The Arat Prime map in ARK Survival Ascended is a pretty unique addition as part of the Lost Colony DLC, and you can find a few significant positions for building your base.
Arat Prime is a massive map, consisting of different biomes, creatures, and more. You can build a base anywhere, of course, but a few spots will always be optimal. If you’re ready to build the perfect base, this guide will help you out.
Disclaimer: There’s no so-called ‘best’ spot. This guide includes options that offer different strategic advantages, making your survival easier.
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Best base locations in ARK Survival Ascended’s Arat Prime map
So far, I have managed to explore almost every area of the map. Here are my five best recommendations.
Hot Springs

- Latitude: 83.9
- Longitude: 6.6
The Hot Springs were revealed to us in Lost Colony’s trailer, and it’s a fantastic place if you hate the snow. The lake is gorgeous, and the surrounding areas have plenty of resources. You’ll also encounter plenty of creatures, too (ideal if you’re looking to tame multiple ones). This spot is loaded with resources, and you won’t freeze.
Snow Cave

- Latitude: 85.2
- Longitude: 76.6
Polarisingly opposed to Hot Springs, the Snow Cave is a winter lover’s paradise. It’s one of the few caves that’s big enough to be a base. You won’t find any hostile creatures here, and the entry and exit routes form a single path. This also makes it easier to build your defense. Make sure to make preparations for the low temperatures, and you’ll thrive here.
Glowing Gem Cave

- Latitude: 17.5
- Longitude: 12.9
Another cave that’s big enough to build a base, the Glowing Gem Cave is a rather peculiar location. The glowing gems make the area look pretty bizarre, but I love it. The area rarely goes dark, has plenty of resources, and doesn’t have any wild creatures to worry about.
Gothic Viewpoint

- Latitude: 73.3
- Longitude: 33.5
If you don’t care about hardships and just want vibes, nothing is cooler than building a base on the Gothic Viewpoint. The top of the mountain area provides some stunning views, and you also get a pre-built base. This makes it easier for you to expand your dominion.
Lakeside

- Latitude: 69.6
- Longitude: 4.2
If you’re an absolute beginner and want something safe, Lakeside is the best spot to pick. There are two small islands with both offering plenty of resources, along with wildlife. The wildlife at this location is reasonably safe, so the chances of dying are lower.
While these five are my favorites, here are two honorable mentions (if you’re unsatisfied with them).
- Hanging Garden (Latitude 91.8 and Longitude 41.4): This is a good choice if you like the new glowing forest biome. The high altitude allows you to have a good view of the map, and the location also offers a decent amount of resources.
- Waterfall (Latitude: 69 and Longitude 19.7): Another water body that allows you to create a base in a scenic spot. The spot has a decent amount of resources and enough space for you to build your base.
Ultimately, the decision depends on you and what kind of experience you’re looking for. You can also choose based on a new creature that you might want to tame, and Lost Colony has plenty of unique ones to find and capture across the Arat Prime map.
Published: Dec 21, 2025 03:31 pm