What are the best creatures to breed for resource gathering in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding creatures for resource gathering in ARK: Survival Evolved is a highly effective way to optimize your efficiency in collecting materials like wood, stone, metal, berries, and more. To achieve this, you need to understand the mechanics of breeding, stat inheritance, and imprinting, as well as how to select the best creatures for specific tasks. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you get started.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Breeding in ARK requires two creatures of the same species, opposite genders, and a suitable environment. You must enable wandering or use a mating setting to initiate breeding. Once breeding starts, the female will lay an egg (for egg-laying species) or become pregnant (for mammals). The egg or baby will then need to be incubated or cared for until it hatches or is born. After hatching or birth, the baby requires constant feeding and attention until it reaches adulthood. During this time, you can imprint on the baby by interacting with it, which boosts its stats and loyalty.

For resource gathering, the best creatures to breed are those with high base stats in the relevant gathering abilities. For example, the Ankylosaurus is excellent for mining metal and flint, the Doedicurus is ideal for collecting stone, the Therizinosaurus is versatile for gathering wood, fiber, and berries, and the Castoroides is perfect for harvesting wood. Breeding these creatures allows you to combine their best stats, such as melee damage (which affects gathering efficiency) and weight capacity, into a single, highly efficient gatherer.

To start breeding, youÔÇÖll need a secure base with enough space for the creatures to wander and a safe area for raising the babies. Prepare plenty of food, such as berries or meat, depending on the species, and ensure you have the necessary resources to build feeding troughs and incubators if needed. For egg-laying creatures, youÔÇÖll need air conditioners or campfires to maintain the correct temperature for incubation. For mammals, youÔÇÖll need to monitor the pregnancy timer and prepare for the babyÔÇÖs arrival.

Once the baby is born or hatched, it will require constant feeding. Use feeding troughs to store food for the baby, and make sure to imprint on it regularly to maximize its stats. Imprinting involves performing specific tasks, such as cuddling or walking, which increase the babyÔÇÖs imprint percentage. A fully imprinted creature will have better stats and a stronger bond with you, making it more effective in resource gathering.

One common mistake to avoid is neglecting the babyÔÇÖs food supply. Babies consume food rapidly, and if they run out, they will starve and die. Always keep an eye on their food levels and ensure the feeding troughs are stocked. Another mistake is breeding creatures with low base stats. Always start with the best possible parents to ensure the offspring inherit strong stats. Additionally, avoid overcrowding your base with too many babies at once, as this can make it difficult to manage their needs.

Advanced techniques include stacking mutations to further enhance your creaturesÔÇÖ stats. Mutations can increase a creatureÔÇÖs melee damage, health, or weight capacity, making them even more effective at gathering resources. To stack mutations, breed creatures with desirable mutations and carefully track their lineage to avoid hitting the mutation cap. You can also use cryopods to store and transport your creatures, making it easier to manage large breeding operations.

Resource requirements for breeding include a steady supply of food, materials for building enclosures, and resources for maintaining the correct temperature for eggs. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider automating some tasks, such as using feeding troughs and air conditioners, to reduce the workload. In a tribe, coordinate with other members to share responsibilities, such as gathering food or imprinting on babies.

Specific examples of resource-gathering creatures include the Ankylosaurus, which can be bred for high melee damage to mine metal more efficiently, and the Therizinosaurus, which can be bred for versatility in gathering multiple resources. By focusing on breeding these creatures and optimizing their stats, you can create a highly efficient resource-gathering team that will significantly improve your survival and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.