In the charmingly chaotic world of Build a Zoo, collecting all the mutations is a key goal for many players. Two of the most sought-after are the seasonal Thanksgiving Mutation and the visually stunning Aurora Mutation. This guide will break down exactly how to get both, using straightforward strategies to maximize your chances.
What Are Mutations in Build a Zoo?
Before we dive in, it’s important to understand that mutations are special cosmetic variants applied to your animals. They change the animal’s appearance and are highly valuable for completing your collection. The Thanksgiving and Aurora mutations are unique because their acquisition is tied to specific in-game events and weather conditions.
How to Get the Thanksgiving Mutation
The Thanksgiving Mutation is a limited-time mutation, making it one of the more time-sensitive collectibles in the game.
1. Event Availability
The Thanksgiving Mutation is only available during the in-game Thanksgiving event. Once the event period ends, you can no longer obtain it until it potentially returns the following year. Make sure to play actively during this time.
2. The Trigger: Festival Weather
During the Thanksgiving event, a special “Festival” weather type will occur. The mutation can only trigger when this weather is active. Your eggs must be moving on the automatic conveyor belt system for a chance to receive the mutation effect.
3. Boosting Your Chances with Cranberry Pet Food
While the mutation chance is random, you can increase your odds by using Cranberry Pet Food. This special food was introduced in Update 39 and specifically increases the chance of a mutation occurring. It does not provide a guarantee, but it significantly improves your probability.
Strategy & Tips:
Maximize Egg Production: The key is volume. Have as many eggs as possible running on your conveyor belts during the Festival weather.
Stay Automated: Ensure your conveyor and nursery systems are fully automated and running smoothly to process the highest number of eggs.
Use Food Wisely: Apply Cranberry Pet Food to your animals to give every egg the best possible chance.
How to Get the Aurora Mutation
Unlike the event-based Thanksgiving mutation, the Aurora Mutation is tied to a rare and random weather phenomenon.
1. The Trigger: Aurora Weather
The Aurora Mutation is directly linked to the “Aurora” weather, which appears randomly in your zoo. When this beautiful weather effect occurs, it has a chance to apply the mutation to pets currently in your zoo.
2. Mutation Application Priority
The game has a specific system for how the Aurora mutation is applied:
Priority to Unmutated Pets: The mutation will first be applied to any pets in your zoo that do not already have a weather-based mutation.
Can Override Existing Mutations: If all your pets already have a weather mutation, the Aurora effect can randomly replace one of them.
Strategy & Tips:
Control Your Collection: To ensure the mutation goes to a specific pet, place only that pet in your zoo. Move other pets, especially those without weather mutations, into storage before an Aurora occurs.
Play Regularly: Since Aurora weather is random, the best strategy is to keep your zoo open and active. Check in regularly to see if the Aurora is shining.
Be Patient: This mutation relies on luck, so persistence is key.
FAQ:
Q1: Can I get the Thanksgiving Mutation after the event ends?
A: No. The Thanksgiving Mutation is exclusively available during the active Thanksgiving event period. Once it’s over, the opportunity is gone until the next event.
Q2: Does Cranberry Pet Food guarantee a mutation?
A: No. Cranberry Pet Food only increases the chance of a mutation happening; it does not make it a 100% certainty.
Q3: How can I tell if the Aurora weather is active?
A: You will see a spectacular aurora borealis (northern lights) effect in the sky above your zoo. It’s a very distinct visual event.
Q4: Will the Aurora mutation replace a mutation I want to keep?
A: Yes, it can. If all your pets have mutations, the Aurora may override one. To prevent this, store the pets you want to protect and only leave out the one you wish to mutate.
Q5: Are these mutations purely cosmetic?
A: Yes, they primarily provide a unique visual appearance for your pets, adding value to your collection and the overall look of your zoo.
Conclusion
Securing the Thanksgiving Mutation and Aurora Mutation in Build a Zoo requires understanding two different game mechanics. The Thanksgiving Mutation is a race against the clock during a limited event, relying on egg production and Cranberry Pet Food. The Aurora Mutation is a test of patience and preparation, capitalizing on random weather by managing your pet population.
By following these guidelines—focusing on event timing for Thanksgiving and managing your zoo’s inhabitants for the Aurora—you can efficiently add these unique mutations to your collection and avoid wasting valuable resources. Happy collecting