How do I craft a tek hatchframe for base building in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting a Tek Hatchframe in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game activity that requires advanced resources, technology, and preparation. The Tek Hatchframe is part of the Tek Tier, which is the highest tier of technology in the game. It is used for creating secure and advanced base structures, often in combination with other Tek components like Tek Walls, Tek Doors, and Tek Foundations. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a Tek Hatchframe effectively.

To craft a Tek Hatchframe, you must first unlock its engram. The Tek Hatchframe engram is available at level 100 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, you cannot unlock Tek engrams simply by leveling up. You must defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tekgrams, which are the blueprints for Tek structures and items. For the Tek Hatchframe, you need to defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon boss on Gamma difficulty or higher. Each boss drops specific Tekgrams, so ensure you defeat the correct one to unlock the Hatchframe.

Once you have the Tekgram, you can craft the Tek Hatchframe at a Tek Replicator. The Tek Replicator is a high-tech crafting station that requires Element to operate. To build a Tek Replicator, you need to unlock its engram at level 100 and gather the necessary resources, including 1000 Metal Ingots, 100 Crystal, 100 Polymer, and 100 Element. The Tek Replicator itself is a significant investment, so plan accordingly.

The resource requirements for crafting a Tek Hatchframe are substantial. You will need 200 Metal Ingots, 50 Crystal, 50 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 mountains. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku, Mantis, or by crafting it using Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Element is a rare resource obtained by defeating bosses or crafting it in a Tek Replicator using Element Shards, which are found in the Genesis and Extinction maps.

Before attempting to craft a Tek Hatchframe, ensure you have a reliable source of Element. This is the most challenging resource to obtain, as it requires defeating bosses or completing missions in Genesis. If you are playing solo, consider taming strong creatures like Rexes, Therizinos, or Megatheriums to help you in boss fights. In a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to gather resources and prepare for boss battles efficiently.

When placing the Tek Hatchframe, ensure it is compatible with your base design. Tek Hatchframes are typically used in conjunction with Tek Foundations and Walls to create a seamless and secure structure. They can also be used in combination with regular structures, but this may require careful placement to avoid gaps or misalignments. Use the Hatchframe to create hidden compartments, secure storage areas, or advanced trap systems.

One common mistake is underestimating the resource requirements for Tek Tier items. Gathering enough Element and Polymer can be time-consuming, especially in solo play. Plan your resource gathering trips carefully and use tamed creatures like Ankylosaurus for Metal and Obsidian, Doedicurus for Stone, and Beavers or Therizinos for Wood and Fiber. This will save you time and effort.

Advanced techniques include using Tek Hatchframes in combination with other Tek structures to create a fully automated or highly secure base. For example, you can use Tek Turrets and Tek Forcefields to defend your base, while the Hatchframe provides access to hidden areas. In PvP scenarios, Tek Hatchframes can be used to create decoy structures or trap rooms to confuse and outmaneuver enemy players.

In summary, crafting a Tek Hatchframe requires defeating bosses, unlocking Tekgrams, and gathering rare resources like Element and Polymer. Use a Tek Replicator to craft the Hatchframe and integrate it into your base design for added security and functionality. Whether playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and resource management are key to successfully utilizing Tek Tier technology in ARK: Survival Evolved.