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

Crafting a Tek Saddle for a Desmodus in ARK: Survival Evolved is an advanced task that requires significant preparation, resources, and knowledge of the game's mechanics. The Desmodus is a unique creature introduced in the Fjordur map, and its Tek Saddle is a high-tier item that provides both utility and combat advantages. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft this saddle, including the mechanics, strategies, and considerations involved.

To begin, you must first unlock the Tek Saddle engram for the Desmodus. This engram is part of the Tek Tier, which is the most advanced technology in ARK. To unlock it, you need to defeat certain bosses and earn their Tekgrams. Specifically, you must defeat the Broodmother, Megapithecus, and Dragon bosses on Gamma, Beta, or Alpha difficulty. Each difficulty level unlocks different Tekgrams, with Alpha providing the most advanced options. Once you have the necessary Tekgrams, you can unlock the Desmodus Tek Saddle engram at level 100.

After unlocking the engram, you will need to gather the required resources to craft the saddle. The Desmodus Tek Saddle requires a significant amount of materials, including Element, Metal Ingots, Crystal, Polymer, and Black Pearls. Element is the most challenging resource to obtain, as it is primarily acquired by defeating bosses or crafting it in a Tek Replicator using Element Shards. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge, while Crystal and Black Pearls are gathered from specific nodes or creatures. Polymer can be obtained from organic sources like Kairuku or crafted using Obsidian and Cementing Paste.

Once you have gathered all the necessary resources, you will need a Tek Replicator to craft the saddle. The Tek Replicator is a high-tier crafting station that requires Element to power. Place the resources into the Tek Replicator and select the Desmodus Tek Saddle from the crafting menu. The crafting process will consume the resources and produce the saddle, which you can then equip on your Desmodus.

When equipping the Tek Saddle, it is important to consider the Desmodus's unique abilities. The Desmodus is a flying creature that can cling to walls and ceilings, making it highly versatile in both exploration and combat. The Tek Saddle enhances these abilities by providing additional armor and utility features, such as a built-in Tek Rifle or Tek Shield. These features can be activated using Element, so ensure you have a steady supply of Element to power the saddle's abilities.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the resource requirements for crafting the Tek Saddle. Gathering Element, in particular, can be time-consuming and dangerous, as it often involves boss fights or exploring dangerous areas. To avoid this, plan ahead and gather resources gradually. Use tamed creatures like Ankylosaurus for Metal and Crystal, and a Megalodon or Tusoteuthis for Black Pearls. Additionally, consider setting up resource-gathering outposts near rich resource nodes to streamline the process.

For solo players, crafting a Tek Saddle can be particularly challenging due to the high resource demands and the difficulty of boss fights. To mitigate this, focus on taming strong creatures like Rexes or Therizinosaurus to form a boss-fighting army. Use high-quality saddles and armor to increase your chances of success. For tribes, coordinating resource gathering and boss fights can make the process more efficient. Assign roles to tribe members, such as resource gatherers, taming specialists, and combat experts, to optimize your efforts.

Advanced techniques for crafting the Tek Saddle include using a Gacha to passively generate resources like Crystal and Polymer. Gachas can produce these resources when fed specific items, reducing the need for manual gathering. Additionally, consider using a Tek Dedicated Storage system to store and organize your resources, making it easier to track your progress.

In summary, crafting a Tek Saddle for a Desmodus in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex but rewarding task. It requires unlocking the necessary Tekgrams, gathering a variety of high-tier resources, and using a Tek Replicator to craft the saddle. Proper planning, resource management, and coordination with your tribe can make the process more manageable. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can equip your Desmodus with a powerful Tek Saddle and enhance your survival and combat capabilities in the game.