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

Breeding for high stamina efficiency in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of selective breeding, stat inheritance, and careful management of mutations. Stamina efficiency is particularly important for creatures used in travel, combat, or resource gathering, as it determines how long they can perform actions before needing to rest. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve this goal.

To begin, you need to understand the mechanics of stat inheritance and mutations. When two creatures breed, the offspring has a 70% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent for each individual stat, including stamina. This means you can selectively breed creatures with high stamina to increase the likelihood of passing that stat to the next generation. Mutations, which occur randomly, can further enhance a creature's stamina or other stats. Each mutation increases a stat by 2 points and can also change the creature's color. However, mutations are rare, with only a 2.5% chance per breeding event.

The first step is to gather a pair of creatures with high stamina stats. You can find these in the wild or breed existing creatures to improve their stats. Once you have a male and female with desirable stamina, place them in a controlled environment, such as a breeding pen, and enable mating. Ensure they are well-fed and have enough space to move around. After mating, the female will either lay an egg or give birth to a live baby, depending on the species. For egg-laying creatures, you will need to incubate the egg at the correct temperature, which can be achieved using air conditioners, standing torches, or other temperature-regulating items.

Once the baby is born or hatched, it will require constant care. This includes feeding it the appropriate food, such as meat for carnivores or berries for herbivores, and ensuring it stays warm or cool depending on the environment. During this time, you can also imprint on the baby by interacting with it when it requests care. Imprinting increases the creature's stats and loyalty, making it more effective in combat or other tasks. To maximize stamina efficiency, prioritize imprinting actions that boost stamina or movement speed.

As the baby grows, monitor its stamina stat. If it inherits the higher stamina from its parents, you can use it in future breeding pairs to further enhance the stat. If it does not, you may need to continue breeding until you achieve the desired result. Over multiple generations, you can create a lineage of creatures with exceptionally high stamina. To speed up this process, consider using multiple breeding pairs simultaneously. This increases the chances of producing offspring with the desired stats and mutations.

One common mistake is neglecting to track the stats of your breeding pairs. Keeping detailed records of each creature's stats, including stamina, will help you identify which pairs are most effective for breeding. Another mistake is over-mutating. While mutations can be beneficial, each creature can only have 20 mutations total (10 from each parent). Exceeding this limit will prevent further mutations, so it is important to plan your breeding lines carefully.

Advanced techniques include using external tools or mods to track breeding lines and stat inheritance. Some players use spreadsheets or breeding calculators to optimize their breeding process. Additionally, you can use cryopods to store and transport breeding pairs, making it easier to manage large numbers of creatures. Cryopods also allow you to pause the growth of babies, giving you more time to care for them.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food, such as meat or berries, and materials for building a breeding pen and incubating eggs. You will also need a reliable source of water and temperature control, especially for egg-laying creatures. If you are playing solo, consider setting up a small base near a resource-rich area to minimize travel time. In a tribe, coordinate with other members to share the workload and resources.

A specific example of breeding for high stamina efficiency is the Argentavis, a popular flying mount. Start by taming multiple Argentavis and selecting those with the highest stamina. Breed them to produce offspring with even higher stamina, and continue this process over several generations. Use imprinting to further boost stamina and movement speed, making the Argentavis an ideal mount for long-distance travel and resource gathering.

In conclusion, breeding for high stamina efficiency in ARK: Survival Evolved requires patience, planning, and attention to detail. By understanding the mechanics of stat inheritance and mutations, carefully managing your breeding pairs, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create powerful creatures with exceptional stamina. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, this process can significantly enhance your gameplay experience.