How do I craft a tek shield for blocking attacks in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Crafting a Tek Shield in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game activity that requires significant preparation and resources. The Tek Shield is a powerful piece of equipment that can block incoming attacks, making it invaluable in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the Tek Shield effectively.
To craft a Tek Shield, you must first unlock its engram. The Tek Shield engram is available at level 100 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, before you can unlock it, you must defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tekgrams, which are special engrams tied to Tek-tier items. Specifically, you need to defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon boss to unlock the Tek Shield engram. These bosses are found in the game's boss arenas, and defeating them requires a well-prepared team or a strong army of tamed dinosaurs.
Once you have unlocked the Tek Shield engram, you will need to gather the necessary resources to craft it. The crafting recipe for the Tek Shield includes 200 Metal Ingots, 100 Polymer, 50 Crystal, 50 Element, and 20 Black Pearls. Metal Ingots are obtained by smelting Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Polymer can be crafted using Obsidian and Cementing Paste or harvested from certain creatures like Kairuku or Mantis. Crystal is found in caves or mountainous regions, while Element is a rare resource obtained by defeating bosses or completing certain end-game activities. Black Pearls can be harvested from Deathworms, Eurypterids, or Alpha Tusoteuthis.
Crafting the Tek Shield requires a Tek Replicator, which is a high-tier crafting station. To build a Tek Replicator, you need 200 Metal Ingots, 100 Polymer, 50 Crystal, 50 Element, and 20 Black Pearls, along with a Generator to power it. The Tek Replicator consumes Element as fuel, so ensure you have a steady supply of Element to keep it running. Once you have all the resources, place them in the Tek Replicator and craft the Tek Shield.
Using the Tek Shield effectively requires understanding its mechanics. The Tek Shield can block most incoming attacks, including melee, ranged, and even some explosive damage. However, it consumes Element as fuel, so you must keep an eye on its durability and recharge it with Element when necessary. The shield has a limited energy pool, and once it depletes, it will need to recharge before it can be used again. To activate the shield, equip it in your off-hand slot and hold the right mouse button (or the corresponding button on your controller) to raise it. The shield will absorb damage until its energy is depleted.
When using the Tek Shield, positioning and timing are crucial. In PvP scenarios, the shield can block incoming bullets or arrows, giving you a significant advantage in combat. However, it does not protect against attacks from behind, so always face your enemies. In PvE, the shield can be used to block attacks from aggressive creatures, allowing you to survive encounters that would otherwise be deadly. For example, when facing a Rex or a Giga, the shield can absorb their powerful bites, giving you time to retreat or counterattack.
One common mistake players make is relying too heavily on the Tek Shield without considering its energy consumption. The shield drains Element quickly, especially when blocking high-damage attacks. Always carry extra Element to recharge the shield during prolonged battles. Another mistake is failing to repair the shield after it takes significant damage. The Tek Shield can be repaired in a Tek Replicator using Metal Ingots, Polymer, and Element, so make sure to repair it regularly to maintain its effectiveness.
Advanced techniques for using the Tek Shield include combining it with other Tek-tier items for maximum efficiency. For example, pairing the Tek Shield with a Tek Rifle or Tek Sword can create a powerful combat loadout. Additionally, using the shield in conjunction with a Tek Suit can enhance your mobility and survivability, allowing you to quickly reposition during combat. In tribe scenarios, coordinating with teammates to use multiple Tek Shields can create a nearly impenetrable defense, especially during base raids or boss fights.
In solo play, the Tek Shield is a valuable tool for surviving tough encounters, but it requires careful resource management. Since you will need to gather all the resources and craft the shield on your own, prioritize farming Element and Black Pearls, as these are the most challenging resources to obtain. Consider taming creatures like Ankylosaurus for Metal farming, Doedicurus for Stone, and Beavers for Wood to streamline resource gathering.
In conclusion, crafting and using a Tek Shield in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a powerful defensive tool that will greatly enhance your survival and combat capabilities. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, the Tek Shield is an essential piece of equipment for tackling the game's toughest challenges.
To craft a Tek Shield, you must first unlock its engram. The Tek Shield engram is available at level 100 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, before you can unlock it, you must defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tekgrams, which are special engrams tied to Tek-tier items. Specifically, you need to defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon boss to unlock the Tek Shield engram. These bosses are found in the game's boss arenas, and defeating them requires a well-prepared team or a strong army of tamed dinosaurs.
Once you have unlocked the Tek Shield engram, you will need to gather the necessary resources to craft it. The crafting recipe for the Tek Shield includes 200 Metal Ingots, 100 Polymer, 50 Crystal, 50 Element, and 20 Black Pearls. Metal Ingots are obtained by smelting Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Polymer can be crafted using Obsidian and Cementing Paste or harvested from certain creatures like Kairuku or Mantis. Crystal is found in caves or mountainous regions, while Element is a rare resource obtained by defeating bosses or completing certain end-game activities. Black Pearls can be harvested from Deathworms, Eurypterids, or Alpha Tusoteuthis.
Crafting the Tek Shield requires a Tek Replicator, which is a high-tier crafting station. To build a Tek Replicator, you need 200 Metal Ingots, 100 Polymer, 50 Crystal, 50 Element, and 20 Black Pearls, along with a Generator to power it. The Tek Replicator consumes Element as fuel, so ensure you have a steady supply of Element to keep it running. Once you have all the resources, place them in the Tek Replicator and craft the Tek Shield.
Using the Tek Shield effectively requires understanding its mechanics. The Tek Shield can block most incoming attacks, including melee, ranged, and even some explosive damage. However, it consumes Element as fuel, so you must keep an eye on its durability and recharge it with Element when necessary. The shield has a limited energy pool, and once it depletes, it will need to recharge before it can be used again. To activate the shield, equip it in your off-hand slot and hold the right mouse button (or the corresponding button on your controller) to raise it. The shield will absorb damage until its energy is depleted.
When using the Tek Shield, positioning and timing are crucial. In PvP scenarios, the shield can block incoming bullets or arrows, giving you a significant advantage in combat. However, it does not protect against attacks from behind, so always face your enemies. In PvE, the shield can be used to block attacks from aggressive creatures, allowing you to survive encounters that would otherwise be deadly. For example, when facing a Rex or a Giga, the shield can absorb their powerful bites, giving you time to retreat or counterattack.
One common mistake players make is relying too heavily on the Tek Shield without considering its energy consumption. The shield drains Element quickly, especially when blocking high-damage attacks. Always carry extra Element to recharge the shield during prolonged battles. Another mistake is failing to repair the shield after it takes significant damage. The Tek Shield can be repaired in a Tek Replicator using Metal Ingots, Polymer, and Element, so make sure to repair it regularly to maintain its effectiveness.
Advanced techniques for using the Tek Shield include combining it with other Tek-tier items for maximum efficiency. For example, pairing the Tek Shield with a Tek Rifle or Tek Sword can create a powerful combat loadout. Additionally, using the shield in conjunction with a Tek Suit can enhance your mobility and survivability, allowing you to quickly reposition during combat. In tribe scenarios, coordinating with teammates to use multiple Tek Shields can create a nearly impenetrable defense, especially during base raids or boss fights.
In solo play, the Tek Shield is a valuable tool for surviving tough encounters, but it requires careful resource management. Since you will need to gather all the resources and craft the shield on your own, prioritize farming Element and Black Pearls, as these are the most challenging resources to obtain. Consider taming creatures like Ankylosaurus for Metal farming, Doedicurus for Stone, and Beavers for Wood to streamline resource gathering.
In conclusion, crafting and using a Tek Shield in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a powerful defensive tool that will greatly enhance your survival and combat capabilities. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, the Tek Shield is an essential piece of equipment for tackling the game's toughest challenges.