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

Crafting a Tek Sword in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game endeavor that requires significant preparation, resources, and progression. The Tek Sword is one of the most powerful melee weapons in the game, especially effective for underwater combat due to its high damage output and durability. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the Tek Sword, including mechanics, strategies, and considerations.

To craft a Tek Sword, you must first unlock its engram. The Tek Sword engram is available at level 100 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, you cannot unlock it immediately upon reaching level 100. You must defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tekgrams, which are special engrams tied to Tek-tier items. Specifically, you need to defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon boss to unlock the Tek Sword engram. These bosses are found in the game's boss arenas, and defeating them requires a well-prepared team or a strong army of tamed dinosaurs.

Once you have unlocked the Tek Sword engram, you will need to gather the necessary resources to craft it. The Tek Sword requires the following materials: 250 Metal Ingots, 100 Polymer, 50 Crystal, 50 Element, and 50 Black Pearls. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Refining Forge or Industrial Forge. Polymer can be obtained by harvesting Obsidian and crafting it with Cementing Paste, or by killing Kairuku (penguins) and harvesting Organic Polymer. Crystal is found in mountainous regions or caves. Element is a rare resource obtained by defeating bosses or completing certain endgame activities. Black Pearls are harvested from certain creatures like Trilobites, Eurypterids, or Deathworms, or by taming and harvesting from a Tusoteuthis.

Crafting the Tek Sword requires a Tek Replicator, which is a high-tier crafting station. To build a Tek Replicator, you need to unlock its engram by defeating the Overseer boss. The Tek Replicator itself requires 200 Metal Ingots, 100 Polymer, 100 Crystal, and 100 Element to craft. Once you have the Tek Replicator, place it in a secure location, as it is expensive to replace if destroyed. Power the Tek Replicator with Element or a Tek Generator, then use it to craft the Tek Sword.

When using the Tek Sword, it is important to note that it consumes Element as fuel. Each Tek Sword comes with a built-in Element charge, and once depleted, you must recharge it by adding more Element. This makes the Tek Sword a high-maintenance weapon, so use it strategically. The Tek Sword is particularly effective underwater due to its high damage and ability to cut through most creatures with ease. It is ideal for fighting underwater predators like Megalodons, Tusoteuthis, or even the Mosasaurus.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the resource requirements for the Tek Sword. Gathering Element and Black Pearls can be time-consuming and dangerous, so plan accordingly. Another mistake is using the Tek Sword recklessly without considering its durability and Element consumption. Always carry extra Element to recharge the sword during extended battles.

For advanced players, consider pairing the Tek Sword with a Tek Suit for maximum efficiency. The Tek Suit provides enhanced mobility and protection, making it easier to navigate underwater environments and engage in combat. Additionally, taming a Basilosaurus or a pack of Megalodons can provide support during underwater expeditions, as these creatures are strong and can help fend off threats while you focus on using the Tek Sword.

In a tribe setting, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and defeat bosses efficiently. Assign roles such as resource gatherers, taming specialists, and combat experts to streamline the process. Solo players should focus on taming strong dinosaurs like Rexes or Therizinos to help with boss fights, as these battles are challenging without a team.

In summary, crafting a Tek Sword in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. It requires defeating bosses, gathering rare resources, and using advanced crafting stations. The Tek Sword is a powerful weapon for underwater combat, but it demands careful resource management and strategic use. By following this guide and avoiding common mistakes, you can wield the Tek Sword effectively and dominate the underwater world of ARK.