Scorched Earth is one of the most unique and challenging maps in ARK: Survival Ascended. With its vast deserts, harsh weather, and limited water sources, surviving here takes planning and smart choices—especially when it comes to where you build your base.
Choosing the right base location isn’t just about finding a cool spot. It affects everything—from how easily you can gather resources, to how well you can defend against other players or wild creatures. Whether you play solo or with a tribe, your base spot plays a big role in how well you survive.
In this blog, we’ll go over five beautiful and practical base locations on the Scorched Earth map. Each one has something special to offer, whether it’s great scenery, access to important resources, or protection from danger.
1. Hidden Oasis near Red Obelisk (Oasis Cave)
Tucked away in a cave close to the Red Obelisk, this small oasis is a gem for survivors who value privacy and easy access to resources. A water entrance offers natural cover that helps keep your base hidden from wandering players or wild creatures.
One of the biggest advantages here is the nearby water source, which is a rare and valuable feature on Scorched Earth. You’ll also find trees, bushes, and rocks for basic resources, and metal nodes aren’t too far off either.
This location works especially well for solo players or small tribes who want to stay off the radar. Whether you’re focused on PvE or light PvP, this spot gives you a good mix of safety and practicality.
Approximate Coordinates: 73, 40 (Entrance)
2. Canyon Pass (Central Canyons)
This area sits deep in a winding canyon at the center of the map. It’s naturally protected by steep walls, making it harder for enemies to raid and easier for you to defend. The tight space means fewer ways in and out, which is great for setting up traps or checkpoints.
The biggest benefit to this location is the fact that you can survive with just cloth armor for the most part. This location is the least super heated in most of the above-ground map.
Metal, crystal, and many other necessary growth resources are close by, so you won’t have to travel far for grow and advance your base. Plus, the layout of the canyon also makes it a visually interesting place to build.
Canyon Pass is best suited for players who enjoy PvP and want a strong defensive setup. Just be ready to handle tighter build spaces and plan your layout carefully.
Approximate Coordinates: 50, 50
3. Plateau Basin near Wyvern Trench (World Scar)
This spot is located east of the World Scar. It is surrounded by mid-sized mountainous terrain on the west, with a double plateau entrance to the east (pictured above). This location is great for PvE or PvP, as it situates you in a highly defensible area with great access to wyvern eggs and high-end resources.
While being close to the trench means you can go after wyvern eggs without traveling too far, but that also brings some risks. Wild wyverns can be dangerous, and the weather up here can be harsh, especially with sandstorms and extreme heat.
Still, for experienced players or larger tribes, this plateau is a strong choice. It allows room for big structures, farming setups, and dino pens.
Approximate Coordinates: 46, 21 (East of the World Scar/Wyvern Trench)
4. Southern East Mountain
In the southeast part of the map, you’ll find a quiet mountain area often overlooked by other players. The views from up here are peaceful and open. With a great view, it’s an amazing base location.
This is a good choice for players who like to build creatively or just want a calm space away from busy parts of the map. There’s enough stone, wood, and water nearby to keep your base going.
While this location is probably best for PvE, it can offer larger tribes a wide open view for approaching enemies on PvP.
Approximate Coordinates: 81, 63
5. Near Green Obelisk (Eastern Low Desert)
Just a stone’s throw west of the Green Obelisk, you’ll find a water vein and beautiful flat terrain to build on. This area is a bit in the open, but works great on PvE servers such as the ones we host here at Wolfe’s Den.
Being close to so many important resources and nearby an obelisk are great bonuses to this location.
This spot offers fantastic landscape views from all directions and open visible sky to watch for incoming weather events.
Approximate Coordinates: 47, 69
Conclusion
Each of these five base locations on Scorched Earth offers something useful—whether it’s safety, resources, or great views. Your ideal spot depends on how you like to play. Try exploring them and see which one suits your style best.
Have more base ideas? Join us on Discord and share your favorites with the community!
