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

Crafting and using Tek Gauntlets in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game endeavor that requires significant preparation, resources, and progression. Tek Gauntlets are part of the Tek Tier, the most advanced technology in the game, and are primarily used for boss fights due to their unique abilities. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use Tek Gauntlets effectively.

To craft Tek Gauntlets, you must first unlock the Tek Gauntlets engram. This engram is available at level 100 and requires defeating certain bosses to unlock. Specifically, you need to defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon boss on Gamma difficulty to unlock the Tek Gauntlets engram. Once unlocked, you can craft the gauntlets at a Tek Replicator, which itself requires defeating a boss to unlock and crafting using Element, a rare resource obtained from boss fights or by harvesting Element Shards.

The resource requirements for crafting Tek Gauntlets are substantial. You will need 200 Element, 250 Metal Ingots, 100 Polymer, and 50 Crystal. Element is the most challenging resource to obtain, as it is primarily acquired by defeating bosses or harvesting Element Shards in the Genesis or Extinction maps. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge, Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku, Mantis, or by crafting it using Obsidian and Cementing Paste, and Crystal is mined from crystal nodes found in caves or mountainous regions.

Once crafted, Tek Gauntlets provide several advantages in boss fights. They allow you to punch with increased damage and knockback, making them useful for close-quarters combat. Additionally, they enable you to use the Tek Punch ability, which deals significant damage and can stun smaller creatures. This ability consumes Element, so it is essential to have a steady supply of Element during boss fights. The gauntlets also provide a small amount of armor, offering some protection against enemy attacks.

Preparation is key when using Tek Gauntlets in boss fights. Before engaging a boss, ensure you have a sufficient supply of Element to power the gauntlets. It is also advisable to bring backup weapons, such as a high-damage rifle or shotgun, in case you run out of Element or need to deal with adds (additional creatures that spawn during the fight). Wearing a full set of Tek Armor can further enhance your survivability and mobility, as it provides excellent protection and allows you to use abilities like the Tek Jetpack.

When using Tek Gauntlets in a boss fight, focus on timing your Tek Punches to maximize damage and stun effects. For example, against the Dragon boss, which is weak to melee damage, using Tek Punches can deal significant damage while keeping smaller creatures at bay. However, be cautious of the boss's attacks, as Tek Gauntlets do not provide enough protection to tank heavy hits. Positioning is crucial; stay mobile and avoid standing in one place for too long to minimize damage taken.

Common mistakes to avoid include running out of Element mid-fight, which renders the gauntlets useless, and over-relying on the Tek Punch ability without considering the boss's attack patterns. Always have a backup plan and be prepared to switch to other weapons if necessary. Additionally, ensure your character's stats are optimized for combat, with high health, stamina, and melee damage to maximize the effectiveness of the gauntlets.

Advanced techniques involve combining Tek Gauntlets with other Tek Tier equipment. For example, using a Tek Shield can provide additional protection while you close the distance to the boss, and a Tek Rifle can deal ranged damage when you need to stay at a distance. Coordinating with tribe members can also enhance your effectiveness; for instance, one player can focus on using Tek Gauntlets for melee damage while others provide ranged support or heal with a Tek Helmet's healing ability.

In solo play, using Tek Gauntlets requires careful resource management and strategic planning. Ensure you have a strong tamed dinosaur, such as a Rex or Therizinosaurus, to assist in the fight. The dinosaur can tank damage while you focus on dealing damage with the gauntlets. Additionally, consider bringing consumables like Medical Brews or Custom Consumables to heal quickly during the fight.

In summary, crafting and using Tek Gauntlets in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. It requires defeating bosses to unlock the engram, gathering rare resources, and preparing thoroughly for boss fights. By following the strategies outlined above, you can effectively use Tek Gauntlets to dominate in late-game content, whether playing solo or with a tribe.