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

Crafting and using a Tek Helmet for underwater exploration in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game activity that requires significant preparation and resources. The Tek Helmet is part of the Tek Tier, the most advanced technology in the game, and it provides unique benefits, especially for underwater exploration. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the Tek Helmet effectively.

To craft a Tek Helmet, you must first unlock its engram. The Tek Helmet engram is 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 the blueprints for Tek Tier items. Specifically, you must defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon boss to unlock the Tek Helmet engram. These bosses are found in the game's boss arenas, and defeating them requires a well-prepared team or a strong army of tamed dinosaurs.

Once you have the engram, you need the following resources to craft the Tek Helmet: 250 Metal Ingots, 75 Crystal, 50 Polymer, 50 Cementing Paste, and 50 Element. Element is a rare resource obtained by defeating bosses or harvesting it from specific nodes in the Extinction map. If you are playing on a map without Element nodes, you will need to farm bosses to gather enough Element. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or by crafting it using Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Cementing Paste is made from Chitin/Keratin and Stone in a Mortar and Pestle or by harvesting it from Beavers or Achatina snails.

After gathering the required resources, you need to craft the Tek Helmet in a Tek Replicator. The Tek Replicator is another advanced crafting station that requires Element to operate. Place the resources into the Tek Replicator and craft the helmet. Once crafted, the Tek Helmet can be equipped in the head slot of your inventory.

The Tek Helmet provides several useful features for underwater exploration. It has a built-in HUD that displays information such as creature levels, health, and stamina. It also includes a night vision mode, which is particularly useful in dark underwater caves. Additionally, the Tek Helmet provides oxygen, allowing you to stay underwater indefinitely without needing to surface for air. This makes it an invaluable tool for exploring underwater caves, harvesting resources like Silica Pearls and Oil, or taming aquatic creatures like the Basilosaurus or Tusoteuthis.

When using the Tek Helmet underwater, it is important to manage your Element consumption. The helmet requires Element to function, and it consumes 1 Element every 10 minutes. Make sure to carry extra Element in your inventory to avoid running out of power during critical moments. You can also use a Tek Generator to recharge your Element supply at your base.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the dangers of underwater exploration. Even with the Tek Helmet, you are still vulnerable to aggressive creatures like Megalodons, Electrophorus, and Cnidaria. Always bring a strong aquatic mount, such as a Basilosaurus or a Tuso, to protect yourself. Additionally, avoid venturing too deep without proper preparation, as the pressure in deep water can cause damage over time unless you have a Lazarus Chowder or a SCUBA Tank.

For advanced players, combining the Tek Helmet with other Tek Tier items can enhance your underwater exploration. For example, the Tek Chestpiece provides underwater propulsion, allowing you to move faster and more efficiently. The Tek Leggings also offer a speed boost, making it easier to navigate underwater environments. Using these items together can make you nearly unstoppable in the ocean.

If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and defeat bosses more efficiently. Assign roles to each member, such as one person focusing on gathering Metal and Crystal while another hunts for Polymer and Cementing Paste. In solo play, prioritize taming strong dinosaurs to help you defeat bosses and gather resources more quickly.

In summary, crafting and using a Tek Helmet for underwater exploration in ARK: Survival Evolved requires significant preparation, including defeating bosses, gathering rare resources, and crafting the helmet in a Tek Replicator. Once equipped, the Tek Helmet provides invaluable benefits for underwater exploration, such as oxygen supply, night vision, and creature information. Manage your Element consumption carefully, and always bring a strong aquatic mount for protection. By combining the Tek Helmet with other Tek Tier items and coordinating with your tribe, you can dominate the underwater world of ARK.