How do I craft a tek chestpiece for underwater armor in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting a Tek Chestpiece for underwater armor in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex process that requires advanced preparation, resource gathering, and progression through the game's technology tiers. The Tek Chestpiece is part of the Tek Armor set, which provides unique abilities such as underwater breathing, increased mobility, and enhanced protection. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft this item, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To craft a Tek Chestpiece, you must first unlock the Tekgram for it. This is done by defeating certain bosses in the game, such as the Broodmother, Megapithecus, or Dragon, depending on the map you are playing on. Each boss drops specific Tekgrams, and the Tek Chestpiece is unlocked by defeating the Dragon on The Island map or equivalent bosses on other maps. Once you have the Tekgram, you can craft the chestpiece at a Tek Replicator, which is a high-tier crafting station that requires Element to operate.

The first step is to gather the necessary resources. Crafting a Tek Chestpiece requires 250 Metal Ingots, 150 Polymer, 100 Crystal, 50 Cementing Paste, and 20 Element. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Polymer can be obtained from killing creatures like Kairuku or by crafting it from Obsidian and Cementing Paste in a Fabricator. Crystal is mined from crystal nodes found in caves or mountains. Cementing Paste is crafted from Chitin or Keratin and Stone in a Mortar and Pestle or obtained from Beelzebufo or Achatina. Element is a rare resource obtained from defeating bosses, completing certain missions in Genesis, or by crafting it in a Tek Replicator using Element Shards.

Once you have gathered all the resources, you need to build a Tek Replicator. This requires 1200 Metal Ingots, 200 Polymer, 150 Crystal, 100 Cementing Paste, and 80 Element. Place the Tek Replicator in a secure location, as it is expensive to replace. Power the Tek Replicator using a Tek Generator, which requires Element to run. Ensure you have a steady supply of Element to keep the Tek Replicator operational.

With the Tek Replicator powered, access its inventory and select the Tek Chestpiece from the crafting menu. Place the required resources into the Tek Replicator and start the crafting process. The Tek Chestpiece will take some time to craft, so be patient. Once crafted, equip the Tek Chestpiece to benefit from its underwater breathing ability, which allows you to stay submerged indefinitely without needing to surface for air. This is particularly useful for exploring underwater caves, harvesting resources like Silica Pearls, or engaging in underwater combat.

When using the Tek Chestpiece, it is important to manage your Element consumption. The chestpiece requires Element to function, and each piece of Tek Armor consumes Element over time. Always carry extra Element in your inventory to recharge the chestpiece when needed. Additionally, the Tek Chestpiece provides significant protection, but it is not invincible. Be cautious when facing powerful underwater creatures like Tusoteuthis or Alpha Mosasaurs, as they can still deal substantial damage.

For solo players, crafting a Tek Chestpiece can be a daunting task due to the high resource requirements and the need to defeat bosses. It is recommended to tame strong creatures like Rexes or Therizinos for boss fights and to use them effectively in combat. For tribes, coordinating resource gathering and boss fights can make the process more manageable. Assign roles to tribe members, such as gathering specific resources or taming creatures for boss battles, to streamline the process.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the resource requirements and failing to prepare adequately for boss fights. Ensure you have a well-equipped army of tamed creatures and sufficient supplies like medical brews and ammunition before attempting a boss fight. Additionally, always have a backup plan in case something goes wrong, such as a secondary base or escape route.

Advanced techniques include optimizing your resource gathering by using tamed creatures like Ankylosaurus for Metal and Doedicurus for Stone. Use a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport heavy resources efficiently. For boss fights, consider breeding and imprinting your creatures to maximize their stats and effectiveness in combat.

In summary, crafting a Tek Chestpiece for underwater armor in ARK: Survival Evolved requires defeating bosses, gathering significant resources, and using a Tek Replicator. Proper preparation, resource management, and strategic planning are essential for success. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, following these steps and tips will help you achieve your goal and enhance your underwater survival capabilities.