What are the best food options for raising baby carnivores in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Raising baby carnivores in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding process that requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. The key to successfully raising baby carnivores lies in understanding the mechanics of feeding, imprinting, and growth stages, as well as preparing the necessary resources in advance. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you through the process.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. When a baby carnivore is born or hatched, it starts with a low food stat and requires constant feeding to survive. Unlike adult carnivores, babies cannot eat from troughs or hunt for themselves. Instead, they must be hand-fed by the player until they reach the juvenile stage, at which point they can eat from troughs. The food stat depletes quickly, especially in the early stages, so youÔÇÖll need to monitor it closely. The best food options for baby carnivores are raw meat, cooked meat, and raw prime meat. Raw prime meat is the most effective, as it provides the highest food value, but it spoils quickly, so youÔÇÖll need to gather it frequently.

To begin raising a baby carnivore, youÔÇÖll need to prepare a safe and secure area for it to grow. This area should be enclosed to protect the baby from predators and environmental hazards. YouÔÇÖll also need a steady supply of food, so consider building a nearby storage box or preserving bin to store meat. If youÔÇÖre raising multiple babies, a feeding trough can help automate the feeding process once they reach the juvenile stage. Additionally, having a nearby water source or irrigation system is essential for keeping the baby hydrated, as dehydration can quickly lead to death.

Once the baby is born or hatched, the first step is to ensure it has enough food. Place raw meat, cooked meat, or raw prime meat in its inventory. The baby will automatically consume the food as its food stat depletes. Keep a close eye on the food stat and replenish the inventory as needed. During the early stages, the baby will require frequent feeding, so be prepared to spend a lot of time monitoring it. As the baby grows, its food stat will deplete more slowly, reducing the frequency of feeding.

Imprinting is another crucial aspect of raising baby carnivores. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby during its growth stages to increase its stats and loyalty. To imprint, youÔÇÖll need to approach the baby and follow the on-screen prompts, which may include feeding it, walking with it, or cuddling it. Each successful imprint increases the babyÔÇÖs imprint percentage, which boosts its stats and makes it more effective in combat or other tasks. Imprinting also increases the bond between the baby and the player, making it more responsive to commands.

One common mistake to avoid is neglecting the babyÔÇÖs food stat. If the food stat reaches zero, the baby will starve and die. To prevent this, always keep a surplus of food in its inventory and check on it regularly. Another mistake is failing to protect the baby from predators or environmental hazards. Make sure the area is secure and free from threats. Additionally, avoid overloading the babyÔÇÖs inventory with unnecessary items, as this can make it harder to manage its food supply.

Advanced techniques for raising baby carnivores include using preserving salts or a refrigerator to extend the spoilage time of raw prime meat. This allows you to store larger quantities of high-value food without it spoiling too quickly. Another optimization is to use a Maewing, a creature that can passively feed babies within its range, reducing the need for constant manual feeding. If youÔÇÖre raising multiple babies, consider using a breeding pen with multiple feeding troughs to streamline the process.

Resource requirements for raising baby carnivores include a steady supply of meat, preserving salts or a refrigerator, and a secure enclosure. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, youÔÇÖll need to manage all of these resources yourself, so plan accordingly. In a tribe, you can divide responsibilities among members, making the process more manageable. For example, one player can focus on gathering food, while another monitors the babies and handles imprinting.

Specific examples of raising baby carnivores include raising a Rex or a Spino. These creatures are powerful but require a lot of food and attention during their growth stages. For a Rex, youÔÇÖll need a large enclosure and a significant amount of raw prime meat. For a Spino, youÔÇÖll also need to ensure it has access to water, as it benefits from hydration. In both cases, prioritize imprinting to maximize their stats and effectiveness.

In conclusion, raising baby carnivores in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process that requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. By understanding the mechanics, preparing the necessary resources, and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully raise powerful and loyal carnivores to aid you in your survival journey. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or as part of a tribe, the key to success is staying organized and proactive in caring for your baby carnivores.