Survival in The Forest begins with the crucial decision of where to set up your base. Some locations offer strategic advantages, while others can be risky due to enemy patrols. This guide will walk you through the best starting spots and provide a path to the Fertile Lands, the ideal early-game location for food and safety.

1. Understanding the Spawn Locations

When you start a new game, you’ll spawn at various random locations across the island. However, many of these locations have changed over time, with some no longer appearing in the game. If you’re trying to land in a specific area, you may need to restart the game multiple times until you get the desired location.

2. The Best Starting Locations

Near the Center of the Map (Overlooking Fertile Lands)

• This location provides a clear view of the Fertile Lands, allowing you to move quickly towards it.
• The area is heavily patrolled by cannibals, so it’s crucial to move fast and avoid lingering.
• It offers an open field with good visibility, reducing the chances of being ambushed.

Near King’s Hill (Close to the Big Tree)

• Similar to the first location but slightly more enclosed due to trees.
• Great for gathering aloe, which spawns consistently here.
• Offers access to early-game resources while being close to major points of interest.

Next to the Yacht

• The yacht is a safe zone, making it one of the best places to escape from enemies.
• Following the sun from here will take you through a lakeside cannibal village before leading to a cave with the modern axe—one of the best weapons in the game.
• This path also passes through the main cannibal village, providing early looting opportunities.

Near Geese Lake (Close to the Sinkhole)

• Ideal for players familiar with guides like OuterMiddleShow, as he often starts here.
• Offers easy navigation due to the proximity of the sinkhole.
• Avoid staying near the plane for too long, as cannibals frequently scout the crash site.

Next to the Main Cannibal Village

• Risky but rewarding—if you move fast, you can loot the village before enemies return.
• The location is close to red paint, which helps deter cannibals temporarily.
• Features a nearby ledge that’s useful for building bases but can be tricky to navigate.

Three Small Ponds Start

• Surrounded by thick forest, making navigation difficult for beginners.
• Provides a nearby boat for quick access to water-based resources.
• If you can find the sun and follow it, you’ll reach the Fertile Lands without much trouble.

Above a Cliff with a Waterfall (Worst Start Location)

• Difficult to navigate due to dense forest cover.
• Hard to determine your direction upon spawning.
• Still viable if you immediately follow the sun towards the Fertile Lands.

3. The Fertile Lands: The Best Place to Start

• Why Go Here?
  • The best area for food: berries, fish, and animals spawn in abundance.
  • No major threats: No sharks in the water, and crocodiles are located further west.
  • Plenty of logs for base-building.
• How to Get There From Any Start Location
  • As soon as the game begins, follow the sun—this method consistently leads to the Fertile Lands.
  • Cross the river quickly; avoid wandering around areas with high patrol activity.
  • Stick to the shoreline when moving through dangerous areas.

4. Key Early-Game Goals

Once you reach the Fertile Lands, focus on the following tasks:

• Set up a drying rack for preserving food.
• Collect turtle shells from the nearby coast to build water collectors.
• Build a small base before nightfall, prioritizing defensive walls.
• Loot nearby locations such as the yacht and the main cannibal village for supplies.

5. Respawning Plane Resources

• The plane’s supplies respawn every time you save and reload the game.
• Stock up on food, soda cans, and booze from the plane, but don’t rely on it exclusively.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right starting location makes a significant difference in The Forest. The Fertile Lands remain the best early-game destination due to their abundance of food and safety from predators. By following the sun from any spawn point, you can reach this area quickly and start building your survival empire.

If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it and subscribing for more survival tips. Good luck in The Forest! Cheers!