How do I craft a tek grenade and use it for PvP in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a Tek Grenade in ARK: Survival Evolved is a powerful tool for PvP, but it requires advanced preparation and resources. Tek Grenades are part of the Tek Tier, the endgame technology in ARK, and they are highly effective for dealing damage to structures, players, and tamed creatures. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use Tek Grenades effectively in PvP scenarios.

To craft a Tek Grenade, you must first unlock the Tek Grenade engram. This engram is available at level 100 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, you also need to defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tek Tier crafting. Specifically, you must defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon boss to unlock the Tek Replicator, which is required to craft Tek Grenades. Once you have the engram and the Tek Replicator, you can proceed to gather the necessary resources.

The resources required to craft a Tek Grenade are as follows: 50 Metal Ingots, 20 Polymer, 10 Element, and 5 Black Pearls. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or by crafting it from Obsidian and Cementing Paste in a Fabricator. Element is a rare resource obtained from defeating bosses or by harvesting it from Element Nodes in specific maps like Extinction. Black Pearls can be harvested from certain creatures like Trilobites, Eurypterids, or Deathworms, or by taming and harvesting from a Gacha.

Once you have gathered all the required resources, you can craft the Tek Grenade in the Tek Replicator. Place the resources into the Tek Replicator, select the Tek Grenade engram, and start the crafting process. The Tek Replicator requires Element to function, so ensure you have enough Element to power it during the crafting process.

Using Tek Grenades in PvP requires careful planning and strategy. Tek Grenades deal significant damage to structures and players, making them ideal for raiding enemy bases or defending your own. When thrown, the grenade explodes on impact, dealing damage in a wide radius. The explosion can destroy metal structures, making it a valuable tool for breaching heavily fortified bases. However, Tek Grenades have a short fuse time, so timing and accuracy are crucial.

One important tip is to use Tek Grenades in combination with other explosives or tamed creatures. For example, you can use a Tek Grenade to weaken a base's defenses, then follow up with C4 or Rocket Launchers to finish the job. Alternatively, you can use a Tek Grenade to clear out enemy players or tames before engaging in close combat. Be mindful of the grenade's blast radius, as it can damage your own structures or tames if you are too close.

Common mistakes to avoid include using Tek Grenades too early in a raid, wasting them on minor targets, or failing to account for the grenade's short fuse time. Always aim carefully and ensure you have a clear line of sight before throwing the grenade. Additionally, Tek Grenades are expensive to craft, so use them sparingly and only when necessary.

Advanced techniques involve using Tek Grenades in combination with other Tek Tier items. For example, you can use a Tek Shield to protect yourself while throwing grenades, or a Tek Rifle to pick off enemies from a distance. Another strategy is to use a Tek Grenade to create a diversion, drawing enemy players away from their base while you attack from another angle.

Resource management is critical when using Tek Grenades. Since they require rare resources like Element and Black Pearls, it is important to stockpile these materials in advance. Consider setting up a dedicated farming operation for Black Pearls, such as taming a Gacha or farming Eurypterids in the ocean. For Element, focus on defeating bosses or harvesting Element Nodes in Extinction.

Tribe considerations are also important. If you are part of a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to maximize the effectiveness of Tek Grenades. Assign roles, such as one player throwing grenades while others provide cover or engage in combat. If you are playing solo, be extra cautious when using Tek Grenades, as you will not have backup if things go wrong.

In specific scenarios, Tek Grenades can be a game-changer. For example, if you are raiding a heavily fortified base with multiple layers of metal walls, a well-placed Tek Grenade can breach the defenses and give you access to the interior. Alternatively, if you are defending your base from an enemy raid, Tek Grenades can be used to repel attackers and destroy their siege equipment.

In conclusion, crafting and using Tek Grenades in ARK: Survival Evolved requires advanced preparation, careful planning, and strategic execution. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively use Tek Grenades to dominate in PvP scenarios. Remember to manage your resources wisely, avoid common mistakes, and use advanced techniques to maximize the impact of your Tek Grenades. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, Tek Grenades are a powerful tool that can turn the tide of battle in your favor.