What is the best way to breed for high carry weight efficiency in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding for high carry weight efficiency in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of understanding the game's breeding mechanics, careful planning, and patience. The goal is to create a creature with the highest possible carry weight stat, which is particularly useful for transporting large amounts of resources or items across the map. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of stat inheritance and mutations. 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 carry weight stat and the other has a low one, thereÔÇÖs a good chance the baby will inherit the higher stat. Mutations can further enhance this, as they can increase a stat by 2 points and sometimes change the creatureÔÇÖs color. However, mutations are rare, with only a 2.5% chance per stat per baby.

To start, you need a pair of creatures with high carry weight stats. The best way to find these is by taming multiple creatures of the same species and checking their stats after taming. Use a tool like the Dododex or the in-game stat calculator to determine which creatures have the highest carry weight. Once you have a male and female with high carry weight, you can begin breeding.

Place the two creatures close together in a secure area, such as a fenced-off pen or a base with walls. Enable wandering on both creatures to initiate breeding. Make sure they are well-fed and have enough food in their inventories to sustain the breeding process. Once breeding starts, youÔÇÖll need to wait for the female to lay an egg or give birth, depending on the species.

After the egg is laid or the baby is born, youÔÇÖll need to care for it. Eggs need to be incubated at the right temperature, which can be achieved using air conditioners, standing torches, or other temperature-regulating items. Once the egg hatches, or if the baby is born live, youÔÇÖll need to feed it regularly. Baby creatures have a food stat that depletes quickly, so youÔÇÖll need to have a steady supply of the appropriate food, such as meat for carnivores or berries for herbivores.

Imprinting is a crucial part of the breeding process. By interacting with the baby during its growth stages, you can increase its stats and loyalty. Imprinting requires you to perform specific tasks, such as cuddling, walking, or feeding the baby a specific item. Each successful imprint increases the babyÔÇÖs stats and makes it more effective in combat or other tasks. Aim for 100% imprinting to maximize the creatureÔÇÖs potential.

As the baby grows, youÔÇÖll need to monitor its stats. If it inherits the high carry weight stat from its parents, you can continue breeding it with other high-stat creatures to further enhance the stat. If it doesnÔÇÖt, you may need to try again with a different pair. Over time, you can create a breeding line with consistently high carry weight stats.

Mutations can further enhance your breeding efforts. Each mutation increases a stat by 2 points and can stack over multiple generations. However, mutations are random, so it may take many breeding attempts to get the desired mutation. Keep track of your breeding lines and mutations to ensure youÔÇÖre making progress toward your goal.

Resource management is key to successful breeding. YouÔÇÖll need a steady supply of food, such as meat or berries, to keep your creatures fed during the breeding and growth process. YouÔÇÖll also need materials for building a secure breeding area, such as walls, fences, and temperature-regulating items. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, this can be a significant time investment, so plan accordingly. In a tribe, you can divide the workload among members to make the process more efficient.

Common mistakes to avoid include not monitoring the babyÔÇÖs food stat, which can lead to starvation, and not securing the breeding area, which can result in predators attacking your creatures. Additionally, failing to imprint the baby can result in a weaker creature, so make sure to prioritize imprinting tasks.

Advanced techniques include using cryopods to store and transport creatures, which can save time and resources. You can also use a breeding calculator to track stat inheritance and mutations, making it easier to plan your breeding lines. Additionally, consider breeding during events that increase breeding rates, as this can speed up the process.

In summary, breeding for high carry weight efficiency in ARK: Survival Evolved involves understanding stat inheritance, carefully selecting high-stat creatures, and managing resources effectively. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a powerful creature with exceptional carry weight, making resource transportation much easier. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, patience and planning are key to success in the breeding and genetics system of ARK.