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

Crafting a Tek Rifle for underwater combat in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex process that requires advanced progression and preparation. The Tek Rifle is a high-tier weapon that uses Element as ammunition, making it one of the most powerful tools in the game. It is particularly effective underwater due to its ability to fire projectiles without being affected by water resistance, unlike traditional firearms. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the Tek Rifle for underwater combat.

To begin, you must first unlock the Tek Rifle engram. 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. Once you defeat a boss, you will receive Tekgrams, which are special engrams that allow you to craft Tek-tier items. The Tek Rifle engram is unlocked after defeating the Dragon boss on The Island map, for example. After unlocking the engram, you will need to gather the necessary resources to craft the rifle.

The resources required to craft a Tek Rifle include 250 Metal Ingots, 100 Polymer, 100 Crystal, 50 Electronics, and 20 Element. These materials are not easy to come by, so you will need to prepare thoroughly. 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 using Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Crystal is found in mountainous regions or caves, while Electronics are crafted from Metal Ingots, Silica Pearls, and Oil. Element is the most challenging resource to obtain, as it is primarily acquired by defeating bosses or completing certain endgame activities like the Genesis missions.

Once you have gathered all the required resources, you will need to craft the Tek Rifle at a Tek Replicator. The Tek Replicator is a high-tier crafting station that requires Element to operate. To craft the Tek Replicator, you will need 1200 Metal Ingots, 200 Polymer, 150 Crystal, 100 Electronics, and 80 Element. Building a Tek Replicator is a significant investment, so it is recommended to do this as part of a tribe to share the resource burden. If you are playing solo, you will need to focus heavily on resource gathering and boss fights to accumulate the necessary materials.

After crafting the Tek Rifle, you will need to prepare for underwater combat. The Tek Rifle uses Element as ammunition, so you will need to stockpile Element Shards or Element to keep it operational. Element Shards can be obtained by defeating certain creatures or by breaking down Element in a Tek Dedicated Storage. When using the Tek Rifle underwater, it is important to note that it does not suffer from the same limitations as traditional firearms, which lose accuracy and damage underwater. The Tek Rifle fires energy projectiles that are unaffected by water, making it ideal for underwater combat scenarios.

One of the most effective strategies for underwater combat with the Tek Rifle is to pair it with a strong underwater mount, such as a Basilosaurus or a Tuso. These creatures provide mobility and protection while you focus on dealing damage with the rifle. The Basilosaurus is particularly useful because it has high health and immunity to the stun effects of jellyfish and eels, which are common threats underwater. The Tuso, on the other hand, is a powerful predator that can grab and immobilize enemies, giving you time to line up shots with the Tek Rifle.

When engaging in underwater combat, always be aware of your surroundings. Underwater environments in ARK are filled with dangerous creatures like Megalodons, Plesiosaurs, and Mosasaurs. Use your mount to scout the area and avoid unnecessary fights. If you encounter a large group of enemies, consider using the Tek Rifle's secondary fire mode, which releases a charged shot that deals area-of-effect damage. This can be particularly effective against swarms of smaller creatures or when fighting multiple targets at once.

A common mistake to avoid is running out of Element ammunition during a fight. Always carry extra Element or Element Shards in your inventory or on your mount. Additionally, be mindful of the Tek Rifle's durability. Like all Tek items, the Tek Rifle has a limited lifespan and will eventually break. Carry repair materials, such as Metal Ingots and Polymer, to repair it in the field if necessary.

For advanced players, consider using the Tek Rifle in combination with other Tek-tier equipment, such as the Tek Armor or Tek Saddle. The Tek Armor provides enhanced protection and mobility, while the Tek Saddle can be equipped on certain dinosaurs to give them powerful abilities. For example, the Tek Saddle for the Rex allows it to fire a laser beam, which can be devastating in combat. Combining these tools with the Tek Rifle can give you a significant advantage in underwater battles.

In conclusion, crafting and using a Tek Rifle for underwater combat in ARK: Survival Evolved requires significant preparation and resource management. Unlocking the engram, gathering materials, and crafting the rifle are just the first steps. To maximize its effectiveness, pair it with a strong underwater mount, manage your ammunition carefully, and be aware of your surroundings. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, the Tek Rifle is a powerful tool that can help you dominate the underwater environments of ARK.