What is the best food to use for raising baby carnivores in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Raising baby carnivores in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process that requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. The best food to use for raising baby carnivores is raw meat, cooked meat, or raw prime meat, depending on the stage of growth and the availability of resources. Each type of food has its own benefits and drawbacks, and understanding these can help you optimize the raising process.

When a baby carnivore is first born or hatched, it will have a food stat that depletes over time. Your primary goal is to keep this stat filled to ensure the baby grows properly. Raw meat is the most common and accessible food source for baby carnivores. It can be obtained by hunting wild creatures or harvesting from corpses using a carnivorous dinosaur. Cooked meat is another option, but it provides less food value compared to raw meat, so it is less efficient for raising babies. Raw prime meat is the best option because it provides the highest food value, but it spoils quickly and is harder to obtain in large quantities.

To begin raising a baby carnivore, you need to prepare a safe and secure area. This can be a fenced-off section of your base or a dedicated breeding pen. Make sure the area is protected from wild creatures and other players, especially in PvP servers. Once the baby is born or hatched, place the food in its inventory. The baby will automatically consume the food as its food stat depletes. It is important to monitor the baby's food stat closely, especially in the early stages, as it can starve quickly if not fed properly.

One of the most important tips for raising baby carnivores is to have a large stockpile of food ready before the baby is born or hatched. This ensures you can keep the baby fed without interruption. You can use preserving bins or refrigerators to store raw meat and raw prime meat, as these structures slow down the spoilage rate. If you are raising multiple babies at once, consider using feeding troughs. Feeding troughs allow multiple babies to eat from a single source, reducing the need to manually refill each baby's inventory.

Another important consideration is the baby's maturation time. Carnivores have different maturation times depending on the species, with larger carnivores like the Rex taking significantly longer to mature compared to smaller ones like the Raptor. During this time, you will need to continuously monitor the baby's food stat and ensure it has enough food to last through the night or while you are away. Setting alarms or timers can help you keep track of when the baby needs to be fed.

Imprinting is another crucial aspect of raising baby carnivores. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby during its growth stages to increase its stats and loyalty. Each imprinting interaction requires a specific type of food or action, such as cuddling, walking, or feeding a particular type of food. Imprinting bonuses can significantly enhance the baby's stats, making it more effective in combat or other tasks. To maximize imprinting, you should aim to complete every imprinting interaction as soon as it becomes available.

Common mistakes to avoid when raising baby carnivores include not having enough food prepared, leaving the baby unattended for too long, and failing to protect the baby from threats. Running out of food can lead to the baby starving, which can be devastating if you have invested a lot of time and resources into the breeding process. Leaving the baby unattended for too long can also result in it being killed by wild creatures or other players. Always ensure the baby is in a secure location and monitor its progress regularly.

Advanced techniques for raising baby carnivores include using cryopods and tek troughs. Cryopods allow you to store babies in a suspended state, pausing their growth and food consumption. This can be useful if you need to take a break from raising the baby or if you want to raise multiple babies simultaneously. Tek troughs are advanced feeding troughs that can hold more food and have a longer spoilage timer, making them ideal for large-scale breeding operations.

Resource requirements for raising baby carnivores include a steady supply of meat, preserving bins or refrigerators, and a secure base. If you are playing solo, you may need to focus on smaller carnivores or limit the number of babies you raise at once to manage your resources effectively. In a tribe, you can divide responsibilities among members, with some focusing on gathering food while others monitor the babies.

Specific examples of raising baby carnivores include raising a Rex for boss fights or a Raptor for early-game combat. A Rex requires a significant amount of raw meat or raw prime meat and a long maturation time, but the result is a powerful creature capable of taking on the toughest challenges. A Raptor, on the other hand, is easier to raise and can be a valuable asset in the early stages of the game.

In conclusion, raising baby carnivores in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. By understanding the mechanics involved, preparing the necessary resources, and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully raise powerful and loyal carnivores to aid you in your survival journey. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, the breeding and genetics system offers a deep and rewarding experience that can significantly enhance your gameplay.