When trying to survive in Ark: Survival Evolved, the most important thing to consider is where to build the base. When looking for the perfect spot, players need to keep in mind the resources nearby, its closeness to the water, the temperature of the area, and of course the dinos living around the corner.
Another thing to consider is the size of the base. A secondary base doesn't have to be as big as the main base, while the main base needs space to expand. Which spots are the best ones on the island, and why should you pick them?
15 The Dead Island: Suicide
The Dead Island or 'The Carnivore Island' is a great place to have nearby for taming beasts or just extreme adventures. Building here, however, comes with an extreme risk as some of the largest and deadliest predators surround the area. Those interested in collecting them should wait until later or endgame to try their hand in this region.
14 Writhing Swamps: Great For Exploring
The Writing Swamps are not a great place to build or for gathering resources either. However, they are a fantastic place to loot and explore caves. Consider building a base nearby, in Redwood Forest, which is full of great spots. Doing so ensures you have a better overall spot for survival as well as easy access to the caves and other points of interest in the swamps.
13 Whitesky Peak & Winter's Mouth: Best Resources
The frozen rocks of Whitesky Peak are not recommended, especially in the early game. Players will succumb to the harsh cold if they don't have the appropriate wear. Additionally, the number of dinos that can be found and kept here is limited, and the character needs to change clothes all the time.
Despite this, the resources that can be found in these two mountains are, hands-down, the best in the game. This includes a ton of metal, crystal, obsidian, river rocks, and even pearls on the northern shore. If players are willing to establish themselves at the base of the mountains, they can make the hike up for resources, but the dangers that await them are still intimidating.
12 Far's Peak: Lots Of Carnivores
Building a base on the northern shore of Far's Peak is definitely a decent strategy. There are a lot of resources on the mountain, and there's easy access to water. The downside is the fact that players would have to stay on the beach, which is not a safe choice as everything can access the base easily. And being near Carnivore Island, easy access is not something players want.
A smarter area to build in order to access this mountain would be the Eastern Forest, which has a great view of the mountain. Of course, players can always discover the mountain itself for places to build.
11 Southern Islets: Fun Build Site
Out of all the Southern Islets, the best place would be the Stone Isle, found in the far south area (which has a horseshoe shape on the bottom of the map). It has great access to water, but unfortunately, it's a little too shallow to bring water dinos in. If not for that, this would be the best water dino pen in the game. It does have a pool of water that's deeper, but again, it's too small for the larger water dinos.
It's between two spots that have a lot of metal, which is great resource-wise. The special terrain makes a great playground for those who love building. It does lose points here and there, but if players insist on the Southern Islets, this would be the best choice.
10 Southeastern Shores: Peaceful
On the Southern Shore, the best place to build would be the little extension of the island seen on the bottom of the area. There are decent resources like metal, river rock, and obsidian. It's also closest to the peaceful Herbivore Island.
It's not very eventful or exciting, but a decent strategy to play out the game easily. These shores come highly recommended for new players or simply as an easy starting location.
9 The Caverns Of Lost Faith: Great Water Dino Pen
On the Northern part of the Western Coast, there's a secluded lake that is perfect for a water dino pen. Also, right above the water, there's a nice flat surface to build on. A lot of pearls and even some crystal and oil can be found near the water, but not a lot of metal, unfortunately.
Players who wish to focus primarily on taming aquatic animals may find this location to be their prime option.
8 Cragg's Island: Flat Build Area
Cragg's Island is a beautiful location close to the water. Although not the best when it comes to resources (which are mostly river rocks with a small amount of metal), it is a great place for building a base. On the southern edge of the island, behind a huge rock, players can find a little lip. This is a great spot for building, as it's really flat and spacious.
The area is very picturesque, with river and sea access for water dinos. It's perfect for those that want to take stunning screenshots of their base. Although there aren't many resources nearby, the red obelisk is in throwing distance, which is always nice, so it's a great place for a secondary base or a water dino pen.
7 Southern Jungle: Great Location
If players want to be even closer to the red obelisk, there's a great place to build right under it, on the bottom left corner of the Southern Jungle. It's also known as the Parasaur Lake, as there are lots of them frolicking around.
Players can notice a slit on the bottom of the area. That's where the picturesque waterfalls are located, right under the obelisk.
6 Northern Shores: Secluded Area
On the northern heel of the shore lays the famous Hidden Lake. It has excellent water access and is surrounded by three mountains, so there's plenty of metal nearby, even some crystals on Frozen Tooth. It's the closest location to Carnivore Island, which can come in handy for taming. With three behemoth gates, players can maximally shut themselves off from the outside world, making it a great place for a base. As it's between cliffs, some dinos can drop into the base, but that doesn't happen often.
Some players talk of a small glitch-point where they can't build, but other than that, it's one of the best locations, especially for defense. Overall, the Northern Shores are a beautiful place and a great strategic point when playing with others.
5 The Eastern Forest & The Eastern Plains: Most Picturesque
With a wonderful view, access to Far's Peak, and lots of mini-mountains, this is a great place to be for easy gameplay. The small mountains can be found on the west side of Easter Plains. A few big, high-level dinosaurs pass through here. Because players are above them on the rocks, it's a very good place for taming or hunting.
It has great access to water and metal, though a difficult place for building. Players could settle on the wider cliff-tops, but the chances of expanding are limited, so it's better as a secondary location. This is one of the most picturesque locations for sure.
4 Herbivore Island: Most Peaceful
The small Herbivore Island is accessible from the Southeastern Shores. The main advantage of this island is the access to water and its great areas to build. Also, no carnivores spawn here, and the resources are great.
Overall, it's Jack of all, master of none, safe choice but not exciting or eventful. It's a great location for the main base and for dino breading. When playing multiplayer, it's probably going to be the most wanted area.
3 The Redwood Forest & The Red Peak: Great Location
In Redwood Forest, the best place to live is near Redwood Lake. Unfortunately, it's the primary territory of a lot of high-level dinosaurs, so it's risky, but worth it in the long run. It's located next to The Red Peak that has a lot of metal, and the Writhing Swamps, with a lot of caves that are great for looting.
2 The Western Approach & The Western Coast: Great Resources
On the northern tip of the Western Coast, there's an area with the nickname, Brawlers Bay, full of waterfalls. It's a very picturesque place, and a strategic area to set up. Players can build on the top of the waterfalls, or next to the river. It also has easy access to the sea, which makes it a great place for a water dino pen.
It's close to the snow biome, which means it's one of the best places for resources. If someone wants to build on the Western Coast, they should probably stick to Brawlers Bay.
1 The Maw: Most Strategic
The best place to build the main base is the center of the map. With all three major mountains in throwing distance, the resource repertoire is wider here than anywhere, and there's a lot of various dinosaurs to tame or hunt.
This is possibly the fastest and smartest place to beat the game. Keep in mind that, as such, it may be extremely contested when playing with others.