Conquering the Skies: How Many Torches to Hatch a Fire Wyvern Egg in Ark: Survival Evolved
So, you’ve braved the dangers, stolen a Fire Wyvern egg, and now you’re staring at it, wondering how to bring this magnificent beast into the world? The most immediate question on your mind is probably: How many torches does it take to hatch a Fire Wyvern egg?
The short answer is: It depends. However, a good starting point is around 16-20 standing torches placed in a tight circle around the egg. Don’t get too confident just yet, as this answer is just the beginning. Let’s dive into the variables and techniques for guaranteed hatching success.
Understanding the Heat Requirement
Wyvern eggs, especially Fire Wyvern eggs, demand extreme heat to incubate. The game doesn’t give you a precise temperature number, but you’ll see the “Incubating” status if the temperature is correct. If it’s too cold or too hot, the egg’s health will deplete, eventually destroying it. Variables that can affect the number of torches needed include:
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Ambient Temperature: The surrounding environment dramatically impacts how many torches you’ll need. A cold biome like the snow biome, will require significantly more heat than a hot area like the volcano biome.
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Elevation: Higher elevations tend to be colder.
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Night vs. Day: Nights are typically colder than days.
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Insulation: The structure you use to house your egg plays a critical role. A completely enclosed stone building will retain heat far better than an open-air setup.
Torch Placement: The Key to Success
Quantity isn’t everything; proper placement is crucial:
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Tight Circle: Position the torches as close as possible to the egg without overcrowding. A tight circle ensures even heat distribution.
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Strategic Gaps: Leave a small gap in the circle, large enough for you to access the egg to check its health and add more torches as needed.
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Monitor the Egg’s Health: Continuously observe the egg’s health bar. If it’s decreasing, immediately add more torches. If it’s increasing, you’re good to go. If it depletes while you’re adding torches, it might be faster to destroy and pick up the egg again, since the process is usually less than an hour with enough torches.
Beyond Torches: Alternative Heating Methods
While torches are a readily available early-game option, consider these alternatives for a more efficient and reliable setup:
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Air Conditioners: These provide a consistent and powerful source of heat (or cooling). A cluster of 6-10 air conditioners in an enclosed room can maintain the ideal temperature. They require electricity, so have a reliable generator.
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Fireplaces: Stone fireplaces offer substantial heat. Similar to torches, you’ll need to arrange them in a circle. Remember that they occupy more space than torches. Around 15 or more may be required, especially in colder climates.
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Dimetrodons: If you have access to these creatures, their presence provides heat in a radius around them. Breed a few for maximum effect!
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Campfires: They provide a good source of early game heat, but consume a large amount of wood.
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Magmasaurs: If you have access to these creatures, they give off substantial heat in their vicinity.
Essential Tips for Wyvern Egg Incubation
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Enclosed Structure: Build a small room (stone or metal is best) to contain the heat. A 2×2 structure with a door is sufficient.
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Temperature Fluctuations: Be prepared to adjust the number of torches or activate/deactivate air conditioners as the ambient temperature changes.
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Remote Monitoring: Use spyglasses to remotely monitor the egg’s health.
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Backup Plan: Always have extra torches or fuel on hand in case the fire goes out or more heat is needed.
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Patience: Wyvern egg incubation takes time. Be prepared to monitor the egg for several hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wyvern Incubation
1. What happens if the egg gets too cold or too hot?
The egg’s health will deplete, and it will eventually be destroyed. Constant monitoring is key!
2. Can I use a refrigerator to hatch a Fire Wyvern egg?
No. Refrigerators lower the temperature. You need heat for Fire Wyvern eggs.
3. Is it better to use air conditioners or torches?
Air conditioners are more consistent and efficient, especially in the long run. However, they require electricity, which can be a barrier in the early game.
4. How do I know if the egg is incubating properly?
The egg will display the “Incubating” status when the temperature is correct.
5. Do different types of Wyvern eggs require different temperatures?
Yes, Fire Wyvern eggs require the highest temperatures. Other types, like Lightning or Poison Wyverns, may require slightly lower temperatures. The Ice Wyvern requires lower temperatures.
6. What do I need to do after the egg hatches?
Immediately claim the baby Wyvern and have Wyvern Milk ready. Baby Wyverns only eat Wyvern Milk.
7. Where do I get Wyvern Milk?
You can obtain Wyvern Milk by knocking out wild female Wyverns and accessing their inventory, or killing Alpha Wyverns.
8. How long does it take for a Wyvern egg to hatch?
The incubation time varies, but it generally takes several hours.
9. Can I imprint on a Wyvern without Wyvern Milk?
No, Wyvern milk is the only food they will take before fully matured. Snow Owls can be used to heal them if they are hurt, but they will still need Wyvern Milk.
10. What is the maximum level a Wyvern egg can be?
On official servers with a difficulty of 5, the maximum level is 190.
11. What’s the best way to steal a Wyvern egg?
A high-level Argentavis with at least 200% movement speed is a good option. Some players also use Rock Drakes or Griffins.
12. Can I hatch a Wyvern egg underwater?
No. Wyvern eggs cannot be incubated underwater. They require air to hatch.
13. How do I protect my Wyvern egg from wild creatures?
Build a secure, enclosed structure. Turrets can also help deter attackers.
14. Why did my Wyvern egg disappear after I picked it up?
The egg likely expired. Eggs have a spoil timer, and if the timer runs out, they disappear when picked up. Clear out old eggs from nests regularly to avoid this.
15. Are there any mods that make Wyvern incubation easier?
Yes, many mods can automate the incubation process or provide more precise temperature control. Research mods compatible with your Ark version.
Final Thoughts: Becoming a Wyvern Master
Hatching a Wyvern egg in Ark: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding experience. Understanding the nuances of temperature control and being prepared with the right resources are the keys to success. Embrace the process, learn from your mistakes, and soon you’ll be soaring through the skies on the back of your own magnificent Wyvern!
To further enrich your gaming experience and understanding of how games can be leveraged for learning and development, consider exploring the resources and community at the GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society is dedicated to the research and advancement of game-based learning, offering valuable insights into the educational potential of games like Ark: Survival Evolved.