Breeding creatures in Ark: Survival Evolved is one of the most rewarding experiences in the game. Not only does it allow you to create baby dinos with potentially better stats, but it also opens up a whole new layer of gameplay. If you’ve ever wondered, how do you fertilize an egg in Ark?, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the process in a simple, easy-to-understand way so you can start breeding your dinos like a pro.
What Does Fertilizing an Egg Mean in Ark?
In Ark, fertilizing an egg means that a male and female dinosaur (or other creatures) mate, resulting in the female laying a fertilized egg. Only fertilized eggs can hatch into baby dinos. Unfertilized eggs are basically useless for breeding purposes-they won’t hatch and can’t be fertilized after being laid.
Step-by-Step: How to Fertilize an Egg in Ark
1. Choose Your Breeding Pair
First, you need a male and a female of the same species. Both creatures must be tamed and healthy. Some creatures are genderless but can still reproduce, but generally, you’ll need one male and one female.
2. Build a Mating Pen
Create a small enclosed area where you can place both dinos together. The pen should be just big enough for them to move around comfortably but small enough to keep track of the egg once it’s laid. This makes it easier to find the fertilized egg quickly.
3. Prepare Your Dinos for Mating
– Disable Following: Go into each dino’s menu and disable the “Follow” option. This keeps them from wandering off.
– Set Behavior: You have two options here:
– Enable Mating: Both dinos will stay put and mate only when you’re nearby.
– Enable Wandering: Both dinos will roam within the pen and mate automatically without needing you to be close. This is convenient if you don’t want to babysit them constantly, but make sure only the pair you want to breed is in the pen to avoid confusion.
4. Let Them Mate
Once both dinos are set to mate or wander, hearts will appear above their heads, and a mating progress bar will show up. When the bar fills up to 100%, the female will lay a fertilized egg. You’ll know it’s fertilized because it will have a red cloud or steam effect around it.
5. Collect the Fertilized Egg
Pick up the fertilized egg quickly after it’s laid. Fertilized eggs lose health if left on the ground too long but are safe in your inventory or a refrigerator. Keep in mind that the female will need some time to be ready to mate again, so be patient.
Tips for Successful Fertilization
– Keep Only the Breeding Pair Together: If other dinos of the same species and opposite sex are around and set to wander, they might mate with those instead, making it harder to find fertilized eggs from your chosen pair.
– Avoid Overloading: Make sure your dinos aren’t carrying too much weight or mounted, as this can prevent mating.
– Use a Mating Pen: This keeps things controlled and reduces the chance of dinos wandering off or mating with the wrong partner.
– Be Patient: Sometimes dinos wander off or stop mating. You may need to bring them back and restart the process.
What Happens After Fertilization?
Once you have a fertilized egg, your next step is incubation. Fertilized eggs need to be kept at the right temperature to hatch successfully. You can incubate eggs using natural heat sources like torches or campfires, or for more precise control, use air conditioners powered by generators, especially for larger or more delicate eggs.
Common Questions About Fertilizing Eggs in Ark
– Can I fertilize an egg after it’s laid?
No. Eggs must be fertilized at the time they are laid. Unfertilized eggs cannot be fertilized later.
– Do I need to be near the dinos for them to mate?
Not necessarily. If you enable wandering mode, they will mate on their own within the pen. If you enable mating mode, you need to be nearby for the process to start.
– How do I know the egg is fertilized?
Fertilized eggs have a visible red cloud or steam effect around them, making them easy to distinguish from unfertilized eggs.
Fertilizing an egg in Ark is all about setting up the right conditions for your dinos to mate and produce offspring. With a little patience and the right setup, you’ll be hatching your own baby dinos in no time! Enjoy the adventure of breeding and raising your prehistoric companions.