Choosing the right base location in Ark: Survival Evolved's The Island map is crucial for survival and prosperity. A well-chosen base provides safety from predators, easy access to resources, and a strategic advantage in the game's challenging environment. This guide will explore some of the best base locations on The Island, considering various factors to help you find the perfect spot for your tribe.
What Makes a Good Base Location in Ark: The Island?
Before diving into specific locations, let's define the key characteristics of an ideal base:
- Defense: Protection from both wild creatures and other players is paramount. High ground, natural defenses like cliffs or water, and strategic placement are crucial.
- Resource Accessibility: Proximity to essential resources like stone, metal, wood, and water saves time and effort.
- Accessibility: Easy access to your base is important, both for you and your tamed dinosaurs.
- Creature Spawns: Consider the types of creatures that spawn nearby. A location with abundant but manageable creatures can provide a steady source of resources and experience.
- Building Space: Sufficient space to build a large and expandable base is essential for long-term growth.
Top Base Locations on The Island:
Here are some of the most popular and effective base locations on The Island, categorized by their strengths:
1. The Redwood Forest (South-Central Island)
The Redwood Forest boasts stunning scenery and excellent natural defenses. The dense trees provide cover, and the higher elevations offer a strategic advantage. This area is rich in wood and thatch resources.
Pros: Abundant wood, naturally defensible, beautiful scenery. Cons: Can be challenging to access, may have limited metal and stone nearby.
2. South-East Mountains
This mountainous region offers excellent defensive positions with high cliffs and limited access points. The abundance of stone makes it ideal for building large, fortified structures.
Pros: Excellent natural defenses, abundant stone. Cons: Can be difficult to reach, relatively isolated.
3. The Volcano Area
While riskier due to the dangers of the volcano itself, the area surrounding the volcano offers breathtaking views and excellent building potential within the canyons and rocky outcroppings. It's close to several resource-rich areas.
Pros: Stunning views, good building potential, access to diverse resources. Cons: Dangers from lava, volcanic eruptions, and aggressive creatures.
4. The Beach near the North-West Coast
The beach offers easy access to water, and the flatter terrain simplifies construction. You can also utilize the water as a natural defense.
Pros: Easy access to water, relatively flat terrain. Cons: Vulnerable to water-based creatures and raiding from both land and sea.
5. The Central Plains
The central plains offer a mix of resources and relatively open terrain. Finding a spot with high ground provides a slight defense advantage.
Pros: Relatively good access to resources, open building space. Cons: Limited natural defenses, exposed to aggressive creatures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best resources to focus on early game for base building?
In the early game, prioritize wood and thatch for your initial structures. As you progress, transition to stone and then metal for more durable and secure buildings.
How can I protect my base from other players?
The best defense is a combination of solid walls, strategically placed turrets, and possibly even a moat. Consider your base's location and potential attack vectors when designing your defenses.
Where are the best places to tame creatures on The Island?
Taming locations vary depending on the creature, but generally look for areas with relatively open space and fewer obstacles to make taming easier and safer. Higher-level tames may require more remote and less accessible areas.
What are some common mistakes beginners make when choosing a base location?
Common mistakes include not considering defense, selecting a location too isolated from resources, and overlooking the surrounding environment's dangers. Careful planning and reconnaissance are key.
Remember to always explore and scout before settling on a base location. The ideal spot depends on your playstyle and the size of your tribe. Choose wisely, and good luck surviving in Ark: Survival Evolved!
