What is the best way to breed for higher oxygen in creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Breeding for higher oxygen in creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved involves understanding the game's breeding mechanics, stat inheritance, and mutation systems. Oxygen is a stat that determines how long a creature can stay underwater before needing to surface for air. While oxygen is not a priority for all creatures, it is essential for aquatic or semi-aquatic species like the Ichthyosaurus, Basilosaurus, or Megalodon. Breeding for higher oxygen can improve their underwater efficiency, making them more effective for ocean exploration, resource gathering, or combat.
To begin, you need two creatures of the same species with desirable stats. The first step is to tame or acquire creatures with high oxygen levels. If you don't already have such creatures, you may need to tame multiple individuals and compare their stats. Once you have a male and female with high oxygen, place them in a secure breeding area. This area should be enclosed to prevent them from wandering and should have enough space for the breeding process. Ensure they are set to "Enable Wandering" or use a mating boost item like the Oviraptor to speed up the process.
When the creatures mate, they will produce an egg (for egg-laying species) or a live baby (for mammals). The baby will inherit stats from both parents. Each stat, including oxygen, has a 55% chance to be inherited from either parent. This means there is no guarantee the baby will inherit the higher oxygen stat, so you may need to breed multiple times to get the desired result. Once the egg is laid or the baby is born, you must incubate or care for it. For eggs, this means maintaining the correct temperature, either through air conditioners, standing torches, or other methods. For live babies, you must feed them immediately and ensure they have a steady supply of food.
As the baby grows, you will need to imprint on it by interacting with it during specific intervals. Imprinting increases the creature's stats and loyalty, making it more effective. To maximize oxygen, focus on imprinting actions that boost stats. Keep in mind that imprinting bonuses are percentage-based, so higher base stats will result in greater overall improvements.
Mutations can also play a role in breeding for higher oxygen. Mutations are random and can affect a creature's stats or colors. Each mutation adds 2 levels to a stat, which can be oxygen. However, mutations are rare, and there is a limit of 20 mutations per stat. To increase your chances of getting an oxygen mutation, breed multiple generations and keep track of your breeding lines. Use a spreadsheet or notes to monitor which creatures have mutations and which stats are affected.
One common mistake is neglecting other stats while focusing on oxygen. While oxygen is important for aquatic creatures, other stats like health, stamina, and melee damage are also crucial for survival and combat. Balance your breeding efforts to ensure your creatures remain versatile. Another mistake is not preparing enough resources for baby care. Raising a baby requires a significant amount of food, especially for larger creatures. Stockpile meat, berries, or other appropriate food items before starting the breeding process.
Advanced techniques include stacking mutations and using clean breeding lines. Stacking mutations involves breeding mutated creatures with non-mutated ones to preserve the mutation while avoiding the 20-mutation limit. Clean breeding lines refer to maintaining a group of creatures with no mutations to serve as a baseline for future breeding. This helps you track which mutations are new and which stats are being improved.
Resource requirements for breeding include food, shelter, and temperature control. For aquatic creatures, you may need to build a water pen or use a platform saddle to create a breeding area. If you are playing solo, breeding can be time-consuming, so plan your schedule accordingly. In a tribe, you can divide tasks like gathering resources, monitoring babies, and imprinting to make the process more efficient.
For example, if you are breeding Megalodons for higher oxygen, start by taming several with high oxygen stats. Place them in a water pen and begin breeding. Once you have a baby with high oxygen, raise it to adulthood and use it for further breeding. Over time, you can create a line of Megalodons with exceptional oxygen levels, making them ideal for underwater exploration and combat.
In summary, breeding for higher oxygen in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and patience. Focus on stat inheritance, mutations, and imprinting to maximize your results. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting other stats or underestimating resource needs. With the right strategies, you can create powerful aquatic creatures that excel in their environment.
To begin, you need two creatures of the same species with desirable stats. The first step is to tame or acquire creatures with high oxygen levels. If you don't already have such creatures, you may need to tame multiple individuals and compare their stats. Once you have a male and female with high oxygen, place them in a secure breeding area. This area should be enclosed to prevent them from wandering and should have enough space for the breeding process. Ensure they are set to "Enable Wandering" or use a mating boost item like the Oviraptor to speed up the process.
When the creatures mate, they will produce an egg (for egg-laying species) or a live baby (for mammals). The baby will inherit stats from both parents. Each stat, including oxygen, has a 55% chance to be inherited from either parent. This means there is no guarantee the baby will inherit the higher oxygen stat, so you may need to breed multiple times to get the desired result. Once the egg is laid or the baby is born, you must incubate or care for it. For eggs, this means maintaining the correct temperature, either through air conditioners, standing torches, or other methods. For live babies, you must feed them immediately and ensure they have a steady supply of food.
As the baby grows, you will need to imprint on it by interacting with it during specific intervals. Imprinting increases the creature's stats and loyalty, making it more effective. To maximize oxygen, focus on imprinting actions that boost stats. Keep in mind that imprinting bonuses are percentage-based, so higher base stats will result in greater overall improvements.
Mutations can also play a role in breeding for higher oxygen. Mutations are random and can affect a creature's stats or colors. Each mutation adds 2 levels to a stat, which can be oxygen. However, mutations are rare, and there is a limit of 20 mutations per stat. To increase your chances of getting an oxygen mutation, breed multiple generations and keep track of your breeding lines. Use a spreadsheet or notes to monitor which creatures have mutations and which stats are affected.
One common mistake is neglecting other stats while focusing on oxygen. While oxygen is important for aquatic creatures, other stats like health, stamina, and melee damage are also crucial for survival and combat. Balance your breeding efforts to ensure your creatures remain versatile. Another mistake is not preparing enough resources for baby care. Raising a baby requires a significant amount of food, especially for larger creatures. Stockpile meat, berries, or other appropriate food items before starting the breeding process.
Advanced techniques include stacking mutations and using clean breeding lines. Stacking mutations involves breeding mutated creatures with non-mutated ones to preserve the mutation while avoiding the 20-mutation limit. Clean breeding lines refer to maintaining a group of creatures with no mutations to serve as a baseline for future breeding. This helps you track which mutations are new and which stats are being improved.
Resource requirements for breeding include food, shelter, and temperature control. For aquatic creatures, you may need to build a water pen or use a platform saddle to create a breeding area. If you are playing solo, breeding can be time-consuming, so plan your schedule accordingly. In a tribe, you can divide tasks like gathering resources, monitoring babies, and imprinting to make the process more efficient.
For example, if you are breeding Megalodons for higher oxygen, start by taming several with high oxygen stats. Place them in a water pen and begin breeding. Once you have a baby with high oxygen, raise it to adulthood and use it for further breeding. Over time, you can create a line of Megalodons with exceptional oxygen levels, making them ideal for underwater exploration and combat.
In summary, breeding for higher oxygen in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and patience. Focus on stat inheritance, mutations, and imprinting to maximize your results. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting other stats or underestimating resource needs. With the right strategies, you can create powerful aquatic creatures that excel in their environment.