How Long Does It Take for Wyvern Eggs to Despawn in Ark: Survival Evolved?

Alright, fellow survivors, let’s cut right to the chase. You’re braving the treacherous landscapes of Ark: Survival Evolved, dodging fire breath and lightning strikes, all in the pursuit of that coveted Wyvern egg. But how long can you leave that prize sitting in the nest before it turns into a useless, despawned husk? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might hope, but here’s the crucial intel:

Wyvern eggs in the wild have a spoil timer, just like any other perishable item in Ark. This timer is typically around 30 minutes.

Yes, you read that right. Thirty minutes. That’s how long you have to snatch that egg and get it to a safe location before it’s gone forever. It’s a tight window, which is why preparation and speed are absolutely key when undertaking a Wyvern egg run. Keep in mind that server settings can affect this timer, so always check your specific server’s configuration for spoil rates.

This mechanic exists to prevent the Wyvern trenches (or wherever Wyverns nest on your map) from becoming cluttered with old, uncollected eggs. It ensures that new eggs can spawn and keeps the ecosystem somewhat dynamic. Ignoring these timers can make the process of Wyvern taming significantly more challenging. Now, let’s dive into some common questions surrounding this crucial element of Ark.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wyvern Eggs and Despawning

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide you with even more valuable information on Wyvern eggs.

1. Do Wyvern eggs despawn even if they’re on the ground after being dropped?

Yes, absolutely. Once an egg is dropped, whether accidentally or intentionally, it’s subject to the same spoil timer as an egg still in the nest. The timer doesn’t reset just because you picked it up once.

2. Can I extend the spoil timer of a Wyvern egg?

Unfortunately, no. Unlike meat or other perishables, you can’t use preserving bins or refrigerators to extend the spoil timer of a Wyvern egg that’s sitting in the wild. Your only option is to get it into incubation as soon as possible.

3. What happens when a Wyvern egg despawns?

When a Wyvern egg despawns, it simply vanishes from the game world. There’s no trace left behind. It’s as if it never existed. It doesn’t turn into a spoiled item or leave behind any remnants.

4. Does the level of the Wyvern egg affect its spoil timer?

No, the level of the Wyvern egg has absolutely no impact on its spoil timer. A level 1 egg and a level 190 egg will both despawn in the same amount of time.

5. How do I prevent Wyvern eggs from despawning before I can grab them?

The best way to prevent despawning is simply to be quick and efficient. Plan your egg run meticulously, knowing exactly where you’re going, what dangers to expect, and how you’ll escape. A fast, high-stamina flying mount is essential. If you’re playing on a private server, you could adjust the spoil timer, but that might affect other aspects of the game you don’t intend to change. Also, clearing out old eggs is crucial to allow new ones to spawn.

6. Does server lag affect the Wyvern egg spoil timer?

Yes, server lag can absolutely affect the spoil timer. If the server is experiencing lag, the game clock might not run accurately, potentially causing eggs to despawn faster or slower than intended. This is an unfortunate reality of online gaming. This phenomenon ties into the complex relationship between gaming and learning. The Games Learning Society, dedicated to exploring the intersection of games, learning, and society, continually researches how digital environments can influence skill development and cognitive processes. You can learn more about this research at GamesLearningSociety.org.

7. Can I use a Cryopod to preserve a Wyvern egg’s spoil timer?

No, Cryopods do not freeze or pause the spoil timer of a Wyvern egg. Once the egg is out of the wild it needs the specific incubation conditions to be preserved.

8. Will Wyvern eggs despawn if I leave them in my inventory?

No, Wyvern eggs in your inventory will not “spoil” and disappear in the same way they do when left in the wild. They will persist, but they will also not progress toward hatching. You’ll need to place them in a properly heated environment to begin incubation.

9. If I pick up a spoiled Wyvern egg, what happens?

Picking up a spoiled Wyvern egg results in it immediately disappearing from your inventory. There is no way to salvage a spoiled egg.

10. Does the “destroywilddinos” command affect Wyvern eggs?

No, the “destroywilddinos” command only affects living creatures. It will not remove Wyvern eggs from the world. However, using the command cheat destroyall DroppedItemGenericFertilizedEggNoPhysicsWyvern_C will destroy Wyvern eggs.

11. How often do Wyvern eggs respawn after despawning?

After a Wyvern egg despawns, it’s up to the game’s spawn mechanics to determine when a new egg will appear in its place. The respawn time isn’t fixed; it’s influenced by factors like the number of Wyverns in the area, the availability of nesting locations, and the server’s overall spawn rates.

12. Does building near Wyvern nests affect egg spawning?

Yes, building too close to Wyvern nests can interfere with egg spawning. The game may prevent new eggs from spawning in areas considered to be obstructed by player-built structures. It’s best to keep a reasonable distance between your base and the Wyvern nesting grounds.

13. What’s the best strategy for quickly grabbing Wyvern eggs before they despawn?

The key is speed and preparation. A fast flying mount with high stamina is crucial. Plan your route carefully, clear out any immediate threats beforehand, and grab the egg as quickly as possible. Consider using a Pteranodon or Griffin for their maneuverability. Pteros outspeed wyverns, use them. Alternatively, use thylacoleo with speed in it. Rock drakes also glides faster than the wyverns too. But pteros are cheaper.

14. Why are my Wyvern eggs disappearing even though I just picked them up?

This usually happens if the eggs have already spoiled in the wild. The game recognizes the egg is already past its spoil timer. The spoil timer ran out and when you pick them up it despawns them. This can be frustrating, but it’s a good reminder to always be quick! Or, check the timer on the popup box, and don;t pick it up if it timed out already.

15. Can male Wyverns lay eggs?

According to the article, “He said that no matter the gender of the wyvern–and we’re talking ice wyverns specifically–that they’ll lay eggs.”

Final Thoughts

Wyvern egg hunting in Ark: Survival Evolved is a thrilling, but often challenging endeavor. Understanding the mechanics of egg despawning is crucial for maximizing your chances of success. Remember the 30-minute timer, plan your runs meticulously, and always be prepared for the unexpected. Good luck, survivor, and may your Wyvern egg hunts be fruitful!