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

Breeding for high oxygen efficiency in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of understanding the game's breeding mechanics, careful planning, and patience. Oxygen efficiency is particularly useful for aquatic creatures, as it allows them to stay underwater longer and move faster in the water. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of breeding and stat inheritance. When two creatures breed, the offspring inherits stats from either parent. Each stat, including oxygen, has a 55% chance to be inherited from one parent and a 45% chance from the other. This means you need to start with parents that have high oxygen stats. To do this, tame multiple creatures of the same species and check their stats. Look for individuals with naturally high oxygen levels. Once you have a pair with high oxygen stats, you can begin breeding them.

The next step is to initiate the breeding process. Place the two creatures close to each other and enable mating. Make sure they are well-fed and in a safe environment. Once mating begins, you will need to wait for the gestation period (for live-bearing creatures) or the incubation period (for egg-laying creatures). During this time, ensure the parents are protected from predators and environmental hazards.

After the baby is born or hatched, it will require constant care. This includes feeding it the appropriate food and keeping it safe. As the baby grows, you will have the opportunity to imprint on it. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby at specific intervals, which increases its stats and loyalty. Proper imprinting can significantly enhance the creature's oxygen efficiency, so make sure to complete the imprinting process.

To maximize oxygen efficiency, you will need to breed multiple generations. Each generation should be bred from the best individuals of the previous generation. This means selecting offspring with the highest oxygen stats and breeding them together. Over time, this selective breeding will result in creatures with increasingly high oxygen levels.

One important tip is to keep track of your breeding lines. Use a spreadsheet or notebook to record the stats of each creature and their lineage. This will help you identify the best candidates for breeding and avoid inbreeding, which can lead to weaker offspring. Additionally, consider using mutations to your advantage. Mutations can randomly increase a creature's stats, including oxygen. While mutations are rare, they can provide a significant boost if you are lucky.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting the imprinting process, not keeping track of breeding lines, and rushing the process. Breeding for high oxygen efficiency takes time and patience, so donÔÇÖt expect immediate results. Also, make sure to provide adequate resources for your breeding operation. This includes food for the parents and babies, as well as materials for building a safe breeding area.

Advanced techniques include using cryopods to store and transport creatures, which can save time and resources. Cryopods allow you to freeze creatures and store them in a cryofridge, making it easier to manage your breeding lines. Additionally, consider using a breeding calculator to predict the stats of offspring. These tools can help you plan your breeding strategy more effectively.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food, such as meat or berries, depending on the species. You will also need materials to build a secure breeding area, such as walls, gates, and feeding troughs. If you are breeding aquatic creatures, consider building a water pen or using a platform saddle to create a mobile breeding area.

Tribe considerations are important if you are playing with others. Coordinate with your tribe members to share the workload and resources. Assign roles, such as one person responsible for feeding and another for imprinting. This will make the breeding process more efficient and ensure that everyone benefits from the high-oxygen creatures.

In solo play, you will need to manage all aspects of breeding on your own. This can be challenging, but with careful planning and resource management, it is achievable. Consider using automation tools, such as feeding troughs and air conditioners, to reduce the workload.

Specific examples include breeding a high-oxygen Basilosaurus for underwater exploration or a high-oxygen Ichthyosaurus for quick travel across the ocean. These creatures can be invaluable for gathering resources, exploring underwater caves, and escaping predators.

In conclusion, breeding for high oxygen efficiency in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a deep understanding of breeding mechanics, careful planning, and patience. By following the steps outlined above, you can create powerful aquatic creatures that excel in underwater environments. Remember to keep track of your breeding lines, avoid common mistakes, and use advanced techniques to optimize your breeding strategy. With time and effort, you will achieve your goal of high-oxygen creatures.