Where can I find the best metal spawns in the Valguero map of ARK: Survival Evolved?

In ARK: Survival Evolved, metal is one of the most critical resources for progression, as it is used to craft advanced tools, weapons, armor, and structures. On the Valguero map, metal spawns are abundant, but knowing where to find the best concentrations and how to efficiently gather them is key to success. Below is a detailed guide on locating and farming metal in Valguero, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

Metal nodes in Valguero are typically found in mountainous regions, caves, and specific high-altitude areas. These nodes appear as shiny, metallic rocks and can be harvested using tools like a Metal Pick or a dinosaur with high melee damage, such as an Ankylosaurus. The Ankylosaurus is particularly effective because it has a weight reduction for metal, allowing you to carry more before becoming encumbered. Additionally, its tail attack deals extra damage to metal nodes, making it the ideal creature for metal farming.

One of the best locations for metal in Valguero is the White Cliffs region, located in the northwest part of the map. This area is rich in metal nodes, with large clusters scattered across the cliffs and plateaus. Another excellent spot is the Snowy Mountain biome in the northeast, which not only has abundant metal but also other valuable resources like crystal and obsidian. The Chalk Hills, located in the central part of the map, also offer a decent amount of metal nodes, though they are less concentrated compared to the White Cliffs and Snowy Mountain.

To maximize efficiency, you should prepare before heading out to farm metal. First, ensure you have a strong and well-leveled Ankylosaurus. Focus on increasing its melee damage and weight capacity to improve its farming capabilities. If you are playing solo, consider bringing a second dinosaur, such as a Argentavis or a Quetzal, to act as a pack mule. These flying creatures can carry the Ankylosaurus and the harvested metal, reducing the need for multiple trips. If you are in a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to bring multiple Ankylosaurs and transport dinosaurs to speed up the process.

When farming metal, always bring a few essential items. A Repair Hammer is necessary to fix your tools or saddles if they break during the process. Carry plenty of food and water, especially if you are venturing into colder regions like the Snowy Mountain. Additionally, bring a Bed or Sleeping Bag to set up a temporary spawn point in case of emergencies. If you are farming in dangerous areas, consider bringing weapons and armor to defend yourself against hostile creatures.

A common mistake players make is overloading their Ankylosaurus or transport dinosaur, causing them to become encumbered and unable to move. To avoid this, monitor the weight of your dinosaurs and distribute the metal evenly among them. Another mistake is not scouting the area beforehand. Some metal-rich regions are also home to aggressive creatures like Allosaurus or packs of Direwolves. Always clear the area of threats before starting to farm.

For advanced players, consider using a Tek Transmitter or a Tek Dedicated Storage to streamline the metal farming process. These advanced structures allow you to teleport resources directly to your base, saving time and effort. Additionally, using a Mining Drill can significantly increase your metal yield, though it requires gasoline and is less efficient than an Ankylosaurus for large-scale farming.

In terms of tribe versus solo considerations, tribes have a clear advantage due to their ability to coordinate multiple dinosaurs and players. However, solo players can still farm metal efficiently by using a combination of an Ankylosaurus and a flying mount. Solo players should focus on leveling their Ankylosaurus's weight and melee damage to maximize efficiency.

A specific example of a successful metal farming run would involve starting at the White Cliffs. Fly in with an Argentavis carrying your Ankylosaurus, land near a cluster of metal nodes, and begin harvesting. Once the Ankylosaurus is full, transfer the metal to the Argentavis and continue until both are near their weight limit. Return to your base, unload the metal, and repeat the process. If you are in a tribe, you can have one player focus on harvesting while another transports the metal back to base, significantly speeding up the process.

In conclusion, farming metal in Valguero requires careful planning, the right dinosaurs, and knowledge of the best locations. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently gather the metal needed to progress in ARK: Survival Evolved. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, metal farming is a crucial part of the game that will greatly enhance your survival and crafting capabilities.