What is the best way to raise a baby Shadowmane in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Raising a baby Shadowmane in ARK: Survival Evolved is a rewarding but challenging process that requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. Shadowmanes are powerful, versatile creatures that excel in both combat and utility, making them highly sought after. Below is a detailed guide on how to raise a baby Shadowmane effectively, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and common mistakes to avoid.
To begin, you need to breed two adult Shadowmanes. Shadowmanes do not lay eggs; instead, they give birth to live babies. To initiate breeding, place two Shadowmanes (one male and one female) close to each other and enable the mating option. Ensure they are well-fed and in a safe environment. Once the breeding process starts, a gestation period begins, during which the female Shadowmane will display a pregnancy icon. This period lasts approximately 18 hours in real-time, though this can vary depending on server settings.
Once the baby Shadowmane is born, it will require immediate attention. Baby creatures in ARK have a "baby phase" where they cannot eat from troughs and must be hand-fed. Shadowmanes are carnivores, so you will need a steady supply of raw meat, cooked meat, or fish to keep them fed. During the baby phase, the Shadowmane will consume food rapidly, so it is crucial to have a large stockpile of meat ready. A refrigerator or preserving bin can help keep the meat fresh for longer.
Imprinting is a critical aspect of raising a baby Shadowmane. Imprinting increases the creature's stats and strengthens the bond between the player and the Shadowmane. To imprint, you must interact with the baby Shadowmane when it requests care. This can involve feeding it specific foods, taking it for a walk, or cuddling it. Each successful imprint increases the imprint percentage, which boosts the Shadowmane's damage, resistance, and other stats. Aim for 100% imprinting to maximize the Shadowmane's potential.
As the baby Shadowmane grows, it will enter the juvenile and adolescent phases. During these stages, it can eat from feeding troughs, reducing the need for constant hand-feeding. However, you must still monitor its food levels and ensure the troughs are stocked with meat. The growth process from baby to adult takes several hours, depending on server settings. On official servers, this can take around 36 hours, but single-player or boosted servers may have shorter timers.
Resource management is key to successfully raising a Shadowmane. You will need a steady supply of meat, which can be obtained by hunting other creatures or using a tamed carnivore to gather meat efficiently. Additionally, you will need narcotics or biotoxin to keep the Shadowmane sedated if it becomes aggressive during the imprinting process. Building a secure base with feeding troughs, refrigerators, and a safe area for the Shadowmane to grow is essential.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting food supplies, failing to imprint regularly, and leaving the baby Shadowmane unprotected. Shadowmanes are valuable creatures, and other players or wild predators may target them. Always keep the baby Shadowmane in a secure, enclosed area to prevent accidents. Additionally, avoid overloading your inventory with unnecessary items, as you will need space to carry meat and other resources for the baby.
Advanced techniques for raising Shadowmanes include using a Maewing, a creature that can nurse baby creatures and reduce the need for constant hand-feeding. Maewings can significantly ease the burden of raising a baby Shadowmane, especially in the early stages. Another optimization is to use a cryopod to store the baby Shadowmane when you are not actively caring for it. This pauses its growth and food consumption, allowing you to manage your time more effectively.
Tribe and solo considerations also play a role in raising a Shadowmane. In a tribe, multiple players can share the responsibility of feeding and imprinting, making the process more manageable. Solo players will need to plan their time carefully to ensure they can meet the Shadowmane's needs without neglecting other tasks. Communication and coordination are crucial in a tribe setting to avoid duplication of effort or missed imprints.
In conclusion, raising a baby Shadowmane in ARK: Survival Evolved requires preparation, patience, and attention to detail. By understanding the mechanics, managing resources effectively, and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully raise a powerful and loyal Shadowmane. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the effort invested in raising a Shadowmane will pay off with a formidable companion for your adventures in the ARK.
To begin, you need to breed two adult Shadowmanes. Shadowmanes do not lay eggs; instead, they give birth to live babies. To initiate breeding, place two Shadowmanes (one male and one female) close to each other and enable the mating option. Ensure they are well-fed and in a safe environment. Once the breeding process starts, a gestation period begins, during which the female Shadowmane will display a pregnancy icon. This period lasts approximately 18 hours in real-time, though this can vary depending on server settings.
Once the baby Shadowmane is born, it will require immediate attention. Baby creatures in ARK have a "baby phase" where they cannot eat from troughs and must be hand-fed. Shadowmanes are carnivores, so you will need a steady supply of raw meat, cooked meat, or fish to keep them fed. During the baby phase, the Shadowmane will consume food rapidly, so it is crucial to have a large stockpile of meat ready. A refrigerator or preserving bin can help keep the meat fresh for longer.
Imprinting is a critical aspect of raising a baby Shadowmane. Imprinting increases the creature's stats and strengthens the bond between the player and the Shadowmane. To imprint, you must interact with the baby Shadowmane when it requests care. This can involve feeding it specific foods, taking it for a walk, or cuddling it. Each successful imprint increases the imprint percentage, which boosts the Shadowmane's damage, resistance, and other stats. Aim for 100% imprinting to maximize the Shadowmane's potential.
As the baby Shadowmane grows, it will enter the juvenile and adolescent phases. During these stages, it can eat from feeding troughs, reducing the need for constant hand-feeding. However, you must still monitor its food levels and ensure the troughs are stocked with meat. The growth process from baby to adult takes several hours, depending on server settings. On official servers, this can take around 36 hours, but single-player or boosted servers may have shorter timers.
Resource management is key to successfully raising a Shadowmane. You will need a steady supply of meat, which can be obtained by hunting other creatures or using a tamed carnivore to gather meat efficiently. Additionally, you will need narcotics or biotoxin to keep the Shadowmane sedated if it becomes aggressive during the imprinting process. Building a secure base with feeding troughs, refrigerators, and a safe area for the Shadowmane to grow is essential.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting food supplies, failing to imprint regularly, and leaving the baby Shadowmane unprotected. Shadowmanes are valuable creatures, and other players or wild predators may target them. Always keep the baby Shadowmane in a secure, enclosed area to prevent accidents. Additionally, avoid overloading your inventory with unnecessary items, as you will need space to carry meat and other resources for the baby.
Advanced techniques for raising Shadowmanes include using a Maewing, a creature that can nurse baby creatures and reduce the need for constant hand-feeding. Maewings can significantly ease the burden of raising a baby Shadowmane, especially in the early stages. Another optimization is to use a cryopod to store the baby Shadowmane when you are not actively caring for it. This pauses its growth and food consumption, allowing you to manage your time more effectively.
Tribe and solo considerations also play a role in raising a Shadowmane. In a tribe, multiple players can share the responsibility of feeding and imprinting, making the process more manageable. Solo players will need to plan their time carefully to ensure they can meet the Shadowmane's needs without neglecting other tasks. Communication and coordination are crucial in a tribe setting to avoid duplication of effort or missed imprints.
In conclusion, raising a baby Shadowmane in ARK: Survival Evolved requires preparation, patience, and attention to detail. By understanding the mechanics, managing resources effectively, and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully raise a powerful and loyal Shadowmane. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the effort invested in raising a Shadowmane will pay off with a formidable companion for your adventures in the ARK.