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

Crafting a Tek Underwater Turret in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex process that requires advanced knowledge of the game's mechanics, significant resource gathering, and progression through the Tek tier. This powerful defensive structure is designed to protect underwater bases or areas from hostile creatures and players, making it a valuable asset for tribes or solo players who want to secure their aquatic territories. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a Tek Underwater Turret effectively.

To begin, you must first unlock the Tek Underwater Turret engram. This engram is available at level 105 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, you cannot unlock it immediately upon reaching level 105. Instead, you must defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tekgrams, which are special engrams tied to the Tek tier. Specifically, you need to defeat the Megapithecus, Broodmother Lysrix, or Dragon boss to unlock the Tek Replicator engram, which is a prerequisite for crafting Tek items like the Tek Underwater Turret. Once you have the Tek Replicator, you can craft the Tek Underwater Turret.

The Tek Underwater Turret requires several high-tier resources to craft. These include 250 Element, 500 Metal Ingots, 200 Polymer, 100 Crystal, and 50 Electronics. Element is the most challenging resource to obtain, as it is primarily acquired by defeating bosses or completing certain endgame activities like the Genesis missions. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge, while Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku, Mantis, or by crafting it using Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Crystal is mined from crystal nodes found in caves or mountainous areas, and Electronics are crafted from Metal Ingots, Silica Pearls, and Oil.

Once you have gathered all the necessary resources, you will need to use a Tek Replicator to craft the Tek Underwater Turret. The Tek Replicator is a high-tech crafting station that requires Element to power. Place the Tek Replicator in a secure location, preferably inside a well-defended base, as it is a valuable and expensive structure. Insert the required resources into the Tek Replicator and start the crafting process. The Tek Underwater Turret will take some time to craft, so ensure your base is safe during this period.

After crafting the Tek Underwater Turret, you can place it underwater. It is important to choose a strategic location for the turret, such as near your underwater base entrance or in a high-traffic area where hostile creatures or players are likely to pass. The Tek Underwater Turret has a wide range and can automatically target and shoot at enemies, making it an excellent defensive tool. However, it requires Element to function, so ensure you have a steady supply of Element to keep it operational.

One common mistake players make is placing the Tek Underwater Turret in an area with limited visibility or coverage. To maximize its effectiveness, place the turret in an open area where it has a clear line of sight to potential threats. Additionally, avoid placing it too close to your base structures, as stray shots from the turret could damage your own buildings or tames.

For advanced optimization, consider pairing the Tek Underwater Turret with other defensive structures like Plant Species X or regular Auto Turrets. This creates a layered defense system that can handle a variety of threats. You can also use tames like the Basilosaurus or Tusoteuthis to patrol the area and provide additional protection. These creatures are well-suited for underwater combat and can complement the turret's defensive capabilities.

Resource management is crucial when using Tek Underwater Turrets. Element is a finite resource, so use it wisely. Consider farming Element by defeating bosses or completing missions in the Genesis expansion. Additionally, ensure you have a reliable source of Metal Ingots, Polymer, and other materials to maintain and repair the turret as needed.

For tribes, coordinating the placement and maintenance of Tek Underwater Turrets is essential. Assign specific roles to tribe members, such as resource gatherers, crafters, and defenders, to streamline the process. Solo players should focus on securing a steady supply of Element and other resources before attempting to craft the turret, as it can be resource-intensive.

In specific scenarios, such as defending against an underwater raid, the Tek Underwater Turret can be a game-changer. Its high damage output and automatic targeting make it a formidable deterrent against enemy players and tames. However, always have a backup plan in case the turret is destroyed or runs out of Element. This could include having additional turrets, tames, or escape routes prepared.

In conclusion, crafting and using a Tek Underwater Turret in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic placement. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and optimizations, you can effectively defend your underwater base and dominate the aquatic environment. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, the Tek Underwater Turret is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your survival and combat capabilities in ARK.