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

Crafting and using Tek Binoculars for underwater scouting 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 zoom in on distant objects, making them invaluable for scouting dangerous areas, including underwater environments. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use Tek Binoculars effectively, along with tips and considerations for underwater scouting.

To craft Tek Binoculars, you must first unlock the Tekgram for them. This is done by defeating one of the game's bosses, such as the Broodmother, Megapithecus, or Dragon. Each boss drops a specific Tekgram when defeated, and the Tek Binoculars are unlocked by defeating the Dragon. Once you have the Tekgram, 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 the game.

The resource requirements for crafting Tek Binoculars include 50 Element, 200 Metal Ingots, 100 Crystal, and 50 Polymer. Element is the most challenging resource to obtain, as it requires defeating bosses or completing certain endgame activities. Metal Ingots and Crystal can be gathered from metal nodes and crystal nodes found throughout the map, while Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or harvesting Organic Polymer from certain creatures like Mantis or by crafting it from Obsidian and Cementing Paste.

Once you have crafted the Tek Binoculars, using them for underwater scouting requires careful preparation. Underwater environments in ARK are dangerous, with threats like Megalodons, Electrophorus, and Cnidaria. To scout effectively, you should tame a strong underwater mount, such as a Basilosaurus or a Tuso (Tusoteuthis). These creatures provide mobility and protection while exploring underwater. Additionally, you should equip yourself with Scuba Gear to extend your underwater breathing time and protect against the cold temperatures of deep water.

When using Tek Binoculars underwater, position yourself in a safe spot where you can observe without being detected. The binoculars allow you to zoom in on distant creatures, structures, or resources, giving you valuable information before engaging or approaching. For example, you can use them to identify the location of underwater caves, which often contain valuable resources like Silica Pearls or Oil. You can also scout for dangerous creatures and plan your route accordingly.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the dangers of underwater exploration. Even with Tek Binoculars, you are vulnerable to attacks from aggressive creatures. Always have a backup plan, such as a fast mount to escape or weapons to defend yourself. Another mistake is neglecting to bring enough supplies, such as food, water, and medical brews, as underwater exploration can be time-consuming and draining.

Advanced techniques for using Tek Binoculars include pairing them with a Spyglass for even greater zoom capabilities or using them in conjunction with a GPS to mark locations of interest. You can also use them to coordinate with your tribe during underwater raids or resource-gathering missions. For solo players, Tek Binoculars are particularly useful for planning safe routes and avoiding unnecessary confrontations.

In terms of tribe considerations, Tek Binoculars can be shared among tribe members, but it is often more efficient for each member to have their own pair. This allows for simultaneous scouting and faster decision-making. For solo players, the binoculars are a powerful tool for gathering information and staying safe in dangerous areas.

In summary, crafting and using Tek Binoculars for underwater scouting in ARK: Survival Evolved requires significant preparation, including defeating bosses, gathering rare resources, and taming strong underwater mounts. Once crafted, they provide a powerful tool for scouting dangerous environments, but players must remain cautious and prepared for the threats they may encounter. By following these strategies and tips, you can maximize the effectiveness of Tek Binoculars and enhance your underwater exploration experience.