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

Crafting a Tek Underwater Saddle in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game goal that requires significant preparation, resources, and progression. This saddle is used for underwater creatures like the Basilosaurus, Mosasaurus, and Tusoteuthis, providing advanced protection and utility. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve this, covering mechanics, strategies, and considerations.

To craft a Tek Underwater Saddle, you must first unlock the Tekgram for it. This is done by defeating the Alpha Dragon, Alpha Megapithecus, and Alpha Broodmother bosses to gain access to the Tek Cave and defeat the Overseer. Upon defeating the Overseer, you will unlock the Tek Underwater Saddle engram. This is a challenging process that requires a well-prepared team, strong tames, and advanced equipment.

Once the engram is unlocked, you need to gather the necessary resources to craft the saddle. The resource requirements are substantial and include 500 metal ingots, 250 polymer, 200 crystal, 100 element, and 100 black pearls. These materials are not easy to obtain, especially element, which is primarily acquired from defeating bosses or mining it in specific areas like the Genesis simulation or Extinction map. Polymer can be harvested from organic sources like Kairuku or crafted using obsidian and cementing paste. Black pearls are found in the ocean, often dropped by creatures like Eurypterids or harvested from Deathworms in the desert.

Preparation is key to crafting the Tek Underwater Saddle. You will need a well-established base with advanced crafting stations like the Tek Replicator, which is required to craft Tek items. The Tek Replicator itself requires element to power, so ensure you have a steady supply. Additionally, having a strong underwater tame like a Basilosaurus or Mosasaurus is crucial for gathering black pearls and defending against ocean threats.

When gathering resources, prioritize safety. The ocean is one of the most dangerous areas in ARK, with predators like Megalodons, Tusoteuthis, and Cnidaria. Always travel with a strong underwater mount and consider bringing a backup tame or tribe members for protection. Use scuba gear or a Tek suit to extend your underwater breathing time and improve mobility.

A common mistake is underestimating the difficulty of obtaining element. Many players focus on gathering other resources first, only to realize they lack the element needed to craft the saddle. To avoid this, plan ahead and prioritize boss fights or element farming early in your progression. Another mistake is venturing into the ocean unprepared. Always carry medical brews, food, and weapons in case of emergencies.

Advanced techniques include using a Tek Replicator to craft multiple saddles at once, saving time and resources. Additionally, consider breeding high-level underwater tames to maximize their effectiveness with the Tek Underwater Saddle. A well-bred Mosasaurus with high health and melee damage can dominate the ocean, making resource gathering and exploration much easier.

For solo players, crafting a Tek Underwater Saddle is a significant challenge. You will need to rely on strong tames and careful planning to defeat bosses and gather resources. Consider taming a pack of Basilosaurus for their immunity to Cnidaria stings and high health pool. For tribes, coordination is essential. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one group focusing on boss fights while another gathers resources. This division of labor can speed up the process and reduce the risk of failure.

In summary, crafting a Tek Underwater Saddle requires defeating the Overseer, gathering rare resources, and preparing for dangerous underwater expeditions. Focus on unlocking the Tekgram, securing a steady supply of element, and building a strong underwater tame. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting element farming or venturing into the ocean unprepared. With careful planning and teamwork, you can craft this powerful saddle and dominate the underwater world of ARK.