When trying to surviveinArk: 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.

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Ark: Survival Evolved Carnivore Island Screenshot with Map Included

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?

The Dead Island or ‘The Carnivore Island’ is a great place to have nearbyfor taming beastsor 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.

Ark: Survival Evolved, Writhing Swamp Screenshot with Map Included

14Writhing 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.

13Whitesky 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.

Ark: Survival Evolved Winter Biome Poster with Map Included

12Far’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.

Ark: Survival Evolved Far’s Peak Screenshot with Map Included

11Southern 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.

Ark: Survival Evolved Southern Islets Screenshot with Map Included

10Southeastern 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.

Ark: Survival Evolved Southeastern Shores Screenshot with Map Included

9The 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 andoil 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.

Ark: Survival Evolved Caverns of Lost Faith Screenshot with Map Included

8Cragg’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.

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7Southern 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.

Ark: Survival Evolved Southern Jungle Screenshot with Map Included

6Northern 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.

Ark: Survival Evolved Hidden Lake Screenshot with Map Included