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 invaluable for both survival and combat. 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 the necessary Tekgrams, which are special engrams tied to Tek Tier items. For the Tek Helmet, you need to defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon boss on any difficulty. Each boss drops a specific Tekgram, and you must defeat them in the correct order to unlock the full range of Tek items.

Once you have the Tek Helmet engram, you need to gather the required resources to craft it. The Tek Helmet requires 250 Metal Ingots, 75 Crystal, 50 Polymer, 50 Electronics, and 10 Element. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Crystal is gathered from crystal nodes found in caves or mountains. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku, Mantis, or by crafting it from Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Electronics are crafted from Metal Ingots, Silica Pearls, and Oil. Element is a rare resource obtained from defeating bosses or by harvesting it from certain creatures in the Genesis DLC.

Crafting the Tek Helmet requires a Tek Replicator, which is a high-tech crafting station. To build a Tek Replicator, you need 200 Metal Ingots, 100 Crystal, 100 Polymer, 100 Electronics, and 10 Element. The Tek Replicator also requires a large amount of power, so you will need to connect it to a reliable power source, such as a Generator or Tek Generator. Once the Tek Replicator is set up, you can craft the Tek Helmet by placing the required resources into its inventory and selecting the Tek Helmet from the crafting menu.

Using the Tek Helmet is straightforward but requires Element to power its advanced vision modes. The Tek Helmet has three vision modes: normal, thermal, and night vision. Normal mode is the default and does not consume Element. Thermal vision highlights living creatures in bright colors, making it easier to spot enemies or prey in dense foliage or dark areas. Night vision enhances visibility in low-light conditions, allowing you to see clearly at night or in caves. To switch between vision modes, press the corresponding key (default is N on PC) while wearing the helmet. Each use of thermal or night vision consumes a small amount of Element, so it is important to monitor your Element supply and recharge the helmet as needed.

One important tip is to use the Tek Helmet strategically. Thermal vision is particularly useful for spotting hidden enemies in PvP or locating rare creatures in the wild. Night vision is invaluable for exploring caves or navigating at night without the need for torches or other light sources. However, since Element is a limited resource, you should avoid using the Tek Helmet's advanced modes unnecessarily. Instead, reserve it for critical situations where its benefits outweigh the cost.

A common mistake is underestimating the resource requirements for crafting and maintaining the Tek Helmet. Gathering the necessary materials, especially Element, can be time-consuming and challenging. It is essential to plan ahead and stockpile resources before attempting to craft Tek items. Additionally, players often forget to recharge the Tek Helmet with Element, rendering it useless in critical moments. Always carry extra Element or have a reliable source of Element nearby to ensure your Tek Helmet remains functional.

For advanced players, optimizing the use of the Tek Helmet involves integrating it into your overall strategy. For example, in PvP, the Tek Helmet can be used to scout enemy bases or detect hidden players. In PvE, it can help you locate and tame rare creatures more efficiently. Combining the Tek Helmet with other Tek items, such as the Tek Rifle or Tek Armor, can give you a significant advantage in both combat and exploration.

Tribe considerations are also important when using the Tek Helmet. In a tribe, resources can be pooled to craft and maintain Tek items more efficiently. Tribe members can specialize in different tasks, such as gathering resources or defeating bosses, to speed up the process of unlocking and crafting Tek items. Solo players, on the other hand, will need to manage all aspects of resource gathering and boss fights on their own, which can be more challenging but also more rewarding.

In conclusion, crafting and using a Tek Helmet in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but highly rewarding process. It requires defeating bosses, gathering rare resources, and setting up advanced crafting stations. The Tek Helmet's advanced vision modes provide significant advantages in both survival and combat, but they come at the cost of Element, a valuable and limited resource. By planning ahead, managing resources carefully, and using the Tek Helmet strategically, you can gain a powerful tool that enhances your ability to survive and thrive in the dangerous world of ARK.