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

Raising a baby Reaper in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique and challenging process that requires careful planning and execution. Unlike most creatures in the game, Reapers are not bred through traditional means. Instead, they are born from a Queen Reaper after a player or a tamed creature is impregnated. This process involves specific mechanics and steps that must be followed to successfully raise a baby Reaper.

To begin, you need to find a Reaper Queen in the Aberration map. Reaper Queens are typically found in the Radiation Zone, so you will need a strong radiation suit or a creature like the Rock Drake that provides radiation protection. Once you locate a Reaper Queen, you must allow it to grab you or a tamed creature. The Queen will then perform a special attack that impregnates the target. If you are the one being impregnated, you will need to survive the gestation period, which lasts about 12 in-game hours. During this time, your health will gradually decrease, so it is important to have plenty of food and medical supplies on hand.

After the gestation period, you will give birth to a baby Reaper. The baby Reaper will immediately start attacking anything nearby, including you, so it is crucial to have a safe area prepared. Build a secure enclosure with high walls and a roof to prevent the baby Reaper from escaping or being attacked by other creatures. The enclosure should also have a feeding trough stocked with meat, as the baby Reaper will need a constant supply of food to grow.

Raising a baby Reaper requires a significant amount of resources. You will need a large supply of meat to keep the baby fed, as well as narcotics or biotoxin to keep it sedated if necessary. It is also important to have a source of water nearby, as the baby Reaper will need to drink regularly. Additionally, you should have a few strong tames on hand to protect the baby Reaper from any threats that may arise.

One of the most important aspects of raising a baby Reaper is imprinting. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby Reaper during its growth stages to increase its stats and loyalty. To imprint, you will need to approach the baby Reaper and follow the prompts that appear on the screen. These prompts may include feeding the baby Reaper, taking it for a walk, or simply cuddling it. Each successful imprint will increase the baby Reaper's stats and make it more loyal to you. It is important to complete as many imprints as possible, as this will significantly enhance the Reaper's effectiveness in combat and other tasks.

There are several common mistakes to avoid when raising a baby Reaper. One of the most common mistakes is not having a secure enclosure prepared. If the baby Reaper escapes or is attacked by other creatures, it can quickly die, wasting all of your effort. Another common mistake is not having enough food on hand. Baby Reapers have a high food consumption rate, and if they run out of food, they will starve to death. It is also important to avoid letting the baby Reaper attack you or your tames, as this can cause significant damage and potentially kill you or your creatures.

Advanced techniques for raising a baby Reaper include using a combination of tames and traps to safely manage the impregnation process. For example, you can use a strong tame like a Rock Drake to lure the Reaper Queen into a trap, making it easier to control the situation. You can also use a combination of narcotics and biotoxin to keep the baby Reaper sedated while you prepare the enclosure and gather resources. Additionally, you can use a combination of imprints and stat boosts to create a Reaper with exceptionally high stats, making it a formidable ally in combat.

Resource requirements for raising a baby Reaper are substantial. You will need a large supply of meat, narcotics, biotoxin, and other resources to keep the baby fed and sedated. It is also important to have a strong base with high walls and a roof to protect the baby Reaper from threats. If you are playing solo, it may be challenging to gather all of the necessary resources and manage the baby Reaper on your own. In this case, it is recommended to enlist the help of a tribe or other players to share the workload and ensure the baby Reaper's survival.

In conclusion, raising a baby Reaper in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex and rewarding process that requires careful planning and execution. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully raise a powerful and loyal Reaper that will be a valuable asset in your adventures. Remember to prepare a secure enclosure, gather plenty of resources, and complete as many imprints as possible to maximize the Reaper's potential. With the right strategy and preparation, you can overcome the challenges of raising a baby Reaper and enjoy the benefits of having one of the most powerful creatures in the game by your side.