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

Raising a baby Diplodocus in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. The Diplodocus is a large, herbivorous sauropod that, once fully grown, can be a valuable asset for transportation and resource gathering due to its high weight capacity and ability to carry multiple players. However, raising one from a baby is a time-consuming process that demands preparation and patience.

To begin, you need to breed two adult Diplodocus. Place them close together and enable mating in their behavior settings. Once they mate, the female will lay a fertilized egg. Unlike some creatures, Diplodocus eggs do not require specific temperature conditions to hatch, so you can place the egg in a safe location and wait for it to hatch. Once the egg hatches, the baby Diplodocus will emerge, and the real work begins.

The first stage of raising a baby Diplodocus is the baby phase, which lasts for a few hours. During this time, the baby cannot eat from troughs and must be hand-fed. Diplodocus babies consume berries, so you will need a large supply of berries, such as Mejoberries, to keep it fed. Place the berries directly into its inventory. The baby will eat rapidly, so you must monitor its food level closely to prevent it from starving. This phase is the most labor-intensive, as you will need to stay nearby to ensure it is fed consistently.

Once the baby Diplodocus reaches the juvenile stage, it can eat from feeding troughs. This makes the process slightly easier, as you no longer need to hand-feed it. However, you still need to ensure the troughs are stocked with berries. Diplodocus have a high food consumption rate, so you will need to gather or farm a significant amount of berries to keep up with their needs. Setting up a berry farm with crops like Narcoberries and Mejoberries can help streamline this process.

Imprinting is another critical aspect of raising a baby Diplodocus. During its growth stages, the baby will periodically request care, such as cuddles, walks, or specific foods. Fulfilling these requests will increase its imprinting percentage, which boosts its stats and makes it more loyal to you. Imprinting is especially important for Diplodocus, as it enhances their weight capacity and other stats, making them more effective in their roles. To maximize imprinting, you should be present during each care interval, which occurs roughly every 3-4 hours.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the resource requirements for raising a Diplodocus. These creatures consume a massive amount of berries, and failing to prepare enough can lead to the baby starving. It is essential to stockpile berries well in advance and have a system in place to replenish them, such as a dedicated berry farm or tamed creatures like a Brontosaurus or Therizinosaurus for efficient berry gathering.

Another mistake is neglecting to protect the baby Diplodocus. While it is growing, it is vulnerable to predators and environmental hazards. Building a secure enclosure with walls and a roof can help keep it safe. Additionally, placing the enclosure near your base or in a well-defended area can prevent hostile creatures from attacking it.

For advanced players, optimizing the breeding process can yield even better results. Using a breeding pair with high stats, such as high health or weight, can produce offspring with superior stats. Additionally, introducing mutations through selective breeding can create Diplodocus with unique colors or enhanced abilities. However, mutations are rare and require careful tracking of lineage to avoid unwanted traits.

Raising a baby Diplodocus is easier in a tribe, as multiple players can share the workload of feeding and imprinting. However, solo players can still succeed with proper preparation and time management. Using tamed creatures to automate resource gathering, such as a Doedicurus for stone or a Mammoth for wood, can free up time to focus on the baby Diplodocus.

In summary, raising a baby Diplodocus in ARK: Survival Evolved involves breeding two adults, hatching the egg, and providing constant care during its growth stages. Stockpiling berries, ensuring safety, and maximizing imprinting are key to success. Avoiding common mistakes, such as underestimating resource needs or neglecting protection, is crucial. Advanced techniques like selective breeding and mutations can further enhance the Diplodocus's capabilities. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and dedication will result in a powerful and loyal Diplodocus ready to support your survival efforts.