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

Breeding for high carry weight efficiency in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of selective breeding, stat inheritance, and careful management of mutations. The goal is to create a creature with the highest possible carry weight stat, which is particularly useful for transporting large amounts of resources or items across the map. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of breeding. When two creatures of the same species breed, their offspring inherits stats from both parents. Each stat, including carry weight, has a chance to be inherited from either parent. The key is to start with parents that have high carry weight stats. You can find these creatures in the wild or breed them over multiple generations to combine the best stats.

To begin, tame several creatures of the same species with high carry weight stats. ItÔÇÖs important to note the exact values of their carry weight before taming, as taming effectiveness can increase these stats. Once tamed, place them in a breeding pen. Ensure the pen is secure and has enough space for the creatures to move around. YouÔÇÖll also need a steady supply of food to keep the parents healthy and to feed the baby once itÔÇÖs born.

Next, initiate the breeding process by setting the creatures to wander or using the enable mating option. Once the female lays an egg or gives birth, youÔÇÖll need to incubate the egg or care for the baby. For eggs, this means maintaining the correct temperature, either by using air conditioners, standing torches, or other temperature control methods. For live births, youÔÇÖll need to feed the baby immediately and continue to do so until it reaches the juvenile stage.

As the baby grows, youÔÇÖll have the opportunity to imprint on it. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby at specific intervals, such as feeding it or taking it for walks. Successful imprinting increases the creatureÔÇÖs stats and loyalty, making it more effective in carrying weight. Aim for 100% imprinting to maximize the benefits.

Once the baby reaches adulthood, check its carry weight stat. If itÔÇÖs higher than the parents, you can use it as a new breeder to continue improving the stat. Repeat this process over multiple generations, always selecting the offspring with the highest carry weight to breed. This is known as creating a breeding line.

Mutations can also play a role in increasing carry weight. Mutations are random and can affect a creatureÔÇÖs stats or colors. While mutations are rare, they can provide significant boosts to carry weight. To maximize the chances of mutations, breed as many creatures as possible. Keep track of mutations by noting any stat increases or color changes in the offspring.

Resource management is crucial during the breeding process. YouÔÇÖll need a steady supply of food, such as meat for carnivores or berries for herbivores, to keep the parents and babies fed. Additionally, youÔÇÖll need materials for building and maintaining the breeding pen, such as wood, stone, and thatch. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider setting up multiple feeding troughs to automate the feeding process. In a tribe, coordinate with other members to share the workload.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting to check the stats of wild creatures before taming, not maintaining the correct temperature for eggs, and failing to imprint on the baby. Additionally, avoid breeding creatures with low carry weight stats, as this will slow down your progress. Always prioritize creatures with the highest stats for breeding.

Advanced techniques include using external tools or spreadsheets to track breeding lines and mutations. This can help you visualize the progress and make informed decisions about which creatures to breed. Another advanced technique is stacking mutations. This involves breeding mutated creatures to combine multiple mutations into a single offspring. However, be aware that there is a limit to the number of mutations a creature can have, so plan accordingly.

In terms of tribe and solo considerations, breeding can be more manageable in a tribe due to the shared workload. However, solo players can still achieve high carry weight efficiency by carefully planning and automating as much of the process as possible. Use feeding troughs, air conditioners, and other tools to reduce the amount of manual labor required.

Specific examples include breeding Argentavis or Mammoths for high carry weight. Argentavis are excellent for transporting resources across long distances due to their high carry weight and ability to fly. Mammoths are great for land-based transport and can carry large amounts of wood and thatch. Start by taming several Argentavis or Mammoths with high carry weight stats, then follow the breeding process outlined above to create a powerful transport creature.

In conclusion, breeding for high carry weight efficiency in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and a deep understanding of breeding mechanics. By selectively breeding creatures with high carry weight stats, managing mutations, and ensuring proper imprinting, you can create powerful transport creatures that will greatly enhance your survival experience. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, the key is to be patient and methodical in your approach.