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

Crafting a Tek Underwater Replicator in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game goal that requires significant preparation, resources, and progression. The Tek Replicator is a high-tech crafting station that allows you to craft advanced Tek-tier items, and the underwater variant is specifically designed for use in aquatic environments. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve this, covering mechanics, strategies, and considerations.

To craft a Tek Underwater Replicator, you must first unlock its engram. This requires defeating certain bosses to gain the necessary Tekgrams. Specifically, you need to defeat the Alpha difficulty of the Broodmother, Megapithecus, or Dragon bosses on The Island map, or their equivalents on other maps. These bosses drop Element, which is essential for crafting Tek items, and they also unlock the Tek Replicator engram. Once unlocked, you can craft the Tek Underwater Replicator at a standard Tek Replicator or a regular Fabricator.

The resource requirements for crafting a Tek Underwater Replicator are substantial. You will need 2000 Metal Ingots, 500 Crystal, 250 Polymer, 100 Black Pearls, 100 Element, and 100 Cementing Paste. Gathering these resources can be time-consuming, so preparation is key. Metal Ingots are 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 from killing Trilobites, Eurypterids, or Alpha Mosasaurs. Element is primarily obtained from defeating bosses or by harvesting it in the Tek Cave or on Extinction. Cementing Paste is crafted from Chitin/Keratin and Stone or harvested from Beavers and their dams.

Once you have gathered all the necessary resources, you can craft the Tek Underwater Replicator. If you are playing solo, this process will require significant effort, but in a tribe, you can divide tasks among members to speed up resource gathering and crafting. For example, one player can focus on mining Metal and Crystal, while another hunts for Black Pearls and Element. Coordination is crucial to avoid wasting time and resources.

When placing the Tek Underwater Replicator, ensure it is in a secure location. While it is designed for underwater use, it can still be destroyed by hostile creatures or players in PvP. Building a reinforced base around it with Tek structures or metal walls is recommended. Additionally, consider taming aquatic creatures like Basilosaurus or Tusoteuthis to defend the area. These creatures can provide both protection and utility, as they can harvest resources like Oil and Black Pearls.

A common mistake is underestimating the resource requirements and time needed to craft the Tek Underwater Replicator. Players often rush into the process without proper preparation, leading to frustration and wasted effort. To avoid this, plan ahead and gather resources in bulk before attempting to craft the Replicator. Another mistake is placing the Replicator in an exposed location, making it vulnerable to attacks. Always prioritize security when setting up advanced Tek equipment.

Advanced techniques include using tamed creatures to optimize resource gathering. For example, an Ankylosaurus is excellent for mining Metal and Crystal, while a Doedicurus is ideal for harvesting Stone for Cementing Paste. In the water, a Dunkleosteus can mine Oil and Metal efficiently. Additionally, consider using a Quetzal or Argentavis with a platform saddle to transport heavy resources like Metal Ingots. These optimizations can save significant time and effort.

In PvP scenarios, the Tek Underwater Replicator is a high-value target for enemy tribes. To protect it, consider building decoy structures or hiding it in a less obvious location. Using underwater turrets or tamed Mosasaurs for defense can also deter attackers. In solo play, focus on stealth and avoid drawing attention to your base. Building in a remote underwater cave can provide additional security.

In summary, crafting a Tek Underwater Replicator in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. It requires defeating bosses, gathering rare resources, and careful planning. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, coordination and preparation are key to success. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently craft and protect your Tek Underwater Replicator, unlocking the full potential of Tek-tier technology in the game.