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

Raising a baby Karkinos in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. The Karkinos, a giant crab-like creature found in the Aberration map, is a powerful mount that excels in combat and resource gathering due to its ability to carry large creatures and its high damage output. Breeding and raising a baby Karkinos involves several steps, from preparing for the breeding process to ensuring the baby survives and grows into a strong adult.

First, you need to tame two adult Karkinos of opposite genders. Karkinos are aggressive creatures, so taming them requires a strategy. Use a high-damage ranged weapon like a crossbow or longneck rifle to shoot their weak points, which are their legs. Once a Karkinos is knocked out, feed it Spoiled Meat or Raw Meat to tame it. After taming, place the two Karkinos in a secure breeding area. Ensure they are close to each other and set them to wander mode to initiate breeding. Once breeding starts, the female Karkinos will lay an egg after a short period.

The Karkinos egg requires specific conditions to hatch. It needs to be placed in a hot environment, as it is a heat-based egg. Use air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires to create the necessary temperature. You will need at least 10-15 air conditioners to maintain the correct temperature, depending on the map's climate. Once the egg is incubated, it will hatch into a baby Karkinos.

After hatching, the baby Karkinos will require constant care. It will need to be fed regularly, and its food stat will deplete quickly during the early stages of growth. Karkinos babies primarily eat Raw Meat or Spoiled Meat, so ensure you have a large supply of these resources. Use a feeding trough to store meat and keep it within range of the baby. This will automate the feeding process and reduce the need for constant manual feeding.

Imprinting is a crucial part of raising a baby Karkinos. Imprinting increases the creature's stats and loyalty, making it more effective in combat and other tasks. To imprint, interact with the baby Karkinos when it requests care. This may involve cuddling, walking, or feeding it specific items. Imprinting is time-sensitive, so be ready to respond to the baby's requests promptly. Each successful imprint increases the imprint percentage, which boosts the creature's stats.

One common mistake is underestimating the resource requirements for raising a baby Karkinos. The baby will consume a significant amount of meat during its growth stages, so ensure you have a steady supply. Another mistake is neglecting to protect the baby from predators. Karkinos babies are vulnerable to attacks, so keep them in a secure, enclosed area with turrets or other defenses to deter hostile creatures.

Advanced techniques for raising a baby Karkinos include using a Maewing for passive feeding. Maewings are creatures that can nurse babies, reducing the need for constant manual feeding. Additionally, using a Cryopod to store the baby Karkinos during vulnerable stages can help protect it from danger. Cryopods also pause the growth timer, allowing you to manage your time more effectively.

Resource preparation is essential for raising a baby Karkinos. Stockpile large amounts of Raw Meat or Spoiled Meat, and ensure you have the necessary structures for incubation, such as air conditioners or torches. If you are playing solo, consider setting up a dedicated breeding area with all the required resources nearby. In a tribe, coordinate with other members to share the responsibilities of feeding and imprinting.

In conclusion, raising a baby Karkinos in ARK: Survival Evolved is a rewarding but challenging process. By understanding the mechanics, preparing resources, and using advanced techniques, you can successfully raise a powerful Karkinos that will be a valuable asset in your adventures. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and attention to detail are key to ensuring the baby Karkinos grows into a strong and loyal companion.