How do I start breeding creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Breeding creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process that allows players to create stronger, more specialized offspring with unique stats, colors, and abilities. To start breeding, you need to understand the mechanics, prepare your resources, and follow a step-by-step process to ensure success. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you get started.
First, you need two creatures of the same species and opposite genders. Place them close to each other in a secure area, such as a fenced-off pen or a dedicated breeding room in your base. Ensure they are set to "Enable Wandering" or use the "Enable Mating" option in their radial menu. When the creatures are in close proximity and both are set to mate, a heart icon will appear above their heads, indicating they are ready to breed. The mating process will begin, and a progress bar will show how long it will take to produce an egg or live baby, depending on the species.
For egg-laying creatures, once the mating process is complete, the female will drop an egg. You must pick up the egg and place it in an environment with the correct temperature for incubation. Some eggs require heat, while others need cold. Use air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires to regulate the temperature. For live-bearing creatures, such as mammals, the female will give birth directly, and you will need to care for the baby immediately.
Once the egg hatches or the baby is born, the real work begins. Baby creatures require constant care, including feeding and protection. They start with a low food stat and must be fed manually until they reach 10% maturation. Use a feeding trough to automate feeding for multiple babies. Keep an eye on their food levels and ensure they have enough resources to grow. Babies also need to be protected from predators and environmental hazards, so keep them in a safe, enclosed area.
Imprinting is a crucial part of raising baby creatures. During their growth stages, you will receive prompts to interact with the baby, such as cuddling, walking, or feeding it specific items. Completing these interactions increases the babyÔÇÖs imprint percentage, which boosts its stats and loyalty. Higher imprinting percentages result in stronger, more effective creatures. Make sure to prioritize imprinting to maximize the benefits.
Resource management is key to successful breeding. You will need a steady supply of food, such as meat for carnivores or berries for herbivores, to keep the babies fed. Stockpile resources like kibble, which is highly effective for feeding babies and speeding up their growth. Additionally, ensure you have enough materials to build and maintain the necessary structures, such as feeding troughs, incubators, and protective enclosures.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting the babyÔÇÖs food supply, failing to regulate the temperature for eggs, and missing imprinting opportunities. Always monitor the babyÔÇÖs stats and be prepared to intervene if something goes wrong. Advanced techniques include selective breeding to combine the best stats from both parents and introducing mutations for unique traits. Mutations are rare and random, but they can significantly enhance a creatureÔÇÖs stats or appearance. Keep detailed records of your breeding lines to track progress and optimize results.
Tribe and solo considerations differ slightly. In a tribe, multiple players can share the workload of breeding and raising creatures, making the process more manageable. Solo players will need to plan carefully and allocate time efficiently to handle all aspects of breeding. Regardless of your playstyle, communication and coordination are essential for success.
Specific examples include breeding high-level Rexes for boss fights or creating colorful Argies for aesthetic purposes. Each species has unique breeding requirements and benefits, so tailor your approach based on your goals. With careful planning and execution, breeding in ARK: Survival Evolved can lead to powerful, unique creatures that give you a significant advantage in the game.
First, you need two creatures of the same species and opposite genders. Place them close to each other in a secure area, such as a fenced-off pen or a dedicated breeding room in your base. Ensure they are set to "Enable Wandering" or use the "Enable Mating" option in their radial menu. When the creatures are in close proximity and both are set to mate, a heart icon will appear above their heads, indicating they are ready to breed. The mating process will begin, and a progress bar will show how long it will take to produce an egg or live baby, depending on the species.
For egg-laying creatures, once the mating process is complete, the female will drop an egg. You must pick up the egg and place it in an environment with the correct temperature for incubation. Some eggs require heat, while others need cold. Use air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires to regulate the temperature. For live-bearing creatures, such as mammals, the female will give birth directly, and you will need to care for the baby immediately.
Once the egg hatches or the baby is born, the real work begins. Baby creatures require constant care, including feeding and protection. They start with a low food stat and must be fed manually until they reach 10% maturation. Use a feeding trough to automate feeding for multiple babies. Keep an eye on their food levels and ensure they have enough resources to grow. Babies also need to be protected from predators and environmental hazards, so keep them in a safe, enclosed area.
Imprinting is a crucial part of raising baby creatures. During their growth stages, you will receive prompts to interact with the baby, such as cuddling, walking, or feeding it specific items. Completing these interactions increases the babyÔÇÖs imprint percentage, which boosts its stats and loyalty. Higher imprinting percentages result in stronger, more effective creatures. Make sure to prioritize imprinting to maximize the benefits.
Resource management is key to successful breeding. You will need a steady supply of food, such as meat for carnivores or berries for herbivores, to keep the babies fed. Stockpile resources like kibble, which is highly effective for feeding babies and speeding up their growth. Additionally, ensure you have enough materials to build and maintain the necessary structures, such as feeding troughs, incubators, and protective enclosures.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting the babyÔÇÖs food supply, failing to regulate the temperature for eggs, and missing imprinting opportunities. Always monitor the babyÔÇÖs stats and be prepared to intervene if something goes wrong. Advanced techniques include selective breeding to combine the best stats from both parents and introducing mutations for unique traits. Mutations are rare and random, but they can significantly enhance a creatureÔÇÖs stats or appearance. Keep detailed records of your breeding lines to track progress and optimize results.
Tribe and solo considerations differ slightly. In a tribe, multiple players can share the workload of breeding and raising creatures, making the process more manageable. Solo players will need to plan carefully and allocate time efficiently to handle all aspects of breeding. Regardless of your playstyle, communication and coordination are essential for success.
Specific examples include breeding high-level Rexes for boss fights or creating colorful Argies for aesthetic purposes. Each species has unique breeding requirements and benefits, so tailor your approach based on your goals. With careful planning and execution, breeding in ARK: Survival Evolved can lead to powerful, unique creatures that give you a significant advantage in the game.