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

Farming hide and pelt in the Valguero map of ARK: Survival Evolved requires a good understanding of the map's layout, creature spawns, and efficient resource-gathering strategies. Hide and pelt are essential resources used for crafting armor, saddles, and other important items. Valguero offers several excellent locations for farming these materials, but success depends on preparation, the right tools, and the right approach.

To begin, hide is primarily obtained by killing creatures like dinosaurs, mammals, and other animals. Pelt, on the other hand, is a rarer resource that comes from specific cold-weather creatures like mammoths, yutyrannus, and dire wolves. Valguero has a variety of biomes, including forests, snowy mountains, and open plains, which are ideal for farming these resources. The snowy biome, in particular, is a hotspot for pelt due to the high concentration of mammoths and dire wolves.

One of the best locations for farming hide and pelt is the snowy region in the northwest part of the map. This area is filled with mammoths, dire wolves, and yutyrannus, all of which drop large amounts of hide and pelt. However, this region is also dangerous due to the cold weather and the presence of predators like sabertooths and the occasional alpha creature. To survive here, you will need cold-weather gear, such as fur armor, and a strong mount to protect you from hostile creatures.

For hide farming, the open plains and forests in the central and southern parts of the map are excellent choices. These areas are populated by creatures like parasaurolophus, trikes, and stegosaurs, which drop decent amounts of hide. Using a carnivorous dinosaur like a Rex, Spino, or Carnotaurus can make quick work of these creatures and allow you to gather hide efficiently. Additionally, the swamp biome in the southeast is another good spot for hide farming, as it is home to creatures like kaprosuchus and sarcosuchus, which also drop hide.

When farming pelt, it is important to focus on creatures like mammoths and dire wolves. These creatures are most commonly found in the snowy biome, but they can also be encountered in other cold areas of the map. Using a high-damage mount like a Rex or a pack of well-trained dire wolves can help you take down these creatures quickly. Dire wolves are especially useful because they have a pack bonus that increases their damage output, making them ideal for hunting other wolves and mammoths.

Preparation is key when farming hide and pelt. Before heading out, make sure you have the right equipment. A metal hatchet or chainsaw is the best tool for harvesting hide and pelt, as they provide the highest yield. If you don't have access to these tools, a stone or metal pickaxe will work, but the yield will be lower. Additionally, bring a strong mount to protect you from predators and to carry the resources you gather. A high-weight mount like a brontosaurus or a pack animal like a parasaur can help you transport large amounts of hide and pelt back to your base.

One common mistake players make is venturing into dangerous areas without proper preparation. The snowy biome, for example, is extremely cold and can quickly drain your health if you don't have the right gear. Always bring fur armor, medical brews, and food to sustain yourself in harsh environments. Another mistake is underestimating the dangers of alpha creatures. Alphas are much stronger than their regular counterparts and can easily kill an unprepared player or mount. Always scout the area before engaging in combat and be ready to retreat if necessary.

Advanced techniques for farming hide and pelt include using a tamed gacha to passively generate resources. Gachas are creatures that can produce crystals containing various resources, including hide and pelt, when fed the right items. While this method is slower than active farming, it can be a useful supplement to your resource gathering. Another advanced technique is using a chainsaw, which provides a massive yield of hide and pelt from corpses. Chainsaws require gasoline to operate, so make sure you have a steady supply before using this method.

For solo players, farming hide and pelt can be challenging due to the dangers of the environment and the need to transport large amounts of resources. Using a high-weight mount and setting up small outposts near farming locations can help mitigate these challenges. For tribes, coordinating with other players to cover more ground and protect each other from predators can make farming much more efficient.

In summary, the best locations for farming hide and pelt in Valguero are the snowy biome for pelt and the open plains, forests, and swamps for hide. Preparation, the right tools, and a strong mount are essential for success. Avoid common mistakes like venturing into dangerous areas unprepared and underestimating alpha creatures. Advanced techniques like using gachas or chainsaws can optimize your resource gathering. Whether you're playing solo or in a tribe, careful planning and execution will ensure you gather the hide and pelt you need to thrive in ARK: Survival Evolved.