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

Raising a baby Deinonychus in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. The Deinonychus is a unique creature that hatches from eggs found in nests on Valguero or Fjordur. Unlike most creatures, Deinonychus eggs do not require incubation in an air-conditioned environment. Instead, they hatch naturally after a short period. However, raising the baby Deinonychus to adulthood involves several steps and considerations.

First, you need to obtain a fertilized Deinonychus egg. These eggs are found in nests scattered across the map, typically guarded by wild Deinonychus. You must clear the area of threats and carefully steal the egg. Once you have the egg, place it in a safe location. The egg will hatch after approximately 4 hours, so ensure you are prepared with the necessary resources before it hatches.

When the egg hatches, the baby Deinonychus will require immediate attention. It starts with low food and health, so you must feed it quickly. The best food for a baby Deinonychus is raw meat or raw prime meat. Keep a large supply of meat in a feeding trough nearby, as the baby will consume food rapidly during its early stages. Ensure the trough is within range and stocked with enough meat to last several hours.

The baby Deinonychus has three growth stages: baby, juvenile, and adolescent. During the baby stage, it requires constant care and feeding. You must stay close to the baby and monitor its food levels. If its food drops to zero, it will start losing health and may die. To avoid this, check its inventory regularly and manually feed it if necessary. The baby stage lasts for about 4 hours, after which it becomes a juvenile.

During the juvenile stage, the Deinonychus can eat from the feeding trough on its own, but you still need to monitor its food levels. This stage lasts for approximately 8 hours. After that, it enters the adolescent stage, which lasts for another 8 hours. During this time, the Deinonychus will continue to grow and consume food at a slower rate. Once it reaches adulthood, it no longer requires constant care and can be used for combat, exploration, or other tasks.

Imprinting is a crucial aspect of raising a Deinonychus. Imprinting increases the creature's stats and loyalty to you. To imprint, interact with the baby Deinonychus when it requests care. This may involve feeding it specific foods, taking it for a walk, or cuddling it. Each successful imprint increases the imprint percentage, which boosts the creature's damage, resistance, and other stats. Aim for 100% imprinting to maximize its potential.

Resource management is essential when raising a Deinonychus. You will need a steady supply of meat, which can be obtained by hunting other creatures. Set up a base near a reliable source of food, such as a herd of herbivores, to ensure you have enough meat. Additionally, consider building a secure enclosure to protect the baby Deinonychus from predators. Use walls, gates, and turrets to keep threats at bay.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting the baby's food levels, failing to imprint, and leaving it unprotected. Always keep an eye on the baby's inventory and ensure the feeding trough is stocked. Imprint as often as possible to maximize its stats. Finally, build a secure base to prevent predators from attacking the baby.

Advanced techniques include using a Maewing to help feed the baby Deinonychus. The Maewing is a creature that can produce milk, which can be used to feed babies. This can save time and resources, especially if you are raising multiple Deinonychus. Additionally, consider using a S+ Nanny, a modded structure that automatically feeds and imprints babies. This can streamline the raising process and reduce the workload.

Tribe and solo considerations differ slightly. In a tribe, multiple players can share the responsibility of raising the Deinonychus, making it easier to manage food and imprinting. Solo players must handle all tasks alone, so preparation and resource management are even more critical. Ensure you have enough time to dedicate to the baby before starting the process.

In conclusion, raising a baby Deinonychus in ARK: Survival Evolved is a rewarding but challenging task. By understanding the mechanics, preparing resources, and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully raise a powerful and loyal Deinonychus. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and attention to detail are key to success.