ARK: Surival Ascended Valguero: Map Guide, Best Spawns & What’s New in the Update

TL;DR

Valguero is back in ARK Survival Ascended servers as a free expansion map a 63 km² sandbox where glaciers meet lava fields. Expect a double Wyvern trench (Ice above, Fire below), an Aberration Trench with radiation, the Abyss for late-game ocean runs, unique Rock Elemental variants, and a triple-boss Forsaken Oasis fight. Below you’ll find the fastest ways to get established, key spawns, smart base spots, and a look at ARK’s upcoming Lost Colony expansion.

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Fast facts

Map type: Free, official expansion map for ASA (originally a non-canonical DLC in ASE).

Size & biomes: ~63 km² across lush jungles, snow deserts, chalk cliffs, volcanic ridges, and underground cave systems.

Signature features:

• • Double Wyvern trench: Ice Wyverns (surface trench in the snow) and Fire Wyverns (lava caverns below).
  • The Abyss: enclosed underwater cave network with high-tier ocean crates and apex sea life.
  • The Unknown (Aberration Trench): radiation zones, aberrant spawns, no flyers bring Hazard Suit + Glowpet.
  • Boss arena: Forsaken Oasis (Dragon + Manticore + Megapithecus).
  • Creatures to note: Deinonychus (egg-steal tame), Ice/Chalk Golems (Rock Elemental variants), Ice Wyvern nests, Fire Wyvern nests.

Early-game ramp (Day 1–2)

1) Spawn on the Jungle or Beaver Lake side for wood, thatch, easy meat/fur.

2) Mount priority: tame a Pteranodon for scouting, then Argentavis for hauling.

3) Metal jumpstart: the volcanic ridge and high snow peaks have dense metal + crystal, with obsidian on the lava slopes.

4) Egg runs (risk–reward):

• • Deinonychus eggs in the White Cliffs (watch for packs; bola + parachutes help).
  • Ice Wyvern eggs in the snow trench (grapples + ghillie + stimulant).
  • Fire Wyvern eggs via lava cave access use a spare Argent or a fast mount + cryopod exit route.

Mid-game: Aberration & ocean progression

The Unknown (Aberration Trench):

• • Hard requirements: full Hazard Suit, glowpet for Nameless, and a radiation-tolerant tame (Ravager, Spino, Reaper-resistant choices as you grow).
  • Why go: Red/Yellow/Purple drops, Element Ore, gems, high-value saddles.
  • Rule of thumb: no flyers plan for ziplines, climbing picks, or cave mounts.

The Abyss (underwater):

• • Prep: SCUBA, Lazarus Chowder, tuso deterrent (C4 on raft/harpoon, or a strong Basilosaurus).
  • Loot: High-tier sea crates, black pearls, oil, silica end-game gear farming.

Best base spots (by playstyle)

• Progression/everyday: edges of the White Cliffs (flat terraces, wood/stone nearby, Deinonychus access).
• Industrial: Volcano foothills metal/crystal/obsidian cluster with short haul.
• PVE scenic + safe: Emerald Forest caverns (ample space, protected entries).
• Tribe defense: canyon perches above Ice Wyvern trench (line-of-sight control, harsh climate deters visitors).
  (Always check server rules for cave building.)

Notable spawns & resources

Deinonychus: White Cliffs (steal eggs → hatch).

Ice Wyvern: snow surface trench (nests along ridgeline).

Fire Wyvern: lava cave beneath the trench (tight corridors; bring heat protection).

Golems: Chalk Golem (White Cliffs); Ice Golem (polar regions).

High-value nodes: volcano ridge (metal/obsidian), polar peaks (metal/crystal), desert ruins (oil/CP from beaver dams nearby on routes).

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Bossing on Valguero: Forsaken Oasis

Tribute: standard artifact set (Hunter, Pack, Skylord, etc.; gather while caving).

Team comps (PVE): Rex/Thery core with Yutyrannus courage roar, Daedon support.

Why it’s special: Three bosses at once. Keep kite paths clear, split aggro, and save Ryder for the Manticore airtime.

Quick answers to hot questions

Can I fly in the Aberration Trench? No; Valguero enforces the no-flyer rule in that zone.

Is radiation present? Yes, only portions of the trench, but enough to require Hazard Suit.

Is Valguero still free in ASA? Yes, it’s a free expansion map download.

Rock Drakes on Valguero? Not in the official version (only via mods).

Map size? ~63 km² of playable area.

What’s next in the ARK update roadmap (2025)

Lost Colony (Story Expansion): a paid ASA DLC slated for late 2025, starring Michelle Yeoh as Mei Yin with MAPPA-produced cinematics. Expect new tames, systems, and a lore bridge toward ARK 2. (Good to mention in your Discovery headline/dek for recency and ark update search intent.)

Tips for ARK Server (multiplayer)

Exploring Valguero with friends is dramatically smoother on a dedicated server. Godlike.Host offers ASA servers with one-click map swaps (Valguero ↔ other maps), mod support, and 24/7 performance monitoring ideal for Wyvern egg runs and The Abyss dives without rubber-banding.

Valguero FAQ

What is Valguero in ASA?

A free, official expansion map (~63 km²) with diverse biomes: snow deserts, chalk cliffs, volcanic ridges, lush valleys, the Emerald Forest (Aberration-style), and the Abyss (an enclosed underground ocean).

How do I access Valguero?

Update the game, then choose Host/Local → Valguero or join a server running the map. No separate purchase required in ASA.

How does the Valguero boss arena work?

The Forsaken Oasis spawns three bosses simultaneously. Bring the Valguero artifact set and tributes, split aggro, keep med brews/veggie cakes flowing, and time Yuty roars. Assign a group to control the Manticore’s airtime.

Does Valguero have an open ocean?

No. The map has a massive central lake and the Abyss (a closed underwater network) instead of a traditional ocean.

Weather hazards to expect?

Freezing snow biomes, lava heat near the volcano, foggy valleys. Nights can show auroras and occasional shooting stars purely visual.

Can I transfer dinos/items between maps?

Depends on server settings. Officials follow transfer schedules; on private servers admins can enable uploads/downloads in the config.

Performance tips for Valguero?

Lower ground clutter and view distance in heavy forests/snow. For smoother multiplayer (Wyvern egg runs, Abyss dives), play on a dedicated server.

Want a stable Valguero server for friends?

Spin up an ARK: Survival Ascended instance on Godlike.Host one-click Valguero preset, mod support, backups, and 24/7 monitoring for minimal rubber-banding.

Is Valguero part of the latest ARK update?

Valguero is available in ASA and continues to receive compatibility patches. Keep your game updated; spawn balances and cave loot can shift with new builds.