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

Raising a baby Tropeognathus in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. The Tropeognathus, a flying creature with jet-like abilities, is a valuable asset for both travel and combat, making it worth the effort to raise properly. Below is a detailed guide on how to successfully raise a baby Tropeognathus, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To begin, you need a male and female Tropeognathus to breed. Place them in a secure, enclosed area to prevent them from wandering off. Enable mating by setting them to "Enable Wandering" or using the "Enable Mating" option. Once mating begins, a progress bar will appear, and after completion, the female will lay a fertilized egg. Ensure the area is safe from predators and environmental hazards, as the egg is vulnerable.

The fertilized Tropeognathus egg requires specific conditions to incubate. It needs to be kept at a temperature between 29┬░C and 32┬░C (84┬░F to 90┬░F). Use air conditioners, standing torches, or campfires to regulate the temperature. Place the egg in an area where you can monitor it closely. Once the incubation progress bar fills, the egg will hatch, and the baby Tropeognathus will emerge.

After hatching, the baby Tropeognathus enters the baby stage, which is the most demanding phase. During this stage, the baby requires constant feeding. Tropeognathus babies primarily eat Raw Meat, Cooked Meat, or Raw Fish Meat. Place the food in its inventory or use a feeding trough to automate the process. Ensure the trough is stocked with enough food to last through the night or when you are away. The baby will consume food rapidly, so check its inventory frequently to avoid starvation.

Imprinting is a critical aspect of raising a baby Tropeognathus. Imprinting increases the creature's stats and loyalty to you. To imprint, interact with the baby when it requests care, such as walking, cuddling, or feeding. Each successful imprint boosts the creature's stats and imprint percentage. Aim for 100% imprinting to maximize its potential. Imprinting also reduces the time required for the baby to mature, so prioritize it.

The maturation process for a Tropeognathus takes several in-game days, depending on your server settings. During this time, the baby will progress through juvenile and adolescent stages before reaching adulthood. Each stage reduces the frequency of feeding, but you must still monitor its food levels. Use a combination of feeding troughs and manual feeding to ensure it never runs out of food.

Resource management is crucial during the raising process. Stockpile large quantities of Raw Meat or Raw Fish Meat before starting. Use preserving bins or refrigerators to store the meat and prevent spoilage. If you are playing solo, consider setting up a dedicated breeding area with multiple feeding troughs and storage containers. For tribes, assign roles to members to share the workload, such as one person gathering food while another monitors the baby.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting food supplies, failing to regulate temperature during incubation, and missing imprinting opportunities. Always have a backup plan for food, such as hunting nearby creatures or taming a high-level carnivore to assist with gathering meat. Use multiple temperature-regulating structures to prevent the egg from overheating or freezing. Set timers or alarms to remind yourself of imprinting intervals, as missing them can significantly reduce the creature's effectiveness.

Advanced techniques include using cryopods to store the baby Tropeognathus during downtime, such as when you need to gather resources or defend your base. Cryopods pause the maturation process, allowing you to focus on other tasks without worrying about the baby. Additionally, consider breeding multiple Tropeognathus simultaneously to increase your chances of obtaining a high-stat or mutated offspring. Mutations can enhance stats like health, stamina, or damage, making the creature even more powerful.

In terms of tribe or solo considerations, tribes have the advantage of shared responsibilities, making the process less overwhelming. Solo players must plan meticulously and allocate time for feeding, imprinting, and resource gathering. Use tools like the S+ Mod or similar structures to automate tasks like feeding and temperature regulation, if available on your server.

In conclusion, raising a baby Tropeognathus in ARK: Survival Evolved is a rewarding but challenging endeavor. By understanding the mechanics, preparing resources, and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully raise a powerful and loyal Tropeognathus. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and execution will ensure your Tropeognathus becomes a valuable asset in your ARK journey.