The X Argentavis is a striking variant of the classic Argentavis in ARK: Survival Evolved, introduced as part of the Genesis expansion. This powerful flyer combines the utility of a heavy-lifting bird with an exotic look and aggressive temperament. One of the most exciting aspects of this creature is its distinctive color regions, which give players the ability to tame and breed uniquely patterned birds. Understanding the color region system for the X Argentavis is crucial for breeders and aesthetic-focused survivors who want to stand out in their ARK world. This guide breaks down each of the color regions, how they appear on the body, and tips for obtaining specific patterns.
X Argentavis Overview
The X Argentavis, like other X variants, spawns in unique biomes and comes with a boosted damage and resistance modifier compared to its standard counterpart. Found in the Volcanic biome of Genesis Part 1, these birds are not only stronger but also have a more aggressive behavior. The increased difficulty is balanced by the reward of their exceptional utility in carrying creatures and resources over long distances.
In addition to their strength, X Argentavis are also visually distinctive. Their patterns are more vibrant, and the use of color regions allows for a range of customization that many players seek through mutations and breeding.
Understanding Color Regions
ARK creatures, including the X Argentavis, are divided into numbered color regions. Each region corresponds to a specific part of the creature’s body and can be assigned different color IDs through spawning commands or breeding mutations. For the X Argentavis, there are six possible color regions, but not all are visible or used in every variant.
List of Color Regions for X Argentavis
- Region 0: Head and neck feathers
- Region 1: Main body and torso
- Region 2: Wing feathers
- Region 3: Legs and talons
- Region 4: Beak and facial markings
- Region 5: Underbelly and underside of wings
Each of these regions may have a specific set of color IDs depending on the event, biome, or mutation. When taming a wild X Argentavis, only certain regions might be populated with visible colors, making it important to observe the bird closely before taming if you’re targeting specific aesthetics.
Detailed Color Region Breakdown
Region 0 Head and Neck Feathers
This region is often the most eye-catching part of the X Argentavis. It can feature vivid colors that set the tone for the bird’s overall look. Region 0 often interacts with Region 1 to form a smooth gradient or strong contrast.
Common colors for this region in wild spawns include red, orange, and dark blue. During ARK events like Fear Evolved or Winter Wonderland, Region 0 may feature special colors such as cyan, lavender, or black with sparkles, depending on the event theme.
Region 1 Main Body and Torso
Region 1 forms the core body color and is often the most dominant visual part of the X Argentavis. Because of this, breeders prioritize mutations in this region when trying to achieve rare or eye-catching patterns.
This area tends to showcase earthy tones in standard spawns brown, grey, and forest green are common. Mutations and events, however, can introduce neon colors, whites, or pastels for those looking to stand out.
Region 2 Wing Feathers
The wings are perhaps the most noticeable part of any flying creature in ARK. Region 2 affects the tips and sometimes the span of the wings. This region is a favorite among players who want to create gradient or two-tone birds.
In many cases, Region 2 blends into Region 5 to give the wings depth and visual complexity. Black, silver, and gold are desirable here, and colors like magenta or teal from special events add flair to the creature’s appearance.
Region 3 Legs and Talons
This region is less visible than others but still adds to the overall design of the creature. When using bright or unusual colors, it can create a visual accent that complements the main palette.
Leg and talon colors are often subtle shades like beige, slate, or dark red but players can aim for more contrast by mutating brighter colors into this region.
Region 4 Beak and Facial Markings
The face is crucial for defining the personality of the X Argentavis. Region 4 includes the beak and any distinct markings around the eyes or cheeks, depending on the texture of the individual creature.
This region often defaults to naturalistic tones, but with effort, can be mutated or event-colored with highlights like bright yellow, pale pink, or vibrant green for dramatic results.
Region 5 Underbelly and Wing Underside
The underside of the bird is what players often see when flying beneath or when the creature is in motion. Region 5 colors can enhance the creature’s midair presence, especially during PvP or roleplay scenes.
This region frequently pairs with Region 2 to create consistent or contrasting tones across the wings. Bright whites, midnight blacks, and iridescent hues are popular choices in this area.
Color Breeding and Mutation Tips
Breeding X Argentavis for specific colors takes time, patience, and a good understanding of how the regions function. Here are a few useful tips for getting the most out of color breeding:
- Use a tracking system to log each parent’s region colors and mutations
- Focus on one region at a time for consistency and easier control
- Utilize event-colored parents as a base for rare shades
- Consider using admin commands in private games to preview combinations
- Save high-stat birds with dull colors for stat lines, and breed them with visual breeders later
Mutation stacking is a well-known tactic in the community. Players will often aim for one mutation in both the matrilineal and patrilineal sides, stacking up to the 20 mutation cap on each side. Keep in mind that while mutations may affect colors, there’s no guarantee without tracking exact region inheritance.
Event Color Regions
During ARK’s various seasonal events, X Argentavis and other creatures spawn with a wide range of exclusive color patterns. These colors are usually pulled from a set palette and assigned randomly across available regions. Some of the most notable events include:
- Valentine’s Day: Hot pink, red, lavender
- Fear Evolved: Dark greys, purples, glowing greens
- Winter Wonderland: Ice blue, white, snow sparkle
- Summer Bash: Patriotic reds, whites, blues, and star patterns
Breeding or capturing event-colored X Argentavis is a favorite activity for players who love visual customization. Since these colors are often limited-time only, obtaining them increases the uniqueness and value of the bird.
The X Argentavis is more than just a powerful utility flyer in ARK; it’s a canvas for players who enjoy expressing creativity through color breeding. With six color regions and a wide range of possible shades from both regular and event spawns, the possibilities for customization are nearly endless. By understanding each region, how it appears on the creature, and how to manipulate it through breeding or events, you can build a visually striking aviary of X Argentavis that’s both functional and beautiful. Whether you’re taming your first bird or fine-tuning the perfect breeding line, mastering color regions will help you soar above the rest.