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

Crafting a Tek Ladder in ARK: Survival Evolved is a task that requires advanced progression in the game, as it is part of the Tek Tier, the highest level of technology available. Tek Ladders are useful for base building, especially in vertical structures, as they allow players to climb up and down without needing to use ramps or stairs. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use a Tek Ladder, including the mechanics, strategies, and considerations involved.

To craft a Tek Ladder, you must first unlock the Tekgram for it. The Tek Ladder engram is unlocked at level 100, but you must also defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tekgrams. Specifically, you need to defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon to unlock the Tek Replicator, which is required for crafting Tek items. Once you have the Tek Replicator, you can craft the Tek Ladder. The Tek Replicator is a high-tech crafting station that uses Element as its primary power source, so you will need to gather Element, which is obtained by defeating bosses or harvesting it from certain creatures like the Titans in Extinction.

The resource requirements for crafting a Tek Ladder are as follows: 50 Metal Ingots, 20 Polymer, 10 Crystal, and 5 Element. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge, Polymer can be obtained from killing creatures like Kairuku or by crafting it from Obsidian and Cementing Paste, Crystal is mined from crystal nodes found in caves or mountains, and Element is obtained from boss fights or specific maps like Extinction. Gathering these resources can be time-consuming, so it is recommended to use tamed dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus for Metal and Crystal, and Beavers or Doedicurus for Stone to make Cementing Paste.

Once you have the resources, place them in the Tek Replicator and craft the Tek Ladder. The Tek Replicator requires Element to function, so ensure you have enough Element to power it. After crafting, you can place the Tek Ladder on any vertical surface, such as a wall or cliff. The ladder will automatically extend to the ground or the next platform, making it easy to climb. You can also adjust the length of the ladder by placing it higher or lower on the surface.

When using Tek Ladders, there are a few important tips to keep in mind. First, Tek Ladders are more durable than regular ladders and can withstand more damage, making them ideal for PvP scenarios where your base might be under attack. Second, Tek Ladders can be placed on both the inside and outside of structures, allowing for versatile base designs. Third, Tek Ladders do not require a foundation or ceiling to attach to, so you can use them in natural environments like cliffs or caves.

A common mistake to avoid is placing Tek Ladders in areas where they might obstruct movement or block access to other parts of your base. Always plan your base layout carefully to ensure that ladders are placed in convenient locations. Additionally, make sure you have enough Element to power your Tek Replicator, as running out of Element mid-crafting can be frustrating.

For advanced techniques, consider using Tek Ladders in combination with other Tek structures, such as Tek Teleporters or Tek Bridges, to create a highly efficient and secure base. For example, you can place a Tek Ladder leading to a hidden Tek Teleporter, allowing you to quickly escape or move around your base without being detected by enemies. Another optimization is to use Tek Ladders in underwater bases, as they can be placed on vertical surfaces underwater, providing easy access to different levels of your base.

In terms of tribe or solo considerations, Tek Ladders are equally useful for both playstyles. In a tribe, you can assign specific members to gather resources and craft the ladders, while in solo play, you will need to manage all the resource gathering and crafting yourself. Either way, Tek Ladders are a valuable addition to any base, providing a quick and efficient way to navigate vertical spaces.

In conclusion, crafting and using a Tek Ladder in ARK: Survival Evolved requires advanced progression, resource gathering, and careful planning. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully incorporate Tek Ladders into your base design, improving both functionality and security. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, Tek Ladders are a versatile and powerful tool for base building in ARK.