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

Raising a baby Oviraptor in ARK: Survival Evolved involves understanding the breeding mechanics, preparing the necessary resources, and ensuring the baby is cared for until it reaches adulthood. Oviraptors are unique creatures that provide a buff to nearby eggs, increasing the chances of successful breeding for other creatures. This makes them valuable for players focused on breeding. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to raise a baby Oviraptor effectively.

First, you need to obtain an Oviraptor egg. Oviraptors do not lay eggs passively like some other creatures. Instead, you must tame an Oviraptor and set it to wander in your base. When it wanders, it will occasionally lay an egg. Alternatively, you can find wild Oviraptors and steal their eggs, though this is risky as they will become aggressive. Once you have an Oviraptor egg, you need to incubate it. Oviraptor eggs require a specific temperature range to hatch. If the environment is too hot or too cold, the egg will not hatch. You can use air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires to regulate the temperature. Place the egg in a safe, enclosed area to protect it from predators or other players in PvP.

Once the egg hatches, the baby Oviraptor will require immediate care. Baby creatures in ARK have a food stat that depletes rapidly, and they cannot eat from troughs until they reach the juvenile stage. You must hand-feed the baby Oviraptor until it can eat on its own. Oviraptors are carnivores, so you will need a steady supply of raw meat. Stockpile a large amount of meat before the egg hatches to avoid running out. Keep the meat in a preserving bin or refrigerator to prevent spoilage. Feeding the baby manually can be time-consuming, so plan to stay near the baby for the first few hours.

As the baby grows, it will go through several stages: baby, juvenile, and adolescent. During the baby stage, it requires constant attention and feeding. Once it reaches the juvenile stage, it can eat from a trough, reducing the need for manual feeding. However, you should still monitor its food levels to ensure it doesnÔÇÖt starve. The adolescent stage is less demanding, but the Oviraptor will still need food until it reaches adulthood. The entire process from hatching to adulthood takes several hours, depending on your server settings.

Imprinting is an important aspect of raising a baby Oviraptor. Imprinting increases the creatureÔÇÖs stats and makes it more loyal to you. To imprint, you must interact with the baby at specific intervals. When the baby requests care, such as cuddling or feeding, you must fulfill its request within the time limit. Successful imprinting will increase the imprint percentage, which boosts the creatureÔÇÖs stats. Imprinting is especially important for Oviraptors if you plan to use them for their egg-boosting buff, as it enhances their effectiveness.

Resource management is crucial when raising a baby Oviraptor. You will need a steady supply of raw meat, which can be obtained by hunting or farming other creatures. Preserving the meat is essential to avoid spoilage, so ensure you have preserving bins or refrigerators. Additionally, you will need a safe and secure base to protect the baby from predators or hostile players. Building a small, enclosed area with walls and a roof can help keep the baby safe. If you are playing on a PvP server, consider placing turrets or other defenses around your base to deter raids.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting the babyÔÇÖs food stat, failing to regulate the eggÔÇÖs temperature, and not imprinting properly. Starvation is a common issue with baby creatures, so always have plenty of food on hand. Temperature regulation is critical during the incubation phase, so monitor the egg closely. Imprinting requires attention and timing, so set reminders or alarms to ensure you donÔÇÖt miss imprinting opportunities.

Advanced techniques for raising a baby Oviraptor include using a Maewing for passive feeding. Maewings are creatures that can nurse baby creatures, reducing the need for manual feeding. If you have access to a Maewing, place it near the baby Oviraptor to automate the feeding process. Additionally, you can use a feeding trough to store meat for the juvenile and adolescent stages. This reduces the need for constant monitoring and allows you to focus on other tasks.

Tribe and solo considerations differ slightly. In a tribe, multiple players can share the responsibility of raising the baby, making it easier to manage feeding and imprinting. Solo players must handle all tasks alone, so preparation and time management are key. If you are playing solo, consider using timers or alarms to remind you of feeding and imprinting times.

In conclusion, raising a baby Oviraptor in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. By understanding the mechanics, preparing the necessary resources, and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully raise a strong and loyal Oviraptor. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the effort you put into raising the baby will pay off with a valuable creature that enhances your breeding efforts.