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

Crafting a Tek Saddle for an Astrodelphis in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game activity that requires significant preparation, resources, and knowledge of the game's mechanics. The Astrodelphis is a unique creature introduced in the Genesis Part 2 DLC, and its Tek Saddle is a powerful piece of equipment that enhances its combat capabilities. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft the Tek Saddle, including the mechanics, strategies, and considerations involved.

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, you must also defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tek-tier items. Specifically, you need to defeat the Master Controller on Alpha difficulty to unlock the Astrodelphis Tek Saddle engram. This boss fight is one of the most challenging in the game, so preparation is key. You will need a strong team of tamed creatures, high-quality weapons, and plenty of resources to succeed.

Once you have unlocked the engram, you can craft the Tek Saddle at a Tek Replicator. The Tek Replicator is an advanced crafting station that requires Element to operate. To build a Tek Replicator, you will need 1200 Metal Ingots, 200 Crystal, 150 Polymer, 800 Cementing Paste, and 200 Element. The Tek Replicator itself is unlocked at level 100 and requires 35 Engram Points. Building and powering the Tek Replicator is a significant investment, so ensure you have a steady supply of Element and other resources.

The resource requirements for crafting the Astrodelphis Tek Saddle are substantial. You will need 250 Metal Ingots, 200 Polymer, 150 Crystal, 100 Element, and 50 Black Pearls. Gathering these resources can be time-consuming, so it is advisable to use tamed creatures to speed up the process. For example, an Ankylosaurus is excellent for harvesting Metal and Crystal, while a Megalodon or Tusoteuthis can gather Black Pearls from the ocean. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku, Mantis, or by harvesting Organic Polymer from certain creatures.

When preparing for the boss fight to unlock the engram, it is crucial to have a well-coordinated tribe or a strong solo setup. For tribes, assign roles such as tanking, healing, and DPS to ensure efficiency during the fight. Solo players should focus on high-damage creatures like Rexes or Shadowmanes, along with a Yutyranus for buffs and a Daeodon for healing. Make sure to bring plenty of ammunition, medical brews, and food to sustain yourself during the battle.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of the Master Controller fight. This boss has multiple phases and can summon waves of enemies, so it is essential to have a balanced team and a solid strategy. Another mistake is not having enough Element to power the Tek Replicator. Element is a rare resource, so plan ahead and gather it from boss fights, Tek Creatures, or by converting Element Shards in a Charge Node.

Advanced techniques for crafting the Tek Saddle include optimizing your resource gathering routes and using tamed creatures with high weight capacity to transport materials. For example, a Quetzal with a platform saddle can carry an Ankylosaurus to metal-rich areas, allowing you to gather large quantities of Metal Ingots quickly. Additionally, consider setting up a base near resource-rich locations to minimize travel time.

Tribe considerations are important when crafting the Tek Saddle. Tribes can divide tasks among members, such as assigning one person to gather Metal, another to collect Crystal, and so on. This division of labor can significantly speed up the process. Solo players, on the other hand, will need to manage all aspects of resource gathering and crafting themselves, so efficient time management is crucial.

In summary, crafting a Tek Saddle for an Astrodelphis in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex process that requires defeating a high-level boss, gathering rare resources, and using advanced crafting stations. Proper preparation, resource management, and teamwork are essential for success. By following the steps outlined above and avoiding common mistakes, you can craft this powerful saddle and enhance your Astrodelphis's combat capabilities.