What are the best locations to farm cementing paste on Valguero in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Cementing Paste is one of the most valuable resources in ARK: Survival Evolved, especially for mid to late-game crafting. On the Valguero map, there are several efficient ways to farm Cementing Paste, each with its own mechanics and strategies. Below is a detailed guide on how to farm Cementing Paste effectively on Valguero, covering everything from basic methods to advanced techniques.

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 careful, 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 again.

Another method to obtain Cementing Paste is by crafting it using Chitin or Keratin and Stone in a Mortar and Pestle or Chemistry Bench. Chitin and Keratin can be obtained by killing 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. This method is more labor-intensive but can be done anywhere, making it a reliable option if you cannot access beaver dams.

For advanced players, taming a Megatherium can significantly optimize Cementing Paste farming. Megatheriums are excellent at harvesting Chitin from insects, and they receive a buff called "Insect Killer" after killing an insect, which increases their damage and harvesting rates. This makes them incredibly efficient at gathering Chitin, which can then be converted into Cementing Paste. Additionally, Megatheriums are strong combat mounts, making them useful for defending against hostile creatures while farming.

When farming Cementing Paste, preparation is key. If you plan to loot beaver dams, bring a fast mount like a Raptor or Sabertooth to escape quickly. For crafting Cementing Paste, ensure you have a good supply of Chitin or Keratin and Stone. A high-level Ankylosaurus or Doedicurus can help gather these resources more efficiently. If you are farming in dangerous areas, consider bringing a strong combat mount like a Rex or Spino for protection.

Tribe considerations are also important. In a tribe, you can divide tasks among members to optimize farming. For example, one player can focus on gathering Chitin while another collects Stone. This division of labor can speed up the process and allow for larger-scale farming. Solo players will need to manage their time and resources carefully, prioritizing the most efficient methods based on their current progression.

Common mistakes to avoid include looting beaver dams without a plan for escape, as beavers can quickly overwhelm you if you are unprepared. Another mistake is neglecting to bring enough storage for resources, as Cementing Paste can quickly fill your inventory. Always bring a mount with high weight capacity or multiple storage containers to avoid losing resources.

Advanced techniques include setting up a base near beaver dam locations to reduce travel time. You can also use a Quetzal or Argentavis to carry a Ankylosaurus or Doedicurus to resource-rich areas, allowing for efficient gathering of Stone and Chitin. Additionally, using a Chemistry Bench instead of a Mortar and Pestle can save time and resources, as it produces Cementing Paste more efficiently.

In summary, farming Cementing Paste on Valguero can be done through looting beaver dams or crafting it using Chitin or Keratin and Stone. Each method has its own advantages and requires different preparations. By using the right dinosaurs, tools, and strategies, you can efficiently gather Cementing Paste to support your crafting needs. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and resource management are essential for successful farming.