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

Crafting a Tek Underwater Light in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game activity that requires significant preparation, resources, and progression. This item is part of the Tek Tier, which is the most advanced technology tier in the game. The Tek Underwater Light is particularly useful for illuminating underwater bases or areas, as it provides bright, energy-efficient lighting that can be placed underwater. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft this item, including the mechanics, strategies, and considerations involved.

To craft a Tek Underwater Light, you must first unlock its engram. This engram is available at level 100 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, reaching level 100 is not enough. You must also defeat certain bosses to unlock Tekgrams, which are special engrams that allow you to craft Tek Tier items. Specifically, you need to defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon boss to unlock the Tek Replicator engram, which is essential for crafting Tek items like the Tek Underwater Light. Once you have the necessary Tekgrams, you can proceed to gather the required resources.

The resource requirements for crafting a Tek Underwater Light are as follows: 200 Metal Ingots, 100 Crystal, 50 Polymer, 50 Electronics, and 10 Element. These resources are not easy to obtain, especially Element, which is a rare and valuable material. Metal Ingots are crafted from Metal Ore in a Refining Forge or Industrial Forge. Crystal can be mined from crystal nodes found in caves or mountainous areas. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or by crafting it from Obsidian and Cementing Paste in a Fabricator. Electronics are crafted from Metal Ingots, Silica Pearls, and Oil in a Fabricator. Element is the most challenging resource to acquire, as it is primarily obtained by defeating bosses or completing certain endgame activities.

Once you have gathered all the necessary resources, you will need a Tek Replicator to craft the Tek Underwater Light. The Tek Replicator is a high-tech crafting station that requires Element to power. To craft the Tek Replicator, you will need 2000 Metal Ingots, 500 Crystal, 250 Polymer, 100 Electronics, and 50 Element. Place the Tek Replicator in a secure location, as it is a valuable and expensive piece of equipment. Once the Tek Replicator is set up, you can access its crafting menu and select the Tek Underwater Light. Ensure you have enough Element to power the Tek Replicator during the crafting process.

When placing the Tek Underwater Light, you must consider its intended use. This item is specifically designed for underwater environments, so it is best used in underwater bases or areas where you need reliable lighting. The Tek Underwater Light can be placed on any flat surface, including the ocean floor or the walls of underwater caves. It provides bright, energy-efficient lighting that does not require fuel or additional power sources, making it ideal for long-term use in underwater settings.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of obtaining Element. Element is a rare resource that requires defeating bosses or completing challenging endgame activities. To avoid frustration, plan ahead and gather a team if you are playing in a tribe. Boss fights are significantly easier with a well-coordinated group, and having multiple players can help distribute the workload of gathering resources. Additionally, ensure you have strong tamed dinosaurs and high-quality gear before attempting boss fights.

For solo players, crafting a Tek Underwater Light is still achievable but will require more time and effort. Focus on taming strong dinosaurs like Rexes or Therizinos for boss fights, and prioritize gathering resources efficiently. Use tamed dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus for mining Metal and Crystal, and Beavers or Mammoths for gathering Wood and Thatch. For Polymer, consider taming a Kairuku farm or using Obsidian and Cementing Paste as an alternative.

Advanced techniques for optimizing the crafting process include using Industrial Forges and Fabricators to speed up resource production. Industrial Forges can smelt Metal Ore into Metal Ingots much faster than regular Forges, and Fabricators can produce Polymer and Electronics more efficiently. Additionally, consider setting up resource-gathering outposts near resource-rich areas to minimize travel time. For example, build a small base near a mountain with Crystal nodes or an underwater base near Silica Pearl deposits.

In conclusion, crafting a Tek Underwater Light in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process that requires careful planning and preparation. By unlocking the necessary Tekgrams, gathering the required resources, and using advanced crafting techniques, you can create this powerful underwater lighting solution. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the Tek Underwater Light is a valuable addition to any underwater base, providing reliable and efficient lighting for your underwater adventures.