How do I breed for higher weight in creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding for higher weight in creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of understanding the game's breeding mechanics, careful planning, and patience. Weight is one of the key stats that can be inherited and improved through selective breeding, and it is particularly important for creatures used for resource gathering or transportation. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to understand the basics of breeding mechanics. When two creatures of the same species are bred, the offspring inherits stats from both parents. Each stat, including weight, has a 55% chance to be inherited from either parent. This means that if one parent has a higher weight stat, there is a slightly better chance the offspring will inherit that higher stat. However, the inheritance is not guaranteed, so you may need to breed multiple times to get the desired result.

To start breeding for higher weight, you need to find two creatures of the same species with high weight stats. These can be wild tames or creatures you have already bred. Once you have your breeding pair, place them close together in a secure area, such as a breeding pen, and set them to wander or enable mating. Make sure they are well-fed and have enough food to sustain the breeding process. Once mating is initiated, the female will either lay an egg or become pregnant, depending on the species.

After the egg is laid or the baby is born, you need to care for it until it reaches adulthood. This involves feeding the baby the appropriate food, which varies depending on the species. For example, carnivores will need meat, while herbivores will need berries or crops. You also need to ensure the baby is kept in a safe environment, as it will be vulnerable to predators and environmental hazards.

Imprinting is another important aspect of breeding. By interacting with the baby during its growth stages, you can increase its stats and loyalty. Imprinting is done by following the prompts that appear above the baby's head, such as cuddling, walking, or feeding it specific items. Proper imprinting can significantly enhance the creature's weight stat, making it even more effective for carrying resources.

One common mistake to avoid is neglecting the other stats of the creatures you are breeding. While focusing on weight is important, you should also consider other stats like health, stamina, and melee damage, especially if the creature will be used for combat or other tasks. Balancing these stats will ensure your creature is versatile and effective in multiple roles.

Advanced techniques for breeding include using mutations to further enhance the weight stat. Mutations are rare and random, but they can provide significant boosts to a creature's stats. To maximize the chances of getting a mutation, you can breed multiple generations of creatures and carefully track their stats. Keep in mind that each creature can only have a limited number of mutations, so you need to plan your breeding lines carefully.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food, a secure breeding area, and time. Breeding can be time-consuming, especially if you are aiming for specific stats or mutations. It is important to have a well-organized base with plenty of storage for food and other resources. If you are playing in a tribe, you can divide the responsibilities among tribe members to make the process more efficient. For solo players, it is crucial to manage your time and resources carefully to avoid being overwhelmed.

In terms of specific examples, let's consider breeding a high-weight Argentavis, a popular creature for transportation and resource gathering. Start by taming or breeding two Argentavis with high weight stats. Place them in a breeding pen and initiate mating. Once the egg is laid, incubate it by keeping it at the right temperature, either by using air conditioners, standing torches, or other methods. After the egg hatches, feed the baby Argentavis meat and care for it until it reaches adulthood. Imprint on the baby to increase its weight stat and loyalty. Repeat this process over multiple generations, selecting the offspring with the highest weight stats to continue the breeding line.

In conclusion, breeding for higher weight in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a deep understanding of the game's breeding mechanics, careful planning, and patience. By following the steps outlined above, you can create powerful creatures with high weight stats that are perfect for resource gathering and transportation. Remember to balance other stats, use imprinting and mutations to your advantage, and manage your resources effectively to achieve the best results.