How do I craft a tek gauntlets and use them for melee 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 unique benefits for melee combat, including increased damage and special abilities. 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 them at a Tek Replicator, which itself requires defeating a boss to unlock and crafting with advanced materials.

The resource requirements for crafting Tek Gauntlets are substantial. You will need 250 Element, 200 Polymer, 200 Metal Ingots, and 100 Crystal. Element is the most challenging resource to obtain, as it is primarily acquired by defeating bosses or mining it in specific areas like the Genesis simulation or Extinction map. Polymer can be gathered from organic sources like Kairuku or crafted using Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Metal Ingots and Crystal are more common but still require significant mining and refining efforts.

Once you have the necessary resources, place them in a Tek Replicator and craft the Tek Gauntlets. The Tek Replicator requires Element to power it, so ensure you have enough Element to complete the crafting process. After crafting, equip the Tek Gauntlets in your character's armor slot. They provide a significant boost to melee damage, making them ideal for close-quarters combat.

Using Tek Gauntlets in melee combat is straightforward but requires some practice. When equipped, your melee attacks deal increased damage, and you can perform a powerful punch by holding the attack button. This punch has a cooldown but deals massive damage and can knock back smaller creatures. Additionally, Tek Gauntlets have a secondary function that allows you to pick up and throw small creatures or players, which can be useful for crowd control or tactical positioning.

One important tip is to pair Tek Gauntlets with other Tek armor pieces for maximum effectiveness. The full Tek armor set provides additional bonuses, such as increased damage resistance and the ability to perform a Tek Punch, which deals even more damage. Additionally, Tek Gauntlets are most effective when used in conjunction with high melee damage stats. Allocate points into melee damage when leveling up to maximize the effectiveness of your Tek Gauntlets.

A common mistake is underestimating the resource requirements for Tek Gauntlets. Gathering Element, in particular, can be time-consuming and dangerous, especially if you are attempting to defeat bosses solo. It is highly recommended to form a tribe or team up with other players to tackle boss fights and gather resources more efficiently. Additionally, ensure you have a well-equipped base with defenses to protect your resources and Tek Replicator from raids or wild creatures.

Advanced techniques for using Tek Gauntlets include combining them with other Tek abilities, such as the Tek Jetpack or Tek Rifle, for a versatile combat loadout. The Tek Jetpack allows you to quickly close the distance to enemies, while the Tek Rifle provides ranged support. This combination makes you a formidable opponent in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Another advanced strategy is to use the Tek Gauntlets' throw ability to disrupt enemy formations or separate dangerous creatures from a group.

In terms of tribe considerations, Tek Gauntlets are best utilized in a coordinated team. For example, one player can use Tek Gauntlets for melee combat while others provide ranged support or healing. In PvP, Tek Gauntlets can be used to quickly eliminate enemy players or disrupt their strategies by throwing them into dangerous areas. Solo players can still benefit from Tek Gauntlets but should focus on maximizing their melee damage and using the throw ability strategically to handle multiple enemies.

In summary, crafting and using Tek Gauntlets in ARK: Survival Evolved requires significant preparation, resource gathering, and boss fights. Once obtained, they provide a powerful tool for melee combat, especially when paired with other Tek armor pieces and abilities. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, Tek Gauntlets can give you a significant advantage in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Just be sure to plan carefully, gather the necessary resources, and practice using their unique abilities to maximize their effectiveness.