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, making it invaluable for exploration, combat, and resource gathering. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the 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 through normal leveling alone. You must defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tekgrams, which are special engrams for Tek Tier items. For the Tek Helmet, you need to defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon boss on Gamma difficulty or higher. Each boss drops a specific Tekgram, so ensure you defeat the correct one for the Tek Helmet.

Once you have the Tekgram, you need to gather the necessary resources to craft the Tek Helmet. The crafting recipe requires 200 Metal Ingots, 100 Polymer, 100 Crystal, 50 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 in a Fabricator. Crystal is mined from crystal nodes found in caves or mountains. Element is a rare resource obtained by defeating bosses or completing certain end-game activities. Black Pearls are harvested from Deathworms, Eurypterids, or Alpha Tusoteuthis.

Crafting the Tek Helmet requires a Tek Replicator, which is a high-tier crafting station. To build a Tek Replicator, you need 1000 Metal Ingots, 1000 Crystal, 100 Element, and 100 Polymer. The Tek Replicator also requires a large amount of power, so ensure you have a reliable source of electricity, such as Tek Generators or a network of Electrical Generators.

Once you have crafted the Tek Helmet, equip it in your helmet slot. The Tek Helmet has three vision modes: normal, thermal, and night vision. To switch between modes, press the designated key (default is N on PC). Thermal vision highlights living creatures in bright colors, making it easier to spot enemies or hidden threats. Night vision enhances visibility in dark environments, such as caves or nighttime. These modes are particularly useful for PvP, as they allow you to detect enemy players or tames more easily.

When using the Tek Helmet, keep in mind that it consumes Element as fuel. Each Tek Helmet has a durability bar that depletes as you use it. To recharge it, place it in a Tek Replicator or Tek Dedicated Storage and add Element. Always carry extra Element to ensure your Tek Helmet remains functional during critical moments.

One common mistake is underestimating the resource requirements for Tek Tier items. Gathering the necessary materials, especially Element and Black Pearls, can be time-consuming and dangerous. Plan ahead by setting up resource-gathering tames, such as Ankylosaurus for Metal and Crystal, or a Megalodon for Black Pearls. Additionally, ensure your base is well-defended, as Tek Tier items are highly valuable and can attract raiders in PvP servers.

For solo players, obtaining a Tek Helmet can be challenging due to the difficulty of defeating bosses alone. Consider taming powerful creatures like Rexes or Therizinosaurus and breeding them for boss fights. Alternatively, join a tribe to share the workload and increase your chances of success. In a tribe, coordinate with members to gather resources and prepare for boss battles efficiently.

Advanced techniques include using the Tek Helmet in combination with other Tek items, such as the Tek Rifle or Tek Armor, to maximize your combat effectiveness. For example, thermal vision can help you aim the Tek Rifle more accurately by highlighting enemy weak points. Additionally, use the Tek Helmet to scout enemy bases in PvP, identifying weak spots or hidden traps before launching an attack.

In summary, crafting and using a Tek Helmet in ARK: Survival Evolved requires significant preparation, resource gathering, and boss battles. Unlock the Tekgram by defeating the appropriate boss, gather the necessary materials, and craft the helmet in a Tek Replicator. Use the helmet's advanced vision modes to gain an edge in exploration and combat, and always carry extra Element to keep it charged. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and coordination are key to mastering the Tek Tier and dominating the world of ARK.