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

Crafting a Tek Saddle for a Mosasaurus in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex process that requires significant preparation, resources, and progression. The Tek Saddle is an advanced piece of equipment that provides unique benefits, such as increased protection and special abilities, but it is locked behind high-level content and requires mastery of the game's mechanics. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve this, covering all aspects of the process.

To craft a Tek Saddle for a Mosasaurus, you must first unlock the Tekgram for the saddle. This is done by defeating the Alpha version of the Overseer, one of the game's final bosses. The Overseer is located in the Tek Cave on The Island map, and defeating it requires a well-prepared team, powerful tames, and high-tier gear. Once you defeat the Alpha Overseer, you will unlock the Tekgram for the Mosasaurus Tek Saddle, allowing you to craft it at a Tek Replicator.

The Tek Replicator is a late-game crafting station that requires Element to operate. To build a Tek Replicator, you must first unlock its Tekgram by defeating the Gamma Broodmother, Gamma Megapithecus, or Gamma Dragon. Once unlocked, you can craft the Tek Replicator using a large amount of resources, including metal ingots, crystal, polymer, and electronics. The Tek Replicator must be powered by a Tek Generator, which also requires Element to function.

To craft the Mosasaurus Tek Saddle, you will need the following resources: 350 metal ingots, 200 polymer, 150 crystal, 100 element, and 50 black pearls. These resources are not easy to obtain, especially Element, which is primarily acquired by defeating bosses or completing certain missions in the Genesis expansion. Black pearls can be harvested from certain creatures like Trilobites, Ammonites, or Eurypterids, or found in specific underwater locations. Polymer can be obtained from organic sources like Kairuku or by crafting it using obsidian and cementing paste.

Once you have gathered all the necessary resources, place them in the Tek Replicator and craft the Mosasaurus Tek Saddle. The saddle will provide your Mosasaurus with increased armor and the ability to fire a powerful Tek laser, making it a formidable underwater mount. However, equipping the saddle requires a Mosasaurus that is high enough level to use it, so ensure your Mosasaurus is properly leveled and tamed.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of the Alpha Overseer fight. This boss requires a well-coordinated team and powerful tames, such as Rexes, Therizinos, or Megatheriums, with high-quality saddles and mutations. Failing to prepare adequately can result in losing your tames and resources, so take the time to breed and level your creatures before attempting the fight.

Advanced techniques for this process include optimizing your resource gathering by using tames like Ankylosaurus for metal, Doedicurus for stone, and Beavers or Therizinos for wood. For underwater resource gathering, a high-level Basilosaurus or Tusoteuthis can help you collect black pearls and other materials efficiently. Additionally, consider setting up resource outposts near rich resource nodes to streamline the gathering process.

Tribe considerations are important when attempting to craft a Tek Saddle. A well-organized tribe can divide tasks, such as gathering resources, breeding tames, and preparing for boss fights, making the process faster and more efficient. Solo players will need to invest more time and effort into gathering resources and preparing for boss fights, but it is still achievable with careful planning.

In summary, crafting a Mosasaurus Tek Saddle in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. It requires defeating the Alpha Overseer, unlocking the Tek Replicator, gathering rare resources, and preparing for high-level combat. By following the steps outlined above and avoiding common mistakes, you can equip your Mosasaurus with a powerful Tek Saddle and dominate the underwater world of ARK.