What is the best way to start a breeding line for Rexes in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Starting a breeding line for Rexes in ARK: Survival Evolved is a long-term project that requires careful planning, resource management, and patience. Rexes are one of the most powerful creatures in the game, making them ideal for boss fights and high-level PvP. To begin, you need to understand the core mechanics of breeding, stat inheritance, mutations, and imprinting. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you get started.

First, you need to tame high-level Rexes. The higher the level of the Rex, the better its base stats will be. Look for wild Rexes with levels above 130 (on official servers) to ensure you have a strong foundation. Use Kibble or Prime Meat to tame them efficiently, as this will maximize their taming effectiveness and give them better stats. Once tamed, check their stats using a tool like the ARK Smart Breeding app or manually record their health, stamina, melee damage, and other stats. This will help you identify which Rexes have the best stats to start your breeding line.

Next, set up a breeding area. This should be a secure, enclosed space with enough room for multiple Rexes. Include feeding troughs filled with meat to keep your Rexes fed during the breeding process. YouÔÇÖll also need air conditioners or Dimetrodons to regulate the temperature for egg incubation. Rex eggs require a hot environment to hatch, so having at least 10-15 air conditioners is recommended. Alternatively, you can use a Maewing to help with baby care, as it can feed babies automatically.

To start breeding, place a male and female Rex close to each other and enable the mating option. Once they mate, the female will lay a fertilized egg. Pick up the egg and place it in your incubation area. Monitor the temperature to ensure it stays within the optimal range. Once the egg hatches, the baby Rex will require constant care. It will need to be fed regularly, and youÔÇÖll need to imprint on it by interacting with it during its growth stages. Imprinting increases the babyÔÇÖs stats and loyalty, making it more effective in combat.

Stat inheritance is a key aspect of breeding. Each stat from the parents has a 55% chance to be inherited by the offspring. This means you can selectively breed Rexes to combine the best stats from both parents. For example, if one Rex has high health and the other has high melee damage, you can breed them to create an offspring with both high health and melee damage. Keep track of the stats of each generation to ensure youÔÇÖre making progress toward your goals.

Mutations are another important factor. Mutations can increase a stat by 2 points and may also change the creatureÔÇÖs color. However, mutations are rare and random, so it may take many generations to achieve the desired results. Each parent can pass on up to 20 mutations, so itÔÇÖs important to manage your breeding lines carefully to avoid hitting the mutation cap. Focus on stacking mutations in specific stats, such as health or melee damage, to create a powerful Rex.

Resource management is crucial for breeding. YouÔÇÖll need a steady supply of meat to feed both the parents and the babies. Consider setting up a meat farm with creatures like Dodos or Ovis to ensure you have enough food. YouÔÇÖll also need a large amount of narcotics and berries to keep the babies unconscious if youÔÇÖre raising multiple at once. Having a dedicated tribe member or a Maewing to help with baby care can make the process much easier.

Common mistakes to avoid include breeding Rexes with low stats, neglecting imprinting, and not managing mutations properly. Always check the stats of your Rexes before breeding, and make sure to imprint on the babies to maximize their potential. Avoid over-mutating, as this can lead to diminishing returns and wasted effort.

Advanced techniques include using cryopods to store and transport Rexes, which can save space and make breeding more efficient. You can also use a breeding calculator to plan your breeding lines and predict the outcomes of each generation. Additionally, consider using a Tek Trough to automate feeding, as it can hold a large amount of food and keep your Rexes fed for longer periods.

In conclusion, starting a breeding line for Rexes in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. By carefully selecting high-level Rexes, managing stat inheritance, and optimizing mutations, you can create powerful creatures capable of taking on the gameÔÇÖs toughest challenges. With proper planning and resource management, youÔÇÖll be well on your way to building a formidable Rex army.