Where are the best locations to farm crystal on Valguero in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming crystal on Valguero in ARK: Survival Evolved is an essential task for players looking to craft advanced items like electronics, scopes, and other high-tier equipment. Crystal is a valuable resource, and knowing the best locations and strategies to gather it efficiently can save you a lot of time and effort. Below is a detailed guide on how to farm crystal effectively on Valguero, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and more.

Crystal is primarily found in rocky, mountainous areas and caves. On Valguero, the best locations for crystal farming are the White Cliffs, the Chalk Hills, and the Aberration Trench. Each of these areas has abundant crystal nodes, but they also come with their own challenges, such as hostile creatures and environmental hazards.

The White Cliffs, located in the northwest part of the map, is one of the most popular spots for crystal farming. This area is rich in crystal nodes, and the terrain is relatively easy to navigate. However, it is also home to dangerous creatures like Allosaurus and Carnotaurus, so you need to be prepared for combat. The Chalk Hills, located in the central part of the map, is another excellent location. This area has a high concentration of crystal nodes, but it is also frequented by predators like Raptors and Sabertooths. The Aberration Trench, located in the southeast part of the map, is a unique biome with its own set of challenges. This area is rich in crystal, but it is also filled with dangerous creatures like Ravagers and Nameless, making it a high-risk, high-reward location.

To farm crystal efficiently, you will need the right tools and dinosaurs. A metal pickaxe is the most basic tool for harvesting crystal, but using a high-level Ankylosaurus or a Mantis with a high-quality pick can significantly increase your yield. Ankylosaurus is particularly effective because it can gather large amounts of crystal with each swing, and it has high weight capacity, allowing you to carry more resources before needing to return to your base. If you are playing solo, taming an Ankylosaurus should be a priority. If you are in a tribe, coordinating with your tribe members to have multiple Ankylosaurus can speed up the farming process.

Preparation is key when farming crystal. Make sure to bring enough food, water, and medical supplies, especially if you are venturing into dangerous areas like the Aberration Trench. It is also a good idea to bring a flyer, such as an Argentavis or a Wyvern, to transport your Ankylosaurus and the harvested crystal back to your base. If you are farming in a dangerous area, consider bringing a strong combat mount, like a Rex or a Spino, to protect yourself from hostile creatures.

One common mistake players make is not bringing enough weight capacity. Crystal is a heavy resource, and you can quickly become over-encumbered if you are not careful. To avoid this, make sure your Ankylosaurus has a high weight stat, and consider using a weight-reducing saddle if available. Another mistake is not scouting the area before starting to farm. Always take a moment to survey the area for potential threats and plan your escape route in case you need to retreat quickly.

Advanced techniques for crystal farming include using a Quetzal with a platform saddle to transport your Ankylosaurus. This allows you to fly your Ankylosaurus to the crystal nodes, harvest the crystal, and then fly back to your base without having to worry about ground-based threats. Another advanced technique is using a Tek Stryder, if you have access to Tek Tier, as it can harvest crystal efficiently and has a built-in resource storage system.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need a good supply of metal for crafting pickaxes and saddles, as well as narcotics and berries for taming an Ankylosaurus. If you are planning to farm in the Aberration Trench, you will also need glow sticks or light pets to navigate the dark environment and protect yourself from Nameless.

Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, communication and coordination are important. If you are in a tribe, assign roles to each member, such as one person scouting for threats, another person harvesting crystal, and another person transporting the resources back to the base. If you are playing solo, make sure to have a well-thought-out plan and be prepared to handle any threats on your own.

In conclusion, farming crystal on Valguero requires careful planning, the right tools and dinosaurs, and a good understanding of the map. By following the strategies and tips outlined above, you can efficiently gather crystal and advance your crafting capabilities in ARK: Survival Evolved.