Guide to Item of the Week Farming

Background
Every week, Nicholas the Traveler requests a different item in exchange for Gifts of the Traveler. These items of the week end up being very valuable for a short period, since the gifts can usually be sold for 4– (and opening the gifts yields valuable items). Veteran players usually have no trouble farming the item using advanced (although standard) builds and they have access to the ideal farming locations. This guide, however, is designed to help every player of the game, including the relatively new player, who has fewer skills and might need to unlock the farming area.

Solo farming builds
These solo builds (from PvX) can be used every week to farm Nick's request item. (Rare exceptions will be noted in the guide.)


 * : Elemental farmer
 * : Spike trapper
 * : 55 monk
 * : Terra tank
 * : Perma tank
 * : Spirit farmer
 * : 130 dervish

Summary



 * Item: Dragon Roots
 * Dropped by: Dragon Moss,and Undergrowths
 * Found in: Echovald Forest and Pongmei Valley.

Farming locations



 * Pongmei Valley
 * It is easily farmed in Pongmei Valley outside Tanglewood Copse. Averages 1 drop per 5 runs (3 minutes).


 * Drazach Thicket
 * If you have A New Escort quest active, then it is fastest to farm in Drazach Thicket on the path to Saint Anjeka's Shrine. Averages 1 drop per 3 runs (1 minute).

Threats & recommended skills

 * Threats: general threats like hex, condition, environmental effects etc.


 * Tactics: important tactics, for example pulling, choke points etc


 * Recommended skills: skills like anti-kd, hex removal etc

Solo farming
''See above for the most common solo builds. ''


 * [Build Name]
 * Build code, link to PvX, or description. (No need to mention 55 Monk, Terra Tank, Perma Tank, Spirit Farmer, or 130 Dervish *unless* (a) the build won't work or (b) there are additional notes for the farms above.) Add any tactics notes, if different from above.

Summary



 * Item: Black Pearls
 * Dropped by: Jade Fish (Creeping Carp, Irukandji, Scuttle Fish)
 * Found in: The Jade Sea

Farming locations



 * Archipelagos
 * From Breaker Hollow, head east across the area, keeping to the jade-sea area. There are ~13 groups of 3 or 4 Jade Fish, plus the 2 boss groups of  Razortongue Frothspit and  KaySey Stormray.
 * KaySey's group, which contains another non-boss Scuttle Fish, can be difficult for an inexperienced solo spirit farmer, as their combined healing power is often enough to neutralize your spirits' damage. Since there are plenty of other Jade Fish in the area, your farming efficiency won't suffer too badly if you ignore KaySey.


 * Silent Surf
 * From Seafarer's Rest, head south, staying close to the eastern wall. There are several small groups of Jade Fish, 1 boss, and 1 Oni pop-up.

Threats & recommended skills

 * Threats: Creeping Carp have Expunge Enchantments and Irukandji have Disenchantment.
 * Tactics: important tactics, for example pulling, choke points etc


 * Recommended skills: skills like anti-kd, hex removal etc

Solo farming
''See above for the most common solo builds. ''


 * [Build Name]
 * Build code, link to PvX, or description. (No need to mention 55 Monk, Terra Tank, Perma Tank, Spirit Farmer, or 130 Dervish *unless* (a) the build won't work or (b) there are additional notes for the farms above.) Add any tactics notes, if different from above.

Summary



 * Item: Mountain Troll Tusks
 * Dropped by: Mountain Trolls
 * Found in: Southern Shiverpeaks

Farming locations



 * Talus Chute
 * In the caves west of Droknar's Forge.

Threats & recommended skills

 * Threats: Interrupts. Take care.


 * Tactics: important tactics, for example pulling, choke points etc


 * Recommended skills: skills like anti-kd, hex removal etc

Solo farming
''See above for the most common solo builds. ''


 * [Build Name]
 * Build code, link to PvX, or description. (No need to mention 55 Monk, Terra Tank, Perma Tank, Spirit Farmer, or 130 Dervish *unless* (a) the build won't work or (b) there are additional notes for the farms above.) Add any tactics notes, if different from above.

Summary



 * Item: Maguuma Manes
 * Dropped by: Centaurs throughout the Maguuma Jungle.
 * Found in: Maguuma Jungle

Farming locations



 * Silverwood
 * The area surrounding Quarrel Falls is probably the best option. Take a zig-zag loop through the southern section of Silverwood; almost all the foes will be Centaurs in small groups of 2-3. You can also find a couple of bosses who, if you are lucky, can drop up to four manes.


 * The Wilds (mission)
 * The foes in the initial and bonus areas are primarily centuars. However, these groups are better balanced and therefore harder to farm.


 * Ettin's Back
 * The area surrounding Ventari's Refuge is also a good option. Exit the refuge and head left, towards the portal with Reed Bog. In addition to the centaurs, you will also have to deal with devourers.

Threats & recommended skills

 * Threats: Maguuma Enchanters can interrupt and e-denial.


 * Tactics: Most groups have a bonder that can slow down farming if not killed quickly.


 * Recommended skills: skills like anti-kd, hex removal etc

Solo farming
''See above for the most common solo builds. ''


 * [Build Name]
 * Build code, link to PvX, or description. (No need to mention 55 Monk, Terra Tank, Perma Tank, Spirit Farmer, or 130 Dervish *unless* (a) the build won't work or (b) there are additional notes for the farms above.) Add any tactics notes, if different from above.

Summary



 * Item: Abnormal Seeds
 * Dropped by: Ancient Oakhearts, Large Spined Aloes, Reed Stalkers, and Spined Aloes.
 * Found in: Kryta

Farming locations

 * The Black Curtain
 * There are 6-7 Reed Stalkers right outside Temple of the Ages. Kill'em, rezone, repeat.


 * Talmark Wilderness
 * ~20 Ancient Oakhearts spawn in this zone, scattered mostly in the northern flat area.

Threats & recommended skills

 * Threats: Reed Stalkers are mesmers – watch out for hexes. They are only level 17 in normal mode.


 * Tactics: You don't have a lot of room in front of the gate to ToA, so be careful that you leave room to stand back for Spirit Spammers.


 * Recommended skills: hex removal, protection, or self-healing with anti-hex benefits.

Solo farming
''See above for the most common solo builds. ''

Summary



 * Item: Mantid Pincers
 * Dropped by: Mantids
 * Found in: Shing_Jea_Island

Farming locations

 * Sunqua Vale
 * Zhengjo Temple in the northeast corner is full of mantid pop-up groups, including the necromancer boss Yunlai Deathkeeper (bosses have a chance of dropping 2 trophies). For a low-intensity farm, the eastern meadow is sparsely populated with passive, low-level mantids.


 * Kinya Province
 * The glen just outside Ran Musu Gardens is densely packed with mantids, including the assassin boss Tahkayun Tsi.


 * Saoshang Trail
 * Mantids infest the entire length of the trail, including numerous pop-up groups.

Threats & recommended skills

 * Threats: Hex spells.


 * Tactics: The usual solo farming techniques.


 * Recommended skills: Anything will work for this farm. You can use heals, if you feel that you would die without them. It's not a necessity.

Solo farming
''See above for the most common solo builds. ''

Summary



 * Item: Mummy Wrappings
 * Dropped by: Awakened
 * Found in: The Desolation

Farming locations

 * Zone
 * Directions to farm, things to do (e.g. shrines), to avoid (e.g. foes), and rezoning notes (if any).

Threats & recommended skills

 * Threats: general threats like hex, condition, environmental effects etc.


 * Tactics: important tactics, for example pulling, choke points etc


 * Recommended skills: skills like anti-kd, hex removal etc

Solo farming
''See above for the most common solo builds. ''


 * [Build Name]
 * Build code, link to PvX, or description. (No need to mention 55 Monk, Terra Tank, Perma Tank, Spirit Farmer, or 130 Dervish *unless* (a) the build won't work or (b) there are additional notes for the farms above.) Add any tactics notes, if different from above.

Summary



 * Item: Jade Mandibles
 * Dropped by: Jade Scarabs, Rock-Eater Scarabs
 * Found in: Crystal Desert

Farming locations



 * Prophet's Path
 * Start from Amnoon Oasis and enter Prophets Path. Head south and southwest to pop any hidden spawns. You should find around 32 Scarabs without having to cross any of the teleporters. 1 solo run takes about 5 minutes.


 * Diviner's Ascent
 * Speak to Nausuan in Seeker's Passage to start The Monk's Path (available to any non-Monk after completing Augury Rock; remember to change the secondary profession if needed). Map to Elona Reach and exit to Diviner's Ascent. Follow the quest marker and kill the swarms to scarabs along the way. As with any quest-based farm, remember not to accept the reward; if you accidentally complete its objectives, abandon and retake the quest.

Threats & recommended skills

 * Threats: Touch skills, Traps, enchantment removals.


 * Tactics: Avoid traps, avoid Devourers when possible.


 * Recommended skills: Self-heals (even if using spirits, they will help)

Solo farming
''See above for the most common solo builds. ''


 * 55 builds will not work for this, due to the enchantment removal of the bugs.

Summary



 * Item: Stormy Eyes
 * Dropped by: Storm Riders
 * Found in: Ascalon

Farming locations

 * Pockmark Flats
 * The large crater east of Serenity Temple is full of Riders.

Threats & recommended skills

 * Threats: general threats like hex, condition, environmental effects etc.


 * Tactics: important tactics, for example pulling, choke points etc


 * Recommended skills: skills like anti-kd, hex removal etc

Solo farming
''See above for the most common solo builds. ''


 * [Build Name]
 * Build code, link to PvX, or description. (No need to mention 55 Monk, Terra Tank, Perma Tank, Spirit Farmer, or 130 Dervish *unless* (a) the build won't work or (b) there are additional notes for the farms above.) Add any tactics notes, if different from above.

Summary



 * Item: Superb Charr Carvings
 * Dropped by: Charr in Eye of the North
 * Found in: Charr Homelands and during Ebon Vanguard missions

Farming locations

 * Zone
 * Directions to farm, things to do (e.g. shrines), to avoid (e.g. foes), and rezoning notes (if any).

Threats & recommended skills

 * Threats: general threats like hex, condition, environmental effects etc.


 * Tactics: important tactics, for example pulling, choke points etc


 * Recommended skills: skills like anti-kd, hex removal etc

Solo farming
''See above for the most common solo builds. ''


 * [Build Name]
 * Build code, link to PvX, or description. (No need to mention 55 Monk, Terra Tank, Perma Tank, Spirit Farmer, or 130 Dervish *unless* (a) the build won't work or (b) there are additional notes for the farms above.) Add any tactics notes, if different from above.

Summary



 * Item: Gruesome Ribcages
 * Dropped by: Abominations
 * Found in: Dragon's Gullet

Farming locations


There is only one location to farm this week and it's the area within two compass circles from Nick's current location. Start at Grendich Courthouse and follow the directions to the Traveler. The foes along the way are L10 or less, so keep moving &mdash; don't stop to engage them &mdash; and you will have no trouble reaching the farm. Circle the area around Nick (easily avoiding the non-Abomination foes); rezone at Flame Temple Corridor. There are roughly 20 targets; expect around 5–10 ribcages per run.
 * Dragon's Gullet

Threats & recommended skills

 * Threats: the biggest threat this week is time: bring a speed boost to counter the oil slicks, the long distance to the farm, and to get away from mobs along the route. The second biggest threat is getting mobbed, so keep moving.


 * Recommended tactics: the Abominations mostly wander around in pairs, so use a bow to pull them towards you. Keep moving.


 * Recommended skills: bring a speed boost, at least one heavy spike, and at least one self-heal. Area damage is not very useful because the foes don't clump and the abominations attack at range. The abominations will create low level minions from the corpses of their colleagues; you can ignore them because they are such low level (or: exploit the corpses yourself or pull the abominations away).

Solo farming
''See above for the most common solo builds. ''

This is a great week to try out both solo farming and running. Any Level 20 character with just about any speed boost, spike, and self-heal can farm the Abominations reasonably fast. If you have EotN, you could run this farm with Drunken Master, Breath of the Great Dwarf, and Ebon Vanguard Assassin Support.

Summary



 * Item: Tangled Seeds
 * Dropped by: Maguuma Jungle plants
 * Found in: Maguuma Jungle

Ettin's Back
Start from Aurora's Glade and head to Ettins Back. Follow the path. After initial groups of Moss Scarabs, search the path for Thorn Stalkers, usually 15-40 all together in Hard Mode. Rezone at the Dry Top portal. Less than 10 minutes per run.

Be careful of pop-ups and patrols of drones and stalkers.

Bloodstone Fen
12..15 Thorn Stalkers from the very beginning and no other enemies until Devourers start appearing. Can be done even in Hard Mode with any anti-caster or SoS build.

Solo farming
''See above for the most common solo builds. ''