The Isle Beginner’s Guide: Maps, Game Modes, Dinosaurs, & More

Some new players may meet early deaths upon jumping into The Isle for the first time. Understanding the game’s core elements can help prevent the premature extinction of these newbie dinosaurs. So, check out this The Isle Beginner’s Guide to learn this title’s fundamental features and systems, and become the game’s top dino.

The Isle Beginner’s Guide: Tips, Tricks, & Overview for New Players

Remember, this beginner’s guide for The Isle can only do so much to your success in this gritty dinosaur survival title. You must practice, explore, and break through the odds to master the game’s core features and systems for enemies to fear your presence over time.

Maps

Currently, The Isle has five playable official maps. Two maps are in the Evrima Branch, while the other three are in the Legacy Branch. The two Evrima Branch maps are Gateway and Isla Spiro. As for Legacy Branch players, you can choose among the Isle V3, Thenyaw Island, and Test Level maps. Players who recently jumped into playing The Isle may consider starting their prehistoric journey on Thenyaw Island. This map is reasonably small compared to the game’s other playable regions. So, you shouldn’t worry too much about finding food as you learn and master the game’s controls.

Game Modes & Dinosaurs

Generally, The Isle has two playable game modes: Sandbox and Survival. Sandbox, as its name implies, offers a casual learning experience, allowing beginners to get their proverbial feet wet in the game. On the other hand, Survival mode is The Isle's main game mode, and it provides most, if not all, of the game's features and systems the way they're intended to be used and experienced.

Sandbox Mode

Introduced in the DeathlyRage update, The Isle’s Sandbox Mode allows players to choose any dinosaur regardless of growth stage. In other words, you don’t need to wait for a juvenile dino to grow into an adult to test that dinosaur's capabilities. The dinosaurs you can choose in Sandbox Mode are as follows:

Carnivores

• Acrocanthosaurus
• Albertosaurus
• Austroraptor
• Baryonyx
• Herrerasaurus
• Spinosaurus
• Velociraptor

Herbivores

• Avaceratops
• Camarasaurus
• Orodromeus
• Psittacosaurus
• Puertasaurus
• Shantungosaurus
• Stegosaurus
• Therizinosaurus

However, you can only choose the Test Level map in Sandbox Mode. Nonetheless, it’s a good training ground to help you master the game’s controls without worrying about predators stalking your every move.

Survival Mode

As mentioned earlier, Survival Mode is The Isle’s primary game mode. Each new player starts with a juvenile dinosaur, which grows into an adult when following the correct diet and nutritional intake. The dinosaurs you can choose in Survival Mode are the following:

• Allosaurus
• Carnotaurus
• Ceratosaurus
• Diabloceratops
• Dilophosaurus
• Dryosaurus
• Gallimimus
• Giganotosaurus
• Maiasaura
• Pachycephalosaurus
• Parasaurolophus
• Suchomimus
• Triceratops
• Tyrannosaurus
• Utahraptor

Game Systems

Hunger

It’s kill or be killed in The Isle, and it’s also eat or be eaten. In this harsh prehistoric world, every dinosaur can eat any available food option using the “E” key (by default). However, following your chosen dino’s nutritional requirements is important to grow, survive, and thrive. Take note if your dinosaur is a carnivore or herbivore. Then, check its in-game information to verify the creature’s diet. For example, hunt animals and other dinosaurs if you’re a carnivore, like the Allosaurus. On the other hand, eat bushes if you’re an herbivore, like the Triceratops. Also, pay attention to your dinosaur’s hunger meter. Failure to maintain your dino’s hunger levels can result in death by starvation.

Thirst

Like hunger, all players must prevent their chosen dinosaurs from becoming significantly thirsty. Also, you can only drink in bodies of fresh water, but it is impossible to do with saltwater. Additionally, some dinosaurs can walk, hide, or even swim underwater. However, pay attention to the oxygen gauge to ensure you don’t drown.

Growth

Instead of the standard leveling system, The Isle has a growth mechanic. It’s also important to mention that this system exists in Survival Mode but not in Sandbox Mode. With the growth system active, each new dinosaur starts as a juvenile. You’re vulnerable at this stage and should typically only prioritize survival rather than fighting bigger and more ferocious creatures. Maintain your dinosaur’s preferred diet, and you’ll eventually evolve to the next growth stage. Repeat the process until you become an adult prehistoric creature. Remember, each dinosaur has unique food and nutritional preferences. Following the correct diet provides buffs, such as an increase in growth rate. On the other hand, failure to follow the recommended eating habits can result in debuffs. Note: Additional diet bonuses are available after the launch of Patch 0.13.42.18.

Communication

Remember, The Isle is primarily a multiplayer game. So, like other multiplayer titles, communication among allies is vital to secure survival. For The Isle, communicating is possible through different means. However, a quick way to talk among friendly dinosaurs is through calls. Note that The Isle has four call types: Broadcast, Friendly, Aggressive, and Help. The Broadcast Call is usually the loudest, allowing both allies and enemies to hear your dinosaur’s scream. Use the Friendly Call to alert other dinosaurs that you mean no harm and its direct opposite is the Aggressive Call. Finally, the Help Call alerts allies that you need assistance on a particular matter.

Negative Effects

Apart from the buffs, every The Isle player, especially beginners, should watch out for negative effects. Generally, you must pay attention to two adverse effects: bleeding and a broken leg. Fighting or falling from a tall height are the usual culprits to having a broken leg. With this negative effect active, your dinosaur can only limp and can't jump, sprint, walk, sneak, stomp, or pounce. As for bleeding, this status usually appears after fighting an intense battle. Bleeding also causes damage over time, which can kill your controlled dino if you’re not careful. Note that it's possible to remove these status effects over time. However, you must lie down (press the "H" key by default) and wait for your dinosaur to heal. You're vulnerable to attacks at this point. So, you must find a good hiding spot and wait for your dino to recover.

Damage

Damage in The Isle is directly proportional to a dinosaur’s mass. In other words, larger dinos deal more damage than smaller ones. However, smaller dinosaurs are generally faster than their giant cousins. Use your chosen dinosaur’s unique abilities to your advantage, and don't rely on high damage numbers every time to win battles. Are you interested in starting a new game after reading this beginner's guide for The Isle? Do so with a dedicated server! Start one today by clicking the link below. You can also talk to our support staff for concerns and inquiries.