What Starting Biome Should You Choose in Nightingale?

New to Nightingale? Learn the pros and cons of Forest, Desert, and Swamp starting biomes to build your first base and set yourself up for success.

Alright, so you've finished up Puck's tutorial quests in Nightingale and he's asking you to pick your starting biome – Forest, Desert, or Swamp. This choice basically sets up your 'home' world, where you'll be clearing dungeons and setting up your first base. Honestly, it doesn't make a *huge* difference in the long run, but there are definitely some things to consider before you lock it in.

Here's a quick rundown of what each biome offers:

So, which one should you actually pick? Most folks recommend the Forest realm as your starting point. It's got the best mix of early-game resources like plant fiber, stone, and lumber, which you'll need for crafting and building your first base. You can find ore too, usually in caves or rocky areas. Setting up shop here is pretty straightforward, giving you all the essentials to get going.

However, the Forest isn't perfect. You'll deal with frequent rain and hail, which can be a real pain until you craft an umbrella. Plus, boars and wolves are pretty common and hostile, so try not to build your base right on top of their spawn points. Keep your wits about you, or be ready to run!

Another thing about the Forest is that it can be a bit hilly and uneven, with lots of trees. This can make exploring for points of interest and dungeons a little awkward compared to the flatter Swamp or Desert biomes. Things tend to get hidden more easily due to the dense foliage and terrain.

The Swamp and Desert biomes are flatter, which is great for getting around. But they come with their own weather challenges. Both will definitely require an umbrella to explore comfortably. For the Swamp, you'll want to glide-dash over diseased water – using a skinning knife or sickle for that extra dash can make mid-to-late game exploration a breeze. The Desert's heat can also catch you off guard really quickly in the early game, making it tough to manage without shade or constant umbrella use.

While the Swamp and Desert offer unique resources that can be more lucrative later on, the Forest generally gives you the most accessible starting resources with fewer immediate environmental hazards to worry about. So, if you're looking for the smoothest start, the Forest is usually the way to go, even with its own set of challenges.