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

Crafting and using a Tek Grenade for underwater combat in ARK: Survival Evolved involves a combination of advanced technology, resource gathering, and strategic planning. Tek Grenades are powerful explosives that deal significant damage to both creatures and structures, making them highly effective in underwater combat scenarios. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use Tek Grenades, along with important tips and considerations.

To craft a Tek Grenade, you must first unlock the Tek Grenade engram. This 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 Tek-tier items. Specifically, you must defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon to obtain the necessary Tekgrams. Once you have the engram, you can craft Tek Grenades at a Tek Replicator, which is a high-tech crafting station that requires Element to operate.

The resource requirements for crafting a Tek Grenade are as follows: 10 Element, 50 Metal Ingots, 20 Polymer, and 10 Crystal. Element is a rare resource obtained by defeating bosses or harvesting it from specific nodes in the game. 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. Crystal is a common resource found in caves or mountainous regions.

Once you have gathered the necessary resources, place them in the Tek Replicator and craft the Tek Grenades. Each Tek Grenade has a blast radius of approximately 10 foundations, making it highly effective for clearing out large groups of enemies or destroying structures. However, Tek Grenades have a short fuse time, so timing is crucial when using them.

For underwater combat, Tek Grenades are particularly useful because they can be thrown and detonated underwater, unlike many other explosives. This makes them ideal for dealing with aggressive underwater creatures like Megalodons, Tusoteuthis, or even enemy players in PvP scenarios. When using Tek Grenades underwater, it is important to consider the following strategies.

First, always ensure you have a reliable underwater mount, such as a Basilosaurus or a Tuso, to provide mobility and protection. These creatures can help you navigate the underwater environment quickly and escape dangerous situations. Second, use the Tek Grenade's blast radius to your advantage by targeting groups of enemies or structures clustered together. This maximizes the damage output and ensures you get the most value from each grenade.

One common mistake to avoid is throwing Tek Grenades too close to yourself or your tames. The blast radius is large, and you can easily damage or kill yourself or your creatures if you are not careful. Always maintain a safe distance when throwing Tek Grenades, and consider using them from a high vantage point or behind cover to minimize the risk of self-inflicted damage.

Advanced techniques for using Tek Grenades include combining them with other Tek-tier items, such as the Tek Rifle or Tek Armor, to create a powerful combat loadout. For example, you can use the Tek Rifle to weaken enemies from a distance and then finish them off with a well-placed Tek Grenade. Additionally, Tek Armor provides enhanced protection and mobility, allowing you to maneuver more effectively during underwater combat.

Resource management is critical when using Tek Grenades, as they require rare and expensive materials to craft. Always prioritize gathering Element and Polymer, as these are the most challenging resources to obtain. Consider setting up a dedicated farming route or taming creatures like Ankylosaurus or Doedicurus to gather Metal and Crystal more efficiently.

In a tribe setting, coordination is key when using Tek Grenades. Assign roles to tribe members, such as one person gathering resources while another focuses on crafting and combat. This ensures that you have a steady supply of Tek Grenades and can use them effectively in group battles. For solo players, it is essential to plan your resource gathering and combat strategies carefully, as you will need to manage all aspects of survival and combat on your own.

Specific examples of using Tek Grenades in underwater combat include clearing out underwater caves filled with hostile creatures or defending your underwater base from enemy raids. In these scenarios, Tek Grenades can quickly turn the tide of battle by dealing massive damage to multiple targets at once. Always carry a few Tek Grenades with you when exploring underwater areas, as they can provide a quick and effective solution to unexpected threats.

In conclusion, crafting and using Tek Grenades for underwater combat in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic execution. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and techniques provided, you can effectively use Tek Grenades to dominate underwater combat scenarios and ensure your survival in the dangerous world of ARK.