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

Crafting a Tek Underwater Mine in ARK: Survival Evolved is an advanced task that requires significant preparation, resources, and knowledge of the game's mechanics. The Tek Underwater Mine is a powerful defensive tool that can be placed underwater to damage and deter hostile creatures or players. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use this item effectively.

To craft a Tek Underwater Mine, you must first unlock the necessary engram. The engram for the Tek Underwater Mine is available at level 100 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, you must also defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tekgrams, which are required to craft Tek-tier items. Specifically, you need to defeat the Overseer, Rockwell, or the King Titan to unlock the Tek Underwater Mine engram. Once unlocked, you can craft the mine at a Tek Replicator, which itself requires defeating a boss to unlock.

The resource requirements for crafting a Tek Underwater Mine are substantial. You will need 100 Element, 200 Metal Ingots, 100 Crystal, and 50 Polymer. Element is a rare resource obtained by defeating bosses or harvesting it from specific nodes in the Genesis and Extinction maps. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Crystal can be mined from crystal nodes found in mountainous or cave areas. Polymer can be obtained from organic sources like Kairuku or by crafting it from Obsidian and Cementing Paste in a Fabricator.

Once you have gathered the necessary resources, you can craft the Tek Underwater Mine in a Tek Replicator. Place the required materials into the Tek Replicator's inventory, select the Tek Underwater Mine from the crafting menu, and start the crafting process. The Tek Replicator consumes Element as fuel, so ensure you have enough Element to power it during the crafting process.

After crafting the Tek Underwater Mine, you can deploy it underwater. To place the mine, simply equip it from your inventory and aim at the desired location underwater. The mine will automatically anchor itself to the ocean floor. Once placed, the mine will remain inactive until a hostile creature or player comes within its detection range. When triggered, the mine will explode, dealing significant damage to the target.

There are several important tips and considerations when using Tek Underwater Mines. First, ensure you place the mines in strategic locations where they are likely to encounter hostile targets, such as near underwater caves, resource nodes, or your underwater base. However, be cautious not to place them too close to your own structures or tames, as the explosion can cause collateral damage. Additionally, Tek Underwater Mines have a limited lifespan and will eventually degrade over time, so you will need to replace them periodically.

Common mistakes to avoid include placing mines in areas with frequent friendly traffic, as this can result in accidental detonations. Another mistake is underestimating the resource cost of crafting and maintaining Tek Underwater Mines. Ensure you have a steady supply of Element and other resources before committing to using these mines extensively.

Advanced techniques for using Tek Underwater Mines include combining them with other defensive measures, such as turrets or tamed aquatic creatures, to create a layered defense system. For example, you can place mines at the entrance to an underwater cave and station a pack of Megalodons or Tusoteuthis nearby to handle any survivors of the explosion. Additionally, you can use the mines to protect valuable underwater resources, such as Oil Nodes or Silica Pearls, from rival players or tribes.

Resource management is crucial when using Tek Underwater Mines. Since they require Element, which is a finite and valuable resource, you should prioritize their use in high-value areas. Consider setting up a resource-gathering operation, such as a mining outpost or a tamed Ankylosaurus, to ensure a steady supply of Metal Ingots and Crystal. For Polymer, you can farm Kairuku on the colder maps or craft it from Obsidian and Cementing Paste.

Tribe and solo considerations also play a role in using Tek Underwater Mines. In a tribe, you can delegate tasks such as resource gathering and crafting to different members, making the process more efficient. Solo players will need to manage all aspects of the process themselves, so careful planning and resource allocation are essential. Additionally, solo players may need to rely more on stealth and strategic placement of mines to maximize their effectiveness.

In specific scenarios, Tek Underwater Mines can be a game-changer. For example, if you are defending an underwater base from a rival tribe, placing mines at key entry points can deter or eliminate attackers before they reach your base. Similarly, if you are farming underwater resources, mines can protect you from aggressive creatures like Mosasaurs or Plesiosaurs.

In conclusion, crafting and using Tek Underwater Mines in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic placement. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and techniques provided, you can effectively use Tek Underwater Mines to enhance your underwater defenses and protect your valuable assets. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, mastering the use of Tek Underwater Mines can give you a significant advantage in the dangerous world of ARK.