What are the best locations to build a base on The Island map in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Building a base on The Island map in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning and consideration of several factors, including location, resource availability, defense, and progression. The Island offers a variety of biomes, each with its own advantages and challenges. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you choose the best locations and build a secure and functional base.

One of the most popular and beginner-friendly locations is the southern beaches, particularly around the area near the South Zone 1 spawn point. This area is rich in basic resources like wood, stone, and fiber, making it ideal for early-game base building. The terrain is relatively flat, which simplifies construction, and the nearby waters provide access to fish and water-based resources. However, this area is also frequented by new players and predators like raptors, so youÔÇÖll need to build basic defenses early on.

For mid to late-game players, the Hidden Lake in the northeast is an excellent choice. This secluded area is surrounded by cliffs, providing natural defenses against both creatures and other players. The lake itself is a reliable source of water, and the surrounding forests are rich in resources. The nearby mountains also offer access to metal and crystal, which are essential for advanced crafting. However, this area is home to dangerous creatures like carnotaurus and the occasional alpha predator, so youÔÇÖll need to tame strong dinosaurs for protection.

Another strong contender is the Redwood Forest, which offers a unique environment for base building. The massive trees allow for tree-platform bases, which can be highly defensible and provide a strategic vantage point. The Redwood Forest is rich in resources like wood, thatch, and rare mushrooms, but itÔÇÖs also home to aggressive creatures like thylacoleos and microraptors. Building in this area requires advanced materials like metal and cementing paste to construct tree platforms and secure your base.

When choosing a location, consider proximity to key resources like metal, crystal, and obsidian, which are essential for advanced crafting. The mountains in the northwest and northeast are rich in these resources, but they are also dangerous due to predators like rexes and argents. Building a small outpost near these mountains can help you gather resources efficiently while keeping your main base in a safer location.

Base defense is crucial, especially in PvP servers. Start by building a perimeter wall using stone or metal, as these materials are more durable than wood. Place turrets and plant species X around your base to deter intruders. Tame defensive dinosaurs like rexes, spinos, or therizinosaurus to guard your base. For added security, consider building multiple layers of walls and using traps like bear traps or spike walls.

Resource management is key to maintaining your base. Use storage boxes and vaults to organize your resources, and build preserving bins or refrigerators to store perishable items like meat and berries. As you progress, invest in a generator and electrical systems to power advanced structures like fabricators and air conditioners. Renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels can help reduce the need for gasoline.

Common mistakes include building too close to spawn points, which can attract unwanted attention, and neglecting base defenses, leaving you vulnerable to raids. Avoid overextending your resources by focusing on essential structures first, such as a secure storage area and crafting stations. Advanced techniques include using vertical space by building multi-level bases, which can save space and make your base harder to raid.

For solo players, itÔÇÖs important to prioritize efficiency and security. Build smaller, more defensible bases and focus on taming versatile dinosaurs like the argentavis, which can help with both resource gathering and transportation. For tribes, coordinate resource gathering and base construction to maximize efficiency. Assign roles to tribe members, such as gatherers, builders, and defenders, to streamline your operations.

In summary, the best base locations on The Island map depend on your playstyle and progression level. The southern beaches are ideal for beginners, while the Hidden Lake and Redwood Forest offer more advanced options. Prioritize resource availability, defense, and proximity to key areas when choosing a location. Build strong defenses, manage your resources efficiently, and consider tribe dynamics to create a secure and functional base. With careful planning and execution, you can establish a thriving base that supports your survival and progression in ARK: Survival Evolved.