Surviving in The Forest is all about choosing the right location to establish yourself early on. A well-positioned base can provide abundant resources, minimize dangers, and allow you to gather everything you need efficiently. One of the best places to start in the game is what I call the Fertile Lands—a resource-rich area that can set you up for long-term survival with minimal risk. In this guide, we’ll cover everything that makes this location ideal, from food sources to safety measures, and how to maximize its potential.

---

Why the Fertile Lands?

The Fertile Lands offer a wealth of resources that make surviving in the early game much easier. It contains a diverse array of animals, plants, and essential crafting materials, all in a relatively safe area. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find:

• Wildlife: Rabbits, lizards, deer, fish, and birds spawn in large numbers, ensuring a steady food supply.
• Forageables: Berries, cone flowers, marigold, chicory, and aloe vera spawn frequently, allowing for food and medicine crafting.
• Berry Bushes: Approximately 15+ berry bushes, often yielding blueberries (~80-90% of the time), twin berries, or snowberries.
• Freshwater Access: A nearby pond provides a reliable fishing spot and a water source.
• Cannibal Activity: While a cannibal village is present, patrol routes are predictable, and the river provides an easy escape route.

---

Food Sources in the Fertile Lands

1. Hunting and Trapping

• Rabbits are highly abundant, and the area is perfect for setting up animal traps. Unlike some areas where rabbits eventually stop spawning, the Fertile Lands appear to sustain an endless supply.
• Deer and lizards are also common, providing both food and hides for crafting useful gear like rabbit fur boots and quivers.
• Fishing is an option at the nearby pond, but keep in mind that fish have a respawn timer, making them less reliable than land-based hunting.

2. Berry Gathering

• The berry bushes are a major highlight of this location. Since there are multiple patches, the likelihood of obtaining blueberries is significantly increased.
• Collecting and crafting a pouch (using rabbit fur) allows you to carry berries with you for longer excursions.
• You can also gather twin berries and snowberries, though these are poisonous and should be used strategically (e.g., crafting poisoned weapons).

3. Herbal Resources

• Aloe vera can spawn in three different locations here—make sure to check each spot when gathering.
• Chicory, marigold, and cone flower are also present, allowing you to craft energy mix and health mix for long-term survival.

---

How to Stay Safe in the Fertile Lands

Even though the Fertile Lands are relatively safe, there are cannibal patrols that occasionally pass through the area. However, with the right approach, you can minimize encounters and avoid unwanted fights.

• Use the River as an Escape Route: Cannibals cannot cross water, making the river an excellent natural barrier (though occasional game bugs may allow them to).
• Avoid Drawing Attention to the Cannibal Village: While the nearby village doesn’t contain many supplies, staying out of sight will reduce the chances of attracting patrols.
• Hide When Necessary: If you see cannibals patrolling along the nearby hill or across the river, simply duck and hide. They will usually pass without noticing you.
• Keep Tree Cutting to a Minimum: Excessive deforestation attracts more cannibals over time, increasing the likelihood of attacks.

---

Bonus: Raiding the Main Cannibal Village

One of the biggest advantages of settling in the Fertile Lands is its proximity to the main cannibal village, located just above the cliffs. While the village itself is dangerous, it contains a huge supply of valuable loot, including:

• Cloth (for crafting rope and bandages)
• Rope (found hanging from structures)
• Soda (for energy restoration)
• Circuit boards (for crafting bombs)
• Booze (used in molotovs and crafting upgraded weapons)

By looting the main cannibal village before fully settling in the Fertile Lands, you’ll have enough supplies to craft essential survival gear, including:

• Berry pouch (for carrying berries)
• Stick bag (for carrying extra sticks)
• Rock bag (for carrying additional rocks)
• Quiver (for holding extra arrows)
• Rabbit fur boots (for warmth and stealth benefits)

---

Building a Base in the Fertile Lands

If you plan to build a base here, consider these factors:

• Build Along the River: This provides a natural defensive barrier while keeping you close to food sources.
• Use a Houseboat: Instead of building on land, construct a houseboat at the river’s mouth, allowing you to move supplies safely and avoid direct land-based attacks.
• Set Up Rabbit Traps Early: This ensures a steady meat supply and helps you start a rabbit farm for sustainable food production.
• Create a Small Storage Camp: Even if you don’t build a large base here, having storage containers for berries, sticks, and hides makes restocking quick and easy.

---

Final Thoughts: Why the Fertile Lands Are the Best Starting Point

The Fertile Lands provide one of the most resource-rich and safest starting locations in The Forest. With plentiful food, herbal resources, and an easily defensible location, this area can give you the best possible start in the game. Whether you use it as a temporary restock point or establish a permanent base, the Fertile Lands ensure that you’re well-equipped for long-term survival.

If you’re looking for a reliable early-game strategy, heading straight to the Fertile Lands should be your top priority!