The Center
ARK: Survival Ascended
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The Center - Detailed Guide
The Center is a massive, diverse map approximately 70% larger than The Island. This expansive landscape features floating islands, underground worlds, and vast oceans, offering unique building opportunities and exploration experiences.
Unique Regions & Landmarks
The Center features several distinctive areas not found on other maps:
Floating Island
A massive island suspended in the sky, accessible via flying mounts or teleporters. Features unique building opportunities with spectacular views and relative safety from ground predators.
The Underworld
A vast underground realm with its own ecosystem. Contains unique resources, building locations, and challenges. Accessible through several entrances around the map.
Lava Island
A volcanic island with high metal and obsidian concentrations. Dangerous due to high temperatures and predators, but valuable for resource gathering.
Giant Redwoods
Enormous redwood trees much larger than those on The Island. Excellent for tree platforms and bases, but home to Thylacoleos that ambush from trees.
Half-Burned Island
An island partially consumed by volcanic activity. Features a stark contrast between lush forest and charred wasteland, with unique resources in both areas.
Tropical Jungles
Dense tropical forests with abundant plant life and dangerous predators. Rich in wood, thatch, and fiber, with many hidden building locations.
Arctic Biome
Frozen northern region requiring cold weather gear. Contains oil, fur-bearing creatures, and relatively fewer predators than other regions.
Massive Cave Systems
The Center features some of the largest and most complex cave systems in ARK, with multiple chambers, underwater sections, and unique resources.
Unique Features & Advantages
What makes The Center special compared to other maps:
- Massive Size: Approximately 70% larger than The Island with more exploration opportunities
- Vertical Diversity: From the Floating Island to the Underworld, vertical exploration is emphasized
- Unique Building Locations: Floating platforms, underwater bubbles, and massive cave systems
- Stunning Visuals: Waterfalls, canyons, and natural formations create spectacular scenery
- Resource Abundance: Higher concentration of resources in specific areas
- Custom Caves: Unique cave designs not found on other maps
- Skull Island: A skull-shaped island with high-level predator spawns
- Center Trench: A massive underwater trench home to high-level sea creatures
Survival & Building Guide
Strategies for thriving on The Center:
- Start on the beaches of the main continent for the safest early game
- Tame a flying mount early to take advantage of the map's vertical design
- Explore the Underworld with caution - it contains valuable resources but dangerous creatures
- Build on the Floating Island for a naturally defended base location
- Use teleporters (obelisks) to quickly navigate between distant areas
- Establish outposts near resource-rich areas like Lava Island for efficient gathering
- Explore underwater caves with caution - they contain valuable loot but dangerous creatures
- Consider building in the Giant Redwoods using tree platforms for unique, defensible bases
Resource Guide
Where to find essential resources on The Center:
Lava Island, mountains on main continent, and certain areas of the Underworld
Mountain peaks, Lava Island, and crystal formations in the Underworld
Lava Island, volcanic areas, and certain mountain peaks
Underwater oil nodes, Arctic region, and from certain creatures
Shallow waters in the north and deep underwater caves
Organic polymer from Kairuku in the Arctic or crafted from Obsidian and Cementing Paste
Beaver dams in rivers or crafted from Chitin and Stone
Swamp areas for Rare Flowers and Rare Mushrooms, underwater caves for Black Pearls
Prime Base Locations
Strategic places to establish your presence:
- Floating Island (50,10): Naturally defended with spectacular views
- Underworld Entrance (40,40): Access to unique resources with defensible position
- Redwood Platform (60,50): Tree platforms in the Giant Redwoods for unique bases
- Center Lake (50,50): Central location with access to all regions
- Skull Island (70,40): Challenge location with high-level spawns for experienced players
- Arctic Peninsula (20,20): Relatively safe area with access to oil and fur
- Tropical Island (80,80): Beautiful location with abundant resources and building space
Boss Challenges
The Center features its own version of boss arenas with unique mechanics:
- Broodmother & Megapithecus Arena: Both bosses are fought simultaneously in a single arena
- Dragon Arena: Similar to The Island but with a different arena layout
- Artifact Requirements: Same artifacts as The Island, collected from The Center's unique caves
- Rewards: Similar to The Island bosses but with potential for double rewards from dual boss fights
Must-See Locations
Spectacular landmarks worth visiting:
- World Scar: A massive canyon dividing the main continent
- Center Trench: Deep underwater canyon with high-level sea creatures
- Floating Island Waterfall: Massive waterfall flowing from the Floating Island
- Skull Island: Island naturally shaped like a skull, visible from a distance
- Underground Forest: Bioluminescent forest in the Underworld
- Lava Island Volcano: Active volcano with spectacular views
- Giant Beaver Dams: Enormous beaver dam structures in the rivers
- Ice Palace: Naturally formed ice structure in the Arctic region
The Center offers one of ARK's most diverse and visually stunning environments. Its massive size, vertical diversity, and unique regions provide endless exploration and building opportunities. Whether you're seeking challenging environments or spectacular base locations, The Center delivers an expansive ARK experience that continues to impress even veteran survivors.