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

Crafting a Tek Underwater Forcefield in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex process that requires advanced knowledge of the game's mechanics, significant resource gathering, and progression through the Tek tier. This structure is essential for creating a safe underwater base, as it prevents water from entering while allowing players and tamed creatures to pass through. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

To begin, you must first unlock the Tek Underwater Forcefield engram. This is done by defeating the Alpha Dragon, Alpha Megapithecus, and Alpha Broodmother bosses to collect their tributes. These tributes are used to summon the Overseer in the Tek Cave on The Island map. Defeating the Overseer will grant you the Tekgrams needed to craft the Tek Underwater Forcefield. This is a late-game achievement, so ensure your character is well-leveled and equipped with high-tier gear and tames before attempting these boss fights.

Once you have the engram unlocked, you will need to gather the necessary resources to craft the Tek Underwater Forcefield. The crafting recipe requires 500 Element, 500 Polymer, 500 Crystal, and 500 Metal Ingots. Element is the most challenging resource to obtain, as it is primarily acquired by defeating bosses or mining it in the Genesis and Extinction maps. Polymer can be harvested from organic sources like Kairuku or crafted using Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Crystal and Metal Ingots are more straightforward, with Crystal found in caves and mountains, and Metal Ingots smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge.

After gathering the resources, you will need a Tek Replicator to craft the Tek Underwater Forcefield. The Tek Replicator is a high-tier crafting station that requires Element to power. Place the Tek Replicator in a secure location, preferably within your base, and ensure it is powered by a Tek Generator or a sufficient number of Electrical Generators. Once the Tek Replicator is operational, access its inventory and input the required resources to craft the Tek Underwater Forcefield.

When placing the Tek Underwater Forcefield, choose a location that suits your base's needs. The forcefield must be placed underwater, and it will create a barrier that prevents water from passing through while allowing players and tamed creatures to enter and exit freely. Ensure the area is clear of obstacles and large enough to accommodate your base's layout. The forcefield can be activated and deactivated using a control panel, which requires Element to function. Keep a steady supply of Element to maintain the forcefield's operation.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the resource requirements for the Tek Underwater Forcefield. Gathering 500 Element is a significant task, and failing to prepare adequately can delay your progress. To optimize resource gathering, use high-level tames like Ankylosaurus for Metal and Crystal, and Doedicurus for Stone to craft Cementing Paste. For Polymer, consider taming Kairuku or farming Obsidian and Cementing Paste in bulk. Additionally, coordinate with your tribe to divide tasks and speed up the process.

Advanced techniques include using Tek Transmitters to transport resources efficiently between maps if you are playing on a cluster. This can save time and effort, especially when gathering Element from Extinction or Genesis. Additionally, consider building a secondary base near resource-rich areas to streamline gathering and reduce travel time.

Tribe considerations are crucial when crafting and maintaining a Tek Underwater Forcefield. In a tribe, assign roles to members to ensure efficient resource gathering, crafting, and base defense. Solo players will need to focus on taming high-level creatures to assist with resource gathering and boss fights. Tames like Rexes, Therizinos, and Yutyrannus are essential for boss battles, while utility tames like Argentavis and Quetzal can help transport resources.

In summary, crafting a Tek Underwater Forcefield in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game achievement that requires defeating bosses, gathering rare resources, and utilizing advanced crafting stations. Proper preparation, resource management, and coordination with your tribe are key to success. By following this guide, you can create a secure underwater base and dominate the depths of ARK's dangerous world.