How do I craft and use a tek grenade for combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a Tek Grenade in ARK: Survival Evolved is a late-game activity that requires significant preparation and resources. Tek Grenades are advanced explosives that deal high damage and can be used in both PvE and PvP scenarios. They are particularly effective against structures and large groups of enemies, making them a valuable tool for combat. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft and use Tek Grenades effectively.

To craft a Tek Grenade, you must first unlock the Tek Grenade engram. This engram is available at level 100 and requires 35 Engram Points to unlock. However, you also need to defeat certain bosses to gain access to Tek-tier items. Specifically, you must defeat the Broodmother Lysrix, Megapithecus, or Dragon boss to unlock the Tek Replicator, which is necessary for crafting Tek Grenades. Once you have the engram, you can craft Tek Grenades in a Tek Replicator.

The resource requirements for crafting a single Tek Grenade are as follows: 100 Metal Ingots, 50 Polymer, 50 Element Dust, and 10 Black Pearls. Metal Ingots are 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. Element Dust is obtained by grinding Element in a Mortar and Pestle or Tek Replicator. Black Pearls are rare resources that can be harvested from certain creatures like Trilobites, Eurypterids, or Deathworms, or found in specific underwater locations.

Once you have gathered the necessary resources, place them in the Tek Replicator and craft the Tek Grenades. Each Tek Grenade takes a few seconds to craft, so plan accordingly if you need multiple grenades for a mission or raid.

Using Tek Grenades in combat requires careful planning and timing. Tek Grenades have a short fuse, so you need to throw them accurately to maximize their effectiveness. When thrown, the grenade will explode after a few seconds, dealing significant damage to anything within its blast radius. This makes them ideal for destroying enemy structures, clearing out groups of hostile creatures, or dealing with large dinosaurs like Rexes or Gigas.

One important tip is to use Tek Grenades in combination with other weapons or tamed dinosaurs. For example, you can use a Tek Grenade to weaken a group of enemies before engaging them with firearms or melee weapons. Alternatively, you can use a fast-moving dinosaur like a Raptor or Pteranodon to deliver the grenade to a specific location, then retreat to safety before it explodes.

Common mistakes to avoid include throwing Tek Grenades too close to your own position, which can result in self-damage or even death. Always ensure you have a clear line of sight and enough distance from the explosion. Additionally, avoid using Tek Grenades in tight spaces or near valuable structures, as the blast radius can cause unintended damage.

Advanced techniques involve using Tek Grenades in coordinated attacks with your tribe. For example, you can use a Tek Grenade to breach an enemy base's walls, allowing your tribe to rush in and overwhelm the defenders. Another strategy is to use Tek Grenades to create diversions, drawing enemy attention away from your main attack force.

Resource management is crucial when using Tek Grenades, as they are expensive to craft. Always ensure you have a steady supply of Metal Ingots, Polymer, Element Dust, and Black Pearls before engaging in large-scale combat. Efficiently using tamed dinosaurs for resource gathering can help you maintain your supply of materials.

In solo play, Tek Grenades can be a powerful tool for taking on tough enemies or defending your base. However, you need to be extra cautious, as you won't have backup if something goes wrong. Always have an escape plan and consider using traps or tamed dinosaurs to support your grenade attacks.

In summary, Tek Grenades are a high-tier explosive weapon in ARK: Survival Evolved that require significant preparation and resources to craft and use effectively. By following the steps outlined above, you can master the mechanics of Tek Grenades and use them to dominate in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Always plan your attacks carefully, manage your resources efficiently, and avoid common mistakes to maximize the effectiveness of this powerful tool.