What are the best locations to farm wood and thatch in the Valguero map of ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming wood and thatch in the Valguero map of ARK: Survival Evolved is a fundamental task for survival and progression. These resources are essential for building structures, crafting tools, and creating items like thatch roofs or wooden walls. Valguero, with its diverse biomes, offers several excellent locations for gathering these materials efficiently. Below is a detailed guide to help you maximize your wood and thatch farming efforts.

To begin, the mechanics of gathering wood and thatch involve using tools or dinosaurs to harvest trees. The most basic tools for this are the Stone Pick and Stone Hatchet. However, using dinosaurs like the Beaver (Castoroides), Mammoth, or Therizinosaurus is far more efficient. These creatures have specialized abilities that allow them to gather large amounts of wood and thatch quickly. For example, the Beaver is particularly effective for wood, while the Therizinosaurus can gather both wood and thatch in large quantities due to its versatile harvesting abilities.

One of the best locations for farming wood and thatch in Valguero is the Redwood Forest biome. This area is densely populated with large trees that yield significant amounts of both resources. The Redwood Forest is located in the central-northern part of the map, and it is easily accessible from many starting areas. However, this biome is also home to dangerous creatures like Thylacoleos and Dire Bears, so it is crucial to be prepared with a strong mount and weapons for defense.

Another excellent location is the White Cliffs biome, situated in the western part of the map. This area features a mix of dense forests and open plains, making it a great spot for gathering wood and thatch. The White Cliffs are generally safer than the Redwood Forest, but you should still be cautious of predators like Raptors and Carnotaurus. The abundance of trees in this biome ensures a steady supply of resources.

When farming wood and thatch, it is important to use the right tools or dinosaurs. If you are early in the game and do not have access to advanced tames, a Metal Hatchet is a good alternative to the Stone Hatchet, as it provides a higher yield. However, once you can tame a Beaver or Mammoth, your efficiency will increase dramatically. The Beaver, for instance, has a weight reduction for wood, allowing you to carry more before becoming encumbered. Similarly, the Mammoth has a special ability called "Tree Swing" that can harvest multiple trees in a single attack, making it ideal for large-scale farming.

Preparation is key when venturing out to farm resources. Ensure you have enough food, water, and medical supplies, especially if you are exploring dangerous areas like the Redwood Forest. It is also wise to bring a flyer, such as an Argentavis or Pteranodon, to scout the area and transport resources back to your base. If you are playing solo, consider setting up a small outpost near your farming location to store resources and restock supplies. For tribes, coordinating with teammates to gather resources simultaneously can significantly speed up the process.

One common mistake players make is overharvesting an area, which can lead to a temporary depletion of resources. To avoid this, rotate between different farming locations to allow trees to respawn. Additionally, always keep an eye on your weight limit, as carrying too much wood or thatch can slow you down and make you vulnerable to attacks. Using dinosaurs with weight reduction abilities, like the Beaver, can help mitigate this issue.

Advanced techniques for optimizing wood and thatch farming include using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to transport large amounts of resources. You can also use a chainsaw, which is a late-game tool that provides an extremely high yield of wood and thatch. However, chainsaws require gasoline, so ensure you have a steady supply before relying on this method. Another optimization is to use a Whip, which can be used to gather thatch from bushes without dismounting your dinosaur.

In conclusion, farming wood and thatch in Valguero requires careful planning, the right tools or dinosaurs, and an understanding of the map's biomes. By focusing on high-yield areas like the Redwood Forest and White Cliffs, using efficient tames like the Beaver or Mammoth, and avoiding common mistakes, you can gather these resources quickly and safely. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, these strategies will help you build and progress effectively in ARK: Survival Evolved.