Astraeos Resource Map - ARK: Survival Ascended

Astraeos - Detailed Guide

Astraeos is one of the newest additions to ARK: Survival Ascended, offering a fresh environment with unique challenges and opportunities. This map features distinctive biomes, exclusive resources, and new gameplay mechanics that expand the ARK experience.

Unique Biomes & Regions

Astraeos features several diverse environments with their own characteristics:

Highlands

Elevated grasslands with moderate temperatures and good visibility. Relatively safe for beginners with abundant basic resources and fewer apex predators. Excellent for establishing early bases.

Tropical Jungle

Dense tropical forest with abundant plant life and water sources. Rich in organic resources but home to dangerous predators like Thylacoleos and Microraptors. Visibility can be limited due to thick vegetation.

Volcanic Fields

Active volcanic region with extreme heat and dangerous terrain. Rich in metal, obsidian, and crystal but requires heat protection gear. Home to fire-resistant creatures and unique resources.

Crystal Caverns

Underground network of crystal-filled caverns with bioluminescent features. Contains unique resources and creatures adapted to cave life. Navigation can be challenging due to complex tunnel systems.

Coastal Shores

Beaches and shallow waters along the map's edge. Good starting locations with access to fish, pearls, and oil. Relatively safe on land but water may contain dangerous predators.

Ancient Ruins

Mysterious ruins of an advanced civilization scattered throughout the map. Contains valuable loot, artifacts, and clues to the ARK's lore. Often guarded by powerful creatures or traps.

Unique Features & Mechanics

What makes Astraeos special compared to other maps:

Vertical Exploration: Extensive cave systems and multi-level terrain
Dynamic Weather System: Unique weather patterns affecting gameplay
Ancient Technology: Discoverable tech that provides special abilities
Resource Nodes: Special resource deposits that regenerate over time
Exclusive Creatures: New variants and species not found on other maps
Environmental Hazards: Unique dangers like geysers, quicksand, and toxic areas
Hidden Passages: Secret routes connecting different regions of the map
Artifact Challenges: Unique puzzles and challenges to obtain artifacts

Survival Strategies

Essential knowledge for thriving on Astraeos:

Begin in the Highlands or Coastal regions for the safest early game experience
Craft specialized gear for each biome's unique challenges
Establish a network of small outposts rather than a single main base
Tame a versatile mount early for navigating the varied terrain
Learn the cave systems for quick travel between regions
Harvest unique resources during specific weather conditions for better yields
Explore Ancient Ruins carefully for valuable technology and blueprints
Build elevated bases to avoid ground predators, especially in jungle areas

Resource Guide

Where to find essential and unique resources on Astraeos:

metal:

Volcanic Fields (abundant), Highland mountains, and Crystal Caverns

crystal:

Crystal Caverns (abundant), Volcanic ridges, and Ancient Ruins

obsidian:

Volcanic Fields, deep Crystal Caverns, and certain Ancient Ruins

oil:

Coastal underwater nodes, tar pits in Volcanic Fields, and from certain creatures

pearls:

Coastal underwater caves, Crystal Cavern pools, and certain shellfish

element:

Deep Crystal Caverns, Ancient Ruins technology, and certain boss drops

astraeum:

Unique resource found only in Ancient Ruins and certain weather events

luminite:

Bioluminescent crystal found in the deepest Crystal Caverns

Notable Creatures

Distinctive creatures found on Astraeos:

Crystal Wyvern: Specialized wyvern variant with unique abilities
Astral Raptor: Fast-moving pack hunter with bioluminescent features
Magma Lizard: Fire-resistant reptile found in Volcanic Fields
Cave Crawler: Specialized climber adapted to Crystal Caverns
Ancient Guardian: Mechanical construct protecting Ancient Ruins
Luminous Jellyfish: Bioluminescent water creature providing light underwater
Highland Strider: Fast herbivore adapted to the open Highlands
Shadow Panther: Stealthy jungle predator with camouflage abilities

Dynamic Weather System

Astraeos features unique weather patterns that affect gameplay:

Meteor Showers: Periodic events where resource-rich meteorites fall from the sky
Electrical Storms: Disables electrical equipment but enhances certain creatures
Ash Clouds: Reduces visibility in Volcanic regions but provides fertilizer for plants
Crystal Rain: Rare event in which small crystals fall, harvestable for resources
Luminous Fog: Bioluminescent mist that reveals hidden creatures and resources

Ancient Technology

Discoverable technology providing special abilities:

Gravity Manipulator: Allows temporary flight or reduced weight for carrying items
Environmental Shield: Provides protection against extreme temperatures and radiation
Creature Beacon: Attracts or repels specific creature types
Resource Amplifier: Enhances resource gathering in a small area
Teleportation Node: Enables fast travel between discovered locations

Strategic Base Locations

Recommended places to establish your presence:

Highland Plateau (40,30): Elevated area with good visibility and moderate resources
Coastal Bay (20,80): Protected beach with access to water resources
Jungle Canopy (60,50): Tree-level building for protection from ground predators
Crystal Cave Entrance (35,65): Access to unique resources with defensible position
Ancient Citadel (70,40): Challenging but resource-rich area with existing structures

Explorer Notes & Lore

Astraeos contains unique explorer notes that reveal new aspects of the ARK storyline. These notes are scattered throughout the map, with concentrations in Ancient Ruins. Collecting them provides both XP boosts and insights into the mysterious civilization that once inhabited this ARK.

Astraeos represents the evolution of ARK map design, combining lessons learned from previous maps with fresh ideas and mechanics. Its diverse biomes, unique resources, and mysterious ancient technology provide both new and veteran survivors with exciting challenges and discoveries. Whether you're establishing your first base in the Highlands or delving into the secrets of the Ancient Ruins, Astraeos offers a rich and rewarding ARK experience.