How do I craft and use a tek helmet for advanced vision in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a Tek Helmet in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game activity that requires significant preparation and resources. The Tek Helmet is part of the Tek Tier, which is the most advanced technology in the game. It provides advanced vision modes, such as thermal and night vision, which are incredibly useful for scouting, combat, and exploration. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a Tek Helmet, including tips, strategies, and considerations.

To craft a Tek Helmet, you must first unlock its engram. The Tek Helmet engram is available at level 100 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, you cannot unlock Tek engrams simply by leveling up. Instead, you must defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tekgrams, which are special engrams tied to the Tek Tier. For the Tek Helmet, you need to defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon boss on Gamma difficulty or higher. Each boss grants different Tekgrams, so check which one unlocks the Tek Helmet before attempting the fight.

Once you have the Tekgram, you need to gather the resources required to craft the Tek Helmet. The crafting recipe includes 250 Metal Ingots, 75 Crystal, 50 Polymer, 50 Cementing Paste, and 50 Element. Element is a rare resource obtained by defeating bosses or from Tek creatures in the Genesis DLC. If you are playing on a map without access to Element, you can craft it using Element Dust, which is obtained by grinding down Element Shards or Tek items in a Grinder. To craft the Tek Helmet, you will need a Tek Replicator, which is a high-tier crafting station that requires Element to operate. The Tek Replicator itself requires 1000 Metal Ingots, 250 Crystal, 200 Polymer, and 100 Element to craft.

Before attempting to craft the Tek Helmet, ensure you have a reliable source of Element. This is the most challenging resource to obtain, as it requires defeating bosses or farming Tek creatures. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and prepare for boss fights. Solo players may find it more difficult to gather the necessary resources, so consider taming strong dinosaurs like Rexes or Therizinosaurs to help with boss fights.

Once you have crafted the Tek Helmet, you can equip it in the head slot of your inventory. The Tek Helmet has three vision modes: normal, thermal, and night vision. To switch between modes, press the designated key (default is N on PC). Thermal vision highlights living creatures in bright colors, making it easier to spot enemies or hidden threats. Night vision enhances visibility in dark environments, such as caves or nighttime. These modes are particularly useful for PvP, as they allow you to detect enemy players or hidden bases.

When using the Tek Helmet, keep in mind that it consumes Element as fuel. Each Tek Helmet has a durability bar that depletes as you use it. To recharge it, place it in a Tek Replicator along with Element. Always carry spare Element when exploring or engaging in combat to avoid being caught without your advanced vision modes.

A common mistake is underestimating the resource requirements for Tek Tier items. Gathering enough Element and Polymer can be time-consuming, so plan ahead and prioritize resource gathering. Another mistake is using the Tek Helmet excessively, which can drain its durability quickly. Use the vision modes strategically, such as during boss fights or when scouting dangerous areas.

For advanced optimization, consider pairing the Tek Helmet with other Tek items, such as the Tek Chestpiece or Tek Boots, to enhance your overall capabilities. Additionally, use tamed dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus for gathering Metal and Crystal, or the Beaver for collecting Cementing Paste. Efficient resource management is key to maintaining your Tek equipment.

In summary, crafting and using a Tek Helmet in ARK: Survival Evolved requires defeating bosses, gathering rare resources, and operating a Tek Replicator. The Tek Helmet provides powerful vision modes that are invaluable for survival and combat. Plan carefully, gather resources efficiently, and use the helmet strategically to maximize its benefits. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the Tek Helmet is a game-changing tool that can give you a significant advantage in the dangerous world of ARK.