Choosing the right starting location in Conan Exiles can make or break your early game experience. After thousands of hours helping new players on our servers, we've compiled the definitive guide to the best beginner base locations in the Exiled Lands.
Whether you're playing solo, with friends, or on a PvP server, this guide covers everything you need to know about finding the perfect spot for your first base.
What Makes a Good Starting Location?
Before diving into specific locations, let's understand what makes a spot beginner-friendly:
Water Access
You'll die of thirst faster than hunger. Always build near water - rivers, lakes, or oases.
Wood & Stone
Basic building materials must be abundant nearby for your first shelter.
Food Sources
Deer, rabbits, and other passive creatures should be nearby for easy hunting.
Low Danger
Avoid areas with crocodiles, hyenas, or other aggressive creatures until you're geared.
🏆 Top 10 Best Starting Locations in Conan Exiles
Noob River - The Sentinels
The classic starting location and for good reason. The Sentinels area along Noob River offers everything a new player needs.
Why It's Great:
- Fresh Water: The river provides unlimited hydration
- Passive Wildlife: Shaleback turtles and deer for easy food and hide
- Iron Nearby: Just north you'll find iron nodes for progression
- Flat Ground: Perfect terrain for building your first base
- NPC Camps: Nearby Darfari camps for thrall hunting
💡 Pro Tip
Build on the northern bank of Noob River for quicker access to iron. The southern side is safer but requires more travel for progression.
The Broken Highway
A hidden gem that many veterans recommend. The Broken Highway offers excellent early-game resources with minimal threats.
Why It's Great:
- Rich Iron Deposits: Multiple iron nodes within running distance
- Coal Nearby: Start making steel earlier than most players
- Sheltered Terrain: Natural cliff walls protect from sandstorms
- Brimstone Access: Shattered Springs is close for later progression
- Strategic Position: Central location for exploring all biomes
Riversend
Where Noob River meets the western cliffs. Riversend is perfect for solo players who want peace and quiet.
Why It's Great:
- Secluded Location: Most players don't venture this far west
- Cave Nearby: Excellent shelter option in the cliff caves
- Rich Wildlife: Plenty of animals for food and hide
- Waterfall Vista: Beautiful scenery if you care about aesthetics
The Unnamed City Outskirts (G7)
For brave beginners willing to take risks. The outskirts of the Unnamed City offer incredible loot opportunities.
Why It's Great:
- Legendary Chest Access: Farm legendary weapons early
- Fragment of Power: Unlock special recipes faster
- Skeleton Keys: Common drops from skeleton enemies
⚠️ Warning
This location is NOT recommended for complete beginners. The corrupted creatures here will kill you repeatedly until you learn their patterns.
Godsclaw Passage
A strategic chokepoint that's perfect for PvP-focused players who want to control trade routes.
Why It's Great:
- Defensive Terrain: Natural chokepoint is easy to defend
- Multiple Exits: Escape routes if raided
- Trade Route Control: See everyone passing through
- Hidden Building Spots: Cliff alcoves for secret bases
Bin-Yakin's Seal Area
A well-balanced location with access to multiple biomes and excellent farming spots.
Why It's Great:
- Multi-Biome Access: Desert, savanna, and river within walking distance
- NPC Variety: Multiple camps for diverse thrall hunting
- Obelisk Nearby: Fast travel once you unlock the map room
Narrowneck Span
One of the most iconic building locations in Conan Exiles - the natural stone bridge.
Why It's Great:
- Unique Building Opportunity: Build ON the natural bridge
- Extremely Defensible: Only two entry points
- Great Views: Perfect for screenshots and showing off
- Central Location: Easy access to north and south
The Hand of the Maker
A lesser-known spot that experienced players use to avoid early-game conflicts.
Why It's Great:
- Off the Beaten Path: Few players venture here
- Decent Resources: Iron and coal nearby
- Cave Systems: Natural shelter from sandstorms
- Expansion Room: Large flat areas for big bases later
Lookout Point
For players who value aesthetics as much as practicality. Stunning cliff-side location.
Why It's Great:
- Panoramic Views: See enemies coming from miles away
- Natural Defenses: Cliff walls on three sides
- Impressive Base Potential: Build castles into the cliff face
Muriela's Hope
Near the starting desert, perfect for roleplay servers or players who want lore-rich surroundings.
Why It's Great:
- Lore-Rich Area: Near story elements and NPCs
- Trade Post Vibes: Perfect for RP taverns and shops
- Beginner Friendly: Safe while still interesting
- NPC Neighbors: Friendly NPCs nearby for immersion
🚫 Locations to Avoid as a Beginner
Some areas look tempting but will get you killed repeatedly:
❌ The Frozen North (Snow Biome)
You'll freeze to death without special armor. The creatures here are level 40+ and will one-shot beginners.
❌ The Volcano
Extreme heat, dangerous enemies, and no water. This is endgame content.
❌ The Swamp (Jungle)
Looks beautiful, but poison from creatures, diseases, and aggressive wildlife make it deadly for new players.
❌ Near World Bosses
Those skull icons on the map? Stay away until you're level 40+ with good gear.
📦 Essential Resources by Region
| Region | Resources | Danger Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noob River (South) | Stone, Wood, Fiber, Iron | 🟢 Low | Complete beginners |
| Desert (Center) | Iron, Coal, Brimstone | 🟡 Medium | Level 15-30 |
| Highlands (East) | Iron, Black Ice, Star Metal | 🟠 High | Level 30-50 |
| Frozen North | Black Ice, Star Metal, Thick Hide | 🔴 Very High | Level 50+ |
| Volcano | Obsidian, Goldstone, Demon Blood | 🔴 Extreme | Level 60+ geared |
💡 Pro Tips for New Players
🏠 Don't Over-Build Early
Your first base should be small - just enough to store items and have a bed. You'll likely relocate as you learn the map.
🛏️ Place Your Bed First
Before building walls, place a bed. This is your respawn point. Losing your bedroll to an enemy attack is devastating.
📍 Learn the Obelisks
As you explore, activate every obelisk you find. Once you build a map room, you can teleport to any discovered obelisk.
🗺️ Scout Before Building
Spend your first hour exploring potential base locations before committing. A bad location will cost hours of frustration.
💀 Death is a Teacher
You WILL die. A lot. Each death teaches you something. Don't rage-quit - adapt and overcome!
🎮 Experience These Locations on Our Server
Join Oasis of Legends
Our experienced players and admins can show you these locations in-game, help you gear up, and teach you everything you need to know about surviving in the Exiled Lands.
- 🗺️ Guided tours for new players
- 🎒 Starter kits to help you begin
- 👥 Friendly community always willing to help
- 📍 Protected newbie zones on PvE-C
Conclusion
The best starting location depends on your playstyle, but for most new players, we recommend Noob River near The Sentinels. It has everything you need to learn the game safely before venturing into more dangerous territory.
Remember: Your first base doesn't need to be your forever base. Start simple, learn the mechanics, and then plan your epic fortress once you understand the game better.