By Ark Valguero—oh boy, where do I even start? If you’ve been living under a rock or just have a thing for maps that make you feel tiny, Ark Valguero is one of ARK: Survival Evolved’s most exciting DLC expansions. Released in 2019, it’s like if The Island, Aberration, and Scorched Earth had a wild, weird baby that you have to adopt immediately. Or at least, that’s how it felt to me when I first laid eyes on it. My first thought? “Okay, this is my life now.”
Anyway, buckle up—because in this guide, we’re diving deep into Valguero’s sprawling biomes, hidden treasures, and creatures that’ll either make you cry with joy or despair (probably the latter). Oh, and I’ll throw in a few me moments for good measure. Spoiler: I’m not always the smartest survivor.
What Is Ark Valguero?
Right, let’s get the basics outta the way. Ark Valguero is an expansion map for ARK: Survival Evolved. It’s a community creation, and, frankly, a miracle. The creators clearly put their hearts into it, and the devs picked it up for official release because—well, it’s that good. It’s a 63 km² playground, meaning there’s a whole lot of space to explore. We’re talking mountains, rivers, jungles, caves, and underground areas that’ll have you questioning the very existence of your sleeping schedule.
Valguero is a mash-up of different biomes—The Island, Aberration, and Scorched Earth vibes all mixed in. It’s like someone threw in a pinch of each and then added more chaos. The landscapes vary, and y’know, chaos is what we love about this game.
So yeah, you’ve got forests, caves, tundras, and mysterious underground zones. But here’s the kicker: You can expect to see some dino types that feel exclusive to Valguero, like the weirdly awesome Deinonychus. More on that later.
The Biomes
There are eight major biomes in Ark Valguero, and trust me, they each feel like their own little universe.
- The White Cliffs—This area’s cool. Literally. You’ll see Deinonychus roaming around in the cliffs (like you need to steal their eggs—no pressure), but the real charm is how stunning it looks. Just don’t go getting fancy and walking off the cliffs, ‘cause that’s a one-way trip to the bottom. Trust me. I tried it. Didn’t end well.
- The Redwoods—A big fan of this biome. Like, if I had to live anywhere in Valguero, it would be here. The trees are perfect for base-building—although don’t get comfy because Thylacoleos love waiting for you to take a breather. Pro tip: Always be ready to run. I’ve learned this the hard way. Fast. Fast.
- The Snowy Mountain—This one’s all about the ice. Snow Wyverns. Rock Elementals. You know, a warm hug in the middle of a blizzard. But also, danger. So much danger.
Key Creatures in Ark Valguero
Okay, so here’s where things get really fun. Ark Valguero is all about the critters—some familiar faces, some totally new. But let’s talk about the new kid on the block: the Deinonychus.
Deinonychus—The Real MVP (Maybe)
The first time I encountered a Deinonychus, I thought it was just another raptor… until it started scaling cliffs like Spider-Man and hopping on me like I was a chew toy. No kidding—this little beast is fast, agile, and deadly. To tame one, you’ll need to get real cozy with its nest (but beware, they don’t like visitors). You gotta steal its eggs without getting wrecked. Good luck with that. You’ll need it.
- Deinonychus Eggs: Nesting up in the White Cliffs. Steal them at your own risk.
- Taming Tip: Don’t get too close. It’s a seriously touchy subject.
Also, I had a buddy who tried to tame one while being chased by a pack. Long story short: He’s still working on rebuilding his dignity.
The Boss Battles
So, you’ve managed to survive the wilds of Ark Valguero for days, maybe even weeks. It’s time to take on the big bads. And let me tell you, these bosses are no joke.
Boss Arena
Here’s where things get wild. Ark Valguero throws a trio of bosses at you: The Dragon, Megapithecus, and Manticore. You thought you had it easy with a single boss? Nah, Valguero says, “You wanted chaos? Here you go!” They’re all pretty nasty individually, but the combo? Oof. Be prepared, that’s all I’m sayin’.
Pro tip: You might wanna bring a few of your friends. Or, at least, a few more of your trusted dinos.
Boss Requirements
Alright, so you need to gather the Artifacts before you face these bosses. I learned that the hard way. Nothing is worse than walking into a boss fight and realizing you forgot half of the artifacts you need. Been there, done that.
- Artifact of the Depths (get it in the Aberration cave)
- Artifact of the Gatekeeper (from Scorched Earth zone)
- Artifact of the Devourer (from the north)
Tip: I’m not gonna sugarcoat it—this is gonna hurt. But hey, if you make it through, you get to say you survived Ark Valguero’s toughest trials.
Base Locations and PvP
Let’s be real. It’s not all about fighting bosses. Sometimes, you gotta get your hands dirty with some base-building. And in Ark Valguero, location matters big time. So if you’re eyeing a base spot, here are a couple of places I’d recommend—unless you want to spend a lot of time getting your stuff raided.
Best PvE Base Spots
- Green Obelisk Cliffside – Seriously, this spot is amazing. You’ve got a beautiful view, plenty of flat land, and easy access to resources. Plus, it’s a bit far from the action, which is perfect if you like a chill vibe. You’ll feel like you’re living the dream… until a pack of wolves decides to ruin your day.
- Hidden Lake – A quiet, serene spot perfect for noobs or anyone who just wants to avoid drama. There’s water, space, and zero Thylacoleos to wreck your day.
Best PvP Base Spots
- Aberration Entrance – It’s tough to access and even tougher to raid. If you want to make sure no one’s gonna steal your hard-earned loot, build here. I’ve had a few close calls, but hey—sometimes the best bases are the ones that feel like an obstacle course.
- Cliff Bases in White Cliffs – Honestly, these spots are clutch. You get high ground, which is always the key in a good PvP base, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get some seriously good view of any incoming trouble.
Resources and Farming Hotspots
So, now you’ve set up your base and you’re looking for resources. Don’t worry—I’ve got you. This map is loaded with metal, crystal, and everything you need to stay stocked up.
Key Resources to Watch Out For
- Metal: Northwest Mountain Ridge. High density, super easy to mine.
- Crystal: Underwater caves—if you can survive the swim. I mean, what’s a good adventure without the fear of drowning?
- Obsidian: Scattered near the Redwoods, but watch out for predators. They’re always lurking.
Organic Polymer? Yeah, that’s a real pain.
I always find it by accident. Kairuku? Yup. You’ll find them chilling near the icy parts. And then, of course, there are the Mantis in the desert. Those little guys are sneaky.
Secret Easter Eggs
Alright, so here’s where Ark Valguero really shines. It’s got some fun, hidden things that’ll make your inner explorer geek out. I’m talking about the secrets, the stuff that makes you feel like an actual adventurer.
Broodmother’s Lair
You want a challenge? Find this lair. It’s hidden behind a waterfall, and it’s home to the Broodmother. I know this because, well, I didn’t know how to get out after I went in. I’ve since made peace with the fact that I’m no expert explorer.
Final Thoughts: Is Ark Valguero Worth It?
Hell yeah. If you haven’t jumped into Ark Valguero yet, do it. Whether you’re building, taming, or just exploring every nook and cranny (which, trust me, you will be), this map gives you everything you need to stay hooked for a long time.