Where is the best place to start?

[desertedone]

I'm thinking in long term goals. Eventually you have to rely on the bow and arrows, the animal clothing you wear. So it comes down to zones with a forge in it.

[Lord of the Long Dark]

1 hour ago, desertedone said:

I'm thinking in long term goals. Eventually you have to rely on the bow and arrows, the animal clothing you wear. So it comes down to zones with a forge in it.

In the easy levels it honestly makes no difference. There are so many resources and such good clothing the start is irrelevant.  If you really want to get a good start just head immediately to the TWM summit and get your full clothes and double parka right from the start and now weather is no longer an issue the whole rest of the game. 
   In interloper though there is no question about it- HRV is far and away the best start- it’s way OP in fact. You can literally leave the zone with every critical item and 3 days food and can go right to the forge run while curing birch and maple all within your first couple hours of play time. 

Edited October 3, 2021 by Lord of the Long Dark

[manolitode]

The best place to start is a map that you know very well. 

[Cranky]

Mystery Lake and Coastal Hwy are never a bad choice. Both are centrally located, close to a forge, lots of lootable locations, lots of fishing and hunting, numerous work bench locations, plenty of resources for bow/arrows and antiseptic. 
 

I play stalker for a bit of context.