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

Crafting a Tek Underwater Transmitter in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game activity that requires significant preparation, resources, and knowledge of the game's mechanics. This advanced piece of Tek equipment allows players to teleport items and creatures underwater, making it invaluable for deep-sea exploration and resource management. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the Tek Underwater Transmitter, including tips, strategies, and considerations.

To craft a Tek Underwater Transmitter, you must first unlock its engram. This engram becomes available at level 100 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, you also need to defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tekgrams, which are required to craft Tek-tier items. Specifically, you must defeat the Overseer, Rockwell, or the King Titan to unlock the Tek Underwater Transmitter engram. These boss fights are challenging and require a well-prepared team or a strong army of tamed creatures.

Once you have the engram unlocked, you will need to gather the necessary resources to craft the Tek Underwater Transmitter. The crafting recipe requires the following materials: 500 Metal Ingots, 200 Polymer, 100 Crystal, 50 Electronics, and 50 Element. These resources are not easy to come by, especially Element, which is primarily obtained by defeating bosses or completing certain endgame activities. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge, Polymer can be crafted from Organic Polymer or Obsidian and Cementing Paste, Crystal is mined from crystal nodes, and Electronics are crafted from Metal Ingots, Silica Pearls, and Oil.

To efficiently gather these resources, you should use tamed creatures with high gathering efficiency. For example, an Ankylosaurus is excellent for mining Metal Ore and Crystal, while a Doedicurus is ideal for harvesting Stone, which is needed for Cementing Paste. Silica Pearls can be collected from the ocean floor using a Megalodon or a Basilosaurus, and Oil can be obtained from underwater Oil Nodes or by harvesting creatures like Trilobites and Leech. Element is the most challenging resource to acquire, so prioritize boss fights or farming Element Shards in the Genesis simulation maps if you have access to them.

Once you have all the required resources, you can craft the Tek Underwater Transmitter at a Tek Replicator. The Tek Replicator itself requires Element to power, so ensure you have enough Element to both craft and power the Replicator. Place the Tek Replicator in a secure location, preferably inside a well-defended base, as it is a valuable and expensive piece of equipment.

After crafting the Tek Underwater Transmitter, you can deploy it underwater. It must be placed on a flat surface, and you will need to power it with Element. Each piece of Element provides 1,000 units of energy, and the transmitter consumes energy over time, so keep a steady supply of Element on hand. Once powered, the Tek Underwater Transmitter allows you to teleport items and creatures to and from its location, making it an essential tool for managing resources and tames in deep-sea environments.

When using the Tek Underwater Transmitter, consider its placement carefully. It should be located in a strategic area that is easily accessible but also defensible. Underwater bases are vulnerable to attacks from creatures like Mosasaurs and Plesiosaurs, so ensure your base is well-protected with turrets or tamed aquatic creatures. Additionally, the transmitter can be used to quickly transport resources from underwater mining operations to your main base, saving time and effort.

A common mistake players make is underestimating the resource requirements for Tek-tier items. Gathering 50 Element alone can take significant time and effort, so plan ahead and focus on boss fights or Element farming early in your progression. Another mistake is placing the transmitter in an exposed location, making it an easy target for enemy players or aggressive creatures. Always prioritize security when deploying Tek equipment.

For advanced players, consider using the Tek Underwater Transmitter in conjunction with other Tek-tier items like the Tek Teleporter or Tek Generator. This allows for seamless transportation and energy management across your base and underwater operations. Additionally, using a tribe to coordinate resource gathering and boss fights can significantly speed up the process of acquiring the necessary materials.

In summary, crafting a Tek Underwater Transmitter in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. It requires defeating bosses, gathering rare resources, and careful planning. By following this guide and leveraging tamed creatures, efficient resource gathering, and strategic placement, you can successfully craft and utilize this powerful piece of Tek equipment to enhance your underwater survival and exploration.