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

Raising a baby Andrewsarchus in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. The Andrewsarchus is a powerful creature with unique abilities, making it a valuable addition to any tribe or solo player's arsenal. Below is a detailed guide on how to successfully raise a baby Andrewsarchus, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and more.

To begin, you must first obtain a fertilized Andrewsarchus egg. This requires taming both a male and female Andrewsarchus and placing them in close proximity with mating enabled. Once the mating process is complete, the female will lay a fertilized egg. Ensure you have a suitable environment for the egg, as it requires specific conditions to incubate. The Andrewsarchus egg needs to be kept at a temperature between 29┬░C and 32┬░C. Use air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires to maintain the correct temperature. Once the egg hatches, the baby Andrewsarchus will require immediate attention.

The first stage of raising a baby Andrewsarchus is the baby phase, which lasts for approximately 4 hours. During this time, the baby will need constant feeding. Andrewsarchus babies primarily eat Raw Meat, Cooked Meat, or Kibble. It is highly recommended to use Kibble if available, as it provides the best food value and reduces the frequency of feeding. Place the food in the baby's inventory and monitor its food stat closely. The baby will consume food rapidly, so ensure you have a large supply on hand. A feeding trough can be used once the baby reaches the juvenile stage, but during the baby phase, you must manually feed it.

Imprinting is a crucial aspect of raising a baby Andrewsarchus. Imprinting increases the creature's stats and loyalty to the player who imprints on it. To imprint, interact with the baby when it requests care. This may involve cuddling, walking, or feeding it a specific type of food. Each successful imprint increases the imprint percentage, which boosts the creature's damage, resistance, and other stats. Aim to achieve 100% imprint for the best results. Imprinting requires consistent attention, so plan your schedule accordingly.

As the baby grows into the juvenile and adolescent stages, its food consumption will decrease, but it will still require regular feeding. At this point, you can use feeding troughs to automate the feeding process. Ensure the troughs are stocked with enough food to last through the night or while you are away. The Andrewsarchus will take approximately 10 hours to reach the juvenile stage and another 10 hours to reach the adolescent stage. During this time, continue to monitor its health and food levels.

Resource management is critical when raising a baby Andrewsarchus. You will need a steady supply of meat, which can be obtained by hunting wild creatures or using a tamed carnivore to gather meat efficiently. Cooking meat into Cooked Meat or Kibble can extend its shelf life and provide better food value. Additionally, ensure you have a secure base with adequate defenses to protect the baby from predators or hostile players. Building a dedicated breeding area with walls, turrets, and other defenses can help keep the baby safe.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting the baby's food supply, failing to maintain the correct temperature for the egg, and missing imprinting opportunities. Running out of food can lead to the baby starving, which will result in its death. Similarly, failing to imprint regularly will reduce the creature's potential. Advanced techniques include using a Maewing, a creature that can nurse babies and reduce the amount of manual feeding required. Additionally, breeding multiple Andrewsarchus at once can save time and resources, but it requires careful planning and coordination.

Tribe considerations are important when raising a baby Andrewsarchus. In a tribe, multiple players can share the responsibilities of feeding, imprinting, and protecting the baby. This can make the process more manageable, especially during the early stages when the baby requires constant attention. Solo players will need to be more diligent in managing their time and resources, but the rewards of raising a powerful Andrewsarchus are well worth the effort.

In conclusion, raising a baby Andrewsarchus in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding process. By understanding the mechanics, preparing the necessary resources, and following the strategies outlined above, you can successfully raise a strong and loyal Andrewsarchus. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, careful planning and attention to detail will ensure the best possible outcome for your new companion.