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 PvP or large-scale tribe operations. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use this item effectively.

To craft a Tek Underwater Transmitter, you must first unlock its engram. This engram is available at level 100 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, simply reaching level 100 is not enough. You must also defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tekgrams, which are special engrams tied to Tek-tier items. Specifically, you need to defeat the Megapithecus, Broodmother, or Dragon bosses to unlock the Tekgrams required for the Tek Underwater Transmitter. These bosses are found in the game's various boss arenas, and defeating them requires a well-prepared team, strong tamed creatures, and advanced equipment.

Once you have unlocked the engram, you can craft the Tek Underwater Transmitter at a Tek Replicator. The Tek Replicator is a high-tier crafting station that requires Element to operate. To build a Tek Replicator, you need to unlock its engram at level 100 and gather the necessary resources, including 2000 Metal Ingots, 200 Crystal, 100 Polymer, and 100 Element. The Tek Replicator itself is a significant investment, so ensure you have a steady supply of Element and other resources before attempting to build it.

The resource requirements for crafting the Tek Underwater Transmitter are substantial. You will need 500 Metal Ingots, 200 Crystal, 100 Polymer, 100 Electronics, and 50 Element. Gathering these resources can be time-consuming, so it is advisable to use tamed creatures like Ankylosaurus for Metal and Crystal, and Beavers or Mammoths for Wood, which can be converted into Polymer using a Chemistry Bench. Electronics can be crafted using Silica Pearls and Metal Ingots, so farming Silica Pearls in underwater locations with a tamed Anglerfish is highly efficient. Element is obtained by defeating bosses or harvesting it from Tek creatures in the Extinction map.

When placing the Tek Underwater Transmitter, choose a strategic location. Since it is designed for underwater use, it must be placed in deep water, preferably near your underwater base or resource-rich areas. Ensure the area is well-defended, as the transmitter is a high-value target for enemy tribes in PvP. Consider building turrets or taming aquatic creatures like Tusoteuthis or Mosasaurs to guard the area.

One common mistake is underestimating the resource and time investment required to craft and maintain the Tek Underwater Transmitter. Players often rush into Tek-tier content without securing a stable resource pipeline, leading to shortages and inefficiencies. To avoid this, establish a reliable farming system using tamed creatures and automate resource gathering where possible. For example, use a Quetzal with an Ankylosaurus platform saddle to gather large amounts of Metal quickly.

Advanced players can optimize their use of the Tek Underwater Transmitter by integrating it into a larger Tek network. Pair it with other Tek structures like the Tek Teleporter to create a seamless transportation system across the map. This is particularly useful for large tribes managing multiple bases or conducting coordinated raids. Additionally, consider using the transmitter in conjunction with underwater tames like Basilosaurus or Megalodons to dominate underwater PvP scenarios.

For solo players, crafting a Tek Underwater Transmitter is a monumental task due to the resource and boss fight requirements. However, it can still be a worthwhile investment if you focus on underwater gameplay or need to transport resources efficiently. Solo players should prioritize taming strong creatures for boss fights and use resource-gathering tames to streamline the process.

In summary, crafting a Tek Underwater Transmitter in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding endeavor. It requires defeating bosses, gathering rare resources, and building advanced structures. By following this guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can successfully integrate this powerful tool into your gameplay, whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe.