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

Crafting and using a Tek Sword for underwater combat in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game endeavor that requires significant preparation and resources. The Tek Sword is one of the most powerful melee weapons in the game, capable of dealing high damage and having unique abilities, such as a charged attack that can knock back enemies. However, it is particularly useful underwater due to its ability to function effectively in environments where many other weapons are less practical. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the Tek Sword for underwater combat.

To craft a Tek Sword, you must first unlock its engram. The Tek Sword 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 items. Specifically, you must defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon boss on Gamma difficulty or higher to unlock the Tek Replicator engram, which is necessary for crafting Tek items like the Tek Sword. Once you have the engram, you can craft the Tek Sword in a Tek Replicator.

The resource requirements for crafting a Tek Sword are substantial. You will need 250 Metal Ingots, 100 Polymer, 100 Crystal, 50 Element, and 50 Black Pearls. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku, Mantis, or by crafting it from Obsidian and Cementing Paste in a Fabricator. Crystal is mined from crystal nodes found in caves or mountains. Element is a rare resource obtained from defeating bosses or by harvesting it from Element Nodes in the Genesis DLC. Black Pearls are gathered from killing Trilobites, Eurypterids, or by harvesting them from certain creatures like the Deathworm or Tusoteuthis.

Once you have crafted the Tek Sword, it is important to understand its mechanics. The Tek Sword has a standard melee attack and a charged attack. The charged attack consumes Element as fuel and can knock back enemies, making it particularly useful for crowd control. The sword also has a durability system, so it will degrade over time and eventually break if not repaired. To repair it, you will need to use a Tek Replicator and provide the necessary resources.

For underwater combat, the Tek Sword is highly effective because it does not suffer from the same limitations as ranged weapons, which often have reduced accuracy or functionality underwater. Additionally, the knockback effect of the charged attack can be a lifesaver when dealing with aggressive underwater creatures like Megalodons, Tusoteuthis, or Plesiosaurs. When using the Tek Sword underwater, it is important to manage your oxygen levels and stamina. Equipping SCUBA gear or using a Lazarus Chowder can help extend your underwater survival time.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the resource requirements for crafting and maintaining the Tek Sword. Element, in particular, is a rare and valuable resource, so it is important to plan ahead and ensure you have a steady supply before committing to crafting the sword. Another mistake is not practicing with the swordÔÇÖs charged attack. The knockback effect can be a double-edged sword, as it can push enemies out of range for follow-up attacks or even knock them into you, causing unintended damage.

Advanced techniques for using the Tek Sword include combining it with other Tek items, such as the Tek Armor, which provides additional protection and mobility. The Tek ArmorÔÇÖs jetpack function can be particularly useful for maneuvering in underwater environments, allowing you to quickly close the distance to enemies or escape dangerous situations. Additionally, using the Tek Sword in conjunction with tamed underwater creatures like the Basilosaurus or Mosasaurus can create a powerful combination, as the creatures can tank damage while you deal high DPS with the sword.

For solo players, the Tek Sword can be a game-changer, as it allows you to handle underwater threats more effectively without relying on a tribe. However, it is still important to have a backup plan, such as a tamed creature or a safe base nearby, in case things go wrong. For tribes, the Tek Sword can be a valuable asset in coordinated underwater raids or resource gathering missions. Assigning roles, such as having one player focus on combat while others gather resources or provide support, can maximize the effectiveness of the sword.

In summary, crafting and using a Tek Sword for underwater combat in ARK: Survival Evolved requires significant preparation, resources, and practice. By understanding the mechanics, managing resources effectively, and using advanced techniques, you can make the most of this powerful weapon in the challenging underwater environments of ARK. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, the Tek Sword can be a key tool in your survival and combat arsenal.