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

Breeding for higher resistance to drowning in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of understanding the game's breeding mechanics, stat inheritance, and mutation systems. Drowning resistance is tied to the Oxygen stat, which determines how long a creature can stay underwater before taking damage. By selectively breeding creatures with high Oxygen stats, you can create offspring that are better suited for aquatic environments. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of stat inheritance. When two creatures breed, the offspring has a 55% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent. This means if one parent has a high Oxygen stat and the other has a low one, thereÔÇÖs a good chance the baby will inherit the higher stat. To maximize this, you should start by taming multiple creatures of the same species and checking their stats. Look for individuals with naturally high Oxygen stats, as these will serve as the foundation for your breeding program.

Once you have identified creatures with high Oxygen stats, you can begin the breeding process. Place the two selected creatures close to each other and enable the mating option. Make sure they are well-fed and in a safe environment to avoid interruptions. After mating, the female will either lay an egg or become pregnant, depending on the species. For egg-laying creatures, youÔÇÖll need to incubate the egg at the correct temperature until it hatches. For live-bearing creatures, youÔÇÖll need to wait for the gestation period to complete.

After the baby is born or hatched, it will require constant care. This includes feeding it the appropriate food and ensuring it stays safe from predators. During this time, you can also work on imprinting, which involves interacting with the baby to increase its stats and loyalty. Imprinting can provide a significant boost to the creatureÔÇÖs overall effectiveness, including its Oxygen stat. To maximize imprinting, make sure to interact with the baby as soon as the imprint timer is up and provide the requested item or action.

Mutations can also play a role in increasing the Oxygen stat. Mutations are rare and random, but they can provide a permanent increase to a creatureÔÇÖs stats or change its colors. To increase the chances of a mutation, you can breed multiple generations of creatures. Each time a mutation occurs, thereÔÇÖs a chance it will affect the Oxygen stat. However, keep in mind that mutations are capped at 20 per stat, so youÔÇÖll need to plan your breeding lines carefully to avoid hitting this limit.

Resource management is crucial when breeding for higher Oxygen stats. YouÔÇÖll need a steady supply of food for both the parents and the babies, as well as materials for building a safe breeding area. For egg-laying creatures, youÔÇÖll also need to maintain the correct temperature for incubation, which may require air conditioners or other temperature control devices. Additionally, youÔÇÖll need to have a plan for protecting your breeding area from hostile creatures or other players, especially in PvP servers.

When breeding for higher Oxygen stats, itÔÇÖs important to avoid common mistakes. One mistake is not checking the stats of the parents before breeding. Always make sure youÔÇÖre breeding creatures with the highest possible Oxygen stats to maximize the chances of the offspring inheriting those stats. Another mistake is neglecting imprinting. Imprinting can provide a significant boost to the creatureÔÇÖs stats, so make sure to prioritize it during the babyÔÇÖs growth stages.

Advanced techniques for optimizing your breeding program include using external tools or mods to track stat inheritance and mutations. Some players use spreadsheets or breeding calculators to keep track of their breeding lines and ensure theyÔÇÖre making progress toward their goals. Additionally, you can use cryopods to store and transport your creatures, making it easier to manage large breeding programs.

Tribe and solo considerations also play a role in breeding for higher Oxygen stats. In a tribe, you can divide the workload among members, with some focusing on taming and others on breeding and imprinting. This can make the process more efficient and less time-consuming. For solo players, itÔÇÖs important to plan your breeding program carefully and make sure you have the resources and time to manage it effectively.

Specific examples of creatures that benefit from high Oxygen stats include the Ichthyosaurus, which is a fast and agile swimmer, and the Basilosaurus, which is a powerful aquatic creature. By breeding these creatures for higher Oxygen stats, you can create offspring that are better suited for underwater exploration and combat.

In conclusion, breeding for higher resistance to drowning in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of understanding stat inheritance, utilizing mutations, and managing resources effectively. By following the steps outlined above and avoiding common mistakes, you can create powerful aquatic creatures that excel in underwater environments. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or as part of a tribe, careful planning and attention to detail will help you achieve your breeding goals.