How do I craft a tek underwater tek cloning chamber and use it for cloning creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex process that requires advanced knowledge of the game's mechanics, resources, and progression. This device allows players to clone creatures, which can be incredibly useful for preserving high-level tames or creating backups of valuable dinosaurs. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber, along with tips and considerations for success.

To begin, you must first unlock the Tek Cloning Chamber engram. This is done by defeating the Alpha Rockwell boss in the Genesis: Part 2 map or the Alpha Rockwell Prime boss in the Aberration map. Defeating these bosses grants you the necessary Tekgrams, which are required to craft Tek-tier items. Once unlocked, you can craft the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber at a Tek Replicator. The Tek Replicator itself requires a significant amount of resources, including Element, Metal Ingots, Crystal, and Polymer, so ensure you have a steady supply of these materials.

The resource requirements for the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber are substantial. You will need 250 Element, 500 Metal Ingots, 200 Crystal, 100 Polymer, and 50 Black Pearls. Gathering these resources can be time-consuming, so it is advisable to use high-level tames like Ankylosaurus for metal and crystal, and a Megalodon or Tusoteuthis for Black Pearls. Element is typically obtained by defeating bosses or harvesting it from specific nodes in Extinction or Genesis maps. Polymer can be harvested from Kairuku, Mantis, or by crafting it using Obsidian and Cementing Paste.

Once you have crafted the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber, you need to place it in an underwater location. The chamber must be submerged to function, so choose a spot in the ocean or a deep lake. Ensure the area is secure, as the chamber and the creatures you clone will be vulnerable to attacks from wild creatures or other players in PvP. Building a protective base around the chamber with turrets or tamed aquatic creatures like Mosasaurs or Tusoteuthis can help defend it.

To use the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber, you need to insert Element into its inventory. Each clone requires a specific amount of Element, depending on the creature's level and type. Higher-level creatures and larger species will consume more Element. Once the Element is inserted, you can select the creature you wish to clone from the chamber's interface. The cloning process takes time, and the chamber will display a progress bar indicating how long until the clone is complete.

One important consideration is that the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber can only clone creatures that are currently alive and in your possession. This means you cannot clone extinct creatures or those you do not own. Additionally, the chamber has a cooldown period after each use, so plan your cloning activities accordingly. It is also worth noting that cloned creatures will have the same stats and level as the original, but they will not retain any imprints or mutations.

A common mistake players make is underestimating the resource requirements for the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber. Gathering enough Element, Polymer, and Black Pearls can be a significant challenge, especially for solo players or small tribes. To optimize resource gathering, consider using tames with high gathering efficiency, such as a Doedicurus for stone, a Therizinosaur for fiber and wood, and a Megalodon for Black Pearls. Additionally, setting up resource outposts near rich resource nodes can save time and effort.

Advanced techniques for using the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber include creating backup clones of your most valuable tames, such as high-level Rexes for boss fights or high-stamina Argentavis for transportation. This ensures that if a tame is lost in battle or to other players, you can quickly replace it without having to retame or breed a new one. Another strategy is to clone creatures with specific mutations or stats, allowing you to experiment with breeding programs without risking your original tames.

In terms of tribe considerations, the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber is best utilized in a coordinated tribe setting. Larger tribes can pool resources to craft and maintain the chamber, while also providing defense for the underwater base. Solo players may find it more challenging to gather the necessary resources and defend the chamber, but it is still achievable with careful planning and resource management.

In conclusion, the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber is a powerful tool for preserving and replicating your most valuable creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved. By understanding the mechanics, gathering the necessary resources, and implementing effective strategies, you can make the most of this advanced technology. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, the Tek Underwater Cloning Chamber can significantly enhance your survival and combat capabilities in the game.