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

Breeding for high oxygen in creatures like the Basilisk in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of understanding the breeding mechanics, careful planning, and patience. The Basilisk is a unique creature that requires specific conditions for breeding, and oxygen is one of the stats that can be selectively bred for, especially if you plan to use the Basilisk for underwater exploration or combat. 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 has a 55% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent. This means that if one parent has a high oxygen stat and the other has a low one, thereÔÇÖs a good chance the baby will inherit the higher stat. However, mutations can also play a role. Mutations can randomly increase a stat by 2 points and change the creatureÔÇÖs color. Mutations are rare, with a 7.31% chance per stat per baby, so youÔÇÖll need to breed many generations to get the desired mutation.

To start, youÔÇÖll need a pair of Basilisks with decent oxygen stats. Basilisks are tamed using fertilized Rock Drake eggs, so youÔÇÖll need to have access to these eggs. Once you have your breeding pair, place them in a safe, enclosed area where they canÔÇÖt wander off or be attacked. Enable mating by setting them to ÔÇ£Enable WanderingÔÇØ or using a mating boost item like the Oviraptor. Basilisks lay eggs, so youÔÇÖll need to collect the fertilized egg and incubate it. The egg requires a very specific temperature range, so youÔÇÖll need air conditioners or dimetrodons to maintain the correct temperature.

Once the egg hatches, youÔÇÖll have a baby Basilisk. The baby will need constant care, including feeding and protection. Basilisks eat fertilized eggs, so youÔÇÖll need a steady supply of these. Keep the baby safe from predators and ensure it has enough food to grow. As the baby grows, youÔÇÖll have the opportunity to imprint on it by interacting with it during specific intervals. Imprinting increases the creatureÔÇÖs stats and loyalty, so itÔÇÖs crucial to maximize imprinting for the best results.

To breed for high oxygen, youÔÇÖll need to track the stats of each generation. Keep a record of the oxygen stats of each parent and offspring. If an offspring has a higher oxygen stat than its parents, use it as a breeder for the next generation. This process can take many generations, so patience is key. Mutations can speed up the process, but they are random, so youÔÇÖll need to breed many Basilisks to increase your chances of getting a mutation in the oxygen stat.

Resource management is crucial for breeding Basilisks. YouÔÇÖll need a steady supply of fertilized eggs for both taming and feeding. Rock Drake eggs are the best option, but other eggs can also be used. Ensure you have enough air conditioners or dimetrodons to maintain the correct temperature for the eggs. YouÔÇÖll also need a safe breeding area, preferably indoors or in a heavily defended area to protect your Basilisks from predators and other players.

Common mistakes to avoid include not tracking stats properly, which can lead to confusion and wasted time. Make sure to keep detailed records of each generationÔÇÖs stats. Another mistake is not having enough resources, which can lead to the death of your baby Basilisks. Always ensure you have enough food and a safe environment for your creatures.

Advanced techniques include using multiple breeding pairs to increase your chances of getting mutations. You can also use stat calculators to predict the stats of offspring and plan your breeding lines more effectively. If youÔÇÖre in a tribe, coordinate with other members to share the workload and resources. Solo players will need to be extra careful with resource management and time allocation.

In summary, breeding for high oxygen in Basilisks involves understanding stat inheritance, careful planning, and patience. Track stats, manage resources, and maximize imprinting to create powerful Basilisks with high oxygen stats. With time and effort, you can create a line of Basilisks perfectly suited for underwater exploration and combat.