources, managing the breeding area, or caring for the babies.

Specific examples of creatures with high weight capacity include the Argentavis, Brontosaurus, and Quetzal. These creatures are known for their ability to carry large amounts of weight, making them ideal for breeding programs focused on weight. For example, an Argentavis with a high weight stat can be a valuable asset for transporting resources across the map, while a Brontosaurus with a high weight stat can carry massive amounts of materials for base building.

In conclusion, breeding for high weight capacity in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. By understanding the mechanics of stat inheritance, preparing a suitable breeding area, and using advanced techniques, you can create powerful creatures with exceptional weight stats. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or as part of a tribe, the effort you put into breeding will pay off in the form of highly efficient and capable creatures.