How do I breed for high food efficiency in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding for high food efficiency in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of selective breeding, stat inheritance, and careful management of mutations. Food efficiency refers to how effectively a creature uses its food to sustain itself, which is particularly important for creatures with high food consumption rates or those used for long tasks like traveling or resource gathering. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, understand the mechanics of stat inheritance. When two creatures breed, the offspring has a 55% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent. This means you need to start with parents that have high food stats. To do this, tame multiple creatures of the same species and compare their stats. Keep the ones with the highest food stats and use them as your breeding pair. This is the foundation of your breeding line.

Next, focus on mutations. Mutations can increase a creatureÔÇÖs stats, including food efficiency. However, mutations are random and rare, so you need to breed many generations to increase your chances. Each mutation adds 2 levels to a stat and can also change the creatureÔÇÖs color. Keep track of mutations by labeling your creatures or using a breeding tracker. Only keep mutations that improve food efficiency or other desired stats.

To start breeding, place your selected pair in a secure, enclosed area. Ensure they have enough food and are set to wander or enable mating in their behavior settings. Once they mate, they will produce an egg or live baby, depending on the species. For egg-laying creatures, you need to incubate the egg at the right temperature. Use air conditioners, campfires, or torches to maintain the correct temperature. For live births, ensure the baby is in a safe environment.

After the baby is born or hatched, it will require constant care. Baby creatures have a high food consumption rate, so you need to keep their inventory stocked with the appropriate food. Use a feeding trough to automate this process. As the baby grows, it will go through several stages: baby, juvenile, and adolescent. During these stages, you can imprint on the creature by interacting with it when it requests care. Imprinting increases the creatureÔÇÖs stats and loyalty, making it more effective.

One important tip is to manage your breeding lines carefully. Avoid inbreeding by keeping track of the parents and their offspring. Inbreeding can lead to weaker stats and fewer mutations. Use separate pens for different breeding lines to keep them organized. Also, consider using a breeding calculator to predict the stats of offspring and plan your breeding strategy.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting the babyÔÇÖs food needs, which can lead to starvation, and not maintaining the correct temperature for eggs. Another mistake is not keeping track of mutations, which can result in lost progress. Always label your creatures and keep detailed records of their stats and lineage.

Advanced techniques include stacking mutations. This involves breeding mutated creatures with non-mutated ones to keep the mutation counter low while still passing on the desired stats. This allows you to continue gaining mutations without hitting the mutation cap. Another technique is using cryopods to store and manage your breeding stock, making it easier to organize and rotate your breeding pairs.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food, such as meat or berries, depending on the species. You also need materials for building enclosures, incubators, and feeding troughs. Prepare by gathering these resources in advance and setting up a dedicated breeding area in your base.

For tribes, breeding can be a collaborative effort. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person managing the breeding pairs and another handling baby care. This can make the process more efficient and reduce the workload. For solo players, focus on smaller breeding projects and use automation tools like feeding troughs to manage multiple babies at once.

A specific example is breeding a high food efficiency Argentavis. Start by taming multiple Argentavis and selecting the ones with the highest food stats. Breed them to produce offspring with even higher food stats. Use mutations to further increase food efficiency. Once you have a high food efficiency Argentavis, it will consume less food during long flights, making it more sustainable for travel and resource gathering.

In conclusion, breeding for high food efficiency in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. By understanding the mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques, you can create powerful and efficient creatures that enhance your survival and gameplay experience.