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 selective breeding, stat inheritance, and mutation management. Weight is one of the key stats that can be improved through breeding, and it is particularly useful for creatures used in resource gathering or transportation. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of stat inheritance. When two creatures breed, the offspring has a 55% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent. This means that if one parent has a higher weight stat, there is a good chance the baby will inherit it. To maximize the chances of getting a higher weight stat, you should start by taming multiple creatures of the same species and checking their stats. Look for individuals with high weight stats and note them down. These will be your breeding stock.

Once you have identified creatures with high weight stats, you need to set up a breeding area. This area should be secure, with walls and gates to prevent wild creatures from interfering. You will also need feeding troughs filled with the appropriate food for the species you are breeding. For example, herbivores will need berries or vegetables, while carnivores will need meat. Make sure you have a good supply of food, as breeding and raising babies can be resource-intensive.

To start breeding, place the two selected creatures close to each other and enable the mating option. You will need to wait for the mating cooldown to finish before they can breed again. Once they mate, 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 or campfires to maintain the correct environment. Pregnant creatures need to be kept safe and well-fed until they give birth.

After the baby is born or hatched, it will require constant care. You need to feed it regularly and ensure it is protected from predators. As the baby grows, you will have the opportunity to imprint on it by interacting with it when it requests care. Imprinting increases the baby's stats and makes it more loyal to you. To maximize the weight stat, focus on imprinting as much as possible.

Mutations can also play a role in increasing weight. Mutations are random and can affect either stats or colors. Each mutation adds two levels to a stat, which can be beneficial if it occurs in the weight stat. However, mutations are rare, so you may need to breed many generations to get the desired mutation. Keep track of your breeding lines to avoid inbreeding, which can reduce the chances of getting good mutations.

One common mistake is not keeping track of stat inheritance. It is easy to lose track of which creatures have the best stats, so it is important to keep detailed records. Another mistake is not preparing enough resources for baby care. Raising babies can take a lot of time and resources, so make sure you have enough food and materials before starting.

Advanced techniques include using external tools or spreadsheets to track breeding lines and stat inheritance. This can help you plan your breeding strategy more effectively. You can also use cryopods to store and transport creatures, making it easier to manage large breeding operations.

Resource requirements include food, building materials for the breeding area, and possibly air conditioners or other temperature control devices. If you are playing in a tribe, you can divide the workload among members, with some focusing on resource gathering and others on breeding and baby care. Solo players will need to manage all aspects themselves, so careful planning is essential.

In summary, breeding for higher weight in ARK: Survival Evolved involves selecting creatures with high weight stats, setting up a secure breeding area, managing stat inheritance and mutations, and providing constant care for the babies. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can create creatures with significantly higher weight stats, making them more effective for resource gathering and transportation.