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

Raising a baby Anglerfish in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. Anglerfish are unique creatures that thrive in aquatic environments, and their breeding process involves specific mechanics that differ from land-based creatures. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully raise a baby Anglerfish.

First, you need to prepare for the breeding process. Anglerfish are found in the ocean, so you will need a base near the water or an underwater pen to house them. Ensure you have a safe and secure environment for the breeding pair and the baby. You will also need a steady supply of food, primarily raw meat or fish meat, as Anglerfish are carnivorous. Stockpile a large amount of food before starting, as baby creatures consume food rapidly during their growth stages.

To begin breeding, you need a male and female Anglerfish. Place them close to each other and enable the "Enable Wandering" option. This will allow them to mate. Keep an eye on them, as they will need to be close together for the mating process to complete. Once mating is successful, the female will lay an egg. Anglerfish eggs require specific conditions to incubate. They need to be placed in water, and the temperature must be carefully controlled. Use air conditioners or standing torches to adjust the temperature if necessary. The ideal temperature for an Anglerfish egg is between 26 and 32 degrees Celsius.

Once the egg hatches, the baby Anglerfish will require constant care. Baby creatures have a high food consumption rate, so you need to ensure they are always fed. Place raw meat or fish meat in their inventory to keep them from starving. Baby Anglerfish cannot eat from feeding troughs, so you must manually feed them until they reach the juvenile stage. This stage is the most demanding, as you will need to monitor their food levels closely.

Imprinting is an important aspect of raising a baby Anglerfish. Imprinting increases the creature's stats and loyalty to you. To imprint, interact with the baby when it requests care. This could involve cuddling, feeding, or walking with the creature. Each imprinting session increases the imprint percentage, which boosts the creature's stats. Aim for 100% imprinting to maximize the Anglerfish's potential. Imprinting also reduces the time it takes for the baby to mature, so it is worth the effort.

Resource management is crucial during the raising process. You will need a large supply of food, especially during the early stages. Consider setting up a dedicated meat farm with creatures like Dodos or Phiomia to ensure a steady supply of raw meat. Additionally, having a preserving bin or refrigerator will help keep the meat fresh for longer periods. If you are playing solo, managing resources can be challenging, so plan ahead and stockpile as much as possible before starting the breeding process.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting the baby's food supply, failing to maintain the correct temperature for the egg, and not imprinting regularly. Baby creatures can starve quickly, so always keep an eye on their food levels. Temperature control is also critical, as incorrect temperatures can cause the egg to spoil. Imprinting is time-sensitive, so make sure to interact with the baby whenever it requests care.

Advanced techniques for raising a baby Anglerfish include using a Maewing for feeding. Maewings are creatures that can nurse baby creatures, reducing the need for manual feeding. This can save a lot of time and effort, especially during the early stages. Another optimization is to use a cryopod to store the baby Anglerfish when you need to take a break. Cryopods allow you to pause the growth process, giving you time to gather more resources or attend to other tasks.

Tribe considerations are important if you are playing with others. Coordinating with tribe members can make the breeding process easier. Assign roles, such as one person responsible for gathering food and another for imprinting. This division of labor can streamline the process and ensure the baby Anglerfish receives the care it needs. If you are playing solo, be prepared for a time-intensive process and plan your schedule accordingly.

In summary, raising a baby Anglerfish in ARK: Survival Evolved involves careful preparation, constant monitoring, and resource management. Ensure you have a secure environment, a steady supply of food, and the necessary tools for temperature control. Pay attention to imprinting and avoid common mistakes like neglecting food levels or temperature. Advanced techniques, such as using Maewings or cryopods, can optimize the process. Whether playing solo or with a tribe, raising a baby Anglerfish is a rewarding experience that results in a powerful and loyal aquatic companion.