How do I craft a tek sword and use it for melee combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a Tek Sword in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game endeavor that requires significant preparation and resources. The Tek Sword is one of the most powerful melee weapons in the game, capable of dealing high damage and having unique abilities like a charged attack. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and effectively use the Tek Sword, along with important tips and considerations.

To craft a Tek Sword, you must first unlock its engram. The Tek Sword 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 Tekgrams, which are the blueprints for Tek-tier items. Specifically, you must defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon boss on Gamma difficulty or higher to unlock the Tek Sword engram. Once unlocked, you can craft the Tek Sword at a Tek Replicator, which is a high-tier crafting station that requires Element to operate.

The resource requirements for crafting a Tek Sword are substantial. You will need 250 Metal Ingots, 75 Polymer, 50 Crystal, 25 Element, and 50 Black Pearls. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku, Mantis, or by crafting it using Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Crystal is mined from crystal nodes found in caves or mountains. Element is a rare resource obtained from defeating bosses or by crafting it in a Tek Replicator using Element Shards. Black Pearls are gathered from killing Trilobites, Eurypterids, or by harvesting them from certain creatures like Ammonites or Tusoteuthis.

Once you have gathered all the necessary resources, place them in the Tek Replicator and craft the Tek Sword. The Tek Replicator requires Element to function, so ensure you have enough Element to power it during the crafting process. After crafting, the Tek Sword will be added to your inventory.

Using the Tek Sword in melee combat requires understanding its mechanics. The Tek Sword has two primary attacks: a standard melee swing and a charged attack. The standard swing deals high damage and is effective against most enemies. The charged attack, activated by holding the attack button, deals even more damage and has a wider area of effect, making it ideal for crowd control. However, the charged attack consumes Element, so use it sparingly.

One important tip is to manage your Element usage carefully. The Tek Sword requires Element to function, and each charged attack consumes a small amount. Always carry extra Element in your inventory to ensure your Tek Sword remains operational during extended battles. Additionally, the Tek Sword has a durability stat, so repair it regularly using the required resources to maintain its effectiveness.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the Tek Sword against enemies with high armor or resistance to melee damage. Some creatures, like the Rock Elemental, are highly resistant to melee attacks, making the Tek Sword less effective. In such cases, consider using ranged weapons or tamed dinosaurs with high damage output. Another mistake is neglecting to repair the Tek Sword, which can lead to it breaking during a critical moment.

Advanced techniques involve combining the Tek Sword with other Tek-tier items for maximum efficiency. For example, using Tek Armor with the Tek Sword allows you to perform powerful melee attacks while maintaining high mobility and defense. Additionally, pairing the Tek Sword with a high-level tamed dinosaur, such as a Rex or Spino, can create a devastating combination in both PvE and PvP scenarios.

Resource management is crucial when using the Tek Sword. Ensure you have a steady supply of Element, as it is the most critical resource for both crafting and using the weapon. Consider setting up a base near a reliable source of Black Pearls, such as the ocean, to streamline resource gathering. Efficiently using tamed dinosaurs for resource collection, such as an Ankylosaurus for Metal and a Doedicurus for Stone, can save time and effort.

For tribe considerations, coordinating with your tribe members to gather resources and defeat bosses can significantly speed up the process of obtaining the Tek Sword. In solo play, focus on taming high-level dinosaurs to assist in boss fights and resource gathering. For example, a high-level Rex or Therizinosaurus can be invaluable in defeating bosses and collecting rare resources.

In specific scenarios, the Tek Sword excels in close-quarters combat, such as clearing caves or defending your base from intruders. Its charged attack can quickly dispatch groups of enemies, making it a valuable tool for both PvE and PvP. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid overextending, as the Tek Sword's effectiveness diminishes against ranged attackers or highly mobile enemies.

In conclusion, crafting and using a Tek Sword in ARK: Survival Evolved requires significant preparation and resource management. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and strategies provided, you can effectively wield this powerful weapon to dominate in both survival and combat scenarios.