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 Tier items. The Tek Helmet engram is unlocked by defeating the Dragon boss on any difficulty. To summon the Dragon boss, you need to collect artifacts from various caves and tributes, such as Argentavis Talons, Sarcosuchus Skin, and Titanoboa Venom. Once you have the required items, head to an Obelisk or a Supply Crate to summon the boss. Prepare thoroughly for the fight by bringing strong tames like Rexes, Therizinos, or Yutyrannus, along with high-quality saddles and weapons.

After defeating the Dragon, you will receive the Tek Helmet engram. To craft the Tek Helmet, you need a Tek Replicator, which is also part of the Tek Tier. The Tek Replicator requires Element, a rare resource obtained from boss fights or by harvesting it in specific areas like the Genesis Simulation or Extinction's Wasteland. To craft the Tek Replicator, you need 2000 Metal Ingots, 200 Polymer, 200 Crystal, and 100 Element. Place the Tek Replicator in a secure location, as it is expensive to replace if destroyed.

Once you have the Tek Replicator, gather the materials needed to craft the Tek Helmet. These include 250 Metal Ingots, 75 Polymer, 50 Crystal, and 20 Element. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku, Mantis, or by crafting it with Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Crystal is found in caves or mountainous regions, and Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Element is the most challenging resource to obtain, so prioritize boss fights or explore Extinction for easier access.

With the materials ready, use the Tek Replicator to craft the Tek Helmet. Once crafted, equip it in your helmet slot. The Tek Helmet provides several advanced features, including thermal vision, night vision, and a heads-up display (HUD) that shows enemy health and stats. 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 hidden threats in dark or dense environments.

Important tips and considerations include managing your Element usage. The Tek Helmet consumes Element as fuel, so always carry extra Element Shards or Element to recharge it. Additionally, the Tek Helmet's thermal vision is particularly useful in PvP scenarios for spotting hidden players or tames, but be cautious, as it can also reveal your position if used carelessly. In PvE, it is invaluable for tracking down elusive creatures or navigating dark caves.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting to prepare adequately for boss fights. Failing to bring strong tames, proper saddles, and sufficient healing items can result in losing the fight and wasting resources. Another mistake is not securing your Tek Replicator. Since it requires rare materials, place it in a well-defended base to prevent it from being destroyed by enemies or raiders.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your Element usage. Consider crafting Element Shards, which are more efficient for recharging Tek items. Additionally, use the Tek Helmet in combination with other Tek items, such as the Tek Rifle or Tek Boots, to maximize your combat effectiveness. For example, the Tek Rifle's high damage output pairs well with the Tek Helmet's ability to track enemies.

Resource requirements and preparation are critical. Stockpile Metal Ingots, Polymer, and Crystal well in advance, as these are needed in large quantities for Tek Tier items. Focus on taming creatures like Ankylosaurus for Metal, Doedicurus for Stone, and Beavers or Mammoths for Wood to streamline resource gathering. For Element, prioritize boss fights or explore Extinction's Wasteland, where you can harvest Element Nodes.

Tribe and solo considerations differ slightly. In a tribe, coordinate with members to divide tasks, such as gathering resources, taming creatures, and preparing for boss fights. Solo players should focus on building a strong base and taming versatile creatures like Rexes or Therizinos to handle multiple roles. Both playstyles benefit from efficient resource management and strategic planning.

Specific examples and scenarios include using the Tek Helmet in the Snow Cave on The Island. The thermal vision helps spot dangerous creatures like Yetis or Purlovia hidden in the snow. In PvP, the Tek Helmet can reveal enemy players hiding in bushes or behind structures, giving you a tactical advantage.

In summary, crafting and using a Tek Helmet for thermal vision in ARK: Survival Evolved requires defeating bosses, gathering rare resources, and mastering advanced mechanics. By following this guide, you can unlock and utilize this powerful tool to enhance your survival and combat capabilities.