How do I craft and use a tek light for illumination in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a Tek Light in ARK: Survival Evolved is a mid-to-late game activity that requires access to Tek-tier technology. Tek Lights are advanced lighting solutions that provide bright illumination and can be customized in color, making them ideal for base lighting, aesthetics, or even signaling. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a Tek Light, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To craft a Tek Light, you must first unlock the Tekgram for it. This is done by defeating certain bosses in the game, such as the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon. Each boss drops specific Tekgrams, so you need to check which boss drops the Tek Light engram. Once unlocked, you can craft the Tek Light at a Tek Replicator, which is a high-tier crafting station. The Tek Replicator itself requires a significant amount of resources, including Element, Metal Ingots, Crystal, and Polymer, so prepare accordingly.

The resource requirements for crafting a Tek Light include 50 Metal Ingots, 25 Crystal, 15 Polymer, and 5 Element. Element is a rare resource obtained by defeating bosses or harvesting it from specific nodes in certain maps like Extinction. Metal Ingots and Crystal are gathered from metal rocks and crystal nodes, respectively, while Polymer can be obtained from killing creatures like Kairuku or harvesting Organic Polymer from certain creatures or crafting it with Obsidian and Cementing Paste.

Once you have the resources, place them in the Tek Replicator and craft the Tek Light. After crafting, you can place the Tek Light in your base or desired location. The Tek Light requires a connection to a Tek Generator to function. The Tek Generator is another advanced item that requires Element to power. Place the Tek Generator nearby and connect it to the Tek Light using Tek Cables. Ensure the Tek Generator is fueled with Element, as it consumes Element over time to provide power.

When placing the Tek Light, you can adjust its color and brightness. This is done by interacting with the Tek Light after placement. You can cycle through a wide range of colors and adjust the intensity of the light to suit your needs. This customization makes Tek Lights versatile for both practical and decorative purposes.

One important tip is to plan your base layout carefully before placing Tek Lights. Since they require a Tek Generator and Tek Cables, you need to ensure the wiring is efficient and doesnÔÇÖt clutter your base. Additionally, Tek Generators have a limited range, so place them strategically to power multiple Tek Lights without wasting resources.

A common mistake is underestimating the resource cost of maintaining Tek-tier equipment. Element is a finite resource, and running multiple Tek Lights and other Tek devices can deplete your Element reserves quickly. To avoid this, consider using Tek Lights sparingly or only in key areas of your base. Another mistake is not protecting your Tek Generator and Tek Lights from enemy attacks, especially in PvP scenarios. Ensure they are well-defended or hidden to prevent sabotage.

For advanced techniques, you can use Tek Lights in combination with other Tek-tier items to create automated systems. For example, you can connect Tek Lights to a Tek Sensor to create motion-activated lighting. This is particularly useful for security or creating immersive environments. Additionally, you can use Tek Lights to mark specific areas, such as landing zones for flyers or pathways in large bases.

In terms of tribe considerations, Tek-tier items are often a collective effort. Tribes can pool resources to craft Tek Lights and share the benefits. However, solo players can also achieve this by focusing on boss fights and resource gathering. For solo players, itÔÇÖs crucial to prioritize which Tek items to craft first, as the resource requirements are steep.

A specific example of using Tek Lights is in a large PvP base. You can place Tek Lights around the perimeter to illuminate potential entry points for enemies, making it easier to spot intruders. In a PvE scenario, Tek Lights can be used to create a visually stunning base or to light up dark areas like caves or underwater bases.

In summary, crafting and using a Tek Light in ARK: Survival Evolved involves unlocking the Tekgram, gathering resources, and setting up a Tek Generator and Tek Cables. Careful planning, resource management, and base defense are key to successfully integrating Tek Lights into your gameplay. Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, Tek Lights offer both practical and aesthetic benefits, making them a valuable addition to any advanced base.