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

Crafting a Tek Underwater Turret 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 powerful defensive structure is designed to protect underwater bases or areas from hostile creatures and players, making it a valuable asset for tribes or solo players who want to secure their aquatic territories. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a Tek Underwater Turret effectively.

To begin, you must first unlock the Tek Underwater Turret engram. This engram is available at level 105 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, reaching level 105 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 Tek Replicator engram, which is essential for crafting Tek items like the Tek Underwater Turret. Once you have the Tek Replicator, you can craft the Tek Underwater Turret.

The Tek Underwater Turret requires several high-tier resources to craft. These include 500 Metal Ingots, 200 Polymer, 100 Crystal, 50 Electronics, and 50 Element. Gathering these resources can be time-consuming, so it is important to prepare in advance. Metal Ingots are obtained by smelting Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Polymer can be harvested from organic sources like Kairuku or crafted using Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Crystal is found in caves or mountainous regions, while Electronics are crafted using Metal Ingots, Silica Pearls, and Oil. Element is the most challenging resource to obtain, as it is primarily acquired by defeating bosses or completing certain endgame activities.

Once you have gathered all the necessary resources, you will need to use a Tek Replicator to craft the Tek Underwater Turret. The Tek Replicator is a high-tech crafting station that requires Element to operate. Place the Tek Replicator in a secure location, preferably inside a well-defended base, as it is a valuable and expensive structure. Insert the required resources into the Tek Replicator and start the crafting process. The Tek Underwater Turret will take some time to craft, so be patient.

After crafting the Tek Underwater Turret, you will need to place it in an underwater location. The turret can only function underwater, so choose a strategic spot near your base or resource-rich area. When placing the turret, ensure it has a clear line of sight to potential threats. The turret requires Element to operate, so make sure you have a steady supply of Element to keep it running. You can adjust the turret's settings, such as targeting priorities and range, to suit your defensive needs.

One important tip is to pair the Tek Underwater Turret with other defensive structures, such as regular turrets or Plant Species X, to create a layered defense system. This will make it harder for enemies to bypass your defenses. Additionally, consider taming aquatic creatures like the Basilosaurus or Tusoteuthis to patrol the area and provide additional protection. These creatures can also help gather resources like Oil and Silica Pearls, which are essential for maintaining your Tek equipment.

A common mistake to avoid is placing the Tek Underwater Turret in an area with poor visibility or limited coverage. The turret's effectiveness depends on its ability to detect and engage threats, so positioning is crucial. Another mistake is neglecting to stockpile Element. Without Element, the turret will not function, leaving your base vulnerable. Always keep a reserve of Element and other resources to ensure your defenses remain operational.

For advanced players, consider using a combination of Tek Underwater Turrets and Tek Forcefields to create an impenetrable underwater fortress. Tek Forcefields can block incoming attacks, while the turrets eliminate threats. This setup requires significant resources and coordination but can provide unparalleled protection.

In terms of tribe versus solo considerations, tribes have an advantage due to their ability to pool resources and manpower. However, solo players can still achieve this by focusing on efficient resource gathering and strategic base placement. For example, solo players can tame high-level Ankylosaurus and Doedicurus to gather Metal and Stone more efficiently, reducing the time required to craft the turret.

In conclusion, crafting and using a Tek Underwater Turret in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a powerful defensive structure to protect your underwater assets. Remember to gather resources efficiently, position the turret strategically, and maintain a steady supply of Element to keep it operational. With careful planning and execution, the Tek Underwater Turret can be a game-changing addition to your survival strategy.