How do I craft a tek helmet and use it for night vision in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a Tek Helmet for night vision in ARK: Survival Evolved is a mid-to-late game goal that requires significant preparation and resource gathering. The Tek Helmet is part of the advanced Tek Tier, which is unlocked after defeating certain bosses and gaining access to Tek Engrams. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the Tek Helmet, along with tips and considerations to help you succeed.

To craft a Tek Helmet, you must first unlock its engram. This is done by defeating one of the game's bosses, such as the Broodmother, Megapithecus, or Dragon, depending on the map you are playing on. Each boss drops Element, which is a key resource for crafting Tek items. Once you have defeated a boss and obtained Element, you can unlock the Tek Helmet engram by spending Engram Points. The Tek Helmet requires level 100 to unlock, so ensure your character is sufficiently leveled.

The crafting process for the Tek Helmet requires several resources. You will need 250 Metal Ingots, 75 Crystal, 50 Polymer, 50 Cementing Paste, and 20 Element. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge, while Crystal is gathered from crystal nodes found in caves or mountains. Polymer can be obtained from killing creatures like Kairuku or by crafting it using Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Cementing Paste is crafted from Chitin or Keratin and Stone in a Mortar and Pestle or by using a Beelzebufo to gather it from insects. Element is the most challenging resource to obtain, as it is only dropped by bosses or can be crafted in a Tek Replicator using Element Shards, which are found in specific areas like the Genesis Simulation or Extinction map.

Once you have gathered all the necessary resources, you can craft the Tek Helmet at a Tek Replicator. The Tek Replicator is a high-tier crafting station that requires Element to power. Place the resources into the Tek Replicator and initiate the crafting process. The Tek Helmet will take some time to craft, so ensure you have enough Element to power the Replicator during this period.

Using the Tek Helmet for night vision is straightforward. Equip the helmet in your head slot, and it will automatically provide night vision when it is dark. The night vision feature enhances visibility in low-light conditions, making it easier to navigate caves, explore at night, or engage in combat during nighttime. The Tek Helmet also provides additional benefits, such as increased armor and the ability to scan creatures for their stats and levels. This makes it a versatile tool for both survival and combat.

There are several important tips and considerations when using the Tek Helmet. First, ensure you have a reliable source of Element to keep the helmet powered. The Tek Helmet consumes Element over time, so always carry extra Element or Element Shards to recharge it. Second, the Tek Helmet is a high-value item, so avoid losing it in dangerous situations. If you are playing on a PvP server, be cautious when wearing the helmet, as other players may target you for your advanced gear. Third, the night vision feature can be disorienting for some players, so take time to adjust to the green-tinted view it provides.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the resource requirements for crafting the Tek Helmet. Gathering the necessary materials, especially Element, can be time-consuming and challenging. Plan ahead and ensure you have a strong base and tamed dinosaurs to assist in resource gathering. Another mistake is neglecting to power the Tek Replicator with enough Element during the crafting process. Always double-check your resources before starting the craft.

Advanced techniques for optimizing the use of the Tek Helmet include pairing it with other Tek items, such as the Tek Chestpiece or Tek Boots, to enhance your overall survivability and mobility. Additionally, using the helmet in combination with tamed dinosaurs that have night vision abilities, such as the Megalosaurus, can give you a significant advantage in nighttime combat or exploration.

For solo players, crafting a Tek Helmet can be a daunting task due to the resource requirements and the need to defeat bosses. Consider teaming up with other players or joining a tribe to share the workload. In a tribe, you can divide tasks such as resource gathering, boss fights, and crafting, making the process more manageable.

In summary, crafting and using a Tek Helmet in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and preparation. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and strategies provided, you can successfully craft and utilize the Tek Helmet to enhance your survival and combat capabilities, especially during nighttime. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the Tek Helmet is a valuable tool that can significantly improve your gameplay experience.