What is the Safest Zone in ARK: Survival Evolved?
The quest for safety is paramount in the harsh world of ARK: Survival Evolved. While no location is entirely without risk, Herbivore Island, nestled in the southeast corner of The Island map, is widely considered the safest place for players to establish a base and survive. Its relative isolation and the docile nature of its inhabitants make it a haven compared to the rest of the map. While Megalodons patrol the surrounding bay, they are easily avoided with a bit of caution. Of course, human threats are always present.
Why Herbivore Island is the Go-To Safe Zone
Predominantly Herbivorous Population
The most significant advantage of Herbivore Island is, as the name suggests, the abundance of herbivorous dinosaurs. These creatures, such as Stegosaurus, Trikes, and Parasaurolophus, pose no immediate threat to players and are generally easy to avoid. This starkly contrasts with the rest of The Island, where carnivorous predators roam freely and present a constant danger.
Geographical Isolation
Herbivore Island is a small, self-contained landmass, separated from the main island by a stretch of open water. This natural barrier limits the number of predators that venture onto the island, and it provides a natural choke point for defense. This isolation also makes it easier to control the local dinosaur population, further increasing safety.
Resource Abundance
Despite being relatively small, Herbivore Island is rich in resources needed for early game survival. It provides an abundance of berries, wood, fiber, and stone, all of which are essential for crafting basic tools and constructing a safe shelter. This makes it an excellent starting location, reducing the need to venture into more dangerous areas to gather materials.
Escape from the Megalodons
The only notable predators near Herbivore Island are the Megalodons in the surrounding bay. However, these can be easily avoided by keeping your wits about you when near the water. As long as you do not directly provoke them or chase fleeing creatures into the depths, you will most likely remain undisturbed.
Caveats of Safety
While Herbivore Island is relatively safe from dinosaurs, it is essential to remember that it is not entirely risk-free. The ocean surrounding the island still has risks. Players must also be aware of other players in online multiplayer who may be looking for new, often unsuspecting, victims. This makes a basic shelter crucial and keeping a wary eye on the server chat to see if there are players who are actively looking for people to raid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best area to start in ARK: Survival Evolved?
The best place to start in ARK is near the beach. Beaches usually offer a lower concentration of dangerous predators, and provide access to vital early-game resources such as stone, wood, fiber, and berries. Staying near the beach until you have leveled up a few times is the most sensible advice.
2. Where is the best place to live in ARK for experienced players?
For experienced players, the Redwood Forest near Redwood Lake is a popular choice. This area is rich in resources like metal and close to loot-rich caves in the Writhing Swamps. However, this area is also populated by high-level and very dangerous creatures. So it’s crucial to be prepared for a fight.
3. Which map is considered the best in ARK?
Many players consider The Island to be the best map in ARK, and this is mostly due to nostalgia. It was the first map of the game and it has shaped a whole generation of ARK players. It offers a balanced environment with a variety of biomes.
4. What is the strongest tameable dinosaur on The Island?
The Rex is widely considered the strongest tameable dinosaur on The Island. Its raw power and health make it a force to be reckoned with, making it perfect for fighting bosses or surviving dangerous areas.
5. Why is the game called ARK?
The game is called ARK because it draws inspiration from the biblical “Ark of the Covenant.” The “ark” itself comes from the Latin “arca,” referring to a chest or box, which in the context of the game alludes to the mysterious structures and environments players find themselves in.
6. How do you make a good base in ARK?
For a good base, look for a location slightly inland near a pond or stream that offers access to necessary resources. Building against a cliff face can add additional protection. Avoid swamp areas and check that your chosen area has not been claimed by another tribe.
7. Which map in ARK has a city?
The Extinction map features Sanctuary City, a large and detailed city that offers an interesting location to explore and build within.
8. Where is the best place to level up in ARK?
Collecting Explorer Notes is an excellent way to level up early in the game. Explorer Notes are often found near stone ruins and in chests and not only offer substantial experience, but they can also fill in some of the lore of ARK.
9. Which map in ARK is considered the most difficult?
Scorched Earth is widely considered the most difficult map in ARK due to the constant fatigue, overheating, and lack of water sources. It is difficult to both survive and find a good spot to build in.
10. What is the easiest map to play in ARK (excluding The Island)?
Genesis Part 2 is often cited as the easiest map to survive on due to its more forgiving environments and focus on story progression, though this map may not be the easiest to complete. Conversely, Scorched Earth is considered by some to be the easiest map to complete because it does not have many objectives, even though it’s brutal to live on.
11. Where are the flattest places to build on The Island in ARK?
The flatlands on The Island are an excellent option for creating large bases on flat ground. This area is located towards the north, and it features a small swamp, a castle, and access to an underground cave.
12. Where can I find the best loot on The Island?
The best loot on The Island can usually be found in the deep sea crates, the Caverns of Lost Hope/Faith, and the swamp cave. Check out an online explorer map to find the precise locations for the deep-sea loot.
13. Which ARK map has the most dinos?
Ragnarok has almost all of the dinosaurs featured in ARK. It’s only missing the Deathworms and Phoenix from Scorched Earth. It’s widely considered to be the most complete map for a variety of tamable creatures.
14. How big is Ragnarok in ARK?
Ragnarok is an expansive 144 sq. kilometer map, combining elements from The Island, Scorched Earth, and all new biomes. This means it is one of the largest maps available in ARK.
15. What are the best stats to level up in ARK?
Key stats to level up in ARK include Food, Stamina, Movement Speed, Health, Weight, and Melee Damage. Having a good balance between these will ensure that you have the best chance of survival. Early on, it may be best to put most points into Health and Weight so that you can survive dangerous situations and move larger quantities of materials.
By choosing the right location, being aware of your surroundings, and levelling up the right stats you can make sure that you have the best possible chance at survival in the dangerous world of ARK: Survival Evolved.