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

Crafting and using a Tek Grenade in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game activity that requires significant preparation and resources. Tek Grenades are powerful explosives that deal massive damage to both creatures and structures, making them highly effective in boss fights. However, they are expensive to craft and require access to advanced technology. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use Tek Grenades effectively, along with tips and considerations for boss fights.

To craft a Tek Grenade, you must first unlock the Tek Grenade 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 Tek Tier items. Specifically, you must defeat the Broodmother, Megapithecus, or Dragon bosses to unlock the Tek Replicator, which is required to craft Tek Grenades. Once you have the engram, you can craft Tek Grenades in the Tek Replicator.

The resource requirements for crafting a single Tek Grenade are as follows: 100 Element, 50 Polymer, 50 Metal Ingots, and 50 Crystal. Element is the most challenging resource to obtain, as it is primarily acquired by defeating bosses or mining it in specific areas of the map. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku (penguins) or by crafting it using Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge, and Crystal is mined from crystal nodes found in caves or mountains.

Once you have crafted Tek Grenades, you can use them in boss fights to deal significant damage. Tek Grenades have a large blast radius and can hit multiple targets, making them ideal for dealing with groups of enemies or bosses with multiple phases. To use a Tek Grenade, equip it from your inventory and throw it by pressing the designated key or button. Be cautious of the blast radius, as it can damage you and your tamed creatures if you are too close.

When preparing for a boss fight, it is essential to bring a sufficient number of Tek Grenades. Depending on the boss, you may need anywhere from 10 to 20 grenades to deal enough damage. Additionally, you should bring a high-level Rex or other strong combat dinosaurs to assist in the fight. Rexes are particularly effective due to their high health and damage output. Make sure to equip your dinosaurs with high-quality saddles to reduce incoming damage.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the boss's strength. Even with Tek Grenades, bosses in ARK are formidable opponents that require careful planning and execution. Always bring backup supplies, such as medical brews and food, to keep yourself and your dinosaurs alive during the fight. Another mistake is not coordinating with your tribe if you are playing in a group. Communication is key to ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that resources are used efficiently.

Advanced techniques for using Tek Grenades include timing your throws to maximize damage. For example, some bosses have phases where they are more vulnerable, and throwing Tek Grenades during these phases can significantly reduce their health. Additionally, you can use Tek Grenades to clear out smaller enemies that spawn during the boss fight, allowing your dinosaurs to focus on the boss.

Resource management is crucial when preparing for a boss fight. Ensure that you have enough Element and other materials to craft Tek Grenades before attempting the fight. It is also a good idea to stockpile resources for crafting additional grenades during the fight if needed. Efficiently using your tamed dinosaurs for resource gathering can save time and effort, allowing you to focus on preparing for the boss fight.

In solo play, using Tek Grenades can be more challenging due to the limited resources and lack of backup. However, with careful planning and preparation, it is still possible to succeed. Focus on taming high-level dinosaurs and equipping them with the best gear available. In tribe play, coordination and resource sharing are essential. Assign roles to tribe members, such as gathering resources, crafting grenades, and handling dinosaurs, to ensure that everyone contributes to the fight.

Specific examples of using Tek Grenades in boss fights include the Dragon boss fight on The Island map. The Dragon is weak to explosive damage, making Tek Grenades highly effective. During the fight, the Dragon will spawn minions that can overwhelm your dinosaurs. Using Tek Grenades to clear out these minions can give your dinosaurs a better chance of surviving and dealing damage to the Dragon.

In conclusion, crafting and using Tek Grenades in ARK: Survival Evolved requires significant preparation and resources. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively use Tek Grenades in boss fights to deal massive damage and increase your chances of success. Remember to plan carefully, coordinate with your tribe, and avoid common mistakes to ensure a successful boss fight.