How do I craft a tek hover skiff for transportation in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting a Tek Hover Skiff in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game goal that requires significant preparation, resources, and knowledge of the game's mechanics. The Tek Hover Skiff is a versatile transportation device that allows players to hover over land and water, carry multiple creatures, and even transport resources. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the Tek Hover Skiff effectively.

To begin, you must first unlock the Tek Hover Skiff engram. This engram is available at level 120 and requires 60 Engram Points to unlock. However, reaching level 120 is not enough. You must also defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tekgrams, which are special engrams tied to Tek-tier items. Specifically, you need to defeat the King Titan boss to unlock the Tek Hover Skiff engram. This means you will need to prepare for a challenging boss fight, which requires a strong team, powerful tames, and advanced gear.

Once you have unlocked the engram, you will need to gather the necessary resources to craft the Tek Hover Skiff. The crafting recipe requires the following materials: 500 Metal Ingots, 200 Polymer, 100 Crystal, 100 Electronics, 100 Element, and 50 Black Pearls. These resources are not easy to come by, so you will need to plan your resource-gathering efforts carefully. Metal Ingots can be obtained by smelting Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Polymer can be crafted from Organic Polymer or Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Crystal is found in mountainous regions, while Electronics are crafted from Metal Ingots and Silica Pearls. Element is a rare resource obtained from defeating bosses or by converting Element Shards in a Replicator. Black Pearls are typically found in the ocean or by killing certain creatures like Trilobites or Eurypterids.

Crafting the Tek Hover Skiff requires a Tek Replicator, which is a high-tier crafting station. To build a Tek Replicator, you will need 1000 Metal Ingots, 200 Polymer, 100 Crystal, 100 Electronics, and 50 Element. The Tek Replicator also requires a significant amount of power, so you will need to set up a reliable power source, such as Tek Generators or a network of Electrical Generators. Once you have the Tek Replicator set up, you can place the required materials into it and craft the Tek Hover Skiff.

When using the Tek Hover Skiff, there are several important tips to keep in mind. First, the skiff has a limited energy supply, which is consumed as you move or carry heavy loads. You can recharge the skiff by placing it near a Tek Generator or by using Element Shards. Second, the skiff can carry multiple creatures, but the weight of the creatures will affect its speed and energy consumption. Be mindful of the weight limit to avoid overloading the skiff. Third, the skiff can hover over water, making it an excellent tool for exploring ocean biomes or transporting aquatic creatures. However, be cautious of deep water, as the skiff can sink if it runs out of energy.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the resource requirements for crafting the Tek Hover Skiff. Gathering the necessary materials can take a significant amount of time, especially if you are playing solo. To optimize your resource gathering, consider taming creatures like Ankylosaurus for Metal, Doedicurus for Stone, and Beavers for Wood. These creatures can significantly speed up the gathering process. Additionally, setting up resource outposts near resource-rich areas can save time and effort.

For tribes, coordinating resource gathering and boss fights can make the process much easier. Assign roles to tribe members, such as gatherers, fighters, and builders, to ensure that everyone contributes to the goal. When fighting the King Titan, make sure to bring powerful tames like Rexes, Gigas, or Tek Creatures, as well as high-quality weapons and armor. Communication and strategy are key to defeating the boss and unlocking the Tek Hover Skiff engram.

In conclusion, crafting a Tek Hover Skiff in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. It requires careful planning, resource management, and teamwork, especially when preparing for boss fights. By following the steps outlined above and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully craft and use the Tek Hover Skiff to enhance your transportation and exploration capabilities in the game.