Kenshi is a squad-based open-world RPG with zero hand-holding set in a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland. You start as nobody — literally the weakest entity in the world. Your character can't fight, can't run fast, and will lose to a single starving bandit. Through getting beaten, captured, enslaved, and nearly killed repeatedly, your squad gets stronger. The game simulates an entire living world where factions war, caravans trade, and slavers hunt regardless of your involvement. Kenshi doesn't care about you — and that indifference is what makes every achievement feel earned. Building from nothing to a self-sufficient fortress with a trained army is one of gaming's most satisfying power fantasies.
Kenshi features distinct areas with increasing difficulty. This guide covers every major location in progression order — what to do, what to get, and when to move on. For the step-by-step path, see our walkthrough.
Area Progression Order
| Order | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards | Recommended Build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Hub | Starting area | Safe recruitment, copper mining income, basic shop access | Shek |
| 2 | Squin | Early-mid game | Shek recruitment, bounty missions, combat training opportunities | Shek |
| 3 | Black Desert City | Mid-game | Best shops in the game, UC faction quests, high-tier recruitment | Hiver |
| 4 | Mongrel | Mid-game (dangerous approach) | Constant combat training, unique recruits, Fogmen loot | Hiver |
| 5 | World's End | Mid-late game | AI Cores, rare blueprints, advanced research materials | Hiver |
The Hub — Starting Area
The recommended starting location — a neutral town with a bar for recruitment, shops for supplies, and copper nodes nearby for income. The Hub is relatively safe with infrequent bandit attacks. Start here, buy a house, mine copper, and build your initial squad.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Starting area |
| Key Rewards | Safe recruitment, copper mining income, basic shop access |
| Recommended Build | Shek |
| Key Equipment | Falling Sun |
What to Do Here
- Learn the basics of squad management — this is where you practice without heavy punishment.
- Collect starting resources and your first equipment upgrade.
- Clear all main content before moving to Squin.
- If you're struggling, read our beginner's guide.
Squin — Early Game
A Shek Kingdom town with warriors and fighting tournaments. Squin has a bounty board for combat missions and Shek warriors available for recruitment. The proximity to the Shek Kingdom makes it ideal for building faction relations with them.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Early-mid game |
| Key Rewards | Shek recruitment, bounty missions, combat training opportunities |
| Recommended Build | Shek |
| Key Equipment | Falling Sun |
What to Do Here
- Focus on mastering base building — it's critical from this point on.
- Farm for Falling Sun if you don't have it yet.
- Complete all objectives for maximum rewards.
- Prepare for the difficulty spike in Black Desert City.
Black Desert City — Mid Game
Capital of the United Cities, the wealthiest faction. Excellent shops but high taxes and slavery. The Black Desert has the best weapon and armor merchants. The UC will enslave you for unpaid debts — carry money at all times.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Mid-game |
| Key Rewards | Best shops in the game, UC faction quests, high-tier recruitment |
| Recommended Build | Hiver |
| Key Equipment | Falling Sun |
What to Do Here
- This is the main skill check. Bring an optimized build.
- Meitou Weapons becomes accessible here — prioritize getting it.
- Master skill training for the boss encounters.
- Check our boss guide if you get stuck.
Mongrel — Late Game
A remote town in the Fog Islands, surrounded by Fogmen (zombie-like cannibals). Mongrel is extremely dangerous to reach but provides excellent combat training — Fogmen attack constantly but are individually weak. The town's bar has unique recruits.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Mid-game (dangerous approach) |
| Key Rewards | Constant combat training, unique recruits, Fogmen loot |
| Recommended Build | Hiver |
| Key Equipment | Meitou Weapons |
What to Do Here
- Full build optimization is expected by this point.
- Meitou Weapons should be your primary, fully upgraded.
- open world sandbox mastery starts mattering here.
- Farm resources for the push into World's End.
World's End — Endgame
A Tech Hunter settlement in the far north with the best technology research materials. World's End sells rare blueprints and AI Cores. The journey there crosses dangerous territory but the shopping is worth it.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Mid-late game |
| Key Rewards | AI Cores, rare blueprints, advanced research materials |
| Recommended Build | Hiver |
| Key Equipment | Meitou Weapons |
What to Do Here
- This is endgame. Best-in-slot gear and a perfected build are mandatory.
- See our boss guide for endgame fight strategies.
- The reward loop: clear content → upgrade → push harder content.
- Experiment with Scorchlander for variety once you've mastered the meta.
Exploration Tips
- Clear areas in order — The Hub → Squin → Black Desert City → Mongrel → World's End. Skipping areas means missing resources you'll need later.
- Check every corner — Hidden caches and secrets are often in non-obvious locations.
- Match your equipment — Some areas favor different equipment types.
- Read the walkthrough — Our walkthrough provides exact progression milestones for each area.
- Don't rush — Clearing an area fully gives more resources than speedrunning two areas.
More Kenshi Guides
- Kenshi Kenshi Overview
- Kenshi Best Builds
- Kenshi Tier List
- Kenshi Walkthrough
- Kenshi Beginner's Guide
- Kenshi Tips & Tricks
- Kenshi Weapons Guide
- Kenshi Combat Guide
- Kenshi Boss Guide
- Kenshi Crafting Guide
- Kenshi Classes & Characters
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- Baldur's Gate 3 Maps & Locations — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Cyberpunk 2077 Maps & Locations — rpg game with similar mechanics
