Where are the artifact caves located in the Valguero map of ARK: Survival Evolved?

In ARK: Survival Evolved, the Valguero map features several artifact caves that are essential for summoning bosses and progressing in the game. These caves are scattered across the map, each with unique challenges, creatures, and environmental hazards. Understanding their locations, mechanics, and how to navigate them is crucial for both solo players and tribes. Below is a detailed guide to help you locate and conquer the artifact caves in Valguero.

The Valguero map has three main artifact caves: the Artifact of the Clever, the Artifact of the Massive, and the Artifact of the Devourer. Each cave is located in a different biome, requiring specific preparations and strategies to navigate successfully. The Artifact of the Clever is found in the White Cliffs area, the Artifact of the Massive is located in the Chalk Hills, and the Artifact of the Devourer is situated in the Aberration Trench. Each cave has its own set of challenges, including hostile creatures, environmental hazards like radiation or extreme temperatures, and complex layouts.

To begin, you need to prepare adequately for each cave. This includes gathering essential resources such as weapons, armor, medical supplies, and tools. A good set of flak armor or better is recommended, as well as weapons like shotguns, assault rifles, or crossbows. Bring plenty of ammunition, healing items like medical brews or stimulants, and tools like grappling hooks or climbing picks for navigating tricky terrain. Additionally, taming strong dinosaurs like the Baryonyx, Sabertooth, or Thylacoleo can make cave exploration much easier, as they are agile and effective in combat.

For the Artifact of the Clever, located in the White Cliffs, you will encounter creatures like Onyc, Arthropluera, and Titanoboas. The cave is relatively straightforward but has narrow passages and tight spaces, making larger dinosaurs unsuitable. A Baryonyx is an excellent choice here due to its ability to swim and fight effectively in confined spaces. Bring a good supply of antidotes to counter venom from snakes and spiders. The artifact is located deep within the cave, so be prepared for a long trek.

The Artifact of the Massive, found in the Chalk Hills, is more challenging due to its larger and more open layout. This cave is home to creatures like Direwolves, Purlovia, and Megalania. A pack of strong tamed wolves or a Thylacoleo can be very effective here. The cave also has sections with water, so having a mount that can swim is beneficial. Be cautious of Purlovia ambushes, as they can quickly overwhelm unprepared players. The artifact is located in a central chamber, but reaching it requires navigating through multiple levels and avoiding traps.

The Artifact of the Devourer, located in the Aberration Trench, is the most dangerous of the three. This cave features radiation zones, so you will need a full set of radiation-resistant armor or a Hazard Suit. Creatures like Ravagers, Karkinos, and Nameless inhabit this cave, making it a high-risk area. A strong mount like a Megalosaurus or Rock Drake is highly recommended. The cave is also dark, so bring plenty of light sources like glow sticks or a shoulder-mounted light pet. The artifact is located in a deep, irradiated chamber, so plan your route carefully to minimize exposure to radiation.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the difficulty of the caves, not bringing enough supplies, or using inappropriate dinosaurs. For example, bringing a Rex into a narrow cave can lead to getting stuck or being unable to maneuver effectively. Another mistake is not preparing for environmental hazards like radiation or extreme temperatures, which can quickly deplete your health. Always scout the cave entrance and surrounding area before entering to ensure you are fully prepared.

Advanced techniques include using grappling hooks or climbing picks to bypass difficult terrain or avoid combat. You can also use cryopods to bring in and deploy dinosaurs as needed, allowing for greater flexibility in your strategy. For tribes, coordinating roles and responsibilities can make cave exploration more efficient. For example, one player can focus on combat while another handles navigation or healing.

Resource requirements vary depending on the cave, but generally, you will need a good supply of weapons, armor, medical items, and tools. For the Artifact of the Devourer, radiation-resistant gear is essential. For all caves, having a strong, agile mount is highly recommended. Solo players should focus on self-sufficiency, while tribes can distribute resources and roles to optimize their approach.

In conclusion, locating and conquering the artifact caves in Valguero requires careful preparation, strategic planning, and effective use of resources and dinosaurs. By understanding the unique challenges of each cave and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully retrieve the artifacts and progress in the game. Whether playing solo or as part of a tribe, these caves offer a thrilling and rewarding experience for any ARK player.