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. HereÔÇÖs 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 engram is available at level 100 and requires defeating certain bosses to unlock Tekgrams, which are special blueprints for Tek-tier items. Specifically, you need to defeat the Overseer, Rockwell, or the Master Controller to unlock the Tek Replicator engram. Once unlocked, you can craft the Tek Underwater Replicator at a standard Tek Replicator or a City Terminal.

The crafting recipe for the Tek Underwater Replicator includes 5000 metal ingots, 2000 polymer, 1000 crystal, 500 element, and 100 black pearls. Gathering these resources is a significant undertaking, so preparation is key. Metal ingots can be 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, and black pearls are typically harvested from Eurypterids, Deathworms, or Alpha Tusoteuthis. Element is obtained by defeating bosses or by converting element shards in a Tek Replicator.

Before attempting to craft the Tek Underwater Replicator, ensure you have a secure base with ample storage for resources. A well-protected base with turrets and tamed dinosaurs for defense is essential, as losing resources to raids or wild creatures can set you back significantly. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider taming high-level creatures like Rexes or Therizinos for protection and resource gathering. In a tribe, coordinate with members to divide tasks such as farming, crafting, and defense.

Once you have all the required resources, craft the Tek Underwater Replicator at a Tek Replicator or City Terminal. Place it in your desired underwater location, ensuring itÔÇÖs in a safe and accessible area. The Tek Underwater Replicator requires a constant supply of element to function, so stockpile element or element shards to keep it operational. ItÔÇÖs also advisable to build a small underwater base around the replicator, complete with storage and crafting stations, to streamline your workflow.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the resource requirements and failing to secure your base. Gathering 5000 metal ingots and 500 element is a massive task, so plan accordingly and use tamed dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus for efficient metal farming. Additionally, ensure your base is well-defended, as losing a Tek Replicator to a raid can be devastating. Another mistake is placing the replicator in an unsafe or inconvenient location, which can make it difficult to use or vulnerable to attacks.

Advanced techniques include using a Quetzal with a platform saddle and Ankylosaurus for metal farming, as this allows you to transport large quantities of metal ore quickly. For polymer, consider taming a Karkinos or Mantis to harvest organic polymer efficiently. In a tribe, assign specific roles to members, such as one person focusing on metal farming while another gathers crystal and black pearls. This division of labor can significantly speed up the process.

In terms of tribe versus solo considerations, tribes have a clear advantage due to the ability to divide tasks and pool resources. However, solo players can still achieve this goal with careful planning and efficient use of tamed dinosaurs. For example, a solo player can use a high-level Argentavis to transport metal and a Megatherium to gather chitin for cementing paste.

Specific examples and scenarios include setting up a metal farming operation in the Volcano or Mountains, where metal nodes are abundant. Use a Doedicurus to gather stone for cementing paste, and a Beelzebufo to harvest chitin from insects. For black pearls, consider taming a Basilosaurus and hunting Eurypterids in the ocean. These strategies can help you gather the necessary resources more efficiently.

In conclusion, crafting a Tek Underwater Replicator in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By understanding the mechanics, preparing thoroughly, and using efficient strategies, you can successfully build and utilize this advanced crafting station. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and resource management are key to achieving this late-game goal.