How do I craft and use a tek replicator for crafting tek items in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a Tek Replicator in ARK: Survival Evolved is a significant milestone in the game, as it allows you to craft advanced Tek-tier items, which are essential for endgame content. The Tek Replicator is a high-tech crafting station that requires a substantial amount of preparation and resources to build and operate. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a Tek Replicator, along with important tips and considerations.

To craft a Tek Replicator, you must first unlock its engram. The Tek Replicator engram is available at level 100 and requires 120 engram points to unlock. However, you cannot unlock it until you have defeated at least one of the game's bosses, as the Tekgram for the Replicator is tied to boss progression. Once you have the engram, you will need the following resources to craft the Tek Replicator: 2000 metal ingots, 2000 polymer, 2000 crystal, 2000 cementing paste, 1000 element, and 100 black pearls. These resources are not easy to gather, so preparation is key.

To gather the required resources, you will need to focus on efficient resource gathering methods. Metal ingots can be obtained by smelting metal ore in a forge or industrial forge. Polymer can be harvested from organic sources like Kairuku or by using a chainsaw on dead creatures, or you can craft it using obsidian and cementing paste. Crystal is found in mountainous regions or caves, and cementing paste can be crafted from chitin or keratin and stone, or harvested from beaver dams. Element is obtained by defeating bosses or from Tek creatures in the Extinction map. Black pearls are rare and can be found in the ocean or by killing certain creatures like Trilobites or Ammonites.

Once you have gathered all the necessary resources, you can craft the Tek Replicator at an Obelisk, a Supply Crate, or a Tek Dedicated Storage. After crafting, you will need to place the Tek Replicator in your base. It requires a large amount of space, so ensure your base has enough room. The Tek Replicator also requires a significant amount of power to operate, so you will need to connect it to a Tek Generator or a series of electrical generators. The Tek Generator is the most efficient power source, as it runs on element and provides a large amount of power.

Using the Tek Replicator is straightforward. Once powered, you can access its inventory and crafting menu, which allows you to craft Tek-tier items such as Tek armor, weapons, and structures. The Tek Replicator has a large crafting capacity, making it ideal for mass-producing items. However, crafting Tek items requires element, so ensure you have a steady supply of element before attempting to craft.

There are several important tips and considerations when using a Tek Replicator. First, always ensure your base is well-defended, as the Tek Replicator and its power sources are valuable targets for raiders in PvP. Second, consider using tamed creatures like Ankylosaurus for metal gathering, Doedicurus for stone, and Beavers for wood and cementing paste to streamline resource gathering. Third, in PvE, you can share the Tek Replicator with your tribe members, allowing everyone to benefit from its capabilities.

Common mistakes to avoid include not securing your base properly, which can lead to the Tek Replicator being destroyed by raiders or wild creatures. Another mistake is not having enough element or power to operate the Tek Replicator, which can halt your crafting progress. Additionally, avoid placing the Tek Replicator in a cramped space, as it requires a large area to function properly.

Advanced techniques include using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to transport large amounts of resources to your base, or using a Tek Transmitter to transfer resources between bases. In PvP, consider building multiple Tek Replicators in hidden locations to ensure you always have access to Tek crafting, even if one is destroyed.

In conclusion, crafting and using a Tek Replicator in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. By gathering the necessary resources, securing your base, and efficiently managing power and element, you can unlock the full potential of Tek-tier items and dominate the endgame content. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the Tek Replicator is an essential tool for survival and progression in the world of ARK.