Introduction
Ark: Survival Evolved is a journey of constant evolution, from crafting basic tools to taming colossal dinosaurs and, ultimately, harnessing advanced technology. As you progress through the island (or any of the expansion maps), the need for reliable and powerful energy sources becomes increasingly crucial. While sparkpowder ignites your early game and gasoline powers your mid-game, the Ark Tek Generator marks the pinnacle of power generation, unlocking a new era of possibilities. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to understanding, crafting, and mastering the Ark Tek Generator, ensuring you’re equipped to thrive in the late-game challenges. We will explore its benefits, how to get the engram, crafting it, and optimizing its use to power your bases and defenses.
What is the Ark Tek Generator?
The Ark Tek Generator is the ultimate energy source in Ark: Survival Evolved, functioning as a wireless power plant for your base. Unlike its predecessors which require wires and physical connections, the Ark Tek Generator emits a power field that can wirelessly power devices within its effective range. This transformative feature eliminates the frustrating limitations of wiring, enabling you to build complex and strategically designed structures.
The advantages of the Ark Tek Generator are considerable. First and foremost, the wireless power distribution it provides simplifies base construction and allows for greater flexibility in device placement. Second, it boasts a significantly higher power output compared to gasoline generators, enabling you to power more resource-intensive structures simultaneously. Further, using Element as fuel means a much better power-to-fuel ratio making the Ark Tek Generator extremely efficient despite being expensive. This makes the Ark Tek Generator a fantastic option for powering energy intensive structures, like Tek Shield Generators or multiple Tek Turrets. The ability to power advanced Tek structures unlocks the full potential of end-game gameplay.
However, the Ark Tek Generator isn’t without its drawbacks. The most significant hurdle is the exceptionally high resource cost, particularly the substantial amount of Element required for crafting and operation. Obtaining Element often involves challenging boss fights or dangerous expeditions, making it a precious and carefully managed resource. Moreover, accessing the Ark Tek Generator requires reaching a high level and defeating specific bosses to unlock the engram, which is also a time-consuming commitment. Additionally, the need for ongoing Element fuel means constant maintenance, something players must always stay on top of.
Obtaining the Tek Generator Engram
Before you can harness the power of the Ark Tek Generator, you must first acquire its engram. This vital piece of knowledge is not easily obtained, as it requires conquering some of Ark’s most formidable challenges.
The primary method of obtaining the Ark Tek Generator engram is through defeating bosses. The specific boss required to unlock the engram depends on the map and the difficulty level. For example, defeating the Alpha Dragon on The Island unlocks the engram. On other maps, like Scorched Earth, the Gamma Manticore also unlocks the engram. Keep in mind that defeating these bosses requires preparation, a strong tribe, and well-equipped dinosaurs. Difficulty levels also affect the engram drop. Higher difficulty levels usually unlock more engrams, while easier difficulties may not unlock the engram you’re looking for.
While defeating bosses is the most common route, there might be rare alternative methods. Sometimes special events introduce limited-time opportunities to obtain Tek engrams, including the Ark Tek Generator, through loot drops or special challenges. Stay up-to-date with Ark’s community news and official announcements to catch these opportunities.
Crafting the Tek Generator
Once you’ve secured the engram, the next step is crafting the Ark Tek Generator. This requires a substantial investment of resources and access to a Tek Replicator, a crafting station unlocked through defeating even more challenging bosses. The Tek Replicator is essentially the ultimate crafting station in Ark, allowing you to build Tek tier structures and items.
The resource requirements for the Ark Tek Generator are considerable. You’ll need a significant amount of Element, the primary fuel source for Tek technology and perhaps the rarest resource in the game. Alongside Element, you’ll need large quantities of Metal Ingots, requiring extensive mining and smelting operations. Crystal, another vital component, can be found in caves and mountain peaks. Black Pearls, relatively rare resources found by killing certain creatures or harvesting underwater nodes, are also required. Finally, Polymer, a resource obtained by crafting or harvesting from certain creatures, rounds out the recipe.
Gathering these resources is a significant undertaking, often requiring a coordinated effort from a tribe. Element, in particular, demands careful planning and execution, as it often involves venturing into dangerous areas or challenging bosses.
Once you have all the necessary resources, approach the Tek Replicator and initiate the crafting process. After a considerable crafting time, the Ark Tek Generator will be ready to be placed.
Setting Up and Using the Tek Generator
With your newly crafted Ark Tek Generator in hand, it’s time to deploy it and begin powering your base. Strategic placement is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness.
When placing the Ark Tek Generator, consider the location’s security. Element is a highly valuable resource, making the generator a prime target for raiding tribes. Placing it in a well-defended location, ideally within a fortified structure, is essential to protect your investment. Unlike generators before it, the Ark Tek Generator is wireless, giving you more freedom of location. However, it still requires space to be built, and consideration must be given to the distance from the base it will be powering.
Fueling the Ark Tek Generator requires Element. Element is inserted into the generator’s inventory slot, and the generator will automatically consume it over time to produce power. The rate of Element consumption depends on the number and power draw of the devices being powered. It is important to keep this in mind. Element Shards are obtained from element veins, but are much less efficient than element obtained from boss fights.
The Ark Tek Generator emits a spherical power field around itself. Devices within this radius will automatically receive power, eliminating the need for physical wires. The radius can be somewhat deceiving, so be sure to thoroughly test that all devices needed are connected.
The Ark Tek Generator interface provides valuable information and control options. Through the interface, you can monitor the generator’s fuel level, power output, and connected devices. You can also adjust settings, such as the power priority for different devices, allowing you to prioritize essential systems during times of high demand.
Optimizing Tek Generator Usage
To get the most out of your Ark Tek Generator, effective power management is essential. This involves prioritizing devices and implementing strategies to conserve Element.
One key aspect of power management is prioritizing which devices are powered. During periods of high power demand, it may be necessary to temporarily disable non-essential systems to ensure that critical defenses and life support systems remain operational.
Element efficiency can be improved by minimizing the number of devices being powered and using alternative energy sources to supplement the Ark Tek Generator. Solar panels and wind turbines, while less powerful, can provide a constant source of energy during certain conditions, reducing the strain on the Ark Tek Generator and extending Element reserves.
Troubleshooting common issues is also crucial. If the generator is not powering devices, check the fuel level, power radius, and ensure that the devices are properly connected to the power grid. If Element is depleting too quickly, investigate potential power leaks or excessive power consumption by certain devices. Also ensure that the Tek Generator is not under heavy render, which can happen if a large amount of dinos are nearby. If the generator is under heavy render, it will run faster, and Element will be consumed faster. It is also important to place it in a secured location and to have it protected by turrets in case of a raid.
Advanced Applications of the Tek Generator
The Ark Tek Generator unlocks a wide range of advanced applications, allowing you to automate tasks, bolster defenses, and create a truly formidable base.
Tek structures, such as Tek turrets, Tek Shield Generators, and teleporters, rely entirely on the Ark Tek Generator for power. These structures offer unparalleled capabilities, from automated defense systems to instant transportation across the map.
The Ark Tek Generator can also be used to power automated farming systems. By connecting crop plots, irrigation systems, and auto-harvesters to the generator, you can create self-sustaining farms that produce a steady stream of resources.
A fully Tek-powered base offers numerous advantages. The wireless power grid eliminates the need for unsightly wires, allowing for cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing designs. Tek turrets provide unparalleled defense, while Tek Shield Generators can protect your base from even the most devastating attacks.
In PvP scenarios, the Ark Tek Generator is indispensable for powering defensive systems. Tek turrets can automatically target and eliminate enemy players and creatures. Tek Shield Generators can provide a temporary shield against incoming fire, giving you precious time to react and counterattack. The forcefield is perhaps one of the best defensive strategies for PvP. It prevents enemies from being able to even approach your base.
Alternatives to the Tek Generator
While the Ark Tek Generator represents the pinnacle of power generation, it’s important to acknowledge alternative energy sources available in Ark.
Gasoline generators, solar panels, and wind turbines offer viable options for lower-level players or those seeking to conserve Element. However, these alternatives have significant limitations. Gasoline generators require constant refueling, solar panels depend on sunlight, and wind turbines depend on wind conditions. These limitations make them less reliable and efficient compared to the Ark Tek Generator for demanding late-game applications. Not to mention, gasoline generators require wires, so any damage to the wires will disconnect the power grid. Solar Panels and Wind Turbines take up significantly more space per watt than the Ark Tek Generator. All of this makes the Ark Tek Generator a much more viable option for players in the end-game.
Conclusion
The Ark Tek Generator is more than just a power source; it’s a gateway to unlocking the full potential of Ark: Survival Evolved. Its wireless power distribution, high output, and Element efficiency make it an indispensable asset for late-game progression. While obtaining the engram and crafting the generator requires significant effort, the rewards are well worth the investment. So, experiment with its placement and configuration to create a base that is both powerful and aesthetically pleasing. Remember to keep up to date with maintenance to avoid being raided. By understanding its capabilities and limitations, you can harness the power of the Ark Tek Generator to dominate the island and thrive in the face of any challenge. Embrace the future of power, and conquer the Ark.
