How do I find and harvest rare resources in the bioluminescent zone on Valguero in ARK: Survival Evolved?

The bioluminescent zone on the Valguero map in ARK: Survival Evolved is a unique and visually stunning area filled with rare resources. This underground biome is home to valuable materials such as crystal, metal, and rare mushrooms, as well as unique creatures like the Shinehorn and Glowtail. Harvesting these resources requires careful preparation and strategy due to the zone's challenging environment and hostile creatures. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to find and harvest rare resources in the bioluminescent zone.

First, you need to locate the entrance to the bioluminescent zone. On Valguero, the entrance is found in the Aberration Trench, a large canyon-like area in the southwest part of the map. The entrance is marked by a glowing, mushroom-filled cave. To reach it, you can either travel on foot or use a flying mount like an Argentavis or Pteranodon. However, once inside, flying is disabled, so youÔÇÖll need to rely on ground-based mounts or climbing creatures like the Rock Drake or Megalosaurus.

Before entering, prepare your gear and tames. Bring a strong mount like a Carnotaurus, Sabertooth, or Megalosaurus for protection against the zoneÔÇÖs hostile creatures, such as Ravagers and Karkinos. Equip yourself with weapons like a crossbow, shotgun, or pike, and bring plenty of ammunition. Armor is essential, as the zone can be dangerous. Consider using Ghillie Armor for stealth or Riot Armor for added protection. Bring a good supply of food, water, and medical brews, as the zone can drain your stamina and health quickly.

Once inside, the bioluminescent zone is filled with glowing plants and mushrooms. These mushrooms are a key resource, as they can be used to craft various items and tames like the Shinehorn. Use a sickle to harvest them efficiently. Crystal nodes are abundant in this area and can be mined with a pickaxe or a metal tool for better yield. Metal nodes are also scattered throughout the zone, often near the walls or in elevated areas. Use a metal pickaxe or an Ankylosaurus to gather these resources.

One of the most valuable resources in the bioluminescent zone is the rare mushroom. These are found on the glowing mushroom trees and can be harvested with a sickle. Rare mushrooms are essential for taming certain creatures and crafting advanced recipes. Additionally, the zone contains plant species Z seeds, which can be harvested from the glowing plants. These seeds are used to grow plant species Z, a defensive plant that can immobilize enemies.

When exploring the zone, be cautious of the aggressive creatures. Ravagers are fast and can dismount you, while Karkinos can grab you or your mount and throw you into dangerous areas. Use your mount to fight these creatures or avoid them if possible. Keep an eye on your stamina, as the zoneÔÇÖs environment can drain it quickly. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider bringing a pack of tames like Direwolves or Sabertooths for added protection. In a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and defend against threats.

A common mistake is underestimating the zoneÔÇÖs dangers. Many players enter without proper preparation and are quickly overwhelmed by the hostile creatures or environmental hazards. Always bring backup tames and supplies, and avoid venturing too deep without a clear escape route. Another mistake is not bringing the right tools. A sickle is essential for harvesting mushrooms and plants, while a pickaxe or Ankylosaurus is needed for mining crystal and metal.

For advanced players, consider using a Rock Drake or Megalosaurus for exploration. These creatures are well-suited to the bioluminescent zoneÔÇÖs terrain and can climb walls or navigate tight spaces. Additionally, using a Tek Suit can give you an edge, as it allows for enhanced mobility and protection. If youÔÇÖre farming resources in large quantities, bring a Paracer or Brontosaurus with a platform saddle to carry the harvested materials.

In terms of resource management, prioritize gathering rare mushrooms and crystal, as these are the most valuable and harder to find elsewhere. Metal is also important, but it can be found in other areas of the map. Use a preserving bin or refrigerator to store perishable items like rare mushrooms, as they spoil quickly.

Whether youÔÇÖre playing solo or in a tribe, the bioluminescent zone offers a unique challenge and valuable resources. Solo players should focus on stealth and mobility, while tribes can use coordinated efforts to clear the area and gather resources efficiently. With the right preparation and strategy, you can successfully harvest the rare resources of the bioluminescent zone and use them to advance in ARK: Survival Evolved.