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

Breeding for high speed in creatures like the Deinonychus in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of understanding the breeding mechanics, careful planning, and patience. The Deinonychus is a unique creature that does not lay eggs but instead gives birth to live young, which adds some complexity to the breeding process. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve high-speed Deinonychus through breeding.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of stat inheritance and mutations. When two Deinonychus breed, the offspring has a 55% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent for each stat category, including speed. This means that if one parent has a higher speed stat, thereÔÇÖs a good chance the baby will inherit it. However, speed is not a stat that can be leveled up manually after taming, so the base speed stat is crucial. This makes selective breeding essential for achieving high-speed Deinonychus.

To start, youÔÇÖll need a pair of Deinonychus with high base speed stats. You can find these in the wild, but it may take some time to locate individuals with the desired 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. Keep them well-fed with meat to ensure they stay healthy during the breeding process.

After mating, the female Deinonychus will become pregnant. The gestation period is relatively short compared to other creatures, but youÔÇÖll need to monitor the female closely. Once the baby is born, it will require immediate care. Baby Deinonychus need to be fed regularly, and youÔÇÖll need to have a steady supply of meat on hand. ItÔÇÖs also important to keep the baby safe from predators, so having a secure area is crucial.

Imprinting is a key part of raising a high-speed Deinonychus. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby at specific intervals during its growth stages. Each successful imprint increases the babyÔÇÖs stats, including speed, and improves its loyalty to you. To maximize imprinting, youÔÇÖll need to be available to care for the baby every few hours. This can be challenging for solo players, but tribes can share the responsibility to make it easier.

Mutations are another important factor in breeding for high speed. Mutations can randomly occur during breeding and can affect a creatureÔÇÖs stats or colors. While mutations are rare, they can provide significant boosts to speed. To increase your chances of getting a mutation, youÔÇÖll need to breed multiple generations of Deinonychus. Keep track of each generationÔÇÖs stats and select the best individuals for further breeding. Over time, you can stack mutations to create a Deinonychus with exceptionally high speed.

Resource management is critical during the breeding process. YouÔÇÖll need a steady supply of meat to feed both the parents and the baby. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to have preserving bins or refrigerators to store meat and keep it fresh. Additionally, youÔÇÖll need a safe and secure base to protect your breeding pair and their offspring. Consider building a dedicated breeding area with walls, gates, and turrets to keep predators and hostile players at bay.

One common mistake to avoid is neglecting the babyÔÇÖs needs. If the baby Deinonychus is not fed regularly, it will starve and die. Make sure you have enough food and are prepared to spend time caring for the baby. Another mistake is not keeping track of stat inheritance. ItÔÇÖs easy to lose track of which Deinonychus has the best stats, so consider using a spreadsheet or notes to keep track of each generationÔÇÖs stats.

Advanced techniques include using cryopods to store and transport Deinonychus, which can make managing your breeding lines easier. Cryopods allow you to freeze and store creatures, freeing up space in your base and making it easier to organize your breeding pairs. Additionally, consider using a breeding calculator to predict the stats of offspring and plan your breeding lines more effectively.

In summary, breeding for high-speed Deinonychus in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a combination of careful planning, resource management, and patience. By understanding the mechanics of stat inheritance and mutations, providing proper care for the baby, and using advanced techniques like cryopods and breeding calculators, you can create a Deinonychus with exceptional speed. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or as part of a tribe, the key to success is staying organized and dedicated to the breeding process.