How do I breed for higher crafting skill in aquatic creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Breeding for higher crafting skill in aquatic creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. Crafting skill, also known as Crafting Speed, is a stat that affects how quickly a creature can craft items in its inventory, such as saddles or other equipment. While this stat is not directly inherited, it can be influenced by the creature's base stats and mutations. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of breeding and stat inheritance. When two creatures breed, the offspring has a 70% chance to inherit the higher stat from either parent. This means if one parent has a high crafting skill, thereÔÇÖs a good chance the baby will inherit it. However, crafting skill itself is not a stat that can be directly mutated or increased through breeding. Instead, you need to focus on breeding creatures with high base stats, which indirectly improves their overall effectiveness, including crafting speed.

To start, youÔÇÖll need a pair of aquatic creatures of the same species. Popular choices include the Basilosaurus, Megalodon, or Mosasaurus, depending on your needs. Make sure both creatures are tamed with high efficiency to maximize their base stats. Taming efficiency affects the post-tame stats, so using kibble or preferred foods is crucial. Once you have your breeding pair, place them in a safe, enclosed area, preferably underwater or in a water pen, to prevent them from wandering or being attacked.

Next, enable mating on both creatures. YouÔÇÖll need to keep them close together and ensure they are well-fed. Breeding cooldowns vary by species, so be prepared for a waiting period. Once the female lays an egg or gives birth, youÔÇÖll need to incubate the egg or care for the baby. For eggs, maintain the correct temperature using air conditioners or standing torches. For live births, ensure the baby is fed immediately and protected from predators.

After the baby hatches or is born, youÔÇÖll need to imprint on it. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby at specific intervals, such as feeding it or taking it for walks. Imprinting increases the babyÔÇÖs stats and loyalty, making it more effective in combat and other tasks. While imprinting doesnÔÇÖt directly affect crafting skill, it enhances the creatureÔÇÖs overall performance, which is beneficial for your breeding goals.

To optimize your breeding process, focus on creating a breeding line with high base stats. This involves selectively breeding creatures with the best stats over multiple generations. Keep detailed records of each creatureÔÇÖs stats to track your progress. Mutations can also play a role, as they can introduce new stat points or color variations. However, mutations are random, so it may take several attempts to get the desired outcome.

Resource management is crucial for successful breeding. YouÔÇÖll need a steady supply of food, such as raw meat or fish, to keep your creatures fed. Additionally, youÔÇÖll need materials for building a secure breeding area and incubating eggs. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider automating some tasks, such as using feeding troughs or air conditioners, to save time. In a tribe, coordinate with other members to share responsibilities and resources.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting to imprint on the baby, which can result in a weaker creature. Also, avoid breeding creatures with low stats, as this will hinder your progress. Ensure your breeding area is secure to prevent predators from attacking your creatures or eggs. Finally, be patient, as breeding for specific stats can take time and multiple generations.

Advanced techniques include using stat calculators to predict the outcome of breeding pairs. These tools can help you determine the best pairings to achieve your goals. Additionally, consider using mods or server settings to speed up the breeding process, such as reducing mating cooldowns or increasing maturation rates. However, be mindful of server rules if youÔÇÖre playing on a public server.

In summary, breeding for higher crafting skill in aquatic creatures involves careful planning, resource management, and patience. Focus on breeding creatures with high base stats, imprint on the babies, and track your progress over multiple generations. With dedication and the right strategies, you can create powerful aquatic creatures with enhanced crafting abilities in ARK: Survival Evolved.