How do I craft a tek saddle for a Shadowmane in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting a Tek Saddle for a Shadowmane in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex process that requires advanced preparation, resource gathering, and progression through the game's technology tiers. The Shadowmane is a powerful creature introduced in the Genesis Part 2 DLC, and its Tek Saddle provides significant advantages, including enhanced protection and unique abilities. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft this saddle, covering mechanics, strategies, and considerations.

To begin, you must first unlock the Tek Saddle engram for the Shadowmane. This engram is available at level 100 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, simply unlocking the engram is not enough. You also need to defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tekgrams, which are required to craft Tek-tier items. Specifically, you must defeat the Broodmother, Megapithecus, and Dragon bosses on Gamma difficulty or higher to unlock the necessary Tekgrams. These bosses drop Tekgrams that allow you to craft Tek Saddles and other advanced equipment.

Once you have the required Tekgrams, you need to gather the resources to craft the Tek Saddle. The crafting recipe for the Shadowmane Tek Saddle includes the following materials: 250 Metal Ingots, 200 Polymer, 100 Crystal, 50 Element, 50 Black Pearls, and 50 Silica Pearls. These resources are not easy to obtain, so preparation is key. Metal Ingots can be smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Polymer can be harvested from organic sources like Kairuku or crafted using Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Crystal is found in mountainous regions or caves, while Element is obtained by defeating bosses or completing missions in Genesis Part 2. Black Pearls are rare and can be harvested from certain creatures like Trilobites or found in specific locations like the ocean floor. Silica Pearls are commonly found in rivers and underwater.

To efficiently gather these resources, consider taming dinosaurs that specialize in resource collection. For example, an Ankylosaurus is excellent for mining Metal Ore, while a Doedicurus is ideal for gathering Stone, which can be used to make Cementing Paste. A Megalodon or Tusoteuthis can help you collect Black Pearls from the ocean. Additionally, using a Tek Parasaur or Tek Stryder can automate resource gathering, saving you time and effort.

Once you have all the required materials, you need to craft the Tek Saddle. This can only be done at a Tek Replicator, which itself requires Element to power. Ensure you have enough Element to both power the Replicator and craft the saddle. Place the materials in the Replicator's inventory and select the Shadowmane Tek Saddle from the crafting menu. The crafting process will take some time, so be patient.

When the saddle is ready, you can equip it on a Shadowmane. Taming a Shadowmane is another challenge, as they require a unique taming method involving Fish Baskets and Ghillie Armor to avoid detection. Once tamed, the Shadowmane becomes a formidable ally, and the Tek Saddle enhances its abilities, such as providing a cloaking effect and increased armor.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the resource requirements and not preparing adequately for boss fights. Ensure you have a strong team of tamed dinosaurs and high-quality gear before attempting to defeat the bosses. Additionally, always carry extra resources in case of unexpected challenges, such as losing materials to hostile creatures or other players in PvP scenarios.

For advanced players, consider optimizing your resource gathering by setting up automated systems using Tek Creatures or industrial structures. In a tribe, divide tasks among members to streamline the process, such as assigning one person to gather Metal while another focuses on Polymer. Solo players should prioritize safety and efficiency, using stealth and strategic planning to avoid unnecessary risks.

In summary, crafting a Tek Saddle for a Shadowmane in ARK: Survival Evolved is a multi-step process that requires unlocking Tekgrams, gathering rare resources, and crafting the saddle in a Tek Replicator. Proper preparation, resource management, and teamwork are essential for success. By following this guide, you can equip your Shadowmane with a powerful Tek Saddle and dominate the world of ARK.