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 and access to advanced resources. This item is part of the Tek Tier, which is the highest level of technology in the game. The Tek Underwater Light is particularly useful for illuminating underwater bases or areas, as it provides a bright, futuristic light source that can be placed underwater without the risk of being destroyed by water pressure or hostile creatures. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use this item effectively.

To craft a Tek Underwater Light, you must first unlock its engram. The engram becomes available at level 100 and costs 35 engram points. However, unlocking the engram is only the first step. You will also need to defeat certain bosses to gain access to the Tekgram, which is required to craft Tek items. Specifically, you need to defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon boss to unlock the Tek Replicator, which is essential for crafting Tek items like the Tek Underwater Light. Once you have the Tekgram, you can proceed to gather the necessary resources.

The resource requirements for crafting a Tek Underwater Light are as follows: 200 metal ingots, 100 crystal, 50 polymer, and 50 element. Metal ingots are obtained by smelting metal ore in a forge or industrial forge. Crystal is gathered from crystal nodes found in caves or mountainous areas. Polymer can be obtained from killing creatures like Kairuku or by crafting it using organic polymer and obsidian. Element is the most challenging resource to acquire, as it is primarily obtained by defeating bosses or completing certain endgame activities like the Genesis simulation missions. You can also convert element shards into element using a Tek Replicator.

Once you have gathered all the required resources, you will need to use a Tek Replicator to craft the Tek Underwater Light. The Tek Replicator is a high-tech crafting station that requires element to operate. Place the resources into the Tek Replicator, select the Tek Underwater Light from the crafting menu, and start the crafting process. The Tek Replicator will consume element as fuel during the crafting process, so ensure you have enough element to complete the task.

When placing the Tek Underwater Light, you can position it on any flat surface underwater. It provides a bright, futuristic glow that can illuminate large areas, making it ideal for underwater bases or exploration. The light is also durable and resistant to damage from water pressure or hostile creatures, unlike other light sources that may break or degrade over time.

One important tip is to plan your underwater base layout carefully before placing the Tek Underwater Light. Since it requires significant resources to craft, you want to ensure it is placed in a location where it will provide maximum utility. Additionally, consider using multiple lights to cover larger areas, especially if you are building a sprawling underwater base or farming resources in deep ocean biomes.

A common mistake to avoid is attempting to craft Tek items without proper preparation. Tek items require advanced resources and access to a Tek Replicator, so rushing into this process without a solid plan can lead to wasted time and resources. Make sure you have a reliable source of element and other materials before committing to crafting Tek items.

For advanced players, consider using tamed creatures like the Ankylosaurus or Doedicurus to gather metal and crystal more efficiently. These creatures have high resource-gathering efficiency and can significantly reduce the time required to collect materials. Additionally, using a Quetzal or Argentavis with a platform saddle can help transport large quantities of resources back to your base.

In terms of tribe considerations, crafting Tek items is often a collaborative effort. Tribes can pool resources and share the workload, making it easier to gather the necessary materials and defeat bosses to unlock Tekgrams. Solo players, on the other hand, will need to invest more time and effort into gathering resources and preparing for boss fights. However, with careful planning and efficient resource management, solo players can also achieve this goal.

In summary, crafting a Tek Underwater Light in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. It requires unlocking the Tekgram, gathering advanced resources, and using a Tek Replicator to craft the item. Proper planning, resource management, and teamwork (if playing in a tribe) are essential for success. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can illuminate your underwater bases and explore the depths of ARK with ease.