How do I breed for high armor efficiency in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding for high armor efficiency in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of understanding the breeding mechanics, stat inheritance, and mutation systems. High armor efficiency is particularly important for creatures used in combat or as mounts, as it directly impacts their survivability. 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 55% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent for each individual stat, including health, stamina, oxygen, food, weight, melee damage, and movement speed. Armor efficiency is not a stat that can be directly inherited or mutated, but it is influenced by the creature's base health and melee damage stats. Higher health and melee damage stats can make a creature more effective in combat, indirectly improving its armor efficiency.

To start breeding for high armor efficiency, you need to find two creatures with high health and melee damage stats. These will serve as your breeding pair. ItÔÇÖs important to note that wild creatures have random stats, so you may need to tame multiple creatures of the same species to find the ones with the best stats. Once you have your breeding pair, place them in a secure area, such as a fenced-off pen or a dedicated breeding room in your base. Make sure they are set to wander or enable mating in their behavior settings.

When the breeding process begins, the female will lay an egg (for egg-laying species) or become pregnant (for live-bearing species). The egg will need to be incubated at the correct temperature, which can be achieved using air conditioners, standing torches, or other temperature-regulating structures. For live-bearing species, the female will need to be kept safe and well-fed during the pregnancy.

Once the baby is born or hatched, it will require constant care. This includes feeding it the appropriate food, such as meat for carnivores or berries for herbivores. You will also need to imprint on the baby by interacting with it during its growth stages. Imprinting increases the babyÔÇÖs stats and loyalty, making it more effective in combat. To maximize imprinting, you should aim to achieve 100% imprint by completing all the required interactions, such as cuddling, walking, or feeding specific items.

Mutations can play a crucial role in breeding for high armor efficiency. Mutations are random and can affect a creatureÔÇÖs stats or colors. Each mutation increases a stat by two levels and can stack over multiple generations. However, there is a limit of 20 mutations per stat, so careful planning is needed to maximize their benefits. To introduce mutations, you need to breed creatures that have not reached the mutation limit. This often involves creating separate breeding lines for each stat you want to improve.

Resource management is essential for successful breeding. You will need a steady supply of food, such as raw meat, cooked meat, or berries, depending on the species. You will also need a secure base with adequate space for breeding pens, incubation areas, and storage for resources. If you are playing in a tribe, coordination with other members is crucial to ensure that the breeding process runs smoothly. Solo players will need to manage all aspects of breeding on their own, which can be time-consuming but rewarding.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting imprinting, which can significantly reduce the effectiveness of your creatures. Another mistake is not keeping track of mutations, which can lead to wasted effort and resources. ItÔÇÖs also important to avoid inbreeding, as this can result in offspring with lower stats. To prevent inbreeding, you should maintain separate breeding lines and introduce new creatures with desirable stats into your breeding program.

Advanced techniques include using external tools or spreadsheets to track stat inheritance and mutations. This can help you plan your breeding lines more effectively and ensure that you are making progress toward your goals. Another advanced technique is to use cryopods to store and transport creatures, which can save time and resources during the breeding process.

In summary, breeding for high armor efficiency in ARK: Survival Evolved involves understanding stat inheritance, managing mutations, and providing proper care for your creatures. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can create powerful and effective creatures that excel in combat. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and resource management are key to success.