Where are the best locations to find metal on the Valguero map in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Finding metal on the Valguero map in ARK: Survival Evolved is crucial for progression, as metal is used to craft advanced tools, weapons, and structures. Valguero offers several rich metal nodes, but knowing where to look and how to efficiently gather and transport the metal is key. Below is a detailed guide to help you locate and farm metal effectively.
Metal nodes on Valguero are typically found in mountainous or rocky areas. The most prominent locations for metal include the White Cliffs, the Snow Biome, and the Abyss. Each of these areas has its own advantages and challenges, so understanding the mechanics of metal gathering and preparation is essential.
To begin, you will need basic tools like a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus. A metal pick is the starting point, but using an Ankylosaurus is far more efficient, as it can gather large amounts of metal quickly and has a weight reduction for metal in its inventory. If you are playing solo, taming an Ankylosaurus should be a priority. For tribes, coordinating with members to tame and use multiple Ankylosauruses can significantly speed up the process.
The White Cliffs, located in the central part of the map, is one of the best early-game metal farming spots. The area is relatively safe, with fewer aggressive creatures compared to other regions. Metal nodes here are scattered across the cliffs and can be easily accessed on foot or with a flying mount. However, the yield per node is lower compared to other areas, so this spot is better suited for beginners or those with limited resources.
The Snow Biome, located in the northwest, is another excellent location for metal. This area is rich in metal nodes, but it comes with the added challenge of cold weather and dangerous predators like Direwolves and Yetis. To farm here, you will need cold-weather gear or a strong mount like a Yutyrannus to survive the environment. The metal nodes in the Snow Biome yield a higher amount of metal, making it worth the risk for mid to late-game players.
The Abyss, located in the southwest, is a unique underwater cave system that contains large metal nodes. This area is more advanced and requires scuba gear or a water mount like a Basilosaurus to navigate safely. The metal nodes here are abundant and yield a significant amount of metal, but the area is also home to dangerous creatures like Electrophorus and Cnidaria. This spot is best suited for experienced players or tribes with the necessary equipment and mounts.
When farming metal, always bring a weight-reducing mount like an Argentavis or a Quetzal to transport the metal back to your base. Argentavis is particularly useful because it can carry an Ankylosaurus, allowing you to farm and transport metal in one trip. For tribes, using a Quetzal with a platform saddle can further optimize the process, as it can carry multiple Ankylosauruses and large amounts of metal.
Preparation is key when farming metal. Ensure you have enough food, water, and tools before heading out. If you are venturing into dangerous areas like the Snow Biome or the Abyss, bring weapons and armor to defend yourself. For tribes, assigning roles such as gatherers, transporters, and defenders can streamline the process and improve efficiency.
A common mistake is overloading your mount or yourself with metal, which can slow you down or leave you vulnerable to attacks. Always monitor your weight and make multiple trips if necessary. Another mistake is neglecting to clear the area of predators before farming. Taking the time to eliminate threats can save you from losing valuable resources or mounts.
Advanced techniques include using a Tek Stryder with a mining drill attachment, which can gather metal at an incredible rate. However, this requires access to Tek Tier and is only available to late-game players. Another optimization is setting up a forge near the metal farming location to smelt the metal on-site, reducing the need for multiple trips.
In conclusion, finding and farming metal on Valguero requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, understanding the best locations, using the right tools and mounts, and avoiding common mistakes will ensure a successful metal-gathering operation. By following these strategies, you can efficiently gather the metal needed to progress in ARK: Survival Evolved.
Metal nodes on Valguero are typically found in mountainous or rocky areas. The most prominent locations for metal include the White Cliffs, the Snow Biome, and the Abyss. Each of these areas has its own advantages and challenges, so understanding the mechanics of metal gathering and preparation is essential.
To begin, you will need basic tools like a metal pick or an Ankylosaurus. A metal pick is the starting point, but using an Ankylosaurus is far more efficient, as it can gather large amounts of metal quickly and has a weight reduction for metal in its inventory. If you are playing solo, taming an Ankylosaurus should be a priority. For tribes, coordinating with members to tame and use multiple Ankylosauruses can significantly speed up the process.
The White Cliffs, located in the central part of the map, is one of the best early-game metal farming spots. The area is relatively safe, with fewer aggressive creatures compared to other regions. Metal nodes here are scattered across the cliffs and can be easily accessed on foot or with a flying mount. However, the yield per node is lower compared to other areas, so this spot is better suited for beginners or those with limited resources.
The Snow Biome, located in the northwest, is another excellent location for metal. This area is rich in metal nodes, but it comes with the added challenge of cold weather and dangerous predators like Direwolves and Yetis. To farm here, you will need cold-weather gear or a strong mount like a Yutyrannus to survive the environment. The metal nodes in the Snow Biome yield a higher amount of metal, making it worth the risk for mid to late-game players.
The Abyss, located in the southwest, is a unique underwater cave system that contains large metal nodes. This area is more advanced and requires scuba gear or a water mount like a Basilosaurus to navigate safely. The metal nodes here are abundant and yield a significant amount of metal, but the area is also home to dangerous creatures like Electrophorus and Cnidaria. This spot is best suited for experienced players or tribes with the necessary equipment and mounts.
When farming metal, always bring a weight-reducing mount like an Argentavis or a Quetzal to transport the metal back to your base. Argentavis is particularly useful because it can carry an Ankylosaurus, allowing you to farm and transport metal in one trip. For tribes, using a Quetzal with a platform saddle can further optimize the process, as it can carry multiple Ankylosauruses and large amounts of metal.
Preparation is key when farming metal. Ensure you have enough food, water, and tools before heading out. If you are venturing into dangerous areas like the Snow Biome or the Abyss, bring weapons and armor to defend yourself. For tribes, assigning roles such as gatherers, transporters, and defenders can streamline the process and improve efficiency.
A common mistake is overloading your mount or yourself with metal, which can slow you down or leave you vulnerable to attacks. Always monitor your weight and make multiple trips if necessary. Another mistake is neglecting to clear the area of predators before farming. Taking the time to eliminate threats can save you from losing valuable resources or mounts.
Advanced techniques include using a Tek Stryder with a mining drill attachment, which can gather metal at an incredible rate. However, this requires access to Tek Tier and is only available to late-game players. Another optimization is setting up a forge near the metal farming location to smelt the metal on-site, reducing the need for multiple trips.
In conclusion, finding and farming metal on Valguero requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, understanding the best locations, using the right tools and mounts, and avoiding common mistakes will ensure a successful metal-gathering operation. By following these strategies, you can efficiently gather the metal needed to progress in ARK: Survival Evolved.