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

Crafting and using Tek Grenades in ARK: Survival Evolved is a powerful strategy for PvP, but it requires significant preparation and understanding of the game's mechanics. Tek Grenades are advanced explosives that deal massive damage to structures and players, making them ideal for raiding or defending against enemy tribes. 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 items. 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, you can craft Tek Grenades in the Tek Replicator. The resource requirements for one Tek Grenade are 50 Element, 100 Polymer, 100 Metal Ingots, and 50 Crystal. Element is a rare resource obtained from defeating bosses or harvesting Tek creatures, so you will need to prepare for boss fights or explore the map for Element nodes in Extinction.

Before attempting to craft Tek Grenades, ensure you have a reliable source of Polymer. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or by crafting it using Obsidian and Cementing Paste in a Fabricator. Metal Ingots and Crystal are more common resources, but you will need a large quantity, so consider setting up mining operations in areas rich in metal and crystal, such as mountains or caves. Tamed dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus and Doedicurus can help you gather these resources efficiently.

Once you have crafted Tek Grenades, using them effectively in PvP requires careful planning. Tek Grenades have a large blast radius and can destroy structures and kill players instantly, but they also have a long fuse time, making them predictable. To maximize their effectiveness, use them in situations where your target cannot easily escape, such as during a raid on an enemy base or when defending your own base from attackers. For example, if you are raiding an enemy base, throw Tek Grenades at key structures like turrets, generators, or storage containers to cripple their defenses. Alternatively, if you are defending your base, use Tek Grenades to create choke points or to deter enemy players from advancing.

One common mistake when using Tek Grenades is underestimating their fuse time. Since Tek Grenades take several seconds to detonate, enemies can often move out of the blast radius if they see the grenade being thrown. To avoid this, use distractions or traps to keep your targets in place. For example, you can use tamed dinosaurs like the Carnotaurus or Rex to pressure enemies while you throw the grenade. Another mistake is wasting Tek Grenades on low-priority targets. Since Tek Grenades are expensive to craft, save them for high-value targets like Tek-tier structures or large groups of enemies.

Advanced techniques for using Tek Grenades include combining them with other explosives or tools. For example, you can use C4 charges to weaken a structure and then finish it off with a Tek Grenade. Alternatively, you can use a Tek Rifle to fire Tek Grenades at long range, allowing you to attack from a safe distance. Another strategy is to use Tek Grenades in combination with a Grappling Hook to quickly reposition yourself after throwing the grenade, reducing the risk of being caught in the blast.

Resource management is critical when using Tek Grenades. Since they require Element, which is a limited resource, you should only use them when absolutely necessary. Consider stockpiling Element and other resources in a secure location, such as a hidden vault or a heavily defended base. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and craft Tek Grenades efficiently. Solo players may find it more challenging to gather the necessary resources, so focus on taming dinosaurs that can help with resource gathering and prioritize boss fights to obtain Element.

In summary, crafting and using Tek Grenades in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, resource management, and strategic planning. By unlocking the Tek Grenade engram, gathering the necessary resources, and using them effectively in PvP scenarios, you can gain a significant advantage over your enemies. Avoid common mistakes like wasting grenades on low-priority targets or underestimating their fuse time, and consider advanced techniques like combining them with other tools or using them in combination with tamed dinosaurs. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, Tek Grenades are a powerful tool for dominating the battlefield in ARK.