Biomes

Biome Locations on The Island. Blue: Snow, Red: Redwood

Biomes are the different nature zones in the world of ARK Survival Evolved.

• 
  Beach
• 
  River
• 
  Grassland
• 
  Swamp
• 
  Jungle
• 
  Redwood Forest
• 
  Mountain
• 
  Snow
• 
  Ocean
• 
  Lava

Beach Biome

Beach

Climate:
Temperature:	Variable
Precipitation:	Rain
Clothing:	Mixed

Dangers: Suffocation

Creatures: Bronto, Carbonemys, Compy, Dilo, Dimorphodon, Dodo, Oviraptor, Parasaur, Pelagornis, Pteranodon, Raptor, Sarco, Stego, Trike, Trilobite, and others depending on nearby biomes

Resources: Chitin, Fiber, Flint, Stone, Thatch, Wood, and others depending on nearby biomes

Plants: All Berries and Advanced Crop Seeds

Overview

The beaches are the least dangerous part of the map. They contain the least of everything; they have the least threats, but the least resources. They are the home for Pteranodon, Carbonemys and various other creatures. The beach is a good place to start your survival, but resources can become scarce if you stay too long. Some parts of the map barely have a beach zone; others, specially close to bays, have an extended version. This biome is filled with palm trees, dead trees, driftwood, bushes and stones in the ground, making it a viable source of Wood, Stone and Berries.

Locations

River Biome

River

Climate:
Temperature:	Variable
Precipitation:	Rain
Clothing:	Mixed

Dangers: Suffocation, Alpha Predators

Creatures: Castoroides, Carbonemys, Coelacanth, Piranha, Sabertooth Salmon, Sarco, Spinosaur, and others depending on nearby biomes

Resources: Fiber, Flint, Keratin, Metal, Pelt, Stone, Thatch, Wood, and others depending on nearby biomes

Plants: All Berries and Advanced Crop Seeds

Overview

Although you might not consider it a Biome itself, rivers have their own uniqueness. They are a great source of Stone and Flint due the amount of rocks inside and at the margins of the river, as well as an invaluable source of water when in the mainland. The other materials available will depend on the Biomes it makes frontier with. The animals at the river will also depend on the other Biomes around, but some will only spawn at rivers, like Piranha, Sarcos and Spinosaurs. It's also possible to find Coelacanth—and closer to the ocean— Trilobites.

There are two main types of rivers, one with clear water and one with murky water. The latter is mostly located at high grounds and is more dangerous since it has very little visibility. It's also possible to find waterholes and bays that have a chance to spawn Sarco and Spinosaur, like a river.

Locations

Grassland Biome

Grassland

Climate:
Temperature:	Variable
Precipitation:	Rain
Clothing:	Mixed

Dangers: Alpha Predators

Creatures: Bronto, Carnotaurus, Dilo, Dimorphodon, Diplodocus, Gallimimus, Gigantopithecus, Mesopithecus, Parasaur, Raptor, Rex, Stego, Trike, and others depending on nearby biomes

Resources: Fiber, Flint, Metal, Stone, Thatch, Wood, and others depending on nearby biomes

Plants: All Berries and Advanced Crop Seeds

Overview

Grasslands do not contain the dangers of falling or hypothermia, but otherwise contain the same dangers from animals as mountains. Grasslands are home to Rex, Carnotaurus and other predators. However, it is equal in its resource yield, unlike the Wood and Berries of the jungle, and the Metal and Stone of the mountains. Once you're prepared, it can be the ideal location for a base, due to flat terrain and resources. However, stone structures are recommended, as a Rex can devastate wood.

Locations

Swamp Biome

Swamp

Climate:
Temperature:	Hot
Precipitation:	Rain
Clothing:	Ghillie
Release Date:
September 28, 2015 (v216.0)

Dangers: Hyperthermia, Swamp Fever

Creatures: Beelzebufo, Coelacanth, Dilo, Dimetrodon, Dimorphodon, Leech, Meganeura, Paracer, Phiomia, Piranha, Sarco, Titanoboa

Resources: Cementing Paste (with a Beelzebufo), Chitin, Fiber, Flint, Leech Blood, Stone, Thatch, Wood

Plants: All Berries and Advanced Crop Seeds, Rare Flower, Rare Mushroom, Plant Species X Seed

Overview

The swamp is home to the Beelzebufo, but also contains creatures like the Sarco and Titanoboa, and sometimes the occasional Spino. The dangerous Plant Species X also inhabits the swamp biome, allowing players to gather seeds to plant their own.
Swamps are a good source of Rare Mushrooms. They grow on trees and can be easily acquired by chopping them down. Rare Flowers and Plant Species X Seed can be acquired by harvesting bushes. Some rare bushes provide Plant Species X Seeds in very high numbers.

The temperature in the swamp is rarely optimal; underwater tends to be freezing while the surface tends to be incredibly hot.

Considering the multitude of dangerous creatures that live here, players should be advised to remain away from this biome until they are confident in being able to defeat the creatures within. Almost every creature here employs blinding tactics in their attacks, which can turn the tide of battle if they land a successful attack. The Beelzebufo may chase a player mercilessly and group up to blind the player and ultimately render them unconscious. From there, any animal can come along to deal a death blow if the Beelzebufo do not finish the player off, which they likely will. Dilo also roam. They can prove extremely dangerous, as they congregate in big clusters. They can easily dispatch beginners and cause problems for more advanced players.

If one is looking to escape the chaos on the land sections of the swamp by jumping into the water, they may want to reconsider. Titanoboa lay in wait in the water, and can strike without warning. Their attack may render the player unconscious and therefore leave him at the mercy of the creatures within the water. Piranha spawn in masses, swimming in the shallow water as they wait for unsuspecting victims to fall in. They can swarm quickly and kill efficiently. The Sarco can swim at extremely fast speeds in the water. If spotted, the player should bolt for land. For these reasons, any trek through the swamp should be quick as to avoid damage to the player and their steeds.

If a player has a high enough level dinosaur, going to the swamp to level may not be a bad idea. Killing the animals within rewards high XP. Titanoboa often(but not every time) have inventories when killed, some of which contain useful loot. As long as the player can handle the creatures within the swamp, it is a biome of immense wealth and opportunity. If you are unlucky you can find a Leech which can infect you with Swamp Fever.

Locations

Jungle Biome

Jungle

Climate:
Temperature:	Variable
Precipitation:	Rain
Clothing:	Mixed

Dangers: Low Visibility, Alpha Predators

Creatures: Carnotaurus, Dilo, Dodo, Gigantopithecus, Meganeura, Mesopithecus, Raptor, Scorpion, Titanomyrma, and others depending on nearby biomes

Resources: Fiber, Flint, Stone, Thatch, Wood, and others depending on nearby biomes

Plants: All Berries and Advanced Crop Seeds

Overview

The jungle is filled with fast creatures, such as Raptor, Dilophosaur, and Carnotaurus. It is also home to various herbivores and insects. Contrary to popular belief, these insects can be extremely deadly. Besides the obvious Pulmonoscorpius, many new players do not see the threat in the Titanomyrma and Dragonfly. The Titanomyrma spawn in small "squadrons" in the forest, and it is not uncommon for there to be many in a single area. Each squad consists of 2 flying soldiers and 3+ drones that crawl along the floor. They employ slowing and poisoning tactics on prey, which can catch unaware players completely off guard. The Meganeura make use of a dangerous spawning mechanic to overwhelm players of all levels. If a dead corpse of any animal is left in the area, Meganeura will appear and begin swarming the area, which often leads to a confrontation with the player. Thus, if a large battle is taking place, Meganeura will add yet more damage, especially if the player is fighting a swarm of them already. While both the Titanomyrma and Meganeura can be dispatched easily, they each employ their special mechanics to prove deadly against all players.

However, the jungle has a incredibly high concentration of Wood, due to the large amount of trees; as well as a high concentration of Plants. Some will also have large concentrations of Stone, due its proximity to mountains.

Locations

Redwood Forest Biome

Redwood Forest

Climate:
Temperature:	Variable
Precipitation:	Rain
Clothing:	Mixed
Release Date:
June 23, 2016 (v243.0)

Dangers: Dangerous Heights, Alpha Predators

Creatures: Ankylosaurus, Argentavis, Carnotaurus, Direbear, Doedicurus, Gigantopithecus, Megaloceros, Mesopithecus, Pachy, Procoptodon, Raptor, Rex, Sabertooth, Scorpion, Stego, Terror Bird, Titanosaur, Trike, Allosaurus, and others depending on nearby biomes

Resources: Crystal, Fiber, Flint, Metal, Sap, Stone, Thatch, Wood

Plants: All Berries and Advanced Crop Seeds

Overview

The Redwood Forests are similar to jungles, with many trees and a good amount of plants, and also feature redwood trees that cannot be destroyed, with wide trunks and high treetops. These trees will allow certain creatures to climb on them. These redwood trees also can have a special structure placed on them, the Wooden Tree Platform, allowing players to build bases off of the ground.

Threats include the Terror Bird, which is fast and can pursue and kill most early to midgame players when in a pack. Direbears can spawn here, and while they are only aggressive to player near to them, when accidentally aggroed they can be devastating. The very rare Titanosaur can spawn in this biome, and extreme precaution must be taken when around them.

Locations

On The Island, the redwood forests are located across the Redwood Forests region in the center of the map (also known as Deep Island) and Red Peak.

On The Center, the redwood forests will most likely be located on a brand-new island in the far southern ocean, according to its developer.

Mountain Biome

Mountain

Climate:
Temperature:	Variable
Precipitation:	Rain
Clothing:	Hide

Dangers: Hypothermia, Dangerous Heights, Alpha Predators

Creatures: Ankylosaurus, Argentavis, Carnotaurus, Direbear, Doedicurus, Giganotosaurus, Pachy, Procoptodon, Quetzal, Raptor, Rex, Sabertooth, Scorpion, Stego, Terror Bird, and others depending on the mountain's location

Resources: Crystal, Fiber, Flint, Metal, Obsidian, Stone, Thatch, Wood

Plants: All Berries and Advanced Crop Seeds, Rare Flower, Rare Mushroom, Plant Species X Seed

Overview

Mountains are arguably the most dangerous part of the island. They are home to Rex, Argentavis, Giganotosaurus and multiple other varied threats (like extreme temperatures). However, mountains hold the largest amount of Stone, Flint, Metal, Crystal and Obsidian. They are also an Alpha Predator spawn point and one of the only sources of Rare Mushroom, Rare Flower and Plant Species X Seed. It is not recommended to live in this area, unless you can reach top of the mountains, where very few predators can reach you.

Rexs and Carnos usually patrol the basins between mountains, which means that any passage between will often lead to confrontation with them. Wild packs of vicious Raptors and Terror Birds patrol endlessly, eating anything they can get their mouths on. Sabertooths also prowl the basins.

Although mostly all mountains are in the northern area, there are still some zones in the south that resemble a cross between a grassland and a mountain. In these zones there are less threats, but also less materials available.

Locations

Snow Biome

Snow

Climate:
Temperature:	Cold
Precipitation:	Snow
Clothing:	Fur
Release Date:
September 28, 2015 (v216.0)

Dangers: Hypothermia, Blizzards, Dangerous Heights, Alpha Predators

Creatures: Ankylosaurus, Argentavis, Direbear, Direwolf, Giganotosaurus, Kairuku, Mammoth, Megaloceros, Rex, Sabertooth, Woolly Rhino

Resources: Crystal, Fiber, Flint, Metal, Oil, Organic Polymer, Pelt, Silica Pearls, Stone, Thatch, Wood, Woolly Rhino Horn

Plants: All Berries and Advanced Crop Seeds

Overview

In order to survive, the player must make several risky moves if they wish to establish a prominent hold within the snow biome. Due to the freezing temperatures, the environment can turn into more of a problem than the creatures. A good remedy to this problem is Fur Armor, but this is crafted using Pelt, which is obtained from the animals living within the snow biome itself. Thus, the player will need to launch several "sting operations" into the biome in order to extract pelt. This can be aided by using a dinosaur that can carry animals like an Argentavis. By grabbing the animals and bringing them back to safely kill them elsewhere, one can amass pelt safely, albeit slowly. A good tip for beginners is the fact that the Sabertooth does not drop pelt. All players, however, must note that the use of the Fur Armor is rendered useless if it becomes wet, but it will instantly dry outside of water.

One must also note the animals that live in the snow biome can pose dangers and opportunities. Sabertooth and Direwolves prowl the area constantly, keeping the snowy landscape on constant watch. The only prominent dinosaur here is the Rex, which can keep players on lock-down for a long period of time, so confrontation is best left avoided. The Rexes here hunt actively and suffer no consequences from the cold, which means they are just as dangerous as the ones on the main island. They are best given a wide berth. Keep in mind that Giganotosaurus can spawn high on the mountains. Such a creature can devastate any intruders in an extremely quick motion.

If the creatures on the ground haven't provided enough danger for the player, the air is home to Argentavis by the masses, and they will swoop down to attack unsuspecting players. The ones that spawn here tend to be higher level as well, which proves challenging when facing a swarm. Despite the dangers, the snow biome can be very beneficial. Mammoths roam in herds within the forest, and taming one secures a lasting source of Wood. Kairuku drop Organic Polymer, which is one form of Polymer that can be used to make Ghillie and SCUBA Armor sets.

If a player considers the pros and cons of the region, they can plan ahead and become very successful within the snow biome.

Locations

On The Island to the North/Northwest, one will find Whitesky Peak, Winter's Mouth, and their snow-covered slopes. The coast is lined with icebergs and Kairuku as well as treacherous cliffs.

• 

  Whitesky Peak

• 

  Winter's Mouth

• 

  North West Cave Entrance

To the west of The Center are two snowy mountains (North and South Snowy Mountain) divided by the Floating Island and Swamps. To the far west of these mountains lie the Snowy Grasslands, which bear many similarities to the Snow Biome with a few differences: the snowy grasslands are textured differently and without snow-cover, and they are slightly warmer than their mountainous counterparts.

• 

  North Snowy Mountain

• 

  South Snowy Mountain

• 

  Penguin Pond

Ocean Biome

Ocean

Climate:
Temperature:	Cold
Precipitation:	None
Clothing:	SCUBA

Dangers: Hypothermia, Suffocation, Fatigue, Alpha Predators

Creatures: Angler, Coelacanth, Dunkleosteus, Eurypterid, Ichthy, Manta, Megalodon, Mosasaurus, Plesiosaur, Sarco, Trilobite

Resources: Angler Gel, Black Pearl, Chitin, Crystal (in underwater caves), Flint, Oil, Silica Pearls, Stone

Plants: None

Overview

The ocean can be more dangerous than any other biome if you aren't prepared. The oceans are filled with prowling Megalodon. Around underwater caves, Plesiosaur can also be a threat. If you are near a lake opening into the ocean, you can also be attacked by Piranha and possibly Sarco. The danger is increased by the lack of oxygen and the difficulty you may experience deep under the water of getting back to the surface, as well as the lower temperatures. This danger can be mitigated by using SCUBA Gear. However, the ocean is resource rich, especially in and around its multiple underwater caves. Trilobite are the best creature to hunt in the ocean, as they can drop most of these resources. And rarely you can find mosasaurs in the deep.

Locations

Lava Biome

Lava

DLC:
Climate:
Temperature:	Hot
Precipitation:	Rain
Clothing:	Ghillie
Release Date:
May 17, 2016 (v241.0)

Dangers: Hyperthermia, Fire, Lava, Dangerous Heights, Alpha Predators

Creatures: Argentavis, Carnotaurus, Dimetrodon, Direwolf, Giganotosaurus, Quetzal, Piranha, Raptor, Rex, Sabertooth, Scorpion, Spinosaur

Resources: Charcoal, Crystal, Fiber, Flint, Metal, Obsidian, Oil, Pelt, Silica Pearls, Stone, Thatch, Wood

Plants: All Berries and Advanced Crop Seeds

Overview

The Lava Biome is unique to the DLC: The Center. It is located to the far north on the expansive Lava Island with twin volcanoes, the nearby Half-Burnt and Scorched Island to the east, and Skull Island further south. The lava biome is a difficult place to survive with its harsh temperatures, dangerous predators, lack of basic resources and plant-life, and of course, molten lava. There is no shortage of lava flows, un-contained fires, and smoldering calderas in the lava biome. Scorched trees can be directly harvested for Charcoal, and several large water sources provide haven for Piranhas and Spinos.

Basic resources will have to be imported from the islands to the south, however the rims of the volcanoes are lined with large quantities of Metal, Crystal, and Obsidian. The water sources also contain Oil and Silica Pearls.

• 
• 

  The West Volcanic Caldera

• 

  The Red Obelisk

• 
• 
• 

  A Water Caldera

Future Biomes

• In Ark Digest 14, the developers confirmed a large Desert Biome.
• However, when asked about new biomes in an interview on October 1, 2015, the developers said they would likely not add any more biomes in the current map. "I think we're done adding biomes in this part of the game [...] and the island's not super big. It's pretty large for a lot of games, but for Ark, the island would start to feel a little tight if we started adding in more biomes. So you'll probably start to see new biomes down the road in expansions that continue the Ark story."

References