Winter’s right around the corner for those who are unfortunate enough to be living next to the northern hemisphere. If that isn’t a clear signal to start looking for a good base location in ARK: Survival Ascended then I don’t know what is!
The Island however, is rather huge, and you are rather tiny. It’ll take a lifetime for your character to walk along the shoreline to find a cove worth settling in. But that’s why we’re here, to save you from all that needless exploring. Keep on reading to find out where the best starting locations are for your dream base!
Top 5 Best Starting Base Locations | The Island Map
Location matters the most in any survival scenario. Coordinates will be provided as well for each location. The next thing that comes after finding a good location is to check if the surroundings have any resources to offer.
That can also translate to letting Mother Nature know that you have opposable thumbs connected to your hands. What you do to what she possesses, is all up to your imagination.
Location No. 1
The image you just saw above is located in south zone two. Here are the coordinates: Latitude 94.2, Longitude 52.5.
If you don’t like being bothered while you try to get your bearings, then this little peninsula and everything else nearby is just for you!
Another bonus is the Explorer Note that you can get as you approach the cave that leads into the lagoon.
If you still remember your ARK collectibles then you would know that these give you tons of EXP that will give your character additional levels that you’ll definitely need!
Going northeast from that spot will land you on a small island that has beavers and silica pearls. You also have access to a lot of wood and cementing paste.
Run over to the west side and you’ll find another river that empties into the ocean where you can get cat tails from. Careful though, Raptors and Alpha Carnotaurus roam the hills where all the metal is.
Location No. 2
Up next is Herbivore Island over at Longitude 90 and Latitude 89.9. That’s in south zone three. There are things here that walk on four legs that can easily crush you.
But that that will only happen if you strike first and fail to follow up. Nobody on this island will touch you given the name if it’s a peace of mind you’re looking for.
The obvious problem with this base is how remote it is. You’re going to have to go for a swim before you even think about colonizing the neighboring island. That means dealing with sharks.
However, it’s a good trade off as no soul from the mainland will come to you either. Things will be easier once you get to level 16.
Do that and you can build a raft that will get you across instead of just swimming.
Location No. 3
Up next is a plateau over at south zone one on the western side. Longitude is 84.8 while the Latitude is 24.4.
The surface area is pretty flat which makes base building here rather easy. You’re also surrounded by a bit of water, which helps keep any undesirables out while you plan your next move.
One of the amenities of this raised platform is another explorer note right in the center. The downside for this location are the resources.
All of those beaver dams, silica pearls, and metal? Yeah, you have to walk further inland for those.
Oh and another thing, make sure to wall off the northeast section of the island. It’s the one thing you need to do to make sure nothing from the outside tramples over anything you’ll build.
Location No. 4
Ever been to Baja California? No? Well, this next location looks just like that, almost. Sitting at Latitude 70.2 and Longitude 5.6, this little strip of shoreline offers a decent amount of protection from the horrors of the mainland. You can find this over at west zone three.
Stay close to the shore as you head up north and you’ll even find another spot you can swim in. This of course, makes for a perfect base location if you like jumping into the water frequently.
The only problem is the closest deposits of obsidian and oil rocks are all in the arctic region.
Location No. 5
Our last location today will put you in a peninsula over at south zone one. Latitude 84 and Longitude 36.2. If you don’t know where to spawn in on the map, then this is the first place you’ll probably end up in.
You still have plenty of easy resources you can get nearby, but later on Raptors and Spinos will be paying you a visit. No, they won’t care if you’re ready to accept guests or not.
They will bother you non-stop about your base’s extended warranty by walking all over it. If you like visitors however then that won’t be too much of an issue.
Building upwards or over at the cliffs to the north might be a good idea. That is until the Carnos start coming out of the jungle.
So yeah, this base location is just for you if you’re the kind of person who likes to party!
If you’re interested, here’s a guide on all the Unlockable Tekgrams that you might want to check out!
And those are all of the best starting base locations in ARK: Survival Ascended. Now, go and get settled in. Your journey inland will have to start somewhere!
