Kenshi: Best Starting Town Guide

Choosing the best starting town in the MMORPG Kenshi is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact your gameplay experience. With a variety of towns such as Haven, Priston, Natur Memories, and more, each offering unique benefits and challenges, selecting the right one for your character's origin story is crucial. Let's delve into the key aspects of each town to help you make an informed decision.

Before we dive into the specifics, consider your character's backstory and playstyle. Kenshi's open-ended nature allows for diverse character builds and narratives. Your starting town should complement your vision for your character, whether you're aiming for a stealthy nomad, a powerful melee fighter, or a cunning trader.

Initial Town Considerations

The first town you choose will greatly influence your early game experience. Starting towns typically offer basic amenities such as a pub, inn, shop, and recruitment center, where you can hire your first companions. However, they also have unique characteristics that set them apart.

Here, we'll explore two main factors to consider when selecting a starting town: its unique features and the nearby locations. The following guide will help you understand the implications of these factors on your gameplay.

Unique Features

Each town in Kenshi boasts unique features that can benefit or hinder your character's development. For instance, Haven offers a recruitment center with a high population of elites, while Priston is known for its extensive marketplace and rich noble culture. Understanding these unique features can help you make the most of your starting town's resources.

Moreover, each town has its own set of drawbacks. For example, Haven is prone to frequent sieges, making it an less suitable choice for new players. Similarly, the noble culture of Priston might not align with the playstyle of a character aiming to be a rogue or a nomad. Balancing these unique features with your character's goals is essential.

Nearby Locations

The proximity of a town to other locations can greatly impact your early game experience. Some towns are surrounded by rich resources, valuable traders, or dangerous foes, providing ample opportunities for growth and adventure.

For instance, the town of Bard's Keep is situated near the dangerous Noyan Idols, offering ample opportunities for looting andPvP encounters. On the other hand, the town of Foodsprout is surrounded by rich farmlands, making it an excellent choice for those aiming to establish a trading empire focused on food goods.

Popular Starting Towns in Kenshi

With a comprehensive understanding of the initial town considerations, let's explore three popular starting towns in Kenshi: Haven, Priston, and Natur Memories.

Each of these towns offers unique opportunities and challenges, catering to different playstyles and character backstories. Familiarizing yourself with these towns can help you determine the best starting point for your Kenshi adventure.

Haven

Haven is one of the most popular starting towns in Kenshi due to its proximity to various facilities and resources. It is home to a recruitment center with a high population of elites, making it an excellent choice for those looking to build a powerful squad quickly.

Moreover, Haven is situated near the Noyan Idols, which offer ample opportunities for looting and PvP encounters. However, its frequent sieges can make it a challenging starting town for new players. Additionally, Haven's lack of a bar can make it difficult to gather information and rumors, which can negatively impact your early game espionage efforts.

Priston

Priston is another popular starting town, known for its extensive marketplace and rich noble culture. It is an ideal choice for those aiming to establish a trading empire or those who wish to explore the noble path.

Priston's marketplace offers a wide variety of goods, allowing you to quickly establish a profitable trading network. However, its noble culture might not align with the playstyle of a character aiming to be a rogue or a nomad. Moreover, Priston's lack of a recruitment center can make it difficult to find high-quality companions early in the game.

Natur Memories

Natur Memories is a unique starting town, catering to those who wish to explore the naturalist path. It is surrounded by rich resources and wilderness areas, providing ample opportunities for survival and exploration.

Natur Memories is an excellent choice for those who wish to live off the land and develop their naturalist skills. However, its remote location can make it challenging to access other facilities and resources early in the game. Furthermore, Natur Memories' lack of a recruitment center and limited supply of companions can hinder your squad-building efforts.

In the end, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of the best starting town in Kenshi. The ideal starting town depends on your character's backstory, playstyle, and ultimate goals. By considering the unique features and nearby locations of each town, you can make an informed decision that sets you on the path to a captivating and fulfilling Kenshi adventure.

Related reading: The Ultimate Kenshi: Best Towns to Call Home – 2023 Insights, Mastering Initial Steps: Your Guide To Starting A Small Construction Business.