How do I craft a tek underwater tek rex saddle and use it for mounted combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a Tek Underwater Rex Saddle in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex process that requires advanced preparation, resources, and knowledge of the game's mechanics. This saddle is a high-tier item that allows you to ride a Rex underwater, providing unique combat advantages in aquatic environments. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use this saddle effectively.

To begin, you must first unlock the Tek Underwater Rex Saddle engram. This engram is available at level 100 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, you also need to defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tekgrams, which are required to craft Tek items. Specifically, you must defeat the Alpha Dragon, Alpha Broodmother, and Alpha Megapithecus to unlock the necessary Tekgrams. These bosses are found in the game's boss arenas, and defeating them requires a well-prepared team, strong tames, and high-quality gear.

Once you have the engram unlocked, you can craft the Tek Underwater Rex Saddle at a Tek Replicator. The Tek Replicator is a high-tier crafting station that requires Element to operate. To build a Tek Replicator, you need 1200 Metal Ingots, 200 Crystal, 150 Polymer, and 80 Element. The saddle itself requires 200 Metal Ingots, 150 Polymer, 100 Crystal, 50 Element, and 50 Black Pearls. Gathering these resources can be time-consuming, so it is advisable to use tames like Ankylosaurus for metal, Doedicurus for stone, and Beavers or Mammoths for wood. Black Pearls can be obtained from killing Trilobites, Eurypterids, or Alpha Mosasaurs, or by harvesting them from certain underwater nodes.

Before attempting to craft the saddle, ensure you have a Rex that is strong enough to handle underwater combat. Rexes are not naturally aquatic creatures, so you will need to breed and mutate them for better stats. Focus on increasing health, melee damage, and stamina. Mutations can be achieved through selective breeding, but this process can take a significant amount of time and resources. Once you have a strong Rex, equip it with the Tek Underwater Rex Saddle. This saddle provides oxygen to the Rex, allowing it to stay underwater indefinitely, and also enhances its combat capabilities with a Tek laser attack.

When using the Tek Underwater Rex Saddle in combat, positioning and strategy are key. The Rex's Tek laser attack is powerful but has a cooldown period, so timing your attacks is crucial. Use the Rex's high health pool to tank damage while dealing significant damage to enemies. Be mindful of your surroundings, as underwater environments can be treacherous with strong currents and aggressive creatures like Mosasaurs and Tusoteuthis. Always carry a backup weapon or tame in case your Rex is overwhelmed.

Resource management is critical when preparing for underwater combat. Ensure you have enough Element to power the Tek Replicator and the saddle. Element is a rare resource that can be obtained by defeating bosses or harvesting it from specific nodes in the game. Stockpile Black Pearls and Polymer, as these are essential for crafting the saddle and other Tek items. Consider setting up a dedicated resource-gathering team within your tribe to streamline the process.

Tribe considerations are important when crafting and using the Tek Underwater Rex Saddle. If you are part of a tribe, coordinate with your members to gather resources and prepare for boss fights. Assign roles such as resource gatherers, breeders, and combat specialists to maximize efficiency. If you are playing solo, focus on taming high-level Rexes and gathering resources efficiently. Solo players may find it challenging to defeat the required bosses, so consider teaming up with other players or using mods to make the process easier.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the difficulty of boss fights, neglecting to breed and mutate your Rexes, and failing to stockpile enough resources. Boss fights require careful preparation, including high-level tames, strong weapons, and plenty of healing items. Breeding and mutating Rexes can take time, but the effort is worth it for the increased stats. Always plan ahead and gather more resources than you think you will need, as Tek items are resource-intensive.

Advanced techniques include using cryopods to transport your Rex to underwater locations quickly. Cryopods allow you to store tames in a portable device, making it easier to deploy them in strategic locations. Additionally, consider using a Basilosaurus or Tusoteuthis to support your Rex in underwater combat. These creatures can provide healing and crowd control, giving your Rex an edge in battle.

In summary, crafting and using a Tek Underwater Rex Saddle in ARK: Survival Evolved requires advanced preparation, resource management, and strategic planning. Unlock the necessary engrams, gather the required resources, and breed strong Rexes to maximize your chances of success. Coordinate with your tribe or prepare thoroughly if playing solo, and always be mindful of your surroundings during underwater combat. With careful planning and execution, the Tek Underwater Rex Saddle can be a powerful tool in your arsenal.