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

Crafting a Tek Grenade in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game endeavor that requires significant preparation and access to advanced technology. Tek Grenades are powerful explosives that deal massive damage, making them particularly useful for underwater combat where traditional weapons may be less effective. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use Tek Grenades, including the mechanics, strategies, and considerations involved.

To craft a Tek Grenade, you must first unlock the Tek Grenade engram. This engram is available at level 105 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, reaching level 105 is not enough on its own. You must also defeat at least one of the game's bosses to gain access to Tek Tier technology. Boss fights are challenging and require a well-prepared team or a strong army of tamed dinosaurs. Once you have defeated a boss, you will gain the ability to craft Tek items, including Tek Grenades.

The resources required to craft a Tek Grenade are as follows: 50 Metal Ingots, 20 Polymer, 10 Element, and 5 Black Pearls. Metal Ingots are obtained by smelting Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Polymer can be harvested from organic sources like Kairuku or crafted using Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Element is a rare resource obtained from defeating bosses or by harvesting it from specific nodes in the Genesis and Extinction maps. Black Pearls are typically found in the ocean, often dropped by creatures like Trilobites, Eurypterids, or Alpha Mosasaurs.

Once you have gathered the necessary resources, you can craft Tek Grenades at a Tek Replicator. The Tek Replicator is a high-tech crafting station that requires Element to operate. To build a Tek Replicator, you will need 100 Metal Ingots, 75 Crystal, 50 Polymer, and 15 Element. Place the Tek Replicator in a secure location within your base, as it is a valuable and expensive piece of equipment.

When using Tek Grenades for underwater combat, there are several important considerations. First, Tek Grenades have a significant blast radius, so you must be cautious to avoid damaging yourself or your tamed creatures. Underwater combat often involves close-quarters encounters with aggressive creatures like Megalodons, Tusoteuthis, or Alpha Mosasaurs, so positioning is key. Use the grenades to create distance or to deal massive damage to groups of enemies.

One common mistake is underestimating the resource requirements for Tek Grenades. Element, in particular, is a rare and valuable resource that should be used sparingly. Avoid wasting Tek Grenades on weaker enemies or in situations where traditional weapons would suffice. Additionally, Tek Grenades are not reusable, so each use consumes valuable resources. Plan your underwater expeditions carefully and bring only the necessary equipment to maximize efficiency.

Advanced techniques for using Tek Grenades include combining them with other Tek items for maximum effectiveness. For example, the Tek Rifle can be used to weaken enemies from a distance before finishing them off with a Tek Grenade. Additionally, using a Tek Suit for underwater mobility can help you position yourself strategically during combat. The Tek Suit's thrusters allow for quick movements, making it easier to avoid enemy attacks and deploy grenades effectively.

Resource management is crucial when preparing for underwater combat. Ensure that you have a steady supply of Metal Ingots, Polymer, and Black Pearls before attempting to craft Tek Grenades. Tamed creatures like Ankylosaurus and Doedicurus can help gather Metal and Stone efficiently, while Kairuku or Mantis can provide Polymer. For Black Pearls, consider taming a Basilosaurus or Tusoteuthis to safely harvest them from the ocean depths.

Tribe considerations are also important. If you are part of a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and prepare for boss fights. Defeating bosses is easier with a well-organized team, and sharing the burden of resource gathering can speed up the process of crafting Tek Grenades. Solo players will need to focus on taming strong creatures and building a secure base to protect their resources.

In summary, crafting and using Tek Grenades for underwater combat in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. It requires defeating bosses, gathering rare resources, and mastering advanced technology. By following the steps outlined above and avoiding common mistakes, you can effectively use Tek Grenades to dominate underwater encounters and enhance your survival in the dangerous world of ARK.