Are Basilisks Breedable in Ark: Survival Evolved? The Ultimate Guide
The short answer is no, Basilisks are not breedable in Ark: Survival Evolved. Despite their unique taming method involving fertilized eggs, once tamed, Basilisks cannot be bred to produce offspring. This is a significant departure from most other creatures in the game, adding to the Basilisk’s mystique and challenge to acquire and maintain.
Understanding the Basilisk in Ark
The Basilisk is a formidable creature found primarily in the Aberration and Genesis: Part 2 DLCs, as well as other maps through mods or server configurations. Known for its ability to burrow underground, its potent venom, and its impressive carrying capacity, the Basilisk is a valuable asset for any Ark survivor. However, its unique taming process and inability to breed set it apart.
Taming a Basilisk: A Unique Challenge
Unlike traditional taming methods involving knocking out a creature and feeding it, Basilisks are tamed passively. This involves luring them with fertilized eggs – specifically, Rock Drake, Magmasaur, or Voidwyrm eggs. The Basilisk will “attack” and consume the egg, increasing the taming progress. The ancestry (e.g., the levels of the parents) of each fertilized egg will not affect the taming speed. Dropping the egg on the ground near the Basilisk from your inventory is crucial. Make sure it doesn’t come from a dino inventory.
Why Can’t Basilisks Breed?
The game mechanics simply do not allow for Basilisk breeding. While female Basilisks in real life can lay eggs after breeding, this functionality hasn’t been implemented in Ark: Survival Evolved. Once tamed, you cannot induce breeding through mating or any other means. Therefore, to acquire multiple Basilisks, you must tame them individually. This adds to the challenge and uniqueness of this powerful creature. The study of how games create engaging challenges and rewards falls under the realm of digital game-based learning, a field explored by the Games Learning Society.
Basilisk: Pros and Cons
Pros
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High Carry Weight: Basilisks have an exceptional carry weight, making them ideal for transporting resources.
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Burrowing Ability: The ability to burrow underground provides excellent protection and allows for stealthy movement.
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Venom Spit: The Basilisk’s venomous spit is a powerful offensive weapon, capable of debilitating enemies.
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Mobility: They can traverse over small obstacles.
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Tankiness: Basilisks are fast and have enough HP to flee danger.
Cons
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Unbreedable: You must tame each Basilisk individually.
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Taming Difficulty: Acquiring the necessary fertilized eggs can be a challenging endeavor in itself.
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Water Vulnerability: Burying underwater can glitch your basilisk and lead to losing it.
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Specific Diet During Taming: They only eat Rock Drake, Magmasaur, and Voidwyrm eggs during the taming process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Basilisks in Ark
Here are some frequently asked questions about basilisks in Ark: Survival Evolved:
1. What eggs can I use to tame a Basilisk?
You can only tame a Basilisk using Rock Drake, Magmasaur, or Voidwyrm fertilized eggs. These eggs must be dropped from your inventory for the Basilisk to consume.
2. Can I use unfertilized eggs to tame a Basilisk?
No, you cannot tame a Basilisk with unfertilized eggs. They only accept fertilized Rock Drake, Magmasaur, or Voidwyrm eggs for taming.
3. How many Rock Drake eggs do I need to tame a Basilisk?
The number of eggs required varies depending on the Basilisk’s level and your taming effectiveness. Usually, you might need up to 10 Rock Drake eggs for a high-level Basilisk.
4. Will a Basilisk eat Wyvern eggs?
While Basilisks will “attack” Wyvern eggs, they only gain taming progress from Rock Drake, Magmasaur, or Voidwyrm eggs. Wyvern eggs are not suitable for taming Basilisks.
5. Are Basilisks good mounts in Ark?
Yes, Basilisks are excellent mounts. They possess high carry weight, the ability to burrow, and a potent venomous attack, making them versatile for both combat and resource gathering.
6. Can Basilisks go in water?
While Basilisks can swim, burying them underground while submerged in water can lead to glitches and potentially the loss of your Basilisk. Avoid burying them underwater.
7. What happens if I try to breed Basilisks?
You cannot breed Basilisks in Ark: Survival Evolved. The game mechanics do not allow for their reproduction, even if they are housed together.
8. What are Nameless in Ark and how do they relate to Basilisks?
The Nameless are creatures found in the Aberration DLC. They are unrelated to the breeding or taming of Basilisks, but both are unique challenges within the Aberration environment.
9. Can I tame a Basilisk with meat or other food items?
No, you cannot tame a Basilisk with meat or any other food items. They exclusively accept fertilized Rock Drake, Magmasaur, or Voidwyrm eggs for taming.
10. What is the Basilisk’s burrowing ability used for?
The burrowing ability allows the Basilisk to hide from danger, ambush enemies, and traverse the terrain undetected. It’s also useful for escaping difficult situations.
11. Are Basilisks rare in Ark?
Basilisks are not exceedingly rare, but finding them and obtaining the necessary eggs for taming can be challenging. They are commonly found throughout their range on maps where they spawn.
12. How do I find Rock Drake eggs for taming a Basilisk?
Rock Drake eggs are found in the Fertile Chamber of Aberration. You’ll need to navigate the dangerous environment and avoid Rock Drakes to steal their eggs. Magmasaur eggs can be found in the volcanic regions of Genesis: Part 1, and Voidwrym eggs can be found in the space biome of Genesis: Part 2.
13. What is the strongest creature in Ark, compared to a Basilisk?
While the Basilisk is strong, creatures like the Rex, Giganotosaurus, and Titans generally outclass it in terms of raw power and health. The Basilisk’s strength lies in its versatility and unique abilities rather than sheer brute force.
14. Can I force a Basilisk egg to hatch if I find one?
Basilisks do not lay eggs that can be hatched by players in the game, even though real-world basilisks do this. You can only tame them through the methods specified above. If you see wild eggs, they cannot be incubated. However, you can use the eggs for kibble creation.
15. What maps can I find Basilisks on?
Basilisks are most commonly found on Aberration and Genesis: Part 2. They may also be present on other maps through mods or server configurations.
Conclusion
While the inability to breed Basilisks in Ark: Survival Evolved might be disappointing for some, it adds to the creature’s exclusivity and the challenge of acquiring multiple specimens. Their unique abilities and impressive stats make them a valuable addition to any survivor’s arsenal. Understanding their taming process and limitations is crucial for effectively utilizing these magnificent creatures in the harsh world of Ark. To learn more about how games influence learning and behavior, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.