Where 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 and the surrounding rivers. These dams 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, which is usually found near water sources where beavers are present. Once you find a dam, approach it and take the Cementing Paste. Be cautious, as the beavers will become aggressive if they see you taking resources from their dam. It is recommended to either kill the beavers beforehand or use a fast mount to escape after looting. After taking the resources, the dam will respawn after some time, allowing you to farm it again.

Another method to farm Cementing Paste is by crafting it using Chitin or Keratin and Stone. This method requires a Mortar and Pestle or a 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. Once you have the required materials, you can craft Cementing Paste in the Mortar and Pestle or Chemistry Bench. This method is more time-consuming but can be done anywhere, making it a reliable option if you cannot find 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 harvesting efficiency. This makes them ideal for farming Chitin, which can then be used to craft Cementing Paste. Additionally, Megatheriums are strong and can handle the dangerous creatures in the caves where Chitin is abundant.

When farming Cementing Paste, it is important to manage your inventory and resources efficiently. Cementing Paste is heavy, so having a high-weight dinosaur like a Argentavis or a Quetzal to carry the resources is beneficial. If you are playing solo, consider setting up a small base near the farming location to store resources and reduce travel time. For tribes, coordinating with members to cover more ground and protect each other from hostile creatures can make the process faster and safer.

Common mistakes to avoid include not checking the area for hostile creatures before looting beaver dams, as this can lead to unexpected attacks. Additionally, forgetting to bring a high-weight mount can result in being over-encumbered and unable to carry all the Cementing Paste. Another mistake is not having the necessary tools or materials to craft Cementing Paste if you are relying on the crafting method.

Advanced techniques include using a tamed Achatina, a snail-like creature that produces Cementing Paste passively over time. While this method is slow, it requires minimal effort and can be a good supplement to other farming methods. Additionally, setting up a trap near beaver dams can make it easier to kill or tame beavers, reducing the risk of being attacked while looting.

In terms of preparation, ensure you have the right tools and dinosaurs for the job. A strong mount for protection, a high-weight dinosaur for carrying resources, and the necessary crafting stations are essential. If you are venturing into dangerous areas like caves, bring weapons, armor, and healing items to handle any threats.

In conclusion, farming Cementing Paste on Valguero can be done efficiently by looting beaver dams, crafting it using Chitin or Keratin, or using advanced methods like taming a Megatherium or Achatina. Proper preparation, resource management, and awareness of the environment are key to successful farming. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, these strategies will help you gather the Cementing Paste needed for your survival and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.