How do I craft and use a tek sword for boss fights in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a Tek Sword in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game endeavor that requires significant preparation and resources. The Tek Sword is one of the most powerful melee weapons in the game, capable of dealing high damage and having a unique energy-based attack. It is particularly useful in boss fights due to its high damage output and versatility. Here is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a Tek Sword effectively.

To craft a Tek Sword, you must first unlock its engram. The Tek Sword 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 special engrams tied to Tek Tier items. Specifically, you need to defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon boss to unlock the Tek Sword engram. Once unlocked, you can craft the Tek Sword at a Tek Replicator, which itself requires defeating a boss to unlock.

The resource requirements for crafting a Tek Sword are substantial. You will need 250 Metal Ingots, 75 Polymer, 50 Crystal, 25 Element, and 50 Black Pearls. Metal Ingots are obtained by smelting Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Polymer can be harvested from organic sources like Kairuku or crafted using Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Crystal is found in mountainous regions or caves. Element is a rare resource obtained by defeating bosses or completing certain end-game activities. Black Pearls are typically harvested from Trilobites, Eurypterids, or Alpha Mosasaurs.

Once you have crafted the Tek Sword, it is important to understand its mechanics. The Tek Sword has two primary attacks: a standard melee slash and a charged energy attack. The standard slash deals high damage and is effective against most enemies. The charged energy attack, activated by holding the attack button, releases a powerful energy wave that can hit multiple targets and deal significant damage. However, this attack consumes Element Shards, which are crafted from Element. Each energy attack consumes one Element Shard, so you need to manage your resources carefully.

In boss fights, the Tek Sword can be a game-changer. Its high damage output allows you to quickly dispatch smaller enemies and deal significant damage to the boss itself. However, using the Tek Sword effectively requires careful positioning and timing. Bosses in ARK often have powerful attacks that can quickly overwhelm you if you are not careful. It is important to stay mobile and avoid standing in one place for too long. Use the Tek Sword's energy attack to deal burst damage when the boss is vulnerable, such as during an attack animation or when it is distracted by your tamed dinosaurs.

When preparing for a boss fight, it is crucial to have a well-rounded strategy. Tamed dinosaurs play a significant role in boss fights, as they can tank damage and deal consistent damage to the boss. Rexes, Therizinosaurus, and Yutyrannus are popular choices for boss fights due to their high health and damage output. Make sure your dinosaurs are well-leveled and equipped with high-quality saddles to maximize their effectiveness. Additionally, bring plenty of healing items like Medical Brews and Stimulants to keep yourself and your dinosaurs alive during the fight.

Resource management is another key consideration. The Tek Sword requires Element Shards to use its energy attack, so make sure you have a sufficient supply before entering the boss arena. Element Shards are crafted from Element, which is a rare and valuable resource. You can obtain Element by defeating bosses, completing the Tek Cave, or harvesting it from certain end-game creatures like the Titans. It is also a good idea to bring backup weapons and armor in case your Tek Sword runs out of durability or Element Shards.

For solo players, using the Tek Sword in boss fights can be challenging but rewarding. You will need to rely heavily on your tamed dinosaurs to tank damage and deal consistent damage to the boss. Make sure your dinosaurs are well-leveled and equipped with high-quality saddles. Additionally, bring plenty of healing items and backup weapons to ensure you can survive the fight. For tribes, coordination is key. Assign roles to each tribe member, such as tanking, healing, and dealing damage, to maximize your effectiveness in the boss fight.

In conclusion, crafting and using a Tek Sword in ARK: Survival Evolved requires significant preparation and resources. However, its high damage output and versatility make it a valuable tool in boss fights. By understanding its mechanics, preparing your tamed dinosaurs, and managing your resources effectively, you can use the Tek Sword to dominate the toughest challenges in the game. Whether you are playing solo or with a tribe, the Tek Sword can be a game-changer in your journey through the world of ARK.