How do I craft a tek underwater transmitter in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting a Tek Underwater Transmitter in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game activity that requires significant preparation, resources, and knowledge of the game's mechanics. The Tek Underwater Transmitter is a high-tech structure that allows players to teleport items and creatures underwater, making it a valuable tool for advanced players, especially in aquatic environments. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use this item effectively.

To begin, you must first unlock the Tek Underwater Transmitter engram. This engram is available at level 100 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, you cannot unlock it immediately upon reaching level 100. You must defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tekgrams, which are special engrams tied to Tek-tier items. Specifically, you need to defeat the Alpha Dragon, Alpha Megapithecus, or Alpha Broodmother to unlock the Tekgrams required for the Tek Underwater Transmitter. These bosses are found in the game's boss arenas, and defeating them requires a well-prepared team, strong tames, and high-quality gear.

Once you have unlocked the engram, you can craft the Tek Underwater Transmitter at a Tek Replicator. The Tek Replicator is a late-game crafting station that requires Element to operate. To build a Tek Replicator, you need to unlock its engram at level 100, which also requires defeating bosses. The Tek Replicator itself requires a significant amount of resources, including 2000 Metal Ingots, 200 Crystal, 100 Polymer, and 100 Element. Element is a rare resource obtained by defeating bosses or harvesting it from specific nodes in the Extinction map.

The Tek Underwater Transmitter requires the following resources to craft: 2000 Metal Ingots, 500 Crystal, 200 Polymer, 100 Element, and 50 Black Pearls. Gathering these resources can be time-consuming, so it is essential to prepare in advance. Metal Ingots are obtained by smelting Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Crystal can be mined from crystal nodes found in caves or mountainous areas. Polymer can be harvested from organic sources like Kairuku or crafted using Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Black Pearls are rare and can be obtained by killing certain creatures like Trilobites, Ammonites, or Eurypterids, or by harvesting them from the ocean floor in specific locations.

When gathering resources, it is highly recommended to use tamed dinosaurs to speed up the process. For example, an Ankylosaurus is excellent for mining Metal and Crystal, while a Doedicurus is ideal for gathering Stone, which is needed for Cementing Paste. A Megatherium can be used to gather Chitin, which is also required for Cementing Paste. For Black Pearls, a high-level Basilosaurus or Tusoteuthis can help you safely harvest them from the ocean.

Once you have gathered all the necessary resources, you can craft the Tek Underwater Transmitter at the Tek Replicator. Place the Tek Replicator in a secure location, preferably inside a well-defended base, as it is a valuable and expensive structure. After crafting the transmitter, you can deploy it underwater. The Tek Underwater Transmitter must be placed on a flat surface, and it requires a significant amount of space. It also needs to be powered by Element, so make sure you have a steady supply of Element to keep it operational.

Using the Tek Underwater Transmitter requires a Tek Helmet or Tek Chestpiece, as these items allow you to interact with Tek structures. Once activated, the transmitter can teleport items and creatures to other Tek Transmitters or Tek Teleporters. This is particularly useful for transporting resources or tames across large distances, especially in underwater environments where travel can be slow and dangerous.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the resource requirements for Tek-tier items. Gathering 2000 Metal Ingots, 500 Crystal, and 100 Element is no small task, and it can take hours or even days of preparation. To avoid running out of resources, plan ahead and gather more than you think you need. Another mistake is placing the Tek Underwater Transmitter in an unprotected area. Since it is a valuable structure, it can be a target for other players in PvP servers. Always place it in a secure location, preferably inside a metal or Tek base with turrets for defense.

For advanced players, optimizing resource gathering is key. Use a Quetzal with a platform saddle and an Ankylosaurus to efficiently mine large amounts of Metal and Crystal. For Black Pearls, consider taming a high-level Tusoteuthis, as it can harvest Black Pearls quickly and has high health, making it ideal for underwater exploration. Additionally, consider using a S+ Mod or similar mods if you are playing on a private server, as these mods can streamline resource gathering and crafting.

In terms of tribe considerations, crafting a Tek Underwater Transmitter is a team effort. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person gathering Metal, another gathering Crystal, and another hunting for Black Pearls. This division of labor can significantly speed up the process. For solo players, focus on taming high-level dinosaurs that can help you gather resources more efficiently. A well-prepared solo player can still achieve this goal, but it will require more time and effort.

In conclusion, crafting a Tek Underwater Transmitter in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. It requires defeating bosses, gathering rare resources, and using advanced crafting stations. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully craft and deploy this powerful tool, making underwater exploration and resource management much easier. Always plan ahead, use tamed dinosaurs to optimize resource gathering, and protect your Tek structures from potential threats. With careful preparation and teamwork, you can master the Tek tier and dominate the world of ARK.