How do I breed for higher resistance to water pressure in creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding for higher resistance to water pressure in creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of selective breeding, stat inheritance, and mutation mechanics. Water pressure resistance is a stat that determines how well a creature can handle deep underwater environments without taking damage. This is particularly important for creatures like the Basilosaurus, Tusoteuthis, or Megalodon, which are often used for underwater exploration or combat. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of stat inheritance and mutations. 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 high oxygen stat (which is tied to water pressure resistance), thereÔÇÖs a good chance the baby will inherit it. However, water pressure resistance itself is not a direct stat but is influenced by the creatureÔÇÖs oxygen stat. Therefore, breeding for higher oxygen will indirectly improve water pressure resistance.

To start, you need a pair of high-level creatures with good oxygen stats. Tame multiple creatures of the same species and check their stats. Focus on those with the highest oxygen levels. Once you have a male and female with desirable stats, place them close together in a breeding pen and enable mating. Make sure they are well-fed and have enough food to sustain the breeding process. After mating, the female will either lay an egg or become pregnant, depending on the species.

Once the egg is laid or the baby is born, you need to care for it. Eggs require specific temperatures to incubate, so use air conditioners or campfires to maintain the correct environment. For live births, ensure the baby has enough food to survive. As the baby grows, you can imprint on it by interacting with it during specific intervals. Imprinting increases the creatureÔÇÖs stats and loyalty, making it more effective in combat or exploration.

Mutations can also play a role in improving stats. Mutations are random and can affect either a stat or the creatureÔÇÖs color. Each mutation increases a stat by two levels and can stack up to 20 times per stat. However, mutations are rare, so you may need to breed multiple generations to achieve the desired results. Keep track of your breeding lines to ensure youÔÇÖre making progress. Use spreadsheets or notes to record stats and mutations for each generation.

Resource management is crucial for successful breeding. YouÔÇÖll need a steady supply of food, such as meat or berries, to keep the parents and babies fed. For egg incubation, youÔÇÖll need air conditioners or other temperature control devices. If youÔÇÖre breeding in a tribe, coordinate with your members to share resources and responsibilities. Solo players should prepare by stockpiling resources and setting up a dedicated breeding area.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting baby care, failing to track breeding lines, and not preparing enough resources. Babies require constant attention, especially in the early stages, so make sure youÔÇÖre ready to commit time to their care. Tracking breeding lines is essential to avoid inbreeding and to ensure youÔÇÖre making progress toward your goals. Finally, always prepare more resources than you think youÔÇÖll need, as breeding can be resource-intensive.

Advanced techniques include using cryopods to store and transport creatures, which can save time and resources. Cryopods allow you to freeze creatures and store them for later use, making it easier to manage large breeding operations. Another technique is to use a breeding calculator to predict stat outcomes and plan your breeding lines more effectively.

In summary, breeding for higher water pressure resistance involves selecting creatures with high oxygen stats, carefully managing breeding lines, and utilizing mutations to enhance stats. Proper resource management, baby care, and imprinting are essential for success. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, preparation and planning are key to achieving your breeding goals. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can create powerful creatures capable of thriving in the deep waters of ARK: Survival Evolved.