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

Crafting and using a Tek Saddle for underwater tames in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex process that requires advanced preparation, resource gathering, and knowledge of the game's mechanics. Tek Saddles are high-tier equipment that provide unique abilities to tamed creatures, such as underwater breathing, enhanced mobility, or even offensive capabilities. Below is a detailed guide to help you achieve this.

To begin, you must first unlock the Tek Saddle engram. This is done by defeating certain bosses in the game, such as the Broodmother, Megapithecus, or Dragon. Each boss drops specific Tekgrams, which are required to unlock Tek Saddles for different creatures. For underwater tames, you will need to defeat the Megapithecus or Dragon to unlock the Tek Saddle engram for creatures like the Mosasaur or Basilosaurus. Once unlocked, you can craft the Tek Saddle at a Tek Replicator, which is a high-tier crafting station that requires Element to operate.

Crafting a Tek Saddle requires several resources. The exact materials depend on the creature, but generally, you will need Element, Metal Ingots, Crystal, Polymer, and Cementing Paste. Element is the most critical resource and is obtained by defeating bosses or harvesting it from specific nodes in certain maps. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge, while Crystal is gathered from crystal nodes found in caves or mountains. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or by crafting it from Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Cementing Paste is made from Chitin/Keratin and Stone in a Mortar and Pestle or by harvesting it from Beavers or Achatina.

Once you have gathered all the necessary resources, place them in the Tek Replicator and craft the Tek Saddle. After crafting, you can equip the saddle on your underwater tame. For example, the Mosasaur Tek Saddle allows the creature to fire a Tek Cannon, which is highly effective against both creatures and structures. The Basilosaurus Tek Saddle provides enhanced underwater mobility and protection, making it easier to navigate and survive in the ocean.

When using a Tek Saddle, it is important to manage your Element supply. The saddle consumes Element to power its abilities, so always carry extra Element in your inventory or on your tame. Additionally, Tek Saddles are expensive to craft, so avoid using them in low-risk situations where a regular saddle would suffice. Save them for high-stakes battles or difficult underwater exploration.

One common mistake is underestimating the resource requirements for Tek Saddles. Gathering enough Element, Polymer, and other materials can be time-consuming, so plan ahead and allocate time for resource farming. Another mistake is not properly preparing your tame for combat. Even with a Tek Saddle, your creature can still be overwhelmed by strong enemies, so ensure it has high health and damage stats before engaging in battles.

For advanced players, consider breeding your underwater tames to create stronger versions with better stats. A high-level Mosasaur or Basilosaurus with a Tek Saddle can dominate underwater combat and exploration. Additionally, coordinate with your tribe to share resources and responsibilities. For example, one player can focus on gathering Element while another farms Polymer, making the process more efficient.

In solo play, prioritize resource management and safety. Use a high-level tame to protect yourself while gathering materials, and avoid unnecessary risks. For example, when farming Element in the Tek Cave, bring a strong Rex or Yuty to handle the aggressive creatures inside.

In summary, crafting and using a Tek Saddle for underwater tames in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and preparation. Unlock the engram by defeating bosses, gather the necessary materials, and craft the saddle in a Tek Replicator. Equip it on your tame and use its abilities wisely, always keeping an eye on your Element supply. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating resource requirements or engaging in unnecessary battles. With proper preparation and strategy, a Tek Saddle can greatly enhance your underwater survival and combat capabilities.