How do I craft and use a tek helmet for thermal vision in ARK: Survival Evolved?

To craft and use a Tek Helmet for thermal vision in ARK: Survival Evolved, you need to progress through the game's advanced stages, as the Tek Helmet is part of the Tek Tier, the highest level of technology available. This process involves defeating bosses, gathering rare resources, and unlocking the necessary engrams. Below is a detailed guide to help you achieve this.

First, you need to unlock the Tek Helmet engram. This is done by defeating one of the game's bosses, such as the Broodmother, Megapithecus, or Dragon. Each boss drops a specific Tekgram, which unlocks different Tek items. For the Tek Helmet, you need to defeat the Dragon boss on the Island map. Once defeated, you will receive the Tek Helmet engram, allowing you to craft it. Note that you must be at least level 100 to unlock the engram, and you need to have defeated the boss to gain access to it.

Next, gather the resources required to craft the Tek Helmet. The crafting recipe includes 250 metal ingots, 75 crystal, 50 polymer, 50 element, and 50 black pearls. Metal ingots are smelted from metal ore in a forge, crystal is mined from crystal nodes, polymer can be obtained from killing creatures like Kairuku or by crafting it from organic polymer and obsidian, and black pearls are harvested from certain creatures like Trilobites or found in the ocean. 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.

Once you have all the resources, you need a Tek Replicator to craft the Tek Helmet. The Tek Replicator is a high-tech crafting station that requires element to power. To craft the Tek Replicator, you need 2000 metal ingots, 500 crystal, 250 polymer, 100 element, and 100 black pearls. Place the Tek Replicator in a secure location, as it is expensive to replace if destroyed. Power it with element, then access its inventory to craft the Tek Helmet.

Using the Tek Helmet is straightforward. Equip it in the helmet slot of your inventory, and it will provide several benefits, including thermal vision. To activate thermal vision, press the designated key (default is N on PC). This mode highlights living creatures in bright colors, making it easier to spot enemies or animals in the dark or through obstacles. The Tek Helmet also provides armor, reduces damage from environmental hazards, and has a built-in headlamp for illumination.

When using the Tek Helmet, there are several important tips to consider. First, thermal vision is incredibly useful for spotting hidden enemies or creatures in dense foliage, but it can be disorienting if overused. Use it sparingly to conserve its energy, as the helmet requires element to function. Second, the Tek Helmet is not indestructible, so avoid taking unnecessary damage to prolong its lifespan. Repair it using the same resources required to craft it. Third, the helmet's headlamp can attract unwanted attention, so use it cautiously in PvP scenarios or areas with aggressive creatures.

Common mistakes to avoid include not preparing adequately for boss fights, which are necessary to unlock the Tek Helmet engram. Ensure you have strong tamed dinosaurs, such as Rexes or Therizinos, and high-quality weapons and armor before attempting a boss fight. Another mistake is neglecting to gather enough element, as it is essential for both crafting and powering the Tek Helmet. Plan ahead and farm element from bosses or other sources to avoid running out.

Advanced techniques include using the Tek Helmet in combination with other Tek items, such as the Tek Rifle or Tek Armor, to maximize your combat effectiveness. For example, the Tek Rifle's sniper mode pairs well with the helmet's thermal vision, allowing you to pick off enemies from a distance. Additionally, consider using the Tek Helmet in caves or underwater environments, where visibility is limited, and thermal vision can give you a significant advantage.

Resource management is crucial when working toward the Tek Helmet. Focus on gathering metal, crystal, and polymer early in the game, as these are used in many advanced recipes. Black pearls and element are harder to obtain, so prioritize farming them once you have the means to do so. Tamed dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus and Doedicurus can help you gather metal and stone more efficiently, while a Megalodon or Basilosaurus can assist in collecting black pearls from the ocean.

Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the process of obtaining and using the Tek Helmet is similar, but tribes have the advantage of shared resources and coordinated boss fights. In a tribe, assign roles to members, such as resource gatherers, taming specialists, and combatants, to streamline the process. Solo players will need to manage all aspects themselves, so prioritize efficiency and safety when gathering resources or fighting bosses.

In specific scenarios, the Tek Helmet can be a game-changer. For example, during a raid on an enemy base, thermal vision can help you spot hidden players or traps. In PvE, it can assist in locating rare creatures or navigating dark caves. The helmet's versatility makes it a valuable tool for both combat and exploration.

In conclusion, crafting and using a Tek Helmet in ARK: Survival Evolved requires significant preparation, resource gathering, and boss fights. By following the steps outlined above, you can unlock this powerful piece of equipment and take advantage of its thermal vision and other benefits. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the Tek Helmet is a valuable asset for surviving and thriving in the game's challenging world.