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

Crafting a Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber 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 allows you to clone creatures underwater, making it a valuable asset for tribes or solo players who want to replicate powerful tames without the need for traditional breeding. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to unlock the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber engram. This is done by defeating the Alpha Rockwell boss in the Aberration map. Defeating Alpha Rockwell is no small feat and requires a well-prepared team or a strong set of tames. You will need high-level creatures like Reapers, Rock Drakes, or Megalosaurs, along with powerful weapons and armor. Once you defeat Alpha Rockwell, you will gain access to the engram, allowing you to craft the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber.

To craft the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber, you will need a Tek Replicator. The Tek Replicator is a high-tier crafting station that requires Element to operate. You must first unlock the Tek Replicator engram by defeating the Alpha Dragon, Alpha Megapithecus, or Alpha Broodmother. Once you have the Tek Replicator, place it in a secure location, preferably within a well-defended base, as it is a valuable and expensive structure.

The resource requirements for the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber are substantial. You will need 500 Element, 2,000 Metal Ingots, 1,000 Crystal, 500 Polymer, and 200 Black Pearls. Gathering these resources will take time and effort. Metal Ingots can be obtained by smelting Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Crystal is found in mountainous regions or caves. Polymer can be harvested from organic sources like Kairuku or crafted using Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Black Pearls are rare and can be obtained by killing Trilobites, Eurypterids, or Alpha Mosasaurs. Element is the most challenging resource to acquire, as it is primarily obtained by defeating bosses or mining it in the Genesis maps.

Once you have gathered all the necessary resources, place the Tek Replicator in a secure location and access its inventory. Select the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber from the engram list and craft it. The process will consume the required resources and take some time to complete. Once crafted, you can place the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber underwater. It must be placed on a flat surface, and you will need to ensure it is powered by a Tek Generator or another reliable power source.

When using the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber, you will need to insert a creature's DNA sample, which is obtained by using a Tek Transmitter to scan the creature. The cloning process consumes Element, so ensure you have a steady supply. The chamber can clone most creatures, but there are exceptions, such as Titans and certain boss creatures. Cloning takes time, and the duration depends on the creature's level and complexity.

For solo players, the process of crafting and using a Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber is more challenging due to the resource requirements and the need to defeat high-level bosses. However, it is still achievable with careful planning and preparation. Focus on taming strong creatures to help you gather resources and defeat bosses. For tribes, coordinating resource gathering and boss fights will make the process more manageable. Assign roles to tribe members, such as resource gatherers, taming specialists, and combat experts, to streamline the process.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the resource requirements, failing to properly defend your Tek Replicator, and attempting to clone creatures that are not compatible with the chamber. Always ensure you have enough Element and other resources before starting the crafting process. Additionally, protect your Tek Replicator and Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber from enemy players or wild creatures, as losing these structures can set you back significantly.

Advanced techniques include optimizing your resource gathering by using tames like Ankylosaurus for Metal, Doedicurus for Stone, and Beavers for Wood. For Black Pearls, consider taming a Basilosaurus to safely harvest from Eurypterids in the ocean. When fighting bosses, use high-level Rexes or Therizinosaurs with strong saddles and proper stat distribution to maximize your chances of success.

In summary, crafting a Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber in ARK: Survival Evolved is a multi-step process that requires defeating bosses, gathering rare resources, and utilizing advanced technology. With careful planning, resource management, and strategic preparation, you can successfully create and use this powerful structure to clone creatures and enhance your survival capabilities in the game.