How do I breed for higher movement speed in creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding for higher movement speed in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process that involves understanding the game's breeding mechanics, stat inheritance, and mutation systems. Movement speed is a stat that can be inherited or mutated, but it requires careful planning and patience to achieve the desired results. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to breed for higher movement speed in creatures.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand how stat inheritance works. When two creatures breed, the offspring has a 70% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent. This means if one parent has a higher movement speed stat, thereÔÇÖs a good chance the baby will inherit it. However, movement speed is a unique stat because it doesnÔÇÖt naturally increase as the creature levels up. Instead, it is fixed at birth, so breeding is the only way to improve it.

To start, youÔÇÖll need a pair of creatures with high movement speed stats. If you donÔÇÖt already have creatures with high movement speed, youÔÇÖll need to tame wild ones and check their stats. Use a tool like the ARK Smart Breeding app or manually check the stats after taming. Once you have a male and female with high movement speed, place them in a breeding pen and enable mating. Make sure they are well-fed and in a safe environment to avoid interruptions.

After the breeding process begins, the female will either lay an egg (for egg-laying species) or become pregnant (for mammals). For egg-laying creatures, youÔÇÖll need to incubate the egg at the correct temperature. Use air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires to maintain the required temperature. For mammals, simply wait for the gestation period to complete. Once the baby is born or hatched, it will require constant care, including feeding and protection.

Imprinting is a crucial part of the breeding process. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby during its growth stages to increase its stats and loyalty. To imprint, youÔÇÖll need to follow the babyÔÇÖs requests, such as cuddling, walking, or feeding it specific foods. Imprinting can significantly boost the creatureÔÇÖs movement speed and other stats, so itÔÇÖs important to complete this process.

Mutations are another way to increase movement speed. Mutations can occur randomly during breeding and can affect a creatureÔÇÖs stats or colors. Each mutation adds 2 levels to a stat, which can include movement speed. However, mutations are rare, with only a 7.31% chance per baby. To maximize your chances, breed multiple pairs of creatures simultaneously. Keep track of mutations by naming or color-coding your creatures.

One common mistake is neglecting to track stat inheritance and mutations. Without proper tracking, itÔÇÖs easy to lose track of which creatures have the desired stats. Use spreadsheets or breeding apps to keep detailed records. Another mistake is over-mutating. Each creature can have a maximum of 20 mutations on the maternal and paternal sides combined. Once this limit is reached, further mutations are impossible, so plan your breeding lines carefully.

Advanced techniques include stacking mutations and creating clean breeding lines. Stacking mutations involves breeding mutated creatures with non-mutated ones to pass on the mutations while keeping the mutation counter low. Clean breeding lines involve breeding creatures with no mutations to ensure you have a stable base for future breeding. These techniques require careful planning and a lot of time but can result in highly optimized creatures.

Resource requirements for breeding include food for the parents and babies, materials for incubating eggs, and structures for protecting the breeding area. Kibble is the best food for imprinting, so stock up on the required ingredients. YouÔÇÖll also need a secure base to protect your breeding creatures from wild predators or enemy players in PvP.

Tribe considerations are important, especially in PvP. Breeding can be time-consuming, so having tribe members to share the workload is beneficial. Assign roles, such as one person managing food supplies and another handling imprinting. In solo play, focus on smaller breeding projects and prioritize efficiency.

Specific examples include breeding a high-speed Raptor for quick travel or a high-speed Argentavis for efficient resource gathering. For Raptors, focus on movement speed and stamina. For Argentavis, prioritize weight and movement speed to carry more resources while flying.

In conclusion, breeding for higher movement speed in ARK: Survival Evolved requires a deep understanding of breeding mechanics, careful planning, and patience. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can create highly optimized creatures with exceptional movement speed. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the effort you put into breeding will pay off with faster, more efficient creatures for your survival needs.