Picking the best base location in Ark Genesis 1 Ascended to start off can be tough. There are a bunch of locations that can be tempting, especially for beginners. So, I have combed this map and compiled a list of the best base locations, taking into account their PvP and PvE utility, along with the resources available at these locations.
Lastly, some of these bases are even preferred for builders who just want to build a base in a scenic spot that looks amazing.
Skeleton Isle (8.3, 92.7)
Best For: Scenery, Resources
This base offers an amazing and unique scenic spot not available anywhere else on the map. From the above image, you can see the main attraction of this spot, i.e., the huge skeleton. This offers players who want to build a cool-looking base a lot of options. You can consider building on top of the skeleton, or even underneath it. In terms of resources, this base will not be lacking. It has a ton of trees, herbivores, rocks, and other minerals to be found.
Oceanic Retreat (63.2, 66.6)
Best For: Resources, Space
A lush green island, surrounded by the ocean from all sides, sounds like the making of a proper vacation. But don’t judge this island simply on its looks alone. It is also littered with lots of minerals and ores that can be useful. The central open space is ideal for building a main hub of sorts, with lots of connecting areas on the nearby cliffs and valleys. The island is also riddled with caves that you can explore for more resources and hide loot in, making it an all-purpose base.
Bog Plateau (55.9, 71.7)
Best For: Resources, Space, PvP friendly
This plaque in the middle of a bog is an extremely safe location to use for situating an alpha tribe. There is only one main route that you will need to cordone off, to make it safe from invaders. This makes it great for both PvE and PvP purposes. You will not be lacking for any resources as well, since the area provides you with everything you need. Water comes from the waterfall, and the huge tree has a lot of minerals inside it. The nearby locations are also easily accessible in case you want to farm some more.
Skull Island (64.3, 43.6)
Best For: Scenery, Animals, Resources
This island looks like it is straight out of a movie or a fantasy novel. The giant skull immediately tells you where this place got its name from. If you want a good spot for a base, then the area above the skull is a good choice for a secluded and large area with a good view. Moreover, the base is also not lacking in any resources, as you can collect a lot of minerals and find lots of herbivores and carnivores on the island. There is plenty of space and resources available here to make this one of the best base locations in Ark Genesis 1 Ascended.
Large Fortress (18.9, 65.8) and Small Fortress (22.4, 52.2)
These are two separate base spots, but clubbed together because they are similar in nature and relatively close to each other.
Best For: Space, Beginner Friendly, PvE friendly
Firstly, I will be talking about the Small Fortress, since this one is easier to claim. This island is home to a huge man-made structure, which lets you move in almost immediately, without using any extra resources on building walls and such. This island is home to mostly herbivores, which lets you easily lay claim to it without getting into any huge fights. Lastly, the island is also home to a series of underground tunnels, letting you use these chambers for whatever reason you can come up with.
Best For: Space, Resources
Moving on to the Large Fortress will be the next big step. This base is very similar to the Small Fortress, but boasts an expanded overall scale. It is bigger, has more room, but also comes with more dangers to compensate. This location does have some carnivores you will need to fight for over the land, but it is well worth the effort. It has a dock, multiple levels, and can easily host an alpha tribe.
Underwater Bubble (48.5, 52.2)
Best For: Resources, PvE friendly, Scenery
This underwater base is not only large, but it also provides you with one of the most unique base aesthetics in the game. You can access this underwater cave quite easily, and it comes with a lot of resources you can easily acquire. Being underwater, you will never run out of water. However, even outside of that, it has some minerals that you can collect, with the added advantage of being free from almost all hostile creatures.
Island Mountain (50.5, 65.1)
Best For: Space, Scenery, Resources, Animals
This massive island offers you everything rolled into one. Good scenery? Check. Lots of building space? Check. Abundance of resources? Check. The mountain walls themselves have a lot of crystals and minerals available to mine. Meanwhile, the island itself is filled with animals and vegetation to acquire. The amazing view offered from the top of the mountain is also unbeaten, as it allows you to survey the happenings of everything around you.
The Claw (31.2, 80.9)
Best For: Resources, Space, Scenery
This island has a very unique rock formation on it, thus aptly naming it ‘The Claw’. The rocks are in the shape of a claw or a hand, which can be an amazing base for a build in the hands of a good builder. The best part? The location itself is not lacking in resources as well. You will have lots of metal, obsidian, sulfur, and different kinds of plant life to keep your storage filled.
Mountain Paradise (76.8, 65.3)
Best For: Scenery, Resources, Space, Animals
From the above image alone, it is likely clear to you why this base has a spot on this list. This island has everything you want from a base, and some more. Everywhere you look, you will see towering mountains and rushing waterfalls. The entire island is filled to the brim with life, in the ocean and in the mountains. It even has the new Tidepup pet. Finally, to top it all off, it even has an underwater cove that you can use as a dock to park your ship.
Frozen Gate (79.3, 6.5)
Best For: Scenery, Resources
This location lies in the Arctic, offering you a nice and safe spot atop the gigantic metallic structure sitting in the middle of the frigid mountains. This location stands out from the rest as it has a unique structure that is not really found anywhere else. Moreover, the surrounding area is sprinkled with various resources. Finally, you also get a nice view of the surrounding region from a relatively high vantage point.
Glacier Peak (83.3, 44.9)
Best For: Space, Resources, PvP, Scenery
This is the highest point you can reach in the area, making it a good place to defend. You not only get a good scenic view of the horizon, but it is also topped off with a lot of resources in the surrounding forests. However, getting here in the first place might be a challenge in itself, so make sure that you are prepared.
Fallen Giants (46.1, 63.6)
Best For: Resources, Scenery, Space
This island location is a cozy and relaxing spot that offers you a lot of benefits for using it as your base. Firstly, it has some stone pillars in the center of the island, giving you a unique base for designing your base around. Moreover, there is no shortage of metals and other resources at your doorstep, making it a fantastic starting spot. On top of this, being in the ocean means that you will have no shortage of water as well.
Twin Islands (94.3, 10.3)
Best For: Resources, PvE, Space, Scenery
From its name, it should be quite clear that this is no single location, but two sets of islands located close to each other. You can choose either of these for starting off, and expand your base to both islands over time. There is quick access to water, abundant resources, and lots of animals to chase down, making this place an ideal starting ground.
Volcanic Pools (44.5, 83.2)
Best For: Resources, Scenery, PvP
This is one of the most dangerous locations to attempt building a base at, but in contrast, it is actually a safer location than many others because it discourages other players from venturing into this area. However, you should be aware of the Magmasaurs in the area, which can be quite deadly if encountered without preparation. There are also tons of resources in the area, which reward you for living dangerously. Lastly, although this is not a tangible benefit, you will get some cool points for managing to set up a base in this difficult area.
These were the best base locations in Ark Survival Ascended for Genesis 1.
