In the vast, untamed lands of Aeternum, harvesting is more than just a gathering activity-it's a foundational trade skill that fuels crafting, alchemy, cooking, and even your in-game wealth. Whether you're a fresh exile stepping off the shores or a veteran looking to perfect your resource-gathering efficiency, leveling your Harvesting skill from 0 to 250 (the current max with expansions) requires strategy, the right tools, and knowledge of Aeternum's most bountiful spots. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to level quickly, avoid common pitfalls, and turn your green thumb into a valuable asset. This resource will provide you with more New World Gold.

 

What Is Harvesting in New World?

 

Harvesting is one of Aeternum's core gathering skills, focusing on collecting plant-based resources scattered across the island. Unlike mining or logging, it centers on flora-from common herbs and berries to rare, magical fibers that power high-tier crafting recipes.

 

The materials you gather through Harvesting are essential for multiple professions: alchemy relies on herbs for potions, cooking uses berries and fungi for meals, and tailoring needs fibers for cloth. As you level up, you'll unlock access to rarer resources, better tools, and perks that make every gathering run faster and more profitable.

 

Getting Started: Essential Tools & Prep

 

Before you start harvesting, you need the right gear-and it all begins with a sickle. This is your primary tool for gathering plants, and upgrading it is non-negotiable for efficient leveling.

 

Start with a Flint Sickle (craftable at a campfire using flint and green wood) for levels 0-50. As you progress, upgrade to an Iron Sickle (level 50), Steel Sickle (level 100), and Orichalcum Sickle (level 150). Each upgrade increases harvesting speed, allowing you to gather more resources in less time.

 

One crucial perk to look for on your sickle is "Horticulture Discipline." This perk boosts your Harvesting experience based on the sickle's gear score, making it a must-have for power-leveling. It even helps after reaching max level by aiding trade skill aptitude progression.

 

Don't forget your attributes: Intelligence directly enhances Harvesting efficiency. Investing points in Intelligence unlocks breakpoints that boost speed, yield, and experience gain-so prioritize this attribute if leveling Harvesting is your goal.

 

Leveling Path: 0-250 (Step-by-Step)

 

Leveling Harvesting is straightforward, but focusing on the right resources at each stage will save you hours of grinding. The key rule: gather resources that match your current skill level, as higher-tier plants grant more experience-but only if you can harvest them efficiently.

 

0-50: Beginner's Bounty (Common Plants)

 

Start with the most abundant, low-tier resources to build your skill quickly. Focus on Hemp, Common Herbs (like Sage and Thyme), and Berries (Blueberries, Raspberries) - these spawn almost everywhere, especially near settlements.

 

The best spots for this stage are First Light and Windsward. The area north of First Light's settlement is teeming with herbs and berries, and it's close to the settlement, making it easy to unload your inventory when it's full. Windsward's grassy plains also have plenty of Hemp, which is perfect for early leveling and provides fiber for basic tailoring recipes.

 

At this stage, every plant you gather grants 1-2 experience points. Don't skip any nodes-consistency is key here. You'll hit level 50 in no time if you keep moving and gather everything in your path.

 

50-100: Moving to Mid-Tier Resources

 

Once you hit level 50, switch to more valuable mid-tier plants that grant more experience. Silkweed becomes available here, and it's one of the best resources for leveling-each gather gives 3-4 experience points.

 

Head to Monarch's Bluffs or Mourningdale for Silkweed, which grows near rivers and wetlands. Mourningdale, in particular, has abundant Silkweed spawns, though you may encounter low-level mobs-keep a basic weapon handy to defend yourself.

 

Continue gathering Common Herbs and Berries if you encounter them, but prioritize Silkweed. You can also start collecting Strange Pollen (found from Hemp), which can be researched at a refining station for extra Harvesting experience-a nice boost for leveling faster.

 

100-175: Ramping Up with Rare Fibers

 

Level 100 unlocks Wirefiber, a rare fiber that grants 5-6 experience points per gather-making it the most efficient resource for this stage. Wirefiber is harder to find than Silkweed, but the experience gain is well worth the effort.

 

The best spots for Wirefiber are Brightwood and Edengrove. Brightwood's fort周边 has consistent Wirefiber spawns, though you'll need to watch out for corruption zones that spawn hostile mobs. Edengrove also has plenty of Wirefiber, along with other high-tier plants that can boost your inventory value.

 

Upgrade to a Steel Sickle at this stage to increase your harvesting speed. You can also start using luck gear to boost your chances of finding rare items like Abnormal Pollen (from Silkweed), which grants even more experience when researched.

 

175-250: Mastering End-Tier Harvesting

 

The final stretch focuses on the rarest and most valuable Harvesting resources. At level 175, you unlock Spin Fiber, the highest-tier fiber in the game, which grants 7-8 experience points per gather. You'll also have access to Unusual Pollen (from Wirefiber) and Bizarre Pollen (from Spin Fiber), which are rare drops that grant massive experience when researched.

 

Head to Edengrove or Great Cleave for Spin Fiber-these regions have the highest spawn rates, though they're also more dangerous, with high-level mobs and corruption zones. Make sure you're well-equipped with combat gear before venturing here.

 

Upgrade to an Orichalcum Sickle at level 150 to maximize your speed and yield. You can also invest in Intelligence breakpoints to further boost your efficiency. By focusing on Spin Fiber and researching rare pollen, you'll hit level 250 in no time-and unlock the title of Master Harvester.

 

Pro Tips for Faster Leveling

 

Use an Interactive Map: Tools like StudioLoot's interactive map or New World's in-game map can help you plot harvesting routes, marking resource spawns and avoiding crowded areas. This saves time and ensures you never waste time searching for nodes.

 

Avoid Common Myths: Territory XP bonuses do not apply to trade skills, so don't waste time chasing them. Luck and yield also don't affect experience rates-gathering more items from a node won't give you extra XP, so focus on speed over quantity.

 

Sell Surplus Resources: Harvesting isn't just for leveling-it's a great way to make gold. Sell surplus fibers, herbs, and berries at the Trading Post; mid-tier and end-tier resources like Silkweed and Wirefiber are always in high demand from crafters and alchemists.

 

Group Up (Optional): If you're struggling with mobs in high-level areas, team up with other players. Group harvesting allows you to split the work, defend each other, and cover more ground-though solo players can still level efficiently with the right gear.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Harvesting in New World: Aeternum is a rewarding skill that combines relaxation with purpose. By following this guide, you'll level your Harvesting skill efficiently, unlock rare resources, and build a steady income stream. Remember to upgrade your tools, focus on the right resources at each stage, and use the island's geography to your advantage.

 

Whether you're harvesting to fuel your own crafting or to sell resources for cheap New World Gold coins, mastering this skill will make your time in Aeternum more enjoyable and profitable. Grab your sickle, explore Aeternum's wilds, and watch your Harvesting skill grow-one plant at a time.