How do I craft and use a tek railgun for underwater combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a Tek Railgun for underwater combat in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex process that requires advanced preparation, resources, and knowledge of the game's mechanics. The Tek Railgun is a powerful weapon that excels in underwater combat due to its high damage output and ability to fire underwater, unlike many other weapons. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the Tek Railgun effectively.

To craft a Tek Railgun, you must first unlock its engram. The Tek Railgun engram is available at level 100 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, you also need to defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tekgrams, which are required to craft Tek-tier items. Specifically, you must defeat the Overseer, Rockwell, or the King Titan to unlock the Tek Railgun engram. Once unlocked, you can craft the Tek Railgun at a Tek Replicator, which itself requires Element to operate.

The resource requirements for crafting a Tek Railgun are significant. You will need 200 Element, 500 Metal Ingots, 200 Polymer, 100 Crystal, and 50 Electronics. Element is the most challenging resource to obtain, as it is primarily acquired by defeating bosses or harvesting it from Element Nodes in specific maps like Extinction. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge, Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku, Mantis, or by crafting it from Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Crystal is mined from crystal nodes, and Electronics are crafted from Metal Ingots, Silica Pearls, and Oil.

Once you have crafted the Tek Railgun, you need to charge it with Element Shards or Element. Each shot consumes one Element Shard or a fraction of an Element, so ensure you have a steady supply. The Tek Railgun has a charge-up mechanic, meaning you must hold the fire button to charge the shot before releasing it. The longer you charge, the more damage the shot will deal, but it also consumes more Element. This makes it crucial to manage your shots carefully, especially in prolonged underwater battles.

Underwater combat with the Tek Railgun requires specific strategies. The weapon is highly effective against large aquatic creatures like Mosasaurs, Tusoteuthis, and Alpha Megalodons due to its high damage output. However, its slow charge time and limited ammunition mean you must position yourself carefully. Use the environment to your advantage by hiding behind rocks or coral to avoid taking damage while charging your shots. Tamed aquatic creatures like Basilosaurus or Tusoteuthis can provide additional support by tanking damage or stunning enemies, giving you time to line up your shots.

One common mistake is underestimating the resource cost of using the Tek Railgun. Element is a rare and valuable resource, so wasting shots on weak enemies or missing your target can be costly. Always aim for high-value targets like Alpha creatures or enemy players in PvP scenarios. Additionally, avoid using the Tek Railgun in shallow water or near the surface, as its projectiles can be difficult to aim in these conditions.

Advanced techniques include pairing the Tek Railgun with a Tek Suit for enhanced mobility underwater. The Tek Suit's thrusters allow you to maneuver quickly, making it easier to dodge attacks and position yourself for optimal shots. You can also use a Tek Canteen to manage your oxygen levels, allowing you to stay underwater longer without needing to surface. In PvP scenarios, consider using the Tek Railgun as a sniper weapon, taking out enemy players from a distance before they can react.

For solo players, the Tek Railgun is a powerful tool for tackling underwater caves or hunting dangerous creatures. However, its resource requirements make it more practical for late-game players who have already established a steady supply of Element. In a tribe setting, the Tek Railgun can be a game-changer for underwater raids or defending underwater bases. Assigning one tribe member to focus on crafting and maintaining Tek Railguns while others gather resources can streamline the process.

In summary, the Tek Railgun is a high-tier weapon that requires significant preparation and resources to craft and use effectively. Its power in underwater combat makes it invaluable for tackling some of the game's most challenging threats, but its high cost and slow charge time demand careful planning and execution. By following the strategies outlined above, you can maximize the Tek Railgun's potential and dominate the underwater world of ARK: Survival Evolved.