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 creatures like the Ichthyosaurus, Basilosaurus, or Megalodon, as it directly impacts their underwater efficiency. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to breed for higher oxygen.

First, you need to understand the basics of breeding. Breeding involves pairing two creatures of the same species to produce an egg or live baby. The offspring inherits stats from its parents, with each stat having a 55% chance to be inherited from either parent. This means that if one parent has a high oxygen stat, thereÔÇÖs a good chance the baby will inherit it. To start, youÔÇÖll need a male and female creature with decent oxygen stats. If you donÔÇÖt have creatures with high oxygen, youÔÇÖll need to tame or find wild creatures with better stats.

Once you have your breeding pair, place them close together in a secure area, such as a fenced-off pen or a base with enough space. Enable wandering on both creatures to initiate the breeding process. Keep in mind that breeding consumes a lot of food, so ensure both parents are well-fed. After mating, the female will either lay an egg or become pregnant, depending on the species. Eggs need to be incubated at the right temperature, so you may need air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires to maintain the correct environment.

When the baby hatches or is born, it will require constant care. Babies need to be fed regularly, and their food consumption is high. For aquatic creatures, youÔÇÖll need to ensure they are in water, as they cannot survive on land. Use a feeding trough to make feeding easier, especially if youÔÇÖre breeding multiple creatures at once. As the baby grows, youÔÇÖll have the opportunity to imprint on it. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby by feeding it, cuddling it, or taking it on walks. Successful imprinting increases the creatureÔÇÖs stats and loyalty, making it more effective in combat or other tasks.

To breed for higher oxygen, youÔÇÖll need to focus on stat inheritance and mutations. Mutations are random and can affect a creatureÔÇÖs stats or colors. Each mutation adds 2 levels to a random stat, and thereÔÇÖs a small chance it could be oxygen. However, mutations are rare, so youÔÇÖll need to breed multiple generations to increase your chances. Keep track of your breeding lines by labeling or organizing your creatures to ensure youÔÇÖre making progress toward your goal.

One common mistake is neglecting the importance of stat inheritance. If youÔÇÖre not careful, you could end up with offspring that have lower oxygen stats than their parents. To avoid this, always breed creatures with the highest oxygen stats available. Another mistake is overbreeding, which can lead to a cluttered base and resource shortages. Plan your breeding carefully and only keep the best offspring for future breeding.

Advanced techniques involve stacking mutations. Each creature can have up to 20 mutations on the maternal and paternal sides, totaling 40 mutations. To stack mutations, youÔÇÖll need to breed a mutated creature with a non-mutated one. This allows you to continue adding mutations without hitting the cap too quickly. However, this process is time-consuming and requires a lot of resources, so itÔÇÖs best suited for dedicated players or tribes.

Resource requirements for breeding include food, shelter, and temperature control. For aquatic creatures, youÔÇÖll also need a large body of water or a custom-built pool. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, breeding can be challenging due to the time and resource investment. However, tribes can divide the workload, making the process more manageable. For example, one tribe member can focus on gathering food, while another handles imprinting and care.

In specific scenarios, breeding for higher oxygen is essential for underwater exploration or combat. For example, a Megalodon with high oxygen can stay submerged longer, making it more effective in underwater battles or resource gathering. Similarly, a Basilosaurus with high oxygen can explore deeper parts of the ocean without needing to surface frequently.

In conclusion, breeding for higher oxygen in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and patience. By understanding stat inheritance, mutations, and imprinting, you can create powerful aquatic creatures with exceptional oxygen stats. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the key is to stay organized and focused on your breeding goals. With time and effort, youÔÇÖll have a line of creatures perfectly suited for underwater survival and exploration.