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

Crafting a Tek Saddle for a Bloodstalker in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game activity that requires significant preparation, resources, and knowledge of the game's mechanics. The Bloodstalker is a unique creature found on the Genesis Part 1 map, and its Tek Saddle is a powerful upgrade that enhances its combat and mobility capabilities. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use the Tek Saddle for the Bloodstalker.

To begin, you must first unlock the Tek Saddle engram. 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 items. For the Bloodstalker Tek Saddle, you need to defeat the Gamma, Beta, or Alpha versions of the Broodmother, Megapithecus, or Dragon bosses. Each boss tier grants access to different Tekgrams, with the Alpha tier providing the most advanced unlocks. Defeating these bosses will grant you the necessary Tekgrams to craft the Tek Saddle.

Once you have the required Tekgrams, you need to gather the resources to craft the Tek Saddle. The crafting recipe for the Bloodstalker Tek Saddle includes the following materials: 250 Metal Ingots, 200 Polymer, 100 Crystal, 50 Element, and 50 Black Pearls. These resources are not easy to come by, so you will need to plan your resource gathering carefully. Metal Ingots can be obtained by smelting 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, and Black Pearls are typically obtained from killing Trilobites, Eurypterids, or Alpha Mosasaurs. Element is the most challenging resource to acquire, as it is primarily obtained by defeating bosses or completing missions in the Genesis simulation.

After gathering the necessary resources, you will need a Tek Replicator to craft the Tek Saddle. The Tek Replicator is a high-tier crafting station that requires Element to operate. To build a Tek Replicator, you need 1000 Metal Ingots, 250 Crystal, 250 Polymer, 100 Element, and 50 Black Pearls. Once you have the Tek Replicator, place it in a secure location within your base, as it is a valuable and expensive piece of equipment. Power the Tek Replicator using Element or a Tek Generator, then access its inventory to begin crafting the Tek Saddle.

When crafting the Tek Saddle, ensure you have all the required materials in the Tek Replicator's inventory. Select the Tek Saddle from the crafting menu and initiate the process. Crafting times can vary, but the Tek Replicator is generally faster than other crafting stations. Once the Tek Saddle is crafted, you can equip it to your Bloodstalker by accessing its inventory and placing the saddle in the appropriate slot.

The Bloodstalker Tek Saddle provides several advantages. It enhances the Bloodstalker's mobility by allowing it to use Tek abilities, such as a Tek Dash or Tek Cloak, depending on the saddle's design. These abilities can be crucial in both PvE and PvP scenarios, giving you an edge in combat or exploration. Additionally, the Tek Saddle provides increased armor, making the Bloodstalker more durable in battle.

There are several tips and considerations to keep in mind when crafting and using the Bloodstalker Tek Saddle. First, ensure your base is well-defended, as the resources required for the Tek Saddle are valuable and may attract raiders in PvP servers. Second, consider taming multiple Bloodstalkers to maximize the benefits of the Tek Saddle, as having a backup can be useful in case one is lost or killed. Third, practice using the Tek abilities in a safe environment before engaging in combat, as mastering the saddle's features can take time.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the resource requirements, neglecting base defense, and failing to prepare adequately for boss fights. Advanced techniques involve optimizing your resource gathering by using tamed creatures like Ankylosaurus for Metal, Doedicurus for Stone, and Beavers for Wood. Additionally, consider forming alliances or joining a tribe to share the workload and resources required for crafting the Tek Saddle.

In conclusion, crafting a Tek Saddle for a Bloodstalker in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding process. By following the steps outlined above, you can unlock the full potential of your Bloodstalker and gain a significant advantage in the game. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, careful planning and resource management are key to successfully crafting and using the Tek Saddle.