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

Raising a baby Basilosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. Basilosaurus is a unique aquatic creature that offers excellent utility in the ocean due to its immunity to jellyfish and electric eels, as well as its ability to produce oil passively. However, raising a baby Basilosaurus can be challenging due to its specific needs and the environment it thrives in. Below is a detailed guide on how to successfully raise a baby Basilosaurus.

First, you need to prepare for the breeding process. Basilosaurus is a live-bearing creature, meaning it does not lay eggs. To breed Basilosaurus, you need a male and a female of the species. Place them close to each other in a safe, enclosed area, preferably in shallow water or a pen built in the ocean. Enable mating on both creatures, and they will begin the breeding process. Once the female becomes pregnant, you will see a gestation timer. During this time, ensure the female is well-fed and protected from predators.

When the baby Basilosaurus is born, it will require immediate attention. The baby will start with low food and health, so you need to feed it quickly. Basilosaurus babies primarily eat meat, so have a large supply of raw or cooked meat ready. You can also use fish meat, but it is less efficient. Place the meat in the baby's inventory, and it will consume it automatically as its food depletes. Keep in mind that baby creatures have a very high food consumption rate, so you will need to monitor its inventory frequently to ensure it does not starve.

One of the most important aspects of raising a baby Basilosaurus is imprinting. Imprinting is a mechanic that allows you to bond with the baby by fulfilling its requests. These requests can include cuddling, walking, or feeding specific foods. Each successful imprint increases the baby's stats and loyalty to you. To maximize imprinting, you need to be present during the baby's growth stages and fulfill its requests as soon as they appear. Imprinting bonuses can significantly enhance the Basilosaurus's effectiveness, so prioritize this step.

Resource management is critical when raising a baby Basilosaurus. You will need a steady supply of meat, which can be obtained by hunting other creatures or using a tamed carnivore to gather meat efficiently. If you are playing solo, consider setting up a meat farm with creatures like Dodos or Phiomia to ensure a constant supply. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your tribe members to gather resources and take shifts caring for the baby. Basilosaurus babies grow relatively quickly compared to other creatures, but they still require a significant time investment.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting the baby's food supply, failing to imprint, and leaving the baby unprotected. Basilosaurus babies are vulnerable to predators, so always keep them in a safe area. If you are raising the baby in the ocean, consider building a pen or using a tamed creature to guard it. Additionally, avoid overloading the baby's inventory with too much meat at once, as this can lead to spoilage and wasted resources.

Advanced techniques for raising a baby Basilosaurus include using a Maewing for passive feeding. Maewings are creatures that can nurse baby creatures, reducing the need for constant manual feeding. If you have access to a Maewing, place it near the baby Basilosaurus to help manage its food consumption. Another optimization is to use a feeding trough for older juveniles. Once the baby reaches the juvenile stage, it can eat from a feeding trough, reducing the need for constant inventory management.

In terms of tribe and solo considerations, raising a baby Basilosaurus is more manageable in a tribe due to the ability to share responsibilities. However, solo players can still succeed with proper preparation and time management. If you are playing solo, consider using timers or alarms to remind yourself to check on the baby and fulfill imprinting requests.

In conclusion, raising a baby Basilosaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully raise a strong and loyal Basilosaurus that will serve you well in the ocean. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the key to success is preparation, vigilance, and a willingness to invest time and effort into the process.