How do I craft and use a tek grenade for area denial in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a Tek Grenade in ARK: Survival Evolved is a powerful way to control areas, especially in PvP scenarios. Tek Grenades are advanced explosives that deal significant damage and can be used for area denial, base raiding, or defending against enemy players. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to craft and use them effectively.

To craft a Tek Grenade, you must first unlock the Tek Grenade engram. This requires reaching level 100 and defeating at least one of the gameÔÇÖs bosses to unlock Tekgrams. Once you have the engram, youÔÇÖll need to gather the necessary resources. The crafting recipe for one Tek Grenade includes 50 Element, 100 Polymer, 100 Metal Ingots, and 50 Crystal. Element is a rare resource obtained by defeating bosses or harvesting it from specific nodes in the Genesis and Extinction maps. Polymer can be crafted from Obsidian and Cementing Paste or harvested from organic sources like Kairuku or Mantis. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge, and Crystal is mined from crystal nodes found in caves or mountains.

Once you have the resources, youÔÇÖll need to craft the Tek Grenade in a Tek Replicator. The Tek Replicator is an advanced crafting station that requires Element to operate. Place the resources into the Tek Replicator, select the Tek Grenade, and craft it. Keep in mind that Tek Grenades are expensive to produce, so use them strategically.

Using a Tek Grenade requires careful planning. When thrown, it creates a large explosion that deals massive damage to structures, creatures, and players within its radius. The explosion also leaves behind a lingering energy field that damages anything that enters it for a short time. This makes Tek Grenades ideal for area denial, as they can prevent enemies from advancing or force them to retreat.

To use a Tek Grenade effectively, consider the following strategies. First, aim for high-value targets like enemy turrets, generators, or tamed dinosaurs. The explosion can destroy multiple structures or creatures at once, making it a cost-effective tool for raiding. Second, use Tek Grenades to create choke points or block off areas. For example, if youÔÇÖre defending your base, throw a Tek Grenade at a narrow entrance to deter enemy players from pushing through. Third, combine Tek Grenades with other explosives or traps for maximum impact. For instance, you can lure enemies into a confined space and then detonate a Tek Grenade to wipe them out.

There are several important tips and considerations when using Tek Grenades. First, always carry a few in your inventory for emergencies, but avoid overusing them due to their high resource cost. Second, be mindful of the explosion radius, as it can damage your own structures or tames if youÔÇÖre too close. Third, use Tek Grenades in combination with other Tek items, such as Tek Armor or Tek Rifles, to enhance your combat effectiveness. Fourth, practice throwing Tek Grenades in a safe environment to get a feel for their trajectory and timing.

Common mistakes to avoid include wasting Tek Grenades on low-value targets, throwing them too close to your own position, and not coordinating with your tribe during raids or defenses. Tek Grenades are a limited resource, so use them wisely. Additionally, avoid using them in areas where you plan to rebuild or reclaim, as the lingering energy field can hinder your progress.

Advanced techniques for using Tek Grenades include timing their detonation to coincide with enemy movements or using them to destroy enemy supply lines. For example, if you know an enemy tribe is transporting resources, you can ambush them with a Tek Grenade to cripple their operations. Another advanced tactic is to use Tek Grenades in combination with tamed creatures like the Tek Stegosaurus or Tek Rex, which can tank damage while you throw grenades from a safe distance.

Resource management is crucial when using Tek Grenades. Since they require Element, which is difficult to obtain, prioritize using them in high-stakes situations. Stockpile resources like Polymer and Metal Ingots to ensure you can craft Tek Grenades when needed. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, focus on gathering Element from easier bosses like the Broodmother or Megapithecus before attempting harder ones.

In tribe scenarios, coordinate with your teammates to maximize the impact of Tek Grenades. Assign roles, such as one player throwing grenades while others provide cover or distract enemies. Communication is key to avoiding friendly fire and ensuring successful raids or defenses.

Specific examples of using Tek Grenades include raiding an enemy base by targeting their turret towers or defending your base during a siege by throwing grenades at choke points. In PvE, Tek Grenades can be used to clear large groups of hostile creatures or destroy tough enemies like Alpha Predators.

In conclusion, Tek Grenades are a powerful tool in ARK: Survival Evolved that require careful planning and resource management. By following the steps and strategies outlined above, you can effectively use Tek Grenades for area denial, raiding, and defense. Always consider the cost and impact of each grenade, and coordinate with your tribe to maximize their effectiveness. With practice and preparation, Tek Grenades can give you a significant advantage in both PvP and PvE scenarios.