Breeding Magmasaurs: A Comprehensive Guide for Ark Survival Evolved
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Yes, you absolutely can breed Magmasaurs in Ark Survival Evolved! This fiery process, however, comes with its unique set of challenges and requirements. Unlike breeding your average Dodos or Rexes, Magmasaur breeding demands careful planning, specific environments, and a good understanding of the creature’s needs. Forget everything you thought you knew about standard dino husbandry; this is lava-level dedication.
Understanding Magmasaur Breeding Mechanics
Magmasaur breeding isn’t just about throwing two creatures together and hoping for the best. It involves a deliberate process of managing temperature, resources, and timings.
Pairing and Mating
First, you’ll need a male and female Magmasaur. Make sure they’re close enough to trigger the mating process. Just like other creatures in Ark, their proximity initiates the mating sequence. Once they’re in range, you’ll see the mating bar appear, indicating they are trying to breed.
Temperature Considerations
One of the trickiest aspects of breeding Magmasaurs is temperature. While they don’t necessarily need to be submerged in lava during mating, extremely high temperatures are generally required. This can be achieved in several ways, from using the environment to deploying structures.
- Volcanoes: The most obvious solution is utilizing the volcanoes on maps like The Island, Ragnarok (after updates), and Crystal Isles. These areas naturally provide the extreme heat necessary for the mating and egg incubation process.
- Artificial Heat: If a volcano isn’t accessible or convenient, you can create your own hot zone using multiple standing torches, campfires, or even Dimetrodons with high melee damage. The Dimetrodons’ incubation buff stacks, making them effective incubators.
The Waiting Game
Once the mating process is complete, the female will be pregnant. The gestation period is considerable. On official servers, breeding this monster will take up to 7.77 days. So buckle up, because this is a long wait.
Egg Incubation
After the female “lays” the egg (technically, they’re viviparous), the real challenge begins: incubating the egg. Magmasaur eggs require intense heat to hatch. You’ll need to carefully monitor the egg’s temperature to ensure it doesn’t spoil or fail to hatch. Remember to maintain optimal temperature conditions using any combination of torches, Dimetrodons, or air conditioners.
Raising the Baby
The final hurdle is raising the baby Magmasaur. Unlike most creatures that readily consume meat, baby Magmasaurs exclusively eat Ambergris. This resource can be mined from the lunar biome on Genesis: Part 1. If you don’t have access to Ambergris or want to automate the process, you can use a Maewing. They can “nurse” the babies, providing them with food automatically.
Alternate Food: Sulfur
Since an update, baby Magmasaurs can be fed Sulfur! This offers an alternative to Ambergris for players seeking faster or more accessible methods of raising their fiery offspring.
Magmasaur Breeding FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about breeding Magmasaurs in Ark Survival Evolved:
Can I breed Magmasaurs on any map?
While technically possible on any map with the right conditions, the easiest and most reliable locations are those with naturally occurring lava, such as The Island, Ragnarok, and Crystal Isles.
Do I need to submerge Magmasaurs in lava to breed them?
No, they do not need to be fully submerged, but they require high temperatures. Proximity to lava or other heat sources is essential.
What do baby Magmasaurs eat?
Initially, baby Magmasaurs only eat Ambergris. After an update, they can also be fed Sulfur. Once they mature, they can eat meat and stone.
Can I use a Maewing to raise a Magmasaur?
Yes! Maewings can be used to nurse baby Magmasaurs, providing them with food and eliminating the need for manual feeding. This simplifies the raising process significantly.
How long does it take to breed a Magmasaur?
The gestation and incubation periods are quite long. Expect the entire process to take several days, up to 7.77 days on official servers.
What temperature is required to hatch a Magmasaur egg?
Magmasaur eggs require a very high incubation temperature. The exact range depends on the server settings and environmental factors, but expect to need multiple heat sources.
Can I use air conditioners to hatch a Magmasaur egg?
Yes, air conditioners can be used, but they may not be sufficient on their own. Combining them with other heat sources like torches or Dimetrodons is often necessary.
What is the maximum level for a Magmasaur egg?
On official servers, the maximum level for a Magmasaur egg is 150. This is influenced by the server settings in the GameUserSettings.ini file.
Can I breed Magmasaurs on Ragnarok?
Yes, you can breed Magmasaurs on Ragnarok, particularly in the volcano area, especially after updates.
Can Magmasaurs swim?
Yes, Magmasaurs can swim and take no damage in water, but they cannot use their abilities underwater.
Why did my Magmasaur eggs disappear?
The most likely reason is that the egg’s spoil timer expired. Magmasaur eggs have a limited lifespan and will disappear if not incubated in time.
How many campfires does it take to hatch a Magmasur egg?
The number of campfires needed depends on the surrounding temperature and server settings. Starting with five stone fireplaces is a good starting point, but adjust as needed to achieve the required incubation temperature.
What does enable smelting do on a Magmasaur?
Enabling smelting turns the Magmasaur into a mobile forge. However, it consumes food very rapidly, especially when using the “searing spit” attack. Feed it stone to replenish its food.
Do Magmasaurs lay unfertilized eggs?
Yes, Magmasaurs have a chance to lay unfertilized eggs, which spawn in the mission “Egg-straction”.
Where can I breed Magmasaur on Fjordur?
It’s worth checking player communities for optimal locations, but typically players will build structures in and around the volcanic regions or in the lava pools, similar to how they do on Ragnarok and Crystal Isles.
Conclusion
Breeding Magmasaurs in Ark Survival Evolved is no easy feat. It demands meticulous planning, resource management, and a strong understanding of the game’s mechanics. However, the reward – a powerful and versatile creature – is well worth the effort. By following the advice in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to building your own fiery dynasty!
Remember to always stay updated with the latest Ark Survival Evolved patches and community tips, as the game is continuously evolving. For more insights into game-based learning and educational aspects of gaming, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.