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

Hatching a Deinonychus egg in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Deinonychus eggs are unique because they are not laid by tamed Deinonychus. Instead, they are found in nests in the wild, specifically in the Valguero map. Once you have obtained a Deinonychus egg, you need to create the right conditions for it to hatch and ensure the baby survives after hatching. Here is a detailed guide on how to hatch and raise a Deinonychus egg successfully.

First, you need to find a Deinonychus egg. These eggs are located in nests scattered across the white cliffs area in Valguero. Be cautious when approaching these nests, as wild Deinonychus are highly aggressive and will attack if they see you. It is recommended to bring a strong mount, such as a Rex or a Spino, to deal with any threats. Once you have the egg, you need to transport it safely back to your base. Use a preserving bin or a refrigerator to keep the egg fresh, as it will spoil over time if left in your inventory.

To hatch the egg, you need to maintain the correct temperature. Deinonychus eggs require a specific temperature range to incubate properly. The ideal temperature for a Deinonychus egg is between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. You can achieve this by placing the egg in a room with air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires. Air conditioners are the most efficient method, as they can regulate the temperature precisely. If you do not have air conditioners, you can use a combination of standing torches and campfires, but you will need to monitor the temperature closely to avoid overheating or cooling the egg.

Once the egg is placed in the correct environment, it will begin to incubate. The incubation process takes approximately 4 hours and 59 minutes. During this time, you must ensure the temperature remains stable. If the temperature fluctuates too much, the egg will lose health and may not hatch. It is a good idea to stay near the egg during incubation to make adjustments as needed.

After the egg hatches, the baby Deinonychus will require immediate care. Like all baby creatures in ARK, it will need to be fed regularly to survive. Deinonychus babies start with a low food stat, so you must have a steady supply of raw meat or cooked meat on hand. Place the meat in the baby's inventory and ensure it eats regularly. You can also use a feeding trough to automate the feeding process, but you will still need to monitor the baby's food stat closely.

Imprinting is another important aspect of raising a Deinonychus. Imprinting increases the baby's stats and makes it more loyal to you. To imprint, you must interact with the baby when it requests care. This can include actions such as cuddling, walking, or feeding it specific foods. Each imprinting session increases the imprint percentage, and a fully imprinted Deinonychus will have significantly better stats than one without imprinting. Imprinting also reduces the time it takes for the baby to reach adulthood.

Raising a Deinonychus to adulthood takes time and resources. The maturation process takes approximately 4 days and 12 hours in real-time, but this can be reduced by using a combination of imprinting and proper care. During this time, you must ensure the baby has enough food and is protected from predators. It is a good idea to build a secure nursery area in your base to keep the baby safe. You can also use a cryopod to store the baby temporarily if you need to leave your base.

One common mistake players make is neglecting the baby's food stat. Deinonychus babies consume food quickly, and if their food stat reaches zero, they will starve to death. To avoid this, always keep a large supply of meat on hand and check the baby's inventory frequently. Another mistake is failing to maintain the correct temperature during incubation. If the egg is too hot or too cold, it will not hatch, and you will lose the egg. Always monitor the temperature and make adjustments as needed.

Advanced players can optimize the hatching and raising process by using multiple air conditioners to maintain a stable temperature. You can also use a Maewing, a creature introduced in the Genesis Part 2 DLC, to help feed and care for the baby. Maewings have a special ability that allows them to nurse baby creatures, reducing the amount of manual feeding required. Additionally, using a S+ Nanny from the Structures Plus mod can automate the feeding and imprinting process, making it easier to raise multiple babies at once.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need a steady supply of meat, hide, and other materials to care for the baby. You will also need a secure base with a nursery area to protect the baby from predators. If you are playing in a tribe, you can divide the responsibilities of caring for the baby among tribe members. Solo players will need to manage everything themselves, so it is important to plan ahead and gather enough resources before starting the hatching process.

In conclusion, hatching and raising a Deinonychus in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding process. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully hatch a Deinonychus egg and raise a powerful and loyal creature. Pay close attention to temperature, food, and imprinting, and avoid common mistakes to ensure the baby survives and thrives. With proper care and preparation, your Deinonychus will become a valuable asset in your ARK adventures.