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 most land-based creatures, it is crucial for aquatic or semi-aquatic creatures like the Ichthyosaurus, Megalodon, or Basilosaurus. Breeding for higher oxygen can make these creatures more efficient for underwater 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 are starting from scratch, you may need to tame multiple creatures to find one with a naturally high oxygen stat. Once you have at least two creatures with decent oxygen stats, you can start the breeding process. Place the creatures close to each other in a safe, enclosed area, and enable the "Enable Wandering" option. This will allow them to mate, provided they are of opposite genders and not on cooldown. After mating, the female will either lay an egg or become pregnant, depending on the species.
Once the egg is laid or the baby is born, you must incubate the egg or care for the baby. For eggs, this involves maintaining the correct temperature, which can be achieved using air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires. For live births, you need to ensure the baby is fed and protected from predators. As the baby grows, you will need to monitor its stats. Stat inheritance is random, meaning the baby has a 55% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent. If neither parent has a high oxygen stat, the baby will not either, so it is crucial to start with parents that have good oxygen levels.
To increase the chances of getting a baby with higher oxygen, you can introduce mutations. Mutations are rare, random events that can increase a stat by two levels or change the creature's color. Each mutation affects one stat, and there is a small chance it will be applied to oxygen. However, mutations are not guaranteed, and you may need to breed multiple generations to achieve the desired result. Keep in mind that each creature can have up to 20 mutations on the maternal and paternal sides combined. Exceeding this limit will prevent further mutations, so it is essential to track your breeding lines carefully.
One common mistake is neglecting to track stat inheritance and mutations. Without proper tracking, you may end up with a creature that has high oxygen but lacks other important stats like health or stamina. To avoid this, use a spreadsheet or breeding tracker to record each creature's stats and mutations. This will help you identify which creatures to pair for the next generation. Another mistake is rushing the breeding process. Breeding takes time, and skipping steps like imprinting or proper care can result in weaker creatures. Always ensure the baby is fully imprinted, as this provides a significant stat boost and increases the creature's loyalty.
Advanced techniques involve stacking mutations to maximize oxygen levels. This requires isolating a high-oxygen stat in one parent and breeding it with a creature that has no mutations. By doing this, you can ensure that any new mutations are applied to the oxygen stat. This process can take many generations, so patience is key. Additionally, you can use cryopods to store and transport creatures, making it easier to manage large breeding operations. Cryopods also allow you to pause the growth of a baby, giving you more time to gather resources or prepare for its care.
Resource requirements for breeding include food, shelter, and temperature control. For aquatic creatures, you may need to build a water pen or use underwater bases to keep them safe. Kibble is the best food for taming and breeding, as it provides the most nourishment and reduces the time required for care. However, if kibble is not available, raw meat or fish will suffice. Ensure you have a steady supply of food, as babies consume large amounts during their growth stages.
Tribe and solo considerations differ slightly. In a tribe, multiple players can share the workload, making it easier to manage large breeding operations. However, coordination is essential to avoid confusion or duplication of effort. Solo players will need to be more efficient, focusing on smaller breeding lines and using tools like cryopods to manage their time effectively.
A specific example would be breeding a high-oxygen Megalodon for underwater combat. Start by taming multiple Megalodons and selecting the ones with the highest oxygen stats. Pair these creatures and monitor their offspring. If a baby inherits a high oxygen stat, use it as a parent for the next generation. Introduce mutations by breeding with a creature that has no mutations, and repeat the process until you achieve the desired oxygen level. Once you have a high-oxygen Megalodon, imprint it fully to maximize its effectiveness in combat.
In conclusion, breeding for higher oxygen in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, patience, and attention to detail. By understanding the mechanics of stat inheritance and mutations, tracking your breeding lines, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create powerful aquatic creatures tailored to your needs. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the process is rewarding and can significantly enhance your underwater capabilities.
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 are starting from scratch, you may need to tame multiple creatures to find one with a naturally high oxygen stat. Once you have at least two creatures with decent oxygen stats, you can start the breeding process. Place the creatures close to each other in a safe, enclosed area, and enable the "Enable Wandering" option. This will allow them to mate, provided they are of opposite genders and not on cooldown. After mating, the female will either lay an egg or become pregnant, depending on the species.
Once the egg is laid or the baby is born, you must incubate the egg or care for the baby. For eggs, this involves maintaining the correct temperature, which can be achieved using air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires. For live births, you need to ensure the baby is fed and protected from predators. As the baby grows, you will need to monitor its stats. Stat inheritance is random, meaning the baby has a 55% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent. If neither parent has a high oxygen stat, the baby will not either, so it is crucial to start with parents that have good oxygen levels.
To increase the chances of getting a baby with higher oxygen, you can introduce mutations. Mutations are rare, random events that can increase a stat by two levels or change the creature's color. Each mutation affects one stat, and there is a small chance it will be applied to oxygen. However, mutations are not guaranteed, and you may need to breed multiple generations to achieve the desired result. Keep in mind that each creature can have up to 20 mutations on the maternal and paternal sides combined. Exceeding this limit will prevent further mutations, so it is essential to track your breeding lines carefully.
One common mistake is neglecting to track stat inheritance and mutations. Without proper tracking, you may end up with a creature that has high oxygen but lacks other important stats like health or stamina. To avoid this, use a spreadsheet or breeding tracker to record each creature's stats and mutations. This will help you identify which creatures to pair for the next generation. Another mistake is rushing the breeding process. Breeding takes time, and skipping steps like imprinting or proper care can result in weaker creatures. Always ensure the baby is fully imprinted, as this provides a significant stat boost and increases the creature's loyalty.
Advanced techniques involve stacking mutations to maximize oxygen levels. This requires isolating a high-oxygen stat in one parent and breeding it with a creature that has no mutations. By doing this, you can ensure that any new mutations are applied to the oxygen stat. This process can take many generations, so patience is key. Additionally, you can use cryopods to store and transport creatures, making it easier to manage large breeding operations. Cryopods also allow you to pause the growth of a baby, giving you more time to gather resources or prepare for its care.
Resource requirements for breeding include food, shelter, and temperature control. For aquatic creatures, you may need to build a water pen or use underwater bases to keep them safe. Kibble is the best food for taming and breeding, as it provides the most nourishment and reduces the time required for care. However, if kibble is not available, raw meat or fish will suffice. Ensure you have a steady supply of food, as babies consume large amounts during their growth stages.
Tribe and solo considerations differ slightly. In a tribe, multiple players can share the workload, making it easier to manage large breeding operations. However, coordination is essential to avoid confusion or duplication of effort. Solo players will need to be more efficient, focusing on smaller breeding lines and using tools like cryopods to manage their time effectively.
A specific example would be breeding a high-oxygen Megalodon for underwater combat. Start by taming multiple Megalodons and selecting the ones with the highest oxygen stats. Pair these creatures and monitor their offspring. If a baby inherits a high oxygen stat, use it as a parent for the next generation. Introduce mutations by breeding with a creature that has no mutations, and repeat the process until you achieve the desired oxygen level. Once you have a high-oxygen Megalodon, imprint it fully to maximize its effectiveness in combat.
In conclusion, breeding for higher oxygen in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, patience, and attention to detail. By understanding the mechanics of stat inheritance and mutations, tracking your breeding lines, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create powerful aquatic creatures tailored to your needs. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the process is rewarding and can significantly enhance your underwater capabilities.