Start by checking your map right when you spawn in and look for those quieter spots away from the busier monuments and beaches where all the action usually happens. The sweet spot is finding natural cover like forests or big rocks, which helps keep your base hidden from raiders while staying close enough to smaller monuments like water treatment or satellite dish for decent loot runs. Setting up near outpost or bandit camp on their quieter sides is actually pretty solid since you can trade and grab resources without too much trouble.

Get your initial base up quick with a small footprint, maybe interesting to keep the upkeep costs low at first while you're still gathering resources. Your tool cupboard needs to go down fast, and starting with a basic honeycomb design gives you that extra protection that'll definitely help later on. Throw down a few sleeping bags in hidden spots nearby, which can really save you if things go south.

Good to know the goal here is finding that balance between staying hidden and having access to what you need without catching too much attention from the bigger groups roaming around. Spots with some elevation or natural barriers tend to work best since they limit the angles people can come at you from.