What is the best way to hatch a Wyvern egg in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Hatching a Wyvern egg in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding process that requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Wyverns are powerful flying creatures that can only be obtained by stealing and hatching their eggs, which are found in the Wyvern Trench or other designated areas depending on the map. Below is a detailed guide on how to successfully hatch a Wyvern egg, covering mechanics, strategies, and important considerations.

First, you need to locate and steal a Wyvern egg. Wyvern eggs are found in nests within the Wyvern Trench on maps like Scorched Earth, Ragnarok, or Valguero. These nests are guarded by adult Wyverns, which are highly aggressive and will attack you if they spot you. To steal an egg, you need a fast and agile flying mount, such as a Pteranodon or Argentavis, to quickly grab the egg and escape. Once you pick up the egg, all nearby Wyverns will become hostile and chase you, so itÔÇÖs crucial to have a clear escape route and a plan to lose them. Using terrain to break line of sight or flying to a safe location is essential.

Once you have the egg, the next step is to create the right environment for hatching. Wyvern eggs require extremely high temperatures to incubate, which means you need a heat source. The most common method is to use air conditioners, which can be crafted using electronics, polymer, and metal ingots. You will need at least 10 to 15 air conditioners to provide enough heat for the egg. Alternatively, you can use standing torches, campfires, or a combination of both, but air conditioners are more efficient and reliable. Place the egg in a secure location, such as a small enclosed room, and surround it with the heat sources. The egg will display a temperature indicator, and you need to ensure it stays in the optimal range for incubation.

After the egg hatches, you will have a baby Wyvern that requires immediate care. Unlike most creatures, Wyvern babies cannot eat regular food. Instead, they require Wyvern Milk to survive. Wyvern Milk is obtained by knocking out a female Wyvern and taking the milk from its inventory. This is a dangerous task, as adult Wyverns are strong and aggressive. To make this easier, you can use a trap to immobilize the Wyvern. A common method is to build a trap using stone or metal structures with a large gate. Lure the Wyvern into the trap, close the gate, and then use tranquilizer arrows or darts to knock it out. Once the Wyvern is unconscious, you can access its inventory to collect the milk. Be sure to bring preserving salt or a preserving bin to extend the milkÔÇÖs spoilage time.

Raising a baby Wyvern is a time-consuming process that requires constant attention. The baby will need to be fed Wyvern Milk regularly, and you must monitor its food stat to ensure it doesnÔÇÖt starve. Imprinting is also important, as it increases the WyvernÔÇÖs stats and makes it more loyal to you. To imprint, interact with the baby when it requests care, such as walking or cuddling. Imprinting boosts the WyvernÔÇÖs damage and resistance, making it more effective in combat.

One common mistake is underestimating the resources required for hatching and raising a Wyvern. You need a steady supply of Wyvern Milk, which means you may need to repeatedly knock out female Wyverns. This can be risky and time-consuming, so itÔÇÖs best to prepare in advance. Another mistake is not having enough heat sources for the egg, which can cause the incubation process to fail. Always double-check the temperature and ensure you have enough air conditioners or other heat sources.

For advanced players, optimizing the breeding process can save time and resources. Using a Maewing, a creature introduced in the Genesis DLC, can help feed the baby Wyvern more efficiently. Maewings have a special ability that allows them to nurse babies, reducing the need for constant Wyvern Milk. Additionally, using a Cryopod to store the baby Wyvern when youÔÇÖre not actively raising it can help manage your time and resources.

In terms of tribe and solo considerations, raising a Wyvern is easier with a tribe, as multiple players can share the workload of gathering milk and caring for the baby. However, solo players can still succeed with proper planning and preparation. Make sure to have a secure base with adequate defenses, as Wyverns are valuable and may attract unwanted attention from other players in PvP servers.

In conclusion, hatching and raising a Wyvern in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. By understanding the mechanics, preparing the necessary resources, and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully raise a powerful Wyvern to aid you in your adventures. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or with a tribe, careful planning and execution are key to mastering this challenging aspect of the game.