Decoding the Mystery of ARK Colour Codes: A Comprehensive Guide
ARK: Survival Evolved is a game renowned for its complexity and depth. One aspect that often bewilders new players, and even veterans, is the system of ARK colour codes. Understanding these ARK colour codes is crucial for breeding, trading, and even just appreciating the aesthetic variety of your creatures. This guide aims to demystify the ARK colour codes, providing a comprehensive overview of what they mean, how they’re used, and why they matter.
The Basics of ARK Colour Regions
In ARK: Survival Evolved, creatures don’t just come in one solid colour. They have multiple colour regions, each of which can be a different hue. The game uses a system of number codes to represent these colours. There are six colour regions on most creatures, numbered 0 to 5. Each region can display a variety of colours, making for a vast array of possible combinations. Knowing the ARK colour codes allows players to identify and selectively breed creatures with desirable colour mutations.
Understanding Colour Regions
Before diving into the specific codes, it’s essential to understand what each region represents. The location of these regions differs from creature to creature, but generally, they correspond to:
- Region 0: Often the main body colour.
- Region 1: Can be stripes, patterns, or secondary body colour.
- Region 2: Frequently markings or highlights.
- Region 3: Can be underbelly or another accent colour.
- Region 4: Often wing tips, fins, or other extremities.
- Region 5: Usually the tips of tails, manes, or other distinctive features.
It’s important to note that not all creatures utilize all six regions. Some may only use a few, while others might have slight variations in how the regions are applied. Experimentation and observation are key to fully understanding the colour regions of a particular species.
The ARK Colour ID List: A Detailed Breakdown
The heart of understanding ARK colour codes lies in the ARK Colour ID List. This list assigns a numerical code to each colour available in the game. While the exact list can vary slightly depending on server settings and mods, a core set of colours remains consistent across most ARK installations. Here’s a simplified overview of some key ARK colour codes:
- 0: Black
- 1: Red
- 2: Green
- 3: Blue
- 4: Yellow
- 5: Cyan
- 6: Magenta
- 7: White
- 8: Grey
- 9: Brown
- 10: Orange
- 11: Purple
- 12: Light Grey
- 13: Dark Grey
- 14: Dark Red
- 15: Dark Green
- 16: Dark Blue
- 17: Light Red
- 18: Light Green
- 19: Light Blue
- 20: Dark Yellow
- 21: Light Yellow
- 22: Dark Orange
- 23: Light Orange
This is just a small selection of the available colours. A full ARK colour codes list can be found online, often in the form of a spreadsheet or wiki page. These resources are invaluable for identifying the specific colours present on your creatures.
Finding the Colour ID
So, how do you actually determine the colour ID of a particular region on your creature? Unfortunately, the game doesn’t directly display these IDs. Players typically use mods like Awesome Spyglass or similar tools that provide detailed information about creatures, including their colour regions and corresponding IDs. Without such tools, identifying ARK colour codes can be a matter of trial and error, comparing the creature’s colours to a comprehensive colour chart.
Why ARK Colour Codes Matter: Breeding and Trading
The primary reason players care about ARK colour codes is their impact on breeding. Colour mutations are a significant part of the ARK breeding process. By selectively breeding creatures with desirable colour combinations, players can create visually stunning and unique dinos. Understanding ARK colour codes allows for targeted breeding efforts, increasing the chances of obtaining the desired colour mutations in offspring.
Breeding for Specific Colours
Let’s say you have a Rex with a striking red (ID 1) stripe on its back (Region 1) and you want to pass that colour on. By breeding it with other Rexes, you can increase the probability of that red stripe appearing in subsequent generations. Using tools to identify and track ARK colour codes makes this process far more efficient.
Trading Coloured Creatures
ARK colour codes are also crucial for trading. When selling or trading creatures, accurately describing their colours is essential. Instead of simply saying “a red and blue Argentavis,” you can specify the exact colour IDs for each region, ensuring that the buyer knows precisely what they are getting. This level of detail can significantly increase the value of your creatures, especially if they have rare or highly sought-after colour combinations. [See also: ARK Breeding Guide for Beginners]
The Impact of Mods and Server Settings
It’s important to remember that mods and server settings can influence the availability and appearance of ARK colour codes. Some mods introduce new colours or alter the existing colour palette. Server settings can also affect the frequency of colour mutations, making certain colours rarer or more common. Always be aware of the specific settings and mods in use on your server when dealing with ARK colour codes.
Official vs. Unofficial Servers
Official ARK servers typically adhere to the standard colour palette and mutation rates. Unofficial servers, on the other hand, can vary widely in their settings. If you’re trading creatures between servers, be sure to confirm that the colour IDs match up. A creature with a specific colour ID on one server might appear slightly different on another due to modded colour palettes or altered lighting conditions.
Advanced Techniques: Colour Regions and Mutation Stacking
For experienced breeders, understanding ARK colour codes opens up possibilities for advanced techniques like mutation stacking. This involves selectively breeding creatures to accumulate multiple colour mutations in a single individual. By carefully tracking the colour regions and IDs, breeders can create dinos with truly unique and impressive appearances. This is a time-consuming and challenging process, but the results can be incredibly rewarding.
The Importance of Accurate Tracking
Mutation stacking requires meticulous record-keeping. Breeders often use spreadsheets or specialized breeding tools to track the lineage of their creatures and the specific ARK colour codes present in each generation. Without accurate tracking, it’s easy to lose track of which mutations have been stacked and which regions are still available for further mutations.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with ARK Colour Codes
Even with a solid understanding of ARK colour codes, players can sometimes encounter issues. Here are a few common problems and their potential solutions:
- Colours Not Appearing as Expected: This can be due to server settings, mod conflicts, or even lighting conditions. Try adjusting your graphics settings or consulting with the server administrator.
- Difficulty Identifying Colour IDs: Use a reliable spyglass mod or compare the colours to a comprehensive colour chart. Keep in mind that colours can appear slightly different depending on your monitor settings.
- Inconsistent Colour Mutations: Colour mutations are random events. There’s no guarantee that a specific colour will be passed on, even if both parents have it. Patience and persistence are key. [See also: Advanced ARK Breeding Strategies]
The Future of ARK Colour Codes
As ARK: Survival Evolved continues to evolve, the system of ARK colour codes may also undergo changes. New colours could be added, the mutation system could be tweaked, or new tools could be developed to assist with breeding and colour identification. Staying informed about the latest updates and community resources is essential for any serious ARK breeder.
Community Resources and Tools
The ARK community is a valuable resource for information on ARK colour codes. Online forums, wikis, and Discord servers are filled with experienced breeders who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise. Take advantage of these resources to learn new techniques, troubleshoot issues, and stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of ARK Colour Codes
Understanding ARK colour codes is a journey that can significantly enhance your ARK: Survival Evolved experience. Whether you’re a casual player looking to add some visual flair to your dinos or a dedicated breeder striving to create the ultimate colour mutation stack, mastering the art of ARK colour codes is a worthwhile endeavor. By utilizing the resources and techniques outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a true colour connoisseur in the world of ARK.
