Farming Locations & Routes
Efficient farming is crucial in Metal Gear Survive for maintaining your gear, crafting essential items, and upgrading your base. This section outlines optimal routes and locations for various resources, focusing on both early-game and late-game needs.
Early-Game Resource Runs (Chapter 1-5)
During the initial chapters, your primary focus should be on gathering basic crafting materials and food/water. These routes prioritize safety and quick access to essential resources.
- The Ruined City Outskirts (West of Base Camp):
- Target Resources: Iron Scrap, Copper Scrap, Small Animal Meat, Dirty Water.
- Route: From Base Camp, head directly west towards the ruined buildings.
- Strategy: Stick to the perimeter of the buildings. You'll find numerous destructible objects (crates, barrels, abandoned vehicles) yielding Iron Scrap and Copper Scrap. Small animals (Dugongs, Lizards) are common in the grassy areas just outside the ruins. Use your Canteen and Water Bottle on any water sources you find for Dirty Water.
- Enemies: Primarily Wanderers. Easy to avoid or dispatch with basic weapons.
- The Dusty Plains (South-East of Base Camp):
- Target Resources: Plant Fibers, Wood, Animal Skins, Clean Water (rare).
- Route: Travel south-east from Base Camp, past the initial Fences.
- Strategy: This open area is rich in vegetation. Chop down small trees for Wood and harvest bushes for Plant Fibers. Keep an eye out for larger animals like Goats or Deer for Animal Skins. Occasionally, you might find a pristine water source for Clean Water, but Dirty Water is more common.
- Enemies: Wanderers, occasionally a Bomber. Maintain situational awareness.
Mid-Game Advanced Material Routes (Chapter 6-10)
As you progress, you'll need more specialized materials for advanced crafting and base defenses. These routes venture deeper into the Dust.
- The Abandoned Research Facility (North-West of Base Camp):
- Target Resources: Advanced Iron Scrap, Advanced Copper Scrap, Gunpowder, Electronic Scrap, Medical Supplies.
- Route: Requires navigating through moderate Dust. Head north-west from Base Camp, following the dilapidated road. The facility is a large, multi-story structure.
- Strategy: This area is a treasure trove for industrial materials. Search every room, locker, and desk. Advanced Iron/Copper Scrap can be found in machinery. Gunpowder is often in storage crates. Electronic Scrap is common in server rooms or broken terminals. Medical Supplies are usually in first-aid kits or lab cabinets. Be prepared for tougher encounters.
- Enemies: Numerous Wanderers, Bombers, and occasionally a Mortar. Consider bringing a partner or strong defenses.
- The Sunken Village (Far East, accessible via Wormhole Generator):
- Target Resources: Kuban Energy (high yield), Rare Animal Meat, Plant Fibers (abundant).
- Route: Activate a Wormhole Generator near the eastern edge of the map to access this isolated area.
- Strategy: The Sunken Village is teeming with Kuban Energy crystals, especially around the submerged structures. Harvest these for significant gains. The unique flora and fauna here provide rare crafting ingredients and high-quality food.
- Enemies: Unique, more aggressive Wanderers and other Dust creatures. Prepare for sustained combat.
Late-Game Legendary & Rare Component Farming (Chapter 11+)
For the most powerful weapons, gear, and base upgrades, you'll need to brave the most dangerous parts of the Dust for legendary components and large quantities of Kuban Energy.
- The Dust Storm Core (Central Dust, high-level threat):
- Target Resources: Legendary Metal, Legendary Electronics, Large Kuban Energy Crystals, Unique Creature Parts.
- Route: Only attempt with high-level gear and a fully upgraded oxygen tank. Navigate directly into the heart of the persistent Dust Storm.
- Strategy: This area is incredibly dangerous, with limited visibility and constant environmental damage. However, it's the primary source for legendary crafting materials. Look for glowing anomalies and large, crystalline formations. Defeat unique, powerful Dust creatures for their rare parts.
- Enemies: Elite Wanderers, Trackers, Mortars, and unique Dust Bosses. Combat is almost unavoidable. Bring a full squad and plenty of healing items.
- Co-op Defense Missions (Daily/Weekly Challenges):
- Target Resources: Kuban Energy (massive rewards), Rare Weapon/Gear Blueprints, Unique Crafting Materials.
- Route: Accessed via the Co-op menu from Base Camp.
- Strategy: While not a "location" in the traditional sense, these missions offer the highest Kuban Energy payouts and exclusive rewards. Focus on completing the highest difficulty missions you can manage with your team. Efficient wave management and strong defenses are key.
- Enemies: Hordes of all enemy types, including multiple elite and boss-level creatures. Teamwork is paramount.
General Farming Tips:
- Upgrade Your Tools: Higher-tier pickaxes, axes, and harvesting tools yield more resources per action.
- Carry Extra Oxygen Tanks: Essential for extended runs in the Dust.
- Bring a Portable Wormhole Generator: Allows for quick extraction when your inventory is full or danger is too high.
- Clear Your Inventory: Start each farming run with as much free inventory space as possible.
- Utilize Base Camp Facilities: Regularly refine raw materials, cook food, and purify water to maximize efficiency.
- Scout Ahead: Use your binoculars to identify resource nodes and enemy patrols before engaging.