How do I breed for high speed in creatures like the Pteranodon in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding for high speed in creatures like the Pteranodon in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of careful planning, understanding the breeding mechanics, and patience. The goal is to create a Pteranodon with the highest possible movement speed stat, which is particularly useful for fast travel and escaping dangerous situations. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of stat inheritance and mutations. When two Pteranodons breed, the baby has a 70% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent for each stat category, including movement speed. This means you need to start with parents that have high movement speed stats. If you donÔÇÖt already have Pteranodons with high speed, youÔÇÖll need to tame several and check their stats after taming. Use a tool like the ARK Smart Breeding app or manually check the stats to identify the best candidates.

Once you have a pair of Pteranodons with high movement speed, place them in a secure breeding area. This area should be enclosed to prevent other creatures from interfering and should have enough space for the Pteranodons to move around. Set them to wander or enable mating in their behavior settings. Keep in mind that breeding consumes a lot of stamina, so make sure they are well-fed and have access to food like raw meat or fish.

After mating, the female will lay an egg. Pick up the egg and place it in an incubator or near air conditioners to maintain the correct temperature for hatching. Pteranodon eggs require a temperature range of 29 to 32 degrees Celsius (84 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit). If the temperature is too high or too low, the egg will not hatch. Once the egg hatches, youÔÇÖll have a baby Pteranodon.

The baby Pteranodon will need constant care during its maturation process. This includes feeding it regularly and ensuring it is safe from predators. Use a feeding trough filled with raw meat or fish to make this process easier. As the baby grows, youÔÇÖll have the opportunity to imprint on it. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby at specific intervals, such as cuddling or feeding it its preferred food. Successful imprinting will increase the babyÔÇÖs stats and make it more loyal to you.

To maximize the movement speed stat, youÔÇÖll need to breed multiple generations of Pteranodons. Each time you breed, thereÔÇÖs a chance for a mutation to occur. Mutations can increase a stat by 2 points and may also change the creatureÔÇÖs color. However, mutations are rare, with only a 2.5% chance per stat per baby. To increase your chances, breed as many Pteranodons as possible and keep track of their stats.

One common mistake is neglecting other stats while focusing solely on movement speed. While speed is important, you should also consider other stats like health and stamina, as these will make your Pteranodon more versatile and durable. Another mistake is not keeping detailed records of your breeding lines. Use a spreadsheet or breeding app to track which Pteranodons have the best stats and which have mutations. This will help you make informed decisions about which creatures to breed next.

Advanced techniques include stacking mutations and using multiple breeding pairs. Stacking mutations involves breeding a mutated Pteranodon with a non-mutated one to keep the mutation counter low while still passing on the beneficial stat increase. Using multiple breeding pairs allows you to produce more babies in less time, increasing your chances of getting a mutation.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food, such as raw meat or fish, and materials for building a secure breeding area. YouÔÇÖll also need air conditioners or an incubator for hatching eggs. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, this process can be time-consuming, so consider enlisting the help of tribe members if possible. Tribe members can assist with feeding, imprinting, and protecting the baby Pteranodons.

In summary, breeding for high speed in Pteranodons involves selecting parents with high movement speed stats, carefully managing the breeding and hatching process, and using mutations to further increase the speed stat. Keep detailed records, avoid common mistakes, and consider advanced techniques like mutation stacking and multiple breeding pairs. With patience and persistence, you can create a Pteranodon with exceptional speed, making it a valuable asset for travel and survival in ARK: Survival Evolved.