Where are the best locations to find metal nodes on Valguero in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Finding metal nodes on Valguero in ARK: Survival Evolved is crucial for progression, as metal is one of the most important resources for crafting advanced tools, weapons, and structures. Valguero is a large map with diverse biomes, and metal nodes are scattered across various regions, with some areas being more abundant than others. Understanding where to find these nodes and how to efficiently gather metal will significantly improve your gameplay experience.

One of the best locations to find metal nodes on Valguero is the White Cliffs region. This area is located in the northwest part of the map and is rich in metal nodes, often found on the cliffs and rocky outcrops. The White Cliffs are relatively safe compared to other metal-rich areas, making it an ideal spot for early to mid-game players. Another excellent location is the Snow Biome, located in the northern part of the map. The Snow Biome is home to a large number of metal nodes, but it is also more dangerous due to the presence of predators like wolves and sabertooths. Players venturing into this area should come prepared with warm clothing or a mount that provides insulation, such as an Otter or Fur Armor.

The Abyss, located in the southwest part of the map, is another prime location for metal nodes. This area is a deep canyon with steep cliffs and is filled with metal nodes. However, the Abyss is also home to dangerous creatures like Megalodons and Piranhas, so players should exercise caution when gathering resources here. The Redwood Forest, located in the central part of the map, also contains metal nodes, though they are less concentrated compared to the White Cliffs or Snow Biome. The Redwood Forest is a safer option for players who are not yet ready to face the dangers of the Snow Biome or Abyss.

To efficiently gather metal, players should use a metal pick or a high-level Ankylosaurus. The Ankylosaurus is one of the best dinosaurs for harvesting metal, as it can gather large amounts of metal with each swing of its tail. Additionally, the Ankylosaurus has a weight reduction for metal, allowing it to carry more resources before becoming encumbered. Players should also consider using a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport the Ankylosaurus to metal-rich areas, as these flying mounts can carry the Ankylosaurus and its harvested metal back to base.

Preparation is key when venturing out to gather metal. Players should ensure they have enough food, water, and tools to sustain themselves during the trip. It is also advisable to bring a few backup tools in case the primary tool breaks. For players venturing into dangerous areas like the Snow Biome or Abyss, bringing a strong mount for protection is essential. Carnivores like the Sabertooth or Direwolf are good choices for the Snow Biome, while a Spinosaurus or Baryonyx can handle the threats in the Abyss.

One common mistake players make is not bringing enough storage or transportation for the gathered metal. Metal is heavy, and players can quickly become encumbered if they do not have a mount with weight reduction or a way to transport the metal back to base. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of metal-rich areas. Players should always be prepared for encounters with predators and have a plan for escaping or defending themselves if necessary.

Advanced techniques for metal gathering include setting up a small outpost near metal-rich areas. This outpost can serve as a temporary storage and crafting station, allowing players to smelt the metal into ingots on-site and reduce the weight of the resources they need to transport. Players can also use a Tek Transmitter to quickly transport large amounts of metal back to their main base, though this requires access to Tek Tier technology.

For tribes, coordinating metal gathering trips can be highly efficient. One player can focus on harvesting metal with an Ankylosaurus, while another player uses a Quetzal or Argentavis to transport the metal back to base. Tribes can also set up mining outposts in metal-rich areas, with multiple players working together to gather and process metal quickly.

In conclusion, finding and gathering metal on Valguero requires careful planning and preparation. By targeting metal-rich areas like the White Cliffs, Snow Biome, and Abyss, and using efficient harvesting methods with dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurus, players can gather large amounts of metal to fuel their progression. Avoiding common mistakes, such as underestimating the dangers of metal-rich areas or not bringing enough storage, will ensure a successful metal-gathering trip. Advanced techniques, like setting up mining outposts or using Tek Transmitters, can further optimize the process, especially for tribes working together to gather resources.