How do I craft a tek underwater tek rex saddle and use it for mounted combat in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Crafting and using a Tek Underwater Rex Saddle in ARK: Survival Evolved is a complex process that requires advanced preparation, resources, and knowledge of the game's mechanics. This saddle is a high-tier item that allows you to ride a Rex underwater, providing unique combat advantages in aquatic environments. Below is a detailed guide to help you achieve this.

To craft a Tek Underwater Rex Saddle, you must first unlock the engram. This engram is available at level 100 and requires 60 Engram Points. However, you also need to defeat certain bosses to unlock the Tekgrams, which are necessary for crafting Tek items. Specifically, you need to defeat the Broodmother, Megapithecus, and Dragon bosses on Gamma difficulty to unlock the Tekgram for the Tek Rex Saddle. Once unlocked, you can craft the saddle at a Tek Replicator, which itself requires defeating bosses to unlock.

The resource requirements for crafting the Tek Underwater Rex Saddle are substantial. You will need 350 Polymer, 250 Metal Ingots, 200 Crystal, 100 Element, and 100 Black Pearls. Polymer can be obtained from killing Kairuku, Mantis, or by crafting it with Obsidian and Cementing Paste. Metal Ingots are smelted from Metal Ore in a Forge or Industrial Forge. Crystal is mined from crystal nodes found in caves or mountains. Element is obtained by defeating bosses or from Tek creatures. Black Pearls are rare and can be harvested from Eurypterids, Ammonites, or by taming and harvesting from a Tusoteuthis.

Once you have crafted the Tek Underwater Rex Saddle, you need to equip it on a Rex. This saddle allows the Rex to breathe underwater indefinitely, making it a powerful mount for aquatic combat. However, the Rex itself is not naturally suited for underwater environments, so you must carefully manage its stamina and health. The saddle also provides a significant armor boost, which is crucial for surviving underwater battles.

When using the Tek Underwater Rex Saddle for mounted combat, there are several strategies to consider. First, always ensure your Rex has high health and melee damage stats. This will make it more effective in combat and better able to withstand attacks from underwater creatures like Mosasaurs, Plesiosaurs, and Tusoteuthis. Second, use the Rex's bite attack to deal damage to enemies. The Rex's bite has a wide area of effect, making it effective against groups of smaller creatures. Third, be mindful of your surroundings. Underwater environments can be treacherous, with tight spaces and aggressive creatures. Always have an escape route planned in case the battle turns against you.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the dangers of underwater combat. Even with a Tek Underwater Rex Saddle, your Rex can still be overwhelmed by powerful aquatic creatures. Always scout the area before engaging in combat and avoid fighting multiple large creatures at once. Another mistake is neglecting to repair the saddle. The Tek Underwater Rex Saddle has durability that decreases with use, so always carry the necessary resources to repair it in the field.

Advanced techniques for using the Tek Underwater Rex Saddle include pairing it with other Tek items for maximum effectiveness. For example, using a Tek Helmet with the saddle allows you to see clearly underwater and detect enemies from a distance. Additionally, using a Tek Rifle or Tek Sword in conjunction with the saddle can give you an edge in combat. Another advanced strategy is to breed Rexes with high health and melee damage stats specifically for underwater combat. This requires a lot of time and resources but can result in a Rex that is nearly unstoppable underwater.

Resource management is crucial when preparing for underwater combat with a Tek Rex Saddle. Always carry extra resources for repairs, as well as food and medical supplies for both you and your Rex. It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in case your Rex is killed, such as a second Rex or a fast aquatic mount like a Basilosaurus for escaping.

Tribe considerations are important when using a Tek Underwater Rex Saddle. If you are part of a tribe, coordinate with your tribe members to gather the necessary resources and prepare for underwater expeditions. A well-coordinated tribe can quickly gather the resources needed to craft multiple Tek Rex Saddles, making underwater combat much easier. Solo players will need to be more self-sufficient and may need to spend more time gathering resources and preparing for underwater battles.

In specific scenarios, the Tek Underwater Rex Saddle can be a game-changer. For example, when exploring underwater caves or fighting the Alpha Mosasaur, the saddle provides a significant advantage. The Rex's high health and damage output, combined with the saddle's armor and underwater breathing capabilities, make it an ideal mount for these challenging encounters.

In conclusion, crafting and using a Tek Underwater Rex Saddle in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful preparation, resource management, and strategic planning. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively use this powerful saddle to dominate underwater combat and exploration. Always be mindful of the dangers and challenges of underwater environments, and use advanced techniques and tribe coordination to maximize your effectiveness. With the right preparation and strategy, the Tek Underwater Rex Saddle can be a valuable asset in your ARK survival toolkit.