How do I craft a tek wall for base defense in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting a Tek Wall in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game activity that requires significant preparation and resources. Tek Walls are part of the advanced Tek Tier, which is unlocked after defeating bosses and obtaining Tekgrams. These walls are highly durable and provide excellent defense for your base, making them ideal for protecting against both environmental threats and enemy players in PvP scenarios. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use Tek Walls effectively.

To craft a Tek Wall, you must first unlock the Tekgram for the Tek Wall by defeating one of the game's bosses. The most accessible boss for this is the Broodmother Lysrix on The Island map, which unlocks the Tek Replicator and basic Tek structures. Once you have the Tekgram, you can craft the Tek Wall in a Tek Replicator, a high-tech crafting station that requires Element to operate. The Tek Replicator itself must be crafted in an Obelisk or a Supply Drop, and it requires a significant amount of resources, including Metal Ingots, Crystal, Polymer, and Electronics.

The resource requirements for a single Tek Wall are substantial. You will need 100 Metal Ingots, 50 Crystal, 20 Polymer, and 10 Element. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge, while Crystal is gathered from crystal nodes found in caves or mountainous areas. Polymer can be obtained from killing creatures like Kairuku or by crafting it using Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Element is the most challenging resource to acquire, as it is obtained by defeating bosses or by converting Element Shards, which are dropped by certain creatures or found in specific locations.

Once you have gathered the necessary resources, place them in the Tek Replicator and craft the Tek Wall. The Tek Wall is a large structure, so ensure you have enough space in your base to place it. It is also important to note that Tek Walls require Element to power them, so you will need a steady supply of Element to keep them functional. This makes Tek Walls more suitable for late-game bases where you have access to a reliable source of Element.

When placing Tek Walls, consider their defensive capabilities. Tek Walls are resistant to most forms of damage, including explosives, making them ideal for protecting key areas of your base. However, they are not invincible, and sustained attacks from high-level enemies or players can still destroy them. To maximize their effectiveness, combine Tek Walls with other defensive structures like Turrets, Plant Species X, and reinforced gates. This layered defense strategy will make your base much harder to breach.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the resource requirements for Tek Walls. Crafting just a few Tek Walls can deplete your resources quickly, so it is essential to plan ahead and gather materials in bulk. Use tamed dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus for Metal and Crystal, and Beavers or Castoroides for Wood and Cementing Paste. Efficient resource gathering will save you time and effort in the long run.

For solo players, crafting Tek Walls can be a daunting task due to the high resource demands. However, focusing on taming dinosaurs that aid in resource gathering can make the process more manageable. For tribes, dividing tasks among members can speed up the process. Assign some members to gather resources, others to craft, and others to defend the base while the Tek Walls are being constructed.

In advanced scenarios, you can optimize your base defense by combining Tek Walls with Tek Turrets and Tek Forcefields. Tek Turrets are highly effective at targeting both creatures and players, while Tek Forcefields can block incoming projectiles. These structures also require Element to function, so ensure your base has a steady supply.

In summary, crafting Tek Walls in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. It requires defeating bosses, gathering significant resources, and planning your base layout carefully. By following the steps outlined above and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a highly secure base that can withstand even the toughest challenges. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, Tek Walls are a valuable addition to your defensive arsenal.