What are the most dangerous regions to avoid when starting out in ARK: Survival Evolved?

When starting out in ARK: Survival Evolved, the game world can be incredibly dangerous, especially for new players who are unfamiliar with the map and its threats. The most dangerous regions to avoid early on are typically those with high-level predators, extreme environmental conditions, or limited resources. Understanding these areas and how to navigate around them is crucial for survival and progression.

One of the most dangerous regions on The Island, the default map, is the Redwood Forest. This biome is home to aggressive creatures like Thylacoleos, which can ambush you from trees, and packs of Direwolves that can quickly overwhelm an unprepared player. Additionally, the Redwood Forest is frequented by large predators such as Carnotaurus and Rexes. The dense foliage can make it difficult to spot threats, and the terrain can be challenging to navigate. For new players, it is best to avoid this area until you have tamed strong mounts and have decent armor and weapons.

Another hazardous area is the Swamp biome. The Swamp is filled with dangerous creatures like Sarcosuchus, Titanoboas, and Kaprosuchus, all of which can easily kill a low-level player. The environment itself is also treacherous, with deep water that can slow movement and make escape difficult. The Swamp is also home to the Leech, which can attach to you and drain your health. Avoiding the Swamp early on is advisable unless you are well-prepared with a fast mount and healing items.

The Snow Biome is another region to avoid when starting out. The extreme cold will quickly drain your health if you do not have proper insulation, which requires fur armor or other heat-retaining items. The Snow Biome is also home to high-level predators like Direwolves, Sabertooths, and Yutyrannus. These creatures are fast and deadly, making the Snow Biome a high-risk area for new players. It is best to avoid this region until you have the necessary gear and tames to survive the cold and fend off predators.

The Carnivore Island, located in the southeast corner of The Island, is another area to steer clear of early in the game. As the name suggests, this island is populated by numerous high-level carnivores, including Rexes, Spinos, and Carnotaurus. The island is small and has limited resources, making it a poor choice for a base location unless you are well-equipped to handle the constant threat of predators.

The Deep Ocean is another dangerous region, especially for players who are not prepared with aquatic tames or scuba gear. The ocean is home to aggressive creatures like Megalodons, Plesiosaurs, and Mosasaurs. The deep water can also make it difficult to escape if you are attacked. Additionally, the ocean has limited resources, making it a poor choice for early-game exploration. It is best to avoid the deep ocean until you have tamed strong aquatic mounts like the Ichthyosaurus or the Basilosaurus.

When starting out, it is important to focus on safer regions like the beaches and the southern parts of The Island. These areas are generally populated by lower-level creatures and have abundant resources like wood, stone, and fiber. Building a small base near the beach can provide a safe haven where you can gather resources and tame basic creatures like Dodos, Parasaur, and Trikes. These early tames can help you gather resources more efficiently and provide some protection against smaller predators.

As you progress and gain better gear and tames, you can start exploring more dangerous regions. It is important to always be prepared with adequate supplies, including food, water, and healing items. Taming strong mounts like the Raptor or the Carnotaurus can provide additional protection and make it easier to navigate dangerous areas. Building a secure base with walls and turrets can also help protect you from hostile creatures and other players in PvP servers.

In summary, the most dangerous regions to avoid when starting out in ARK: Survival Evolved include the Redwood Forest, Swamp, Snow Biome, Carnivore Island, and Deep Ocean. These areas are populated by high-level predators and have challenging environmental conditions that can quickly overwhelm new players. By focusing on safer regions and gradually building up your resources and tames, you can increase your chances of survival and successfully explore the more dangerous parts of the map.