Ark Cloning Calculator
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Cloning Cost Scaling (Shards vs. Level)
What is an Ark Cloning Calculator?
An ark cloning calculator is an essential tool for survivors in the Tek tier of ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Survival Ascended. Once you unlock the Tek Cloning Chamber, you can create identical genetic copies of your best tames, preserving their stats, colors, and imprints. However, this process consumes Element Shards and takes a significant amount of time based on the creature’s level and type.
Using an ark cloning calculator allows players to plan their resource gathering effectively. Since cloning high-level Giganotosaurus or Rexes can cost tens of thousands of shards, knowing the exact requirements before starting prevents wasted resources or half-finished cloning cycles. Many players use this tool alongside an ark breeding calculator to decide whether it’s cheaper to breed or clone a specific mutation.
Ark Cloning Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The cloning cost in ARK is determined by a base value assigned to the species and a multiplier that scales with the creature’s level. While the exact math can vary by server settings, the standard formula used by this ark cloning calculator is:
Total Shards = [Base Cost + (Level * Multiplier)] * Server Scale
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Cost | Initial shards required for Level 1 | Shards | 100 – 5,000 |
| Level | Current level of the dino | Levels | 1 – 450+ |
| Multiplier | Cost increase per level | Shards/Level | 20 – 500 |
| Server Scale | Modifier in game settings | Decimal | 0.1 – 5.0 |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: High-Level Rex Cloning
Suppose you have a Level 225 Tek Rex. According to the ark cloning calculator, a large creature has a base cost of 1,500 shards and a level multiplier of approximately 120 shards per level. At 1.0x rates:
Cost = 1,500 + (225 * 120) = 28,500 Shards. This converts to 285 full Element.
Example 2: Utility Anky for Farming
You want to clone a Level 150 Ankylo for your tribe members. The utility base is 2,000 shards with a 60 shard/level multiplier.
Cost = 2,000 + (150 * 60) = 11,000 Shards (110 Element). This shows that cloning utility dinos is significantly cheaper than combat beasts.
How to Use This Ark Cloning Calculator
- Select Creature Tier: Choose the category that matches your dino (e.g., Apex for Giganotosaurus).
- Enter Dino Level: Input the exact level of the creature as it appears on the Cloning Chamber.
- Adjust Server Rates: If you are on a boosted unofficial server, change the multiplier to match your server’s
CloningCostMultiplier. - Review Results: The ark cloning calculator will instantly show the total shards, total element, and estimated time.
- Copy Data: Use the “Copy Results” button to share requirements with your tribe in Discord or in-game chat.
Key Factors That Affect Ark Cloning Results
- Creature Species: Different creatures have hard-coded multipliers. A Giganotosaurus will always cost more than a Raptor of the same level.
- Level Scaling: The higher the level, the exponentially more expensive cloning becomes. This encourages players to use ark dino levels strategically.
- Server Settings: Server administrators can adjust
CloningCostMultiplierandCloningSpeedMultiplierin the GameUserSetting.ini file. - Imprint Status: While imprints are cloned, they do not increase the cost of cloning beyond the level increase they might have provided during breeding.
- Tek Generator Range: The Cloning Chamber must be powered by a Tek Generator. If power is lost, the process resets and resources are lost.
- Available Shards: You must have the full amount of shards inside the Chamber before starting; you cannot add more mid-process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does cloning preserve mutations?
Yes, the ark cloning calculator accounts for the level, and the cloning process itself creates an exact genetic copy, including mutations and colors.
Can I clone a dino that is currently being ridden?
No, the dino must be standing still on the platform and not being ridden or in a cryopod/soul trap.
What happens if the cloning chamber is destroyed?
If the chamber is destroyed or loses power, the cloning progress is lost along with all Element Shards consumed up to that point.
Is cloning cheaper than using an ark taming calculator to find a new one?
Usually, taming is cheaper in terms of raw resources, but cloning is “cheaper” in terms of time and effort when you want to duplicate perfect stats or rare colors.
Does the Ark Cloning Calculator work for ARK Ascended?
Yes, the mathematical formulas for cloning remain consistent between Survival Evolved and ARK Ascended (ASA).
Can you clone Bosses?
No, bosses and certain unique creatures like the Titanosaur cannot be cloned in the standard game.
Does the cloning time increase with level?
Yes, higher level creatures take significantly longer to clone, sometimes taking several real-world days on official settings.
Can I use Element instead of Shards?
No, the Cloning Chamber specifically requires Element Shards. You must craft shards from Element in your inventory or at a Tek Replicator first.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
- Ark Breeding Calculator – Calculate mating intervals and maturation times.
- Ark Taming Calculator – Find out how much kibble or narcoberries you need.
- Ark Resource Guide – Tips for farming Element Shards efficiently.
- Ark Dino Levels Guide – Understanding base stats vs. leveled stats.
- Ark Tek Tier Guide – How to unlock and use the Cloning Chamber.
- Ark Shard Farming – Best locations on Genesis and Extinction for shards.