How do I craft and use a tek shield for defense in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting and using a Tek Shield in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game activity that requires significant preparation and resources. The Tek Shield is a powerful defensive tool that creates a protective energy barrier, blocking incoming projectiles and attacks while allowing you and your allies to pass through. It is particularly useful for defending bases during raids or protecting key areas from enemy fire. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a Tek Shield effectively.
To craft a Tek Shield, you must first unlock the Tekgram for it. This is done by defeating the Dragon boss on any difficulty. Once unlocked, you can craft the Tek Shield at a Tek Replicator. The resources required to craft a Tek Shield include 250 Element, 500 Metal Ingots, 200 Polymer, and 100 Crystal. Element is the most challenging resource to obtain, as it is primarily acquired by defeating bosses or mining it in specific areas like the Genesis simulation or Extinction map. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge, Polymer can be harvested from organic sources like Kairuku or crafted using Obsidian and Cementing Paste, and Crystal is mined from crystal nodes found in caves or mountains.
Once crafted, the Tek Shield is deployed by placing it on the ground. It creates a dome-shaped energy barrier that can be adjusted in size using the radial menu. The shield blocks all incoming projectiles, including bullets, arrows, and explosives, but allows players and tamed creatures to pass through. It requires Element to function, consuming 1 Element every 10 minutes. To power the shield, you must insert Element into its inventory. The shield can be picked up and redeployed as needed, making it a versatile tool for both base defense and mobile operations.
When using a Tek Shield, positioning is critical. Place the shield in a location that covers key structures or areas, such as your base's main entrance, turret towers, or resource storage. The shield's size should be adjusted to cover as much area as possible without leaving gaps. Be mindful of the shield's energy consumption, as it will deactivate if it runs out of Element. Always keep a supply of Element on hand to ensure uninterrupted protection.
One common mistake is underestimating the shield's vulnerability to melee attacks. While the Tek Shield blocks ranged attacks, it can be destroyed by creatures or players using melee weapons. To counter this, place turrets or tamed dinosaurs near the shield to deter attackers. Another mistake is failing to monitor the shield's energy levels. Running out of Element during a raid can leave your base exposed, so always check the shield's inventory and replenish Element as needed.
Advanced techniques for using the Tek Shield include combining it with other defensive structures. For example, placing the shield over a cluster of turrets can protect them from enemy fire while allowing them to shoot outward. You can also use the shield to create safe zones during boss fights or to protect tamed dinosaurs during breeding or healing. In PvP scenarios, the shield can be used to block enemy fire while your tribe mounts a counterattack.
Resource management is crucial when using a Tek Shield. Element is a finite resource, so use it wisely. Prioritize defending high-value areas and avoid deploying the shield unnecessarily. In a tribe setting, coordinate with your members to ensure the shield is always powered and positioned correctly. Solo players should focus on securing a steady supply of Element and using the shield sparingly to conserve resources.
In summary, the Tek Shield is a powerful defensive tool that requires careful planning and resource management. By understanding its mechanics, positioning it strategically, and avoiding common mistakes, you can use the Tek Shield to protect your base and gain an advantage in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Whether you are defending against a raid or creating a safe zone for your tribe, the Tek Shield is an invaluable asset in ARK: Survival Evolved.
To craft a Tek Shield, you must first unlock the Tekgram for it. This is done by defeating the Dragon boss on any difficulty. Once unlocked, you can craft the Tek Shield at a Tek Replicator. The resources required to craft a Tek Shield include 250 Element, 500 Metal Ingots, 200 Polymer, and 100 Crystal. Element is the most challenging resource to obtain, as it is primarily acquired by defeating bosses or mining it in specific areas like the Genesis simulation or Extinction map. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge, Polymer can be harvested from organic sources like Kairuku or crafted using Obsidian and Cementing Paste, and Crystal is mined from crystal nodes found in caves or mountains.
Once crafted, the Tek Shield is deployed by placing it on the ground. It creates a dome-shaped energy barrier that can be adjusted in size using the radial menu. The shield blocks all incoming projectiles, including bullets, arrows, and explosives, but allows players and tamed creatures to pass through. It requires Element to function, consuming 1 Element every 10 minutes. To power the shield, you must insert Element into its inventory. The shield can be picked up and redeployed as needed, making it a versatile tool for both base defense and mobile operations.
When using a Tek Shield, positioning is critical. Place the shield in a location that covers key structures or areas, such as your base's main entrance, turret towers, or resource storage. The shield's size should be adjusted to cover as much area as possible without leaving gaps. Be mindful of the shield's energy consumption, as it will deactivate if it runs out of Element. Always keep a supply of Element on hand to ensure uninterrupted protection.
One common mistake is underestimating the shield's vulnerability to melee attacks. While the Tek Shield blocks ranged attacks, it can be destroyed by creatures or players using melee weapons. To counter this, place turrets or tamed dinosaurs near the shield to deter attackers. Another mistake is failing to monitor the shield's energy levels. Running out of Element during a raid can leave your base exposed, so always check the shield's inventory and replenish Element as needed.
Advanced techniques for using the Tek Shield include combining it with other defensive structures. For example, placing the shield over a cluster of turrets can protect them from enemy fire while allowing them to shoot outward. You can also use the shield to create safe zones during boss fights or to protect tamed dinosaurs during breeding or healing. In PvP scenarios, the shield can be used to block enemy fire while your tribe mounts a counterattack.
Resource management is crucial when using a Tek Shield. Element is a finite resource, so use it wisely. Prioritize defending high-value areas and avoid deploying the shield unnecessarily. In a tribe setting, coordinate with your members to ensure the shield is always powered and positioned correctly. Solo players should focus on securing a steady supply of Element and using the shield sparingly to conserve resources.
In summary, the Tek Shield is a powerful defensive tool that requires careful planning and resource management. By understanding its mechanics, positioning it strategically, and avoiding common mistakes, you can use the Tek Shield to protect your base and gain an advantage in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Whether you are defending against a raid or creating a safe zone for your tribe, the Tek Shield is an invaluable asset in ARK: Survival Evolved.