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

Raising a baby Astrocetus in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding process. The Astrocetus, also known as the Space Whale, is a unique creature found in the Genesis Part 1 map. It is a massive, floating creature that requires special care during its baby phase. Below is a detailed guide on how to raise a baby Astrocetus, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and more.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. The Astrocetus is a live-birth creature, meaning it does not lay an egg. Instead, after breeding two adult Astrocetus, the female will give birth to a baby Astrocetus. Once the baby is born, it will require constant care, including feeding and imprinting, until it reaches adulthood. The baby phase is the most critical, as the creature cannot feed itself and will starve if not attended to. The Astrocetus has a long maturation time, so raising one requires a significant time investment.

To begin, you need to prepare a safe and suitable environment for the baby Astrocetus. Since the Astrocetus is a large creature, you will need a spacious area to raise it. A large, open base with plenty of room is ideal. Make sure the area is secure from predators and other threats. You can use walls or turrets to protect the area if necessary. Additionally, ensure you have a steady supply of food, as the baby Astrocetus will consume a lot of resources during its growth.

The primary food source for a baby Astrocetus is Raw Meat or Cooked Meat. However, due to its massive size, the Astrocetus will consume a large amount of food. It is recommended to have a stockpile of thousands of Raw Meat or Cooked Meat before starting the breeding process. You can also use a feeding trough to automate the feeding process, but you will still need to monitor the babyÔÇÖs food levels closely.

Imprinting is another crucial aspect of raising a baby Astrocetus. Imprinting increases the creatureÔÇÖs stats and loyalty to you. To imprint, you must interact with the baby Astrocetus when it requests care. This can include actions like cuddling, walking, or feeding it specific items. Each successful imprint increases the imprint percentage, which boosts the creatureÔÇÖs stats. Aim for 100% imprinting to maximize the AstrocetusÔÇÖs potential.

One common mistake to avoid is neglecting the baby AstrocetusÔÇÖs food supply. Since it consumes food rapidly, you must ensure it always has enough to eat. Running out of food can lead to the baby starving, which will reset its growth progress. Another mistake is failing to protect the baby from predators or hostile players. Always keep the area secure and monitor the surroundings.

Advanced techniques for raising a baby Astrocetus include using a Maewing. The Maewing is a creature from the Genesis Part 2 map that can passively feed nearby babies. Placing a Maewing near the baby Astrocetus can help reduce the amount of manual feeding required. Additionally, using a Cryopod to store the baby Astrocetus during dangerous situations can help protect it from harm. However, be cautious when using Cryopods, as they can sometimes cause glitches or issues with the creatureÔÇÖs growth.

Resource requirements for raising a baby Astrocetus are substantial. You will need a large amount of Raw Meat or Cooked Meat, as well as resources for building a secure base. If you are playing solo, this can be a daunting task, so consider teaming up with a tribe to share the workload. In a tribe, multiple players can take turns feeding and imprinting the baby, making the process more manageable.

In conclusion, raising a baby Astrocetus in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and constant attention. By preparing a secure environment, stocking up on food, and focusing on imprinting, you can successfully raise a powerful Astrocetus. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting food or security, and consider using advanced techniques like Maewings or Cryopods to optimize the process. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, raising a baby Astrocetus is a challenging but rewarding experience that will give you a formidable ally in the game.