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

Crafting a Tek Underwater Shield in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game activity that requires significant preparation, resources, and knowledge of the game's mechanics. The Tek Underwater Shield is a powerful piece of Tek-tier equipment that creates a protective bubble underwater, allowing you to breathe and build structures in areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to craft and use it effectively.

To begin, you must first unlock the Tek Underwater Shield engram. This is done by defeating the Alpha Dragon boss, which grants you the necessary Tekgram. The Alpha Dragon is one of the most challenging bosses in the game, so preparation is key. YouÔÇÖll need a strong team of tamed creatures, such as Rexes, Therizinos, or Megatheriums, all equipped with high-quality saddles and leveled up in health and melee damage. Additionally, youÔÇÖll need to gather artifacts from various caves and tributes from creatures like the Tyrannosaurus, Argentavis, and others to summon the boss.

Once youÔÇÖve defeated the Alpha Dragon and unlocked the Tekgram, you can craft the Tek Underwater Shield at a Tek Replicator. The Tek Replicator itself requires Element to power, so ensure you have a steady supply. The crafting recipe for the Tek Underwater Shield includes 250 Element, 500 Metal Ingots, 200 Crystal, 100 Polymer, and 50 Black Pearls. These resources are not easy to come by, so youÔÇÖll need to plan your resource-gathering efforts carefully.

Metal Ingots can be obtained by smelting Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Crystal is found in mountainous regions or caves, and Polymer can be harvested from creatures like Kairuku or crafted using Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Black Pearls are rarer and can be obtained from killing Trilobites, Eurypterids, or Alpha Mosasaurs, or by harvesting them from certain underwater creatures like Tusoteuthis.

Once youÔÇÖve gathered all the required resources, head to your Tek Replicator and craft the Tek Underwater Shield. After crafting, youÔÇÖll need to equip it in your inventory. The shield requires Element to function, so make sure you have Element in your inventory or nearby Tek Generator to power it. When activated, the shield creates a large bubble that repels water, allowing you to breathe and build structures within its radius. This is particularly useful for creating underwater bases or accessing deep-sea resources without the need for Scuba gear or oxygen tanks.

When using the Tek Underwater Shield, there are several important tips to keep in mind. First, the shield has a limited duration and will consume Element over time, so always carry extra Element to keep it running. Second, the shieldÔÇÖs bubble can be destroyed by enemy attacks, so avoid placing it in areas with aggressive creatures like Mosasaurs or Plesiosaurs. Third, the shieldÔÇÖs radius is large but not infinite, so plan your underwater base or resource-gathering activities within its boundaries.

A common mistake players make is underestimating the resource requirements for crafting the Tek Underwater Shield. Gathering 250 Element alone can be a daunting task, especially if youÔÇÖre playing solo. To optimize your resource gathering, consider taming creatures like Ankylosaurus for Metal, Doedicurus for Stone, and Beavers for Wood. These creatures can significantly speed up the process. Additionally, using a Quetzal or Argentavis with a platform saddle can help transport large quantities of resources back to your base.

For tribes, coordinating resource gathering and boss fights can make the process much smoother. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one group focusing on gathering Metal and Crystal while another prepares for the Alpha Dragon fight. Communication and planning are key to efficiently crafting the Tek Underwater Shield.

In advanced scenarios, you can use the Tek Underwater Shield to create underwater breeding pens or farming areas. For example, you can breed aquatic creatures like Megalodons or Basilosaurus within the shieldÔÇÖs bubble, providing a safe environment for raising young. Additionally, the shield can be used to create underwater turret defenses, protecting your base from raiders or hostile creatures.

In conclusion, crafting and using the Tek Underwater Shield in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. It requires defeating a challenging boss, gathering rare resources, and careful planning. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the Tek Underwater Shield opens up new possibilities for underwater exploration and base building, making it a valuable tool for late-game survival and combat.