I like having a central base that I work from. I do usually move my main base at least once during the progression, though. But I've seen other people pack up and move their bases multiple times. You WILL have a gigantic map to explore, and there's no reason you cannot build new small bases wherever and whenever you like. As others have said, you will need a structure large enough to fit several types of crafting stations. You will need the upgrades to explore the higher level regions. The upgrades are in armor, food, and weapons. So you will need a forge and 4 or 5 things to upgrade your forge (like anvils) and they all take up at least a little space. You'll need a workbench, and 4 or 5 things to upgrade that. And you'll need a kitchen area with 3 or 4 things to upgrade the food you can prepare. Your food determines how much health you have, and how much stamina you have. Different food mixes stress one or the other (you will want a lot of stamina, for example, if you're going on a long run). All that being said, the game is a lot cheaper than most others out there, so even if you hate it you won't be out a lot of cash. Oh, and yes, monsters can raid your base and do damage and/or destruction. But that's fairly rare. And I wouldn't rate myself as a top tier gamer, but I've finished the last boss a few times already.