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

Crafting and using Tek Gauntlets in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game endeavor that requires significant preparation, resources, and progression. Tek Gauntlets are part of the Tek Tier, the most advanced technology in the game, and they provide powerful combat capabilities, including a punch attack that deals high damage and can knock back enemies. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use Tek Gauntlets effectively.

To craft Tek Gauntlets, you must first unlock the Tek Gauntlets engram. This engram is available at level 100 and requires defeating certain bosses to unlock. Specifically, you need to defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon boss on Gamma difficulty or higher to gain access to the Tek Gauntlets engram. Once unlocked, you can craft the gauntlets at a Tek Replicator, which itself requires defeating a boss to unlock and crafting using advanced resources.

The resources required to craft Tek Gauntlets include 250 metal ingots, 100 polymer, 100 crystal, 50 element, and 50 black pearls. Metal ingots are obtained by smelting metal ore in a forge, polymer can be harvested from organic polymer sources like Kairuku or crafted using obsidian and cementing paste, crystal is mined from crystal nodes, black pearls are gathered from certain creatures like Trilobites or Eurypterids, and element is obtained by defeating bosses or completing certain endgame activities. Gathering these resources can be time-consuming, so it is advisable to use tamed dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus for metal and crystal, and Beelzebufo or Megalodon for polymer and black pearls.

Once you have the resources, place them in a Tek Replicator and craft the Tek Gauntlets. The Tek Replicator requires a large amount of power, so ensure you have a reliable power source, such as Tek Generators powered by element or a network of electrical generators. After crafting, equip the Tek Gauntlets in your armor slot. They provide armor and have a unique punch attack that deals significant damage and knocks back enemies. This attack is particularly useful against smaller creatures or players in PvP scenarios.

When using Tek Gauntlets, it is important to manage your stamina, as the punch attack consumes stamina. Pairing the gauntlets with high stamina and melee damage stats can maximize their effectiveness. Additionally, Tek Gauntlets can be used in conjunction with other Tek items, such as the Tek Helmet, which provides night vision and enemy detection, or the Tek Boots, which allow for high jumps and reduced fall damage. Combining these items can make you a formidable force in combat.

Common mistakes to avoid include using Tek Gauntlets against large creatures or bosses, as their knockback effect is less effective against larger targets. Additionally, relying solely on Tek Gauntlets without proper backup weapons or armor can leave you vulnerable in prolonged fights. Always carry a ranged weapon or a tamed dinosaur for support. Another mistake is neglecting to repair the gauntlets, as they can break over time and require resources to fix.

Advanced techniques include using the gauntlets' knockback effect to control the battlefield, pushing enemies into traps or off cliffs. In PvP, the gauntlets can be used to disrupt enemy formations or knock players off mounts. Pairing the gauntlets with a high-speed mount like a Rock Drake or Managarmr can allow for hit-and-run tactics, maximizing damage while minimizing risk.

Resource management is crucial when using Tek Gauntlets, as they require element to power. Element is a rare resource, so use it sparingly and prioritize its use for essential Tek items. In a tribe setting, coordinate with your tribe members to gather resources efficiently and share the burden of crafting and maintaining Tek equipment. Solo players should focus on taming dinosaurs that can gather resources quickly and efficiently, such as a Doedicurus for stone or a Therizinosaurus for fiber and wood.

In specific scenarios, Tek Gauntlets can be a game-changer. For example, during a raid, the gauntlets can be used to break through enemy defenses or knock defenders off walls. In PvE, they can be used to clear out groups of smaller creatures quickly, making them ideal for farming or defending your base. However, always be prepared for the possibility of the gauntlets breaking or running out of power, and have a backup plan in place.

In conclusion, Tek Gauntlets are a powerful tool in ARK: Survival Evolved, but they require significant preparation and resources to craft and use effectively. By following the steps outlined above, managing your resources wisely, and avoiding common mistakes, you can harness the full potential of Tek Gauntlets to dominate in combat and survival scenarios. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, Tek Gauntlets can provide a significant advantage in the late game, making them a valuable addition to your arsenal.