How do I craft and use a tek binoculars for scouting in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using Tek Binoculars in ARK: Survival Evolved is a mid-to-late game activity that requires significant preparation and resources. Tek Binoculars are an advanced piece of equipment that allows players to scout enemies, creatures, and resources from a distance with enhanced precision. They are particularly useful for planning raids, taming strategies, or exploring dangerous areas. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use Tek Binoculars effectively.

To craft Tek Binoculars, you must first unlock the Tekgram for them. 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 Binoculars engram. Once you have defeated the appropriate boss and unlocked the engram, you can craft the binoculars at a Tek Replicator. The Tek Replicator itself requires a significant amount of resources, including Element, which is obtained by defeating bosses or harvesting it from specific nodes in Extinction or Genesis maps.

The resource requirements for crafting Tek Binoculars include 50 Element, 100 Metal Ingots, 50 Crystal, and 20 Polymer. Element is the most challenging resource to obtain, as it requires defeating bosses or completing missions in certain maps. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge, while Crystal is gathered from crystal nodes found in caves or mountainous regions. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or harvesting Organic Polymer from certain creatures, or by crafting it using Obsidian and Cementing Paste.

Once you have crafted the Tek Binoculars, using them is straightforward. Equip them in your hotbar and use them like any other tool. When you look through the binoculars, you will see a detailed HUD that displays information about creatures, players, and structures within your line of sight. This includes health, level, and tribe affiliation for creatures and players, as well as the durability and type of structures. This information is invaluable for planning attacks, taming high-level creatures, or scouting enemy bases.

One important tip for using Tek Binoculars is to pair them with a high vantage point. Climbing to the top of a mountain or building a tall tower can give you a clear view of the surrounding area, allowing you to scout for threats or resources without putting yourself in danger. Additionally, using them in conjunction with a flying mount like an Argentavis or Wyvern can help you cover large distances quickly and safely.

A common mistake players make is using Tek Binoculars in open areas without cover. While the binoculars provide excellent scouting capabilities, they do not make you invisible. Hostile creatures or enemy players can still spot and attack you while you are using them. Always ensure you have a safe location or a tamed dinosaur to protect you while scouting.

Advanced techniques for using Tek Binoculars include combining them with other Tek items, such as the Tek Helmet or Tek Rifle. The Tek Helmet provides night vision and thermal imaging, which can help you spot hidden enemies or creatures in dark areas. The Tek Rifle can be used to eliminate threats from a distance after scouting them with the binoculars. Additionally, using the binoculars to mark targets for your tribe members can improve coordination during raids or taming operations.

Resource management is crucial when preparing to craft Tek Binoculars. Since Element is a rare and valuable resource, you should prioritize defeating bosses or completing missions that reward it. Stockpile Metal Ingots, Crystal, and Polymer in advance to avoid delays in crafting. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinate with your members to gather resources efficiently. Solo players may need to focus on taming strong creatures to help with boss fights or resource gathering.

In summary, Tek Binoculars are a powerful tool for scouting and planning in ARK: Survival Evolved. Crafting them requires defeating bosses, gathering rare resources, and using a Tek Replicator. Once crafted, they provide detailed information about your surroundings, making them invaluable for survival, combat, and exploration. Always use them from a safe location, and consider pairing them with other Tek items for maximum effectiveness. With proper preparation and strategy, Tek Binoculars can give you a significant advantage in the dangerous world of ARK.