What is the best way to raise a baby Spino in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Raising a baby Spino in ARK: Survival Evolved is a rewarding but challenging process that requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. Spinosaurs are powerful creatures, making them highly sought after for both PvE and PvP scenarios. Below is a detailed guide on how to successfully raise a baby Spino, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips to ensure success.

To begin, you need to breed two adult Spinosaurs. Place them in a secure, enclosed area to prevent them from wandering or being attacked. Enable mating by setting them to "Enable Wandering" or using the "Enable Mating" option if you have the correct settings. Once mating is initiated, the female Spino will lay a fertilized egg. Ensure the egg is kept in a safe, temperature-controlled environment. Spino eggs require a specific temperature range to incubate, so use air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires to maintain the correct temperature. If the egg is too hot or cold, it will lose health and eventually die.

Once the egg hatches, the baby Spino will require immediate attention. It starts with low food and health, so you must feed it quickly. Baby Spinosaurs eat raw meat, so have a large supply ready. In the early stages, the baby will consume food rapidly, so you need to monitor its inventory closely. Use a feeding trough once the baby reaches the juvenile stage, as this will automate the feeding process and reduce the need for constant manual feeding.

Imprinting is a critical part of raising a baby Spino. Imprinting increases the creature's stats and loyalty, making it more effective in combat. To imprint, interact with the baby Spino when it requests care. This could involve cuddling, walking, or feeding it a specific food item. Each successful imprint increases the imprint percentage, so aim to complete every imprint opportunity. Imprinting also boosts the Spino's damage and resistance when ridden by the player who imprinted it, so it is highly beneficial for solo players or tribe members.

Resource management is essential during the raising process. Baby Spinosaurs consume a massive amount of meat, especially in the early stages. Prepare by gathering thousands of raw meat and storing it in preserving bins or refrigerators to prevent spoilage. If you are playing solo, consider using a tamed creature like a Carnotaurus or Rex to help gather meat efficiently. For tribes, assign roles to ensure a steady supply of resources.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting the baby's food supply, failing to maintain the correct temperature for the egg, and missing imprint opportunities. Always keep an eye on the baby's food level, especially during the first few hours, as it can starve quickly. Additionally, ensure the area is secure to prevent predators or hostile players from attacking the baby.

Advanced techniques include using cryopods to pause the baby's growth if you need to take a break. Cryopods allow you to store the baby Spino safely, stopping its food consumption and growth timer. This is particularly useful for solo players who cannot monitor the baby 24/7. Another optimization is to breed Spinosaurs with high stats, such as health, stamina, and melee damage, to create a stronger offspring. Use the ancestry chart to track stat inheritance and mutations.

Resource requirements for raising a baby Spino include a steady supply of raw meat, preserving bins or refrigerators, and materials for maintaining the correct temperature. You will also need a secure base with walls and gates to protect the baby from threats. For tribes, coordination is key to ensure everyone contributes to the raising process. Solo players should focus on automation, such as feeding troughs and cryopods, to manage the workload.

In specific scenarios, such as PvP, raising a Spino can give you a significant advantage. A well-imprinted Spino with high stats can dominate in battles, making it worth the effort. For PvE, a Spino is excellent for gathering resources and tackling tough enemies. Always plan ahead and prepare thoroughly to ensure a successful raising process.

In conclusion, raising a baby Spino in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully raise a powerful and loyal Spino that will serve you well in both PvE and PvP scenarios.