How do I craft a tek helmet for underwater exploration in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting a Tek Helmet for underwater exploration in ARK: Survival Evolved is a multi-step process that requires significant preparation, resource gathering, and progression through the game's technology tiers. The Tek Helmet is part of the advanced Tek Tier, which is unlocked after defeating certain bosses and obtaining their Tekgrams. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve this, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To begin, you must first unlock the Tek Helmet engram. This is done by defeating one of the game's bosses, such as the Broodmother, Megapithecus, or Dragon, on at least Gamma difficulty. Each boss drops a specific Tekgram, and the Tek Helmet engram is unlocked by defeating the Dragon. Once you have the engram, you can craft the Tek Helmet at a Tek Replicator, which is a high-tier crafting station that requires Element to operate.

The Tek Helmet itself requires several resources to craft. These include 250 Metal Ingots, 75 Crystal, 50 Polymer, 50 Cementing Paste, and 20 Element. Gathering these resources can be time-consuming, so it is important to plan ahead. Metal Ingots are obtained by smelting Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Crystal can be mined from crystal nodes found in caves or mountainous regions. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or by crafting it from Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Cementing Paste is made from Chitin/Keratin and Stone in a Mortar and Pestle or by harvesting it from Beavers or Achatina snails. Element is a rare resource obtained from defeating bosses or by crafting it in a Tek Replicator using Element Shards, which are found in Extinction or by harvesting Element Nodes in Genesis.

Once you have gathered all the necessary resources, you will need to craft the Tek Helmet in a Tek Replicator. The Tek Replicator itself requires a significant amount of resources to build, including 2000 Metal Ingots, 200 Crystal, 200 Polymer, and 100 Element. It also requires a large amount of power to operate, so you will need to set up a reliable power source, such as Tek Generators or a network of Electrical Generators.

When using the Tek Helmet, it provides several benefits for underwater exploration. It offers enhanced vision modes, including night vision, thermal vision, and a sonar-like detection system that highlights nearby creatures and structures. This makes it invaluable for navigating dark underwater caves or spotting dangerous predators like Megalodons or Tusoteuthis. The helmet also provides a small amount of oxygen, allowing you to stay underwater longer without needing to surface for air.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of obtaining Element. Defeating bosses to acquire Element can be challenging, especially for solo players. It is recommended to prepare thoroughly by taming strong dinosaurs like Rexes, Therizinos, or Spinos, and equipping them with high-quality saddles. Additionally, coordinating with a tribe can make boss fights more manageable, as multiple players can bring their own tames and share the workload.

Advanced techniques for optimizing your underwater exploration with the Tek Helmet include using a Basilosaurus or a Tuso as your primary underwater mount. These creatures are well-suited for deep-sea exploration and can handle most threats you will encounter. Additionally, setting up underwater bases or taming an Angler can help with resource gathering, as Anglers provide a significant boost to silica pearl collection, which is useful for crafting other Tek items.

In summary, crafting a Tek Helmet for underwater exploration in ARK: Survival Evolved requires defeating bosses to unlock the engram, gathering a variety of resources, and building a Tek Replicator. Proper preparation, including taming strong dinosaurs and coordinating with a tribe, can make the process smoother. Once crafted, the Tek Helmet provides significant advantages for underwater exploration, making it a valuable tool for any survivor looking to conquer the depths of ARK's oceans.