Even if they are not simulation games per se, video games, in general, are close to real life in a way that gamers must consult the game’s map from time to time, or they will lose track of everything. Games like “ARK: Survival Evolved” feature some of the boldest maps in gaming history. Let’s get to know these maps in this role-playing game.
1. Aberration
Note that maps in “ARK: Survival Evolved” are not literally maps you unroll, but really places. What Aberration is, is what it sounds – challenging, eerie, and deadly. Yes, deadly creatures lurk in every corner. For instance, falling from too high elevations ensures you will get injured, no less, and the map also induces radiation sickness, affecting players who don’t know what to do.
The map may be perilous, yet it houses rare minerals and crystals that offer lucrative trade opportunities. The map also allows you to customize your system to meet your needs. Classic.
2. Ragnarok
Ragnarok claims the second spot. It is unique because it came from the minds and hearts of those who love video games, so it’s made with careful thought, planning, and design. It features beaches, storage caves, towering plateaus, ocean platforms, and repurposed ruins.
Plus, its surface reveals a fantastic range of biomes, including a live volcano, a Wyvern trench, broad deserts, lush forests, and epic mountains, encouraging deeper exploration that can even get more taxing with more – that means sea monsters, water trenches, and vast dungeon networks. No, you’re not in “God of War.”
3. Scorched Earth
The name of this map sounds boring, but it is not. Scorched Earth is, of course, all about intense heat worse than the hottest summers, dry sandstorms, and blistering sun.
Thus, you must stay hydrated, or you will perish. To do so, you may spot an oasis on the landscape, offering temporary relief. Second, there are and will always be hostile creatures adapting to the harsh climate. There are strategies and gear to own. Be prepared for frequent sandstorms, too.
4. Fjordur
This map does not only have fjords but fjords Norse-style. Delving into Norse mythology can be unbecoming for some “ARK” players. It’s not what they are looking for. But, this map, named Fjordur, is living up to the hype created about it. Each realm in the map is gelling perfectly into the game, offering a new exploration experience that can keep seasoned players entertained.
Talk about dinosaurs, they’re here. Plus, you will love its progression system. Will you feel offended if there are “Lord of the Rings” elements in this map?
5. The Center
The Center is a map from a separate studio, so it is different from the traditional layout of Ragnarok and Island, offering a breath of fresh air. This map appeals to fans of lush greenery, towering trees, and calming water bodies. When it comes to detail, this map takes it up notches higher.
The resources you can find here follow the same pattern as the Island, with particular regions containing denser deposits. So, the best observation skills must be present here. Once you do, you can buckle your seat for the most unexpected twists, turns, and frequent dead ends. Yikes!
6. The Island
This brings us to the map we talked about earlier: the Island. It’s the first map in the game that wins over gamers’ hearts because of its nostalgic value. This was the first map several players will have played on, responsible for making more and more gamers fall in love with it all over again. It deserves an award.
Though smaller than other locations in this video game, making it more challenging to sell for some seasoned players, it is a fantastic PVP map and one of the best options for newer gamers. If there is a drawback, it is that it lacks ocean variety, even if its name is like that.
7. Crystal Isles
Crystal Isles is also somewhere to immerse yourself into. Its most significant edge is that it is one of the largest maps in this video game. The map’s layout makes it appear like countless various islands – find biomes, jungles, snowy tundras, vast canyons, pristine white shores, and a large volcanic area.
When you’re here, don’t miss visiting the Apotheosis, a network of floating islands that capture the imagination of gamers. Not only are they breathtakingly pretty, but they are also the perfect location to build a base in the skies. Somewhat like “Minecraft.” Make sure to take a look at the Tropeognathus, the newest dino on this map.
8. Valguero
The next stop is Valguero. This “ARK: Survival Evolved” map is not the largest map here, but it retains some elements from other maps, forming the beauty and diversity you are looking for – spot rainbows, auroras like the Northern Lights, and shooting stars. But don’t linger too much into stargazing because you can find the Lost Temple here, too, opening your path into the most challenging underground caverns.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of this map is the Aberration Trench, allowing you to get in touch with content exclusive to the Aberration map. Valguero also lets you hunt Wyvern eggs to breed a powerful tamed version. Be sure to find a ruthless and relentlessly aggressive dinosaur here.
So, those are eight of the best and boldest maps in “ARK: Survival Evolved.” Regarding these maps, aesthetics is the name of the game, not action. Don’t you dare blink. These maps will make you ditch the IMAX.
