Where are the best locations to find cementing paste on the Valguero map in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Cementing Paste is one of the most valuable resources in ARK: Survival Evolved, especially in the mid to late game. It is used for crafting advanced structures, weapons, and tools. On the Valguero map, there are several effective ways to gather Cementing Paste, each with its own mechanics and strategies. Below is a detailed guide on how to find and farm Cementing Paste efficiently on Valguero.

One of the most common ways to obtain Cementing Paste is by harvesting it from beaver dams. Beavers on Valguero can be found in the Redwood Forest biome, particularly around the rivers and lakes. These beavers build dams that contain large amounts of Cementing Paste, along with other resources like wood and rare flowers. To farm Cementing Paste from beaver dams, you need to locate a beaver dam, approach it, and take the resources. However, be cautious, as the beavers will become aggressive if you take items from their dams. It is recommended to either kill the beavers first or use a fast mount to quickly grab the resources and escape. After looting, the dam will respawn after some time, allowing you to return and farm it again.

Another method to gather Cementing Paste is by crafting it using Chitin or Keratin and Stone. This method is more labor-intensive but can be done anywhere, making it a reliable option if you cannot find beaver dams. To craft Cementing Paste, you need a Mortar and Pestle or a Chemistry Bench. The Mortar and Pestle is the early-game option, while the Chemistry Bench is more efficient and can be unlocked later. The recipe for Cementing Paste is 4 Chitin or Keratin and 8 Stone per unit. Chitin and Keratin can be obtained by harvesting insects, trilobites, or certain dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus or Sabertooth. Stone is abundant and can be gathered from rocks using a pickaxe or a dinosaur like the Doedicurus.

For advanced players, taming a Megatherium can significantly optimize Cementing Paste farming. Megatheriums are large sloths that gain a temporary buff after killing insects, increasing their harvesting efficiency. When this buff is active, a Megatherium can harvest massive amounts of Chitin from insects, which can then be used to craft Cementing Paste. This method is particularly effective in the Chalk Hills or the Aberration Trench on Valguero, where insects like Araneos and Arthropluera are abundant.

If you are playing solo, farming beaver dams is often the most efficient method, as it requires minimal preparation. However, if you are in a tribe, you can assign roles to optimize resource gathering. For example, one player can focus on taming and using a Megatherium for Chitin farming, while another can gather Stone and craft Cementing Paste. Coordination and resource sharing within the tribe can greatly increase efficiency.

When farming Cementing Paste, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. First, do not destroy beaver dams after looting them. Destroying the dam will reset the respawn timer, making it take longer for the dam to reappear. Instead, simply take the resources and leave the dam intact. Second, avoid engaging beavers without a plan. Beavers can be surprisingly tough, especially in groups, so always have an escape route or a strong mount to handle them. Finally, do not underestimate the importance of inventory management. Cementing Paste is heavy, so make sure to bring a mount with high weight capacity or use a weight-reducing item like a Tek Chestpiece if available.

Preparation is key to efficient Cementing Paste farming. If you plan to farm beaver dams, bring a fast mount like a Raptor or a Thylacoleo to quickly escape from beavers. If you are crafting Cementing Paste, ensure you have a steady supply of Chitin or Keratin and Stone. A tamed Ankylosaurus or Doedicurus can help gather these resources more efficiently. Additionally, consider setting up a small outpost near the Redwood Forest or Chalk Hills to store resources and reduce travel time.

In summary, Cementing Paste is a crucial resource in ARK: Survival Evolved, and Valguero offers multiple ways to farm it. Whether you choose to loot beaver dams, craft it using Chitin and Stone, or use a Megatherium for optimized harvesting, each method has its own advantages and challenges. By understanding the mechanics, preparing adequately, and avoiding common mistakes, you can efficiently gather Cementing Paste to support your survival and progression on the Valguero map.