Arat Prime, the frozen world of the Necrocene, is not just another ARK map—it’s one of the most ambitious environments Studio Wildcard has ever released. Officially launched on November 15, 2025, ARK: Lost Colony introduces a vertical, Gothic survival sandbox where cold, corruption, and intelligent enemies shape every decision you make.
This isn’t a map you brute-force with dinosaurs and firepower. Arat Prime demands planning, positioning, and mastery of its most radical new system: Thrall recruitment and faction warfare. From safe Hot Springs hidden in the tundra to the oppressive spires of the Lost King’s Dominion, every biome tells a story—and every mistake can be fatal.
This definitive Arat Prime map guide, updated for the live game, breaks down every biome, safe zone, resource tier, faction threat, and hidden landmark so you know exactly where to spawn, where to build, and when to push deeper into the Necrocene’s frozen heart.
🗺️ An Overview of Arat Prime’s Layered World
Arat Prime is a vertical, tiered ecosystem where altitude, latitude, and corruption levels dictate danger and reward.
🌍 The Outer Ring – The Foundation
The lowest elevations and outer rim of the map, including The Tundra and gateway forests.
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Fewer apex threats (by Lost Colony standards)
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Basic resources and manageable weather
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Designed to introduce new systems safely
This is where most survivors awaken—and where you should learn before advancing inward.
🏰 The Central Landmass – The Middle Tier
The raised heart of Arat Prime, dominated by the towering Lost King’s Dominion and transitional biomes like the Twilight Forest and Mountains.
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Core Thrall faction mechanics
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High-value loot and advanced resources
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Most mid-to-late-game progression occurs here
Every path eventually leads to the Dominion.
❄️ The Peaks & Depths – Extreme Zones
The most dangerous areas on the map:
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Highest mountain peaks
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Deep Aberrant Crash Sites
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The lore-heavy Caldera
These zones feature brutal environmental hazards, end-game enemies, and the rarest materials in Lost Colony.
🌲 Biome-by-Biome Breakdown: From Safe Havens to Death Traps
| Biome / Landmark | Description & Key Features | Survival Viability & Strategic Use |
|---|---|---|
| The Tundra | Frozen outer rim with sparse resources and fewer threats | Beginner-Friendly Starting Zone – gather stone, flint, thatch |
| Hot Springs | Geothermal oases with warmth, water, and fertile ground | S-Tier Safe Zone & Base Location – top early-game priority |
| Twilight Forest & Mountains | Bioluminescent forest, cliffs, and rocky foothills | Essential Mid-Game Zone – crystal, obsidian, metal |
| The Dark Forest | Corrupted woodland with hostile Thrall patrols | High-Risk Threshold – enter only when prepared |
| Lost King’s Dominion | Massive Gothic city filled with Thralls and Neophytes | High-Risk, High-Reward Heartland – Thralls, tech, story |
| Aberrant Crash Sites | Violet-corrupted sinkholes with Revenants | Extreme End-Game Zone – Edmundium farming |
| The Caldera | Central basin tied to Violet Corruption lore | Speculative End-Zone – likely boss encounters |
🦖 Creatures of the Necrocene: Allies, Beasts & Apex Horrors
⚔️ Faction Legions
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Thralls – Recruitable foot soldiers of the Lost King
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Neophytes – Elite enforcers that trigger Purge events
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Revenants – Corrupted monstrosities guarding crash sites
These factions behave intelligently and control territory.
🐲 Native Wildlife & Apex Predators
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Veilwyn → evolves into Solwyn (fire) or Malwyn (corruption)
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Ossidon – Ice-based apex predator
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Cryolophosaurus – Disables electronics
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Gloon – Invisible ambush hunter in Twilight Forest
🛠️ New Utility Creatures
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Aureliax – Electrifying jellyfish-like support creature
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Desmodus / Gigadesmodus Variants – Enhanced aerial traversal
⚔️ Mastering the Thrall System: Building Your Army
The defining feature of Lost Colony.
Recruitment
Subdue Thralls at Defense and Attack Outposts, especially around the Lost King’s Dominion, then interact to recruit them.
Tactical Modes
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Guard – Defend locations
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Logistics – Automate crafting and resource flow
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Harvest – Focused material gathering
Total Possession
A high-level ability allowing you to directly control a Thrall, using its skills to scout, fight, or infiltrate dangerous zones safely.
Beast Riders
Elite Thralls that mount powerful creatures, turning them into controlled siege weapons.
🛡️ Navigating Threats: Hostility, Factions & Control
The Hostility Mechanic
Exclusive to the Lost King’s Dominion.
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Killing Thralls or using loud weapons increases Hostility
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Max Hostility triggers Neophyte Purge Events
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Purges resist tamed creatures
Stealth or total war—there is no middle ground.
Faction Territories
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Lost King’s Territory – Heavy patrol density
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Revenant Corruption Zones – Edmundium-rich, deadly
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Wild & Contested Areas – Frequent skirmishes
⛏️ Resource & Loot Progression
Early Game
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Stone, Flint, Wood, Thatch
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Small Metal nodes
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Silica Pearls in frozen streams
Mid Game
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Crystal (cliffs)
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Obsidian (ridges)
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Oil seeps
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Loot crates near ruins
End Game
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Red Element – Deep city sanctums
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Vulpite – High Tundra
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Edmundium – Aberrant Crash Sites
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Tek Blueprints – City bosses and corrupted caves
🏗️ Strategic Base Locations — Ranked
S-Tier: Hot Spring Borders
Permanent warmth, farming, water, minimal threats
A-Tier: Twilight Forest Cliffs
Defensible, central access
B-Tier: City Edge Ruins
Fast Thrall access, constant patrols
F-Tier: Aberrant Crash Sites
Corruption damage, infinite Revenants
🗡️ New Gear & Abilities
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Fabricated Crossbow – Multi-mode versatility
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Tek Spear – Short-range teleport melee weapon
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New Skill Trees – Designed for faction warfare
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Safest beginner spawn?
The Tundra—rush Hot Springs immediately.
How do I find Hot Springs?
Steam columns, green flora, unfrozen ground.
Can I build in the Lost King’s city?
Yes—but expect constant Purges.
Deadliest Twilight Forest creature?
The Gloon.
Best early metal farm?
Foothills between Tundra and Twilight Forest.
🏔️ Final Survival Tip
Arat Prime rewards patience, planning, and power through alliances. Start safe in the Tundra. Secure a Hot Springs oasis. Learn to recruit Thralls and turn the Lost King’s own forces against him. Only then should you march toward the corrupted heart of the Necrocene.
This isn’t just a map to survive.
It’s an empire waiting to be conquered.
✅ Community & Resources
ARK Official Website – Expansion announcements and dev updates
ARK Reddit (r/ARK & r/ARKSurvivalAscended) – Lore theories, player discoveries, and patch reactions
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