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

Raising a baby Voidwyrm in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding process. Voidwyrms are powerful, dragon-like creatures introduced in the Genesis Part 2 expansion. They are unique because they require Element to raise, making them one of the most resource-intensive creatures to breed. Below is a detailed guide on how to successfully raise a baby Voidwyrm, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To begin, you need to tame two adult Voidwyrms of opposite genders. Voidwyrms are tamed by feeding them Element Dust while riding a tame. Once tamed, place them in a suitable breeding area. Breeding Voidwyrms is similar to other creatures, but they produce an egg instead of a live birth. Ensure the area is safe and enclosed to prevent interruptions. After mating, the female will lay a Voidwyrm Egg, which must be incubated. Voidwyrm Eggs require extremely high temperatures to hatch, so you will need multiple Air Conditioners, standing torches, or a combination of both to maintain the correct temperature.

Once the egg hatches, the baby Voidwyrm will require immediate attention. Unlike most creatures, baby Voidwyrms do not eat regular food. Instead, they consume Element, making them one of the most expensive creatures to raise. You will need a steady supply of Element to keep the baby fed. Element can be obtained by defeating bosses, mining Element Shards in the Genesis simulation, or crafting it in a Tek Replicator. Stockpile as much Element as possible before starting the breeding process, as the baby will consume it rapidly during its growth stages.

The baby Voidwyrm has three growth stages: baby, juvenile, and adolescent. During the baby stage, it will require constant feeding and care. You must hand-feed it Element, as it cannot eat from a trough. This stage is the most demanding, as the baby will starve quickly if not fed regularly. Once it reaches the juvenile stage, it can eat from a trough, but you must still ensure the trough is stocked with Element. The adolescent stage is less demanding, but you should still monitor its food levels.

Imprinting is a crucial part of raising a Voidwyrm. Imprinting increases the creature's stats and loyalty, making it more effective in combat. To imprint, interact with the baby Voidwyrm when it requests care. Imprint requests vary and may include cuddling, walking, or feeding. Completing these requests will increase the imprint percentage. Aim for 100% imprinting to maximize the Voidwyrm's potential. Imprinting also affects the creature's color patterns, making it more visually unique.

One common mistake is underestimating the amount of Element required. Voidwyrms consume Element at an alarming rate, and running out can lead to the baby starving. Always have a surplus of Element on hand. Another mistake is neglecting imprinting. Skipping imprinting requests will result in a weaker Voidwyrm with lower stats. Additionally, failing to secure the breeding area can lead to interruptions or attacks from wild creatures or other players in PvP servers.

Advanced techniques include using a Maewing to assist with feeding. Maewings can passively feed nearby babies, reducing the need for constant hand-feeding. However, since Voidwyrms eat Element, this method is less effective but can still help during the juvenile stage. Another optimization is using a Tek Trough, which can store more Element and reduce the frequency of refilling. If you are part of a tribe, coordinate with tribe members to share the workload of feeding and imprinting. Solo players should prepare extensively, as raising a Voidwyrm alone is time-consuming and resource-intensive.

Resource preparation is critical. In addition to Element, you will need materials for Air Conditioners, torches, and a secure breeding area. Stockpile metal, polymer, and other resources to build these structures. A Tek Generator can also be useful for powering Air Conditioners and Tek Troughs. If you are on a PvP server, consider building a hidden or heavily defended base to protect your Voidwyrm from raids.

In summary, raising a baby Voidwyrm requires careful planning, resource management, and dedication. Ensure you have a steady supply of Element, a secure breeding area, and a plan for imprinting. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating resource needs or neglecting imprinting. Use advanced techniques like Maewings and Tek Troughs to optimize the process. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, raising a Voidwyrm is a challenging but rewarding endeavor that will give you a powerful ally in ARK: Survival Evolved.