Where is the Best Base Location in Ark: The Island?
The search for the perfect base location in Ark: Survival Evolved’s original map, The Island, is a quest every survivor undertakes. The “best” location is subjective and varies based on play style, resources needed, and preferred level of risk. However, one location consistently rises to the top for its safety, resource availability, and strategic advantages: Herbivore Island, located in the southeastern corner of the map. While not without its challenges, Herbivore Island offers a relatively peaceful and beginner-friendly environment, making it an excellent choice for both solo players and tribes.
Why Herbivore Island Stands Out
Herbivore Island’s primary appeal is its relative lack of dangerous predators. As the name suggests, the island is mainly populated by peaceful herbivores like Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and Parasaurolophus. This drastically reduces the threat of sudden attacks compared to other areas of the map. While the occasional Megalodon might patrol the waters surrounding the island, careful navigation and awareness can help avoid these encounters.
Key Advantages of Herbivore Island
- Reduced Predatory Threat: The absence of aggressive carnivores allows players to focus on building, taming, and resource gathering without constant fear of being hunted. This is especially beneficial for new players still learning the mechanics of the game.
- Abundant Resources: Herbivore Island boasts a wealth of valuable resources, including wood, thatch, stone, and berries. These materials are readily available and plentiful, making it easy to establish a solid foundation for your base.
- Strategic Water Access: Being an island, access to water is readily available, which is crucial for farming, hydration, and taming certain aquatic creatures. The surrounding waters are also rich in fish, offering an additional food source.
- Relatively Flat Terrain: While not entirely flat, Herbivore Island offers numerous relatively flat areas suitable for building a base, making construction easier and more efficient.
- Easy Escape Route: In case of an unexpected threat, the surrounding ocean offers a quick escape route, allowing you to reach safer areas of the main island or other islands.
Considerations Before Choosing Herbivore Island
While Herbivore Island is a safe haven, some things should be kept in mind:
- Megalodon Presence: While infrequent, Megalodons can occasionally be found in the waters surrounding the island. Exercise caution when swimming and avoid provoking them.
- Potential for Other Players: Its popularity can sometimes make it competitive for prime base spots. Be mindful of other players’ bases nearby, as this can lead to conflicts.
- Limited Metal: While basic resources are abundant, the amount of metal on Herbivore Island is limited. Metal will need to be transported from other areas when creating advanced structures.
Beyond Herbivore Island: Other Viable Base Locations
While Herbivore Island is a top contender, several other locations on The Island offer advantages depending on what you’re looking for:
The Southern Islets
The Southern Islets are a group of small islands located south of the main island. These offer a good balance of resources and safety but can be more vulnerable to attack than Herbivore Island. They also tend to be closer to various resource spawns and open pathways.
The Eastern Plains
The Eastern Plains are a relatively flat, open area with ample resources, offering plenty of room to build. However, this area is also more susceptible to predatory dinosaurs like Raptors and Carnotaurus, which require constant vigilance.
The Hidden Lake
The Hidden Lake in Smuggler’s Pass is another viable option if you’re looking for a more secluded and protected spot. Its surrounding forest provides cover, and the lake offers a source of water and resources. However, the lake area is more constricted than other areas, and more caution needs to be taken around predators that can also spawn here, such as Sarcosuchus.
The Flatlands
The Flatlands, a partly developed area, is excellent for large bases due to its vast, flat terrain. However, it can be relatively far from key resources and may have other tribes nearby. Keep in mind it does contain a small swamp and that swamp creatures could spawn in the base depending on proximity.
FAQs: Base Building in Ark: The Island
1. What are the safest areas to spawn as a beginner?
The south of The Island is generally the safest area to spawn for beginners. The tropical islands in the center can also be a good option. They tend to be populated by easier-to-deal-with creatures.
2. How do I make a good base in ARK?
A good base location should have readily available resources, a source of water, and a degree of natural protection. Building up against a cliff face can also provide added defense. Avoid swamp areas.
3. Where is the best place to find metal on The Island?
Mountain tops, caves, rivers, coves, and deep water sources generally have a higher density of metal rocks. Always exercise caution when venturing to these areas.
4. Are there castles on The Island?
No, there are no castles on The Island map. The Darkfern Castle is located in the Lost Island DLC.
5. What is the flattest place to build on The Island?
The Flatlands are ideal for large bases due to their mostly flat terrain.
6. Are there any underwater caves on The Island?
Yes, there are 12 underwater caves on The Island: 4 small, 4 medium, and 4 large.
7. Where is the hidden lake located?
The Hidden Lake is found in the Smuggler’s Pass region, surrounded by a thick forest.
8. What creatures should I avoid in my base building efforts?
Avoid building near swamps due to the presence of aggressive creatures like Sarcosuchus, Titanoboas, and Leeches. Also, be mindful of areas frequented by dangerous predators like Raptors, Carnotaurus, and Tyrannosaurus Rex.
9. Can I tame a Wyvern on The Island?
You cannot find wild Wyverns on The Island, but they can be transferred over from other ARK maps.
10. What is the strongest creature on The Island?
The Reaper Queen, Giga, Deinonychus, Wyvern, and Rock Drake are among the strongest creatures on The Island.
11. What is the fastest land mount on The Island?
The Gallimimus is the fastest land mount on The Island.
12. What is the strongest ocean Dino on The Island?
The Mosasaurus is the most powerful ocean creature on The Island.
13. What resources should I have access to when building a base?
Access to essential resources such as wood, thatch, stone, berries, and a nearby water source is crucial when establishing a base.
14. What is the most challenging map in ARK?
Scorched Earth is often considered one of the most challenging maps due to its harsh environment.
15. What is the goal of ARK: Survival Evolved?
The goal is to survive on a map filled with dangerous creatures, natural hazards, and other players. Players must build bases, tame creatures, and progress through the game to survive.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best base location in Ark: The Island depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, Herbivore Island offers a unique combination of safety, resources, and strategic advantages, making it a solid choice for many players. Remember to evaluate your options based on your playstyle, and always be ready to adapt to the challenges that The Island has to offer. Good luck, survivor, and happy building!