Surviving the wilds of Valguero is one thing, but defeating its legendary bosses? That’s where champions are made. ARK Survival Ascended’s Valguero map brings stunning visual upgrades and a thrilling new boss encounter that’ll test even veteran survivors. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about conquering these apex predators.
Table of Contents
What’s New in Valguero Ascended?
The revamped Valguero introduces Grendel, a ferocious Megaraptor boss, while bidding farewell to the infamous Forsaken Oasis trio (Megapithecus, Dragon, and Manticore). This keeps the total boss count at two, but trust me—quality over quantity applies here.
Boss Overview: ARK Survival Know Your Enemy
| Boss Name | Type | Difficulty | Location | Special Mechanics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grendel | Megaraptor | Medium-Hard | Portal Summoning | Bleed damage, fog phase, immunity cycles |
| Broodmother Lysrix | Giant Spider | Very Hard | The Lair (74, 42) | High damage output, spawns minions |

1. Grendel: The Shadow Hunter
This isn’t your average Megaraptor. Grendel brings gimmick mechanics that’ll keep you on your toes throughout the fight. The bleed effect is particularly nasty—it’ll drain your tames’ health faster than you can say “extinction event.”
Fight Mechanics:
- Immunity phases where Grendel becomes invulnerable
- Fog phase that blankets the arena in darkness
- Must light specific areas to progress the battle
Pro Tip: Stock up on medical brews and bring your best damage dealers. Speed matters when visibility drops to zero.
2. Broodmother Lysrix: The Arachnid Queen
Found guarding The Lair entrance in the Redwood Forest, this eight-legged nightmare is the strongest boss on Valguero. She’s not here to play nice—her damage output can obliterate unprepared tribes in seconds.
Winning Strategy:
- Bring a Yutyrannus for that crucial Courage Roar buff
- Pack your inventory with food—lots of it
- Include a dedicated healing tame in your squad
- Focus fire to minimize fight duration
For more survival strategies, check out our ARK boss battle tactics and creature taming guides.

Preparation Is Everything
Before challenging either boss, ensure you’ve:
- Bred and leveled high-stat tames
- Crafted quality saddles (journeyman or better)
- Gathered tribute items (for Grendel)
- Scouted locations and practiced positioning
The official ARK wiki offers detailed stat requirements for each difficulty tier.
Final Thoughts
Valguero’s boss lineup may be smaller, but it’s certainly mightier. Grendel provides a fresh challenge with unique mechanics, while Broodmother keeps veterans sweating with her brutal damage. With proper preparation and the right team, you’ll be collecting those trophies and ascending to greatness.
Ready to dominate? Explore more gaming guides and esports news to level up your skills!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I solo the Valguero bosses in ARK Survival Ascended?
A: While technically possible with heavily mutated Rexes or Therizinosaurus, it’s extremely challenging. Broodmother especially requires exceptional stats and saddles. Bringing a tribe or well-bred army of tames significantly improves your success rate.
Q: What happened to the Forsaken Oasis boss fight in Valguero Ascended?
A: Studio Wildcard removed the Megapithecus, Dragon, and Manticore trio fight to make room for the new Grendel encounter. This change gives Valguero a more unique identity while maintaining balanced endgame content.







