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

Crafting and using a Tek Grenade Launcher in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game endeavor that requires significant preparation and resources. This powerful weapon is particularly useful in boss fights due to its high damage output and area-of-effect capabilities. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the Tek Grenade Launcher effectively, along with tips and considerations for both solo players and tribes.

To craft a Tek Grenade Launcher, you must first unlock its engram. This is done by defeating certain bosses, such as the Broodmother, Megapithecus, or Dragon, and obtaining their Tekgrams. Once unlocked, you can craft the Tek Grenade Launcher at a Tek Replicator. The crafting recipe requires 200 Element, 500 Metal Ingots, 200 Polymer, and 100 Electronics. Element is a rare resource obtained from defeating bosses or harvesting it from specific nodes in the Extinction map. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge, Polymer can be harvested from Obsidian or crafted using Organic Polymer, and Electronics are crafted from Metal Ingots and Silica Pearls.

Before attempting to craft the Tek Grenade Launcher, ensure you have a reliable source of Element. This often means preparing for and defeating bosses multiple times. For solo players, this can be challenging, so consider taming strong dinosaurs like Rexes, Therizinos, or Yutyrannus to assist in boss fights. Tribes can distribute the workload, with some members focusing on resource gathering while others prepare for combat.

Once you have the Tek Grenade Launcher, it is important to understand its mechanics. The launcher fires explosive grenades that deal significant damage in a wide radius. It has a magazine size of 10 and uses Element as ammunition. Each grenade consumes 1 Element, so ensure you have a sufficient supply before heading into a boss fight. The launcher also has a cooldown period after firing, so timing your shots is crucial.

In boss fights, the Tek Grenade Launcher excels at dealing damage to multiple targets or large bosses with high health pools. For example, in the Dragon boss fight, the launcher can quickly reduce the Dragon's health while also damaging its minions. However, be cautious of the splash damage, as it can harm you or your tamed dinosaurs if you are too close to the explosion. Positioning is key; maintain a safe distance while ensuring your shots land accurately.

Resource management is critical when using the Tek Grenade Launcher. Element is a finite resource, so use it wisely. Consider bringing additional Element and a Tek Replicator to the boss arena if possible, allowing you to craft more grenades during the fight. Tribes can assign one member to manage resources and craft ammunition while others focus on combat.

Common mistakes include running out of Element mid-fight, misjudging the splash damage radius, and failing to account for the launcher's cooldown. To avoid these, always carry extra Element, practice your aim in a safe environment, and coordinate with your tribe to ensure continuous firepower.

Advanced techniques involve combining the Tek Grenade Launcher with other Tek items, such as the Tek Shield or Tek Armor, to enhance survivability and mobility. For example, using the Tek Shield can block incoming attacks while you reload or reposition. Additionally, equipping Tek Armor with jetpack capabilities allows you to maintain a safe distance from the boss while raining down grenades.

Preparation for boss fights should include gathering and taming strong dinosaurs, crafting high-quality saddles, and stockpiling resources. For solo players, consider using a mix of ranged and melee dinosaurs to balance damage output and tanking. Tribes can specialize roles, with some members focusing on ranged attacks using the Tek Grenade Launcher while others handle close combat.

In summary, the Tek Grenade Launcher is a powerful tool for boss fights in ARK: Survival Evolved, but it requires significant preparation and resource management. By understanding its mechanics, practicing your aim, and coordinating with your tribe, you can maximize its effectiveness and dominate in boss encounters. Always be mindful of your resources and positioning to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a successful fight.