What are the best strategies for farming meat on the Valguero map in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming meat on the Valguero map in ARK: Survival Evolved is a crucial activity for survival, as meat is essential for taming carnivorous dinosaurs, crafting recipes, and sustaining your character and tamed creatures. Valguero offers a variety of biomes and creature spawns, making it an excellent map for efficient meat farming. Below is a detailed guide on how to maximize your meat-gathering efforts.

To begin, you need to understand the mechanics of meat farming. Meat is primarily obtained by killing creatures, especially herbivores like Parasaur, Trike, Stego, and Brontosaurus, as well as carnivores like Raptors and Carnotaurus. When you kill a creature, it drops raw meat, which can be harvested further using tools or dinosaurs with harvesting abilities. The amount of meat you gather depends on the creature's size and the tool or dinosaur you use. For example, a Brontosaurus will yield significantly more meat than a Parasaur, and using a chainsaw or a high-level carnivore like a Rex will yield more meat than using a stone hatchet.

Step-by-step, the process involves locating areas with high concentrations of herbivores or carnivores, killing them efficiently, and harvesting their bodies. On Valguero, some of the best locations for meat farming include the Redwood Forest, the White Cliffs, and the grasslands near the Green Obelisk. These areas are teeming with creatures like Stegos, Trikes, and Brontos, which are ideal for meat farming. Once you locate a herd, you can use a tamed carnivore like a Rex, Spino, or Allosaurus to quickly kill and harvest the creatures. Alternatively, if you are early in the game, you can use a pack of Raptors or a Carnotaurus for smaller-scale farming.

Preparation is key to efficient meat farming. Before heading out, ensure you have the right tools or dinosaurs for the job. A high-level carnivore with good melee damage is ideal, as it can kill and harvest quickly. If you are using tools, a metal hatchet or chainsaw is recommended for maximum efficiency. Additionally, bring preserving bins or refrigerators to store the meat, as it spoils quickly in the inventory. If you are farming in a dangerous area, consider bringing a flyer like an Argentavis to carry the meat back to your base safely.

One common mistake to avoid is overextending yourself in dangerous areas. Valguero has regions with high-level predators like Allosaurus and Yutyrannus, which can quickly overwhelm you if you are not prepared. Always scout the area before engaging and ensure your tamed dinosaurs are well-leveled and equipped with saddles for protection. Another mistake is not managing your inventory properly. Meat spoils quickly, so prioritize transferring it to preserving bins or refrigerators as soon as possible.

Advanced techniques for meat farming include using a Therizinosaurus, which is one of the best harvesters in the game. It can gather large amounts of meat and hide efficiently, and its versatility makes it a valuable addition to your farming team. Another optimization is to use a Quetzal with a platform saddle to transport a carnivore like a Rex to remote farming locations. This allows you to farm in areas that are otherwise difficult to access on foot.

Resource requirements for meat farming are relatively low, but having the right tools and dinosaurs is essential. If you are using tools, ensure you have enough durability and repair materials. For dinosaurs, focus on leveling their melee damage and health to improve their efficiency and survivability. If you are playing solo, consider taming a pack of Raptors or a Carnotaurus early on, as they are easier to manage and can still provide a decent amount of meat. In a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and protect each other from threats.

Specific examples of meat farming on Valguero include targeting the Brontosaurus herds near the Green Obelisk. These massive creatures yield a large amount of meat and hide, making them ideal for bulk farming. Another example is hunting Stegos in the Redwood Forest, which are easier to kill and still provide a good amount of resources. If you are feeling adventurous, you can venture into the Chalk Hills, where you will find large herds of herbivores, but be cautious of the predators in the area.

In conclusion, meat farming on Valguero requires careful planning, the right tools or dinosaurs, and an understanding of the map's creature spawns. By following the strategies outlined above, you can efficiently gather large amounts of meat to support your survival and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved. Always prioritize safety, manage your resources wisely, and optimize your farming techniques to make the most of your efforts.