How do I craft a tek teleporter for underwater travel in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting a Tek Teleporter for underwater travel in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex process that requires advanced knowledge of the game's mechanics, significant resource gathering, and careful planning. The Tek Teleporter is a high-tier piece of technology that allows players to instantly transport themselves, their tames, and items between two linked teleporters. This is especially useful for underwater travel, as it eliminates the need for long and dangerous journeys through the ocean. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a Tek Teleporter for underwater travel.

To begin, you must first unlock the Tek Teleporter engram. This is done by defeating certain bosses in the game, such as the Broodmother, Megapithecus, or Dragon, and earning the necessary Tekgrams. Once unlocked, you will need to gather the required resources to craft the Tek Teleporter. The resources include a large amount of Element, Metal Ingots, Crystal, Polymer, Electronics, and Cementing Paste. Element is particularly challenging to obtain, as it is primarily acquired by defeating bosses or harvesting it from specific nodes in the Extinction map. You will also need a Tek Replicator to craft the Tek Teleporter, as it cannot be made in a regular crafting station.

Once you have the resources, place the Tek Replicator in a secure location, preferably within a well-defended base. Access the Tek Replicator and select the Tek Teleporter from the crafting menu. Crafting the Tek Teleporter will consume the required resources, so ensure you have enough before starting. After crafting, you will need to place the Tek Teleporter in your desired location. For underwater travel, it is recommended to place one teleporter on land and another underwater. Ensure both teleporters are powered by a sufficient amount of Element, as they require a constant supply to function.

To link the two teleporters, access the inventory of one teleporter and set it as the "source" teleporter. Then, access the other teleporter and set it as the "destination." Once linked, you can use the teleporters to instantly travel between the two locations. This is particularly useful for underwater bases, as it allows you to quickly transport resources, tames, and yourself without the risk of encountering dangerous sea creatures like Mosasaurs or Tusoteuthis.

When setting up an underwater teleporter, consider the following tips. First, ensure the underwater teleporter is placed in a secure location, such as inside a well-built underwater base. This will protect it from hostile creatures and other players in PvP scenarios. Second, use tames like the Basilosaurus or Tusoteuthis to gather resources and defend the area while setting up the teleporter. These creatures are well-suited for underwater environments and can help you gather materials like Silica Pearls and Oil, which are essential for crafting advanced items. Third, always carry a backup supply of Element and other resources in case the teleporter runs out of power or is destroyed.

Common mistakes to avoid include placing the teleporter in an exposed location, failing to power it with enough Element, and not linking the teleporters correctly. Additionally, avoid using the teleporter in high-traffic PvP areas unless you have strong defenses in place, as other players may target your teleporter to disrupt your operations.

Advanced techniques for optimizing underwater teleportation include using multiple teleporters to create a network of fast travel points across the map. This can be especially useful for large tribes with multiple bases. Additionally, consider using Tek Saddles on underwater tames like the Mosasaur or Megalodon to enhance their abilities and provide additional protection while traveling.

In terms of resource management, prioritize gathering Element and Polymer, as these are the most challenging resources to obtain. Use tames like the Ankylosaurus and Doedicurus to efficiently gather Metal and Stone, which can be converted into Metal Ingots and Cementing Paste. For solo players, focus on building a small, secure underwater base with minimal defenses to conserve resources. For tribes, coordinate with members to gather resources and defend the teleporters effectively.

In conclusion, crafting and using a Tek Teleporter for underwater travel in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic placement. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and techniques provided, you can create a reliable and efficient underwater travel system that enhances your survival and exploration capabilities in the game.