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 are the most popular solo builds available from PvX that can be used to farm for Nick's request about 75% of the time:


 * Any: Dwarven Gladiator • SoS Spirit • Destructive was Glaive Farmer
 * : Hundred Blades Melee
 * : Greater Conflagration Toucher
 * : 55 Monk
 * : Terra Tank
 * : 55 Spoiled • 55 Spiteful
 * : SoI Illusion
 * : Shadow Tank
 * : 330 Vengeful Rit
 * : Focused Anger Blazing Echo
 * : Silence Tank • Vow of Strength Smiter  • 130 Dervish

General tips

 * Hard Mode does not increase the number of trophy drops, so you will always want to use normal mode since you can kill monsters faster and thus collect your set faster.
 * Although solo farmers will generally find more trophies per run, there are times when you can collect your set faster by adding one or two heroes.
 * Waiting approximately two minutes after zoning can significantly increase the trophy drop rate, especially if the target farm is close to a portal.
 * If an item is difficult to gather, consider farming trades instead, i.e. compare how long it would take to earn the 4-15 required to buy a full set versus how long it might take to earn the same amount through some other farm (e.g. feather farming).
 * Nick Gift Farms (YouTube video, featured in the official community news )

Summary





 * Item: Krait Skins
 * Dropped by: (Kraits) in Tarnished Coast
 * Found in: Arbor Bay

Farming locations

 * Arbor Bay
 * Recommend bring a party.

Solo farming

 * While Spirit Spamming is possible, it may be difficult due to the Krait's ability to spike quickly. Recommended: take on small groups at a time.

Added: Have had good luck, 1 - 3 skins per run around the same map route shown to the right, just small group pulls with an SS player, Necro MM Olias and Necro Rit Livia, standard 3 man necro team builds.

Summary





 * Item: Sentient Spores
 * Dropped by: Jacaranda's & Iboga's (Plants) in Kourna and Vabbi
 * Found in: Sunward Marches

Farming locations

 * Holdings of Chokhin

The quickest and easiest place to farm Sentient Spores is the east side of the area; all creatures here drop Sentient Spores and there are no difficult bosses or large groups (if care is taken not to over-aggro). Leave Mihanu Township by the northern exit and follow the north-trending canyon to the open plain south of the Halls of Chokhin. An efficient farming method is to make an anti-clockwise sweep through the plain where there are seven groups of plants; at the end of the sweep the party is close to the north-western corner where a west-trending canyon leads to another plain where there are six more groups. A anti-clockwise sweep ends near the canyon leading back to Mihanu Township where there is one more group. The drop rate for a farming group of four (a warrior character and three necro heroes) was 2-5 Sentient Spores per run.

Added: GREAT ROUTE and GREAT PLANT FIBER FARM ALSO. 4 Spores and 85 Plant Fibers in one Run, map inset.

Summary



 * Item: Bog Skale Fins
 * Dropped by: Skale in Kryta
 * Found in: Scoundrel's Rise

Farming locations


Leave from Temple of the Ages, head West then south to the swamp DUE EAST of the portal to Talkmark Wilderness, short walk from TOA and easy large groups.
 * The Black Curtain

Enter North Kryta Province from Lion's Arch and go right; you will eventually get to a large bog with nothing but a lot of level 11 bog skales. Any level 20 should be able to solo these easily.
 * North Kryta Province


 * Stingray Strand / Tears of the Fallen

Leave Fisherman's Haven by the north exit into Stingray Strand and go north along the east side of the beach where there are two groups of Bog Skale. Turn west at the top of the area to the Tears of the Fallen portal near which there is a group of Bog Skale. Apart from a few drakes, all the creatures in Tears of the Fallen drop Bog Skale Fins. An efficient route is to go up the east beach where there are four skale groups to the north edge of the area, and then to go west and make an anti-clockwise circuit of the lakes area. With a single farmer, the drop rate is 4-8 Bog Skale Fins per run.

Tactics

 * List any significant threats posed by the target foes, recommended skills, etc.

Solo farming

 * See above for the most common solo builds. 

Summary



 * Item: Fibrous Mandragor Roots
 * Dropped by: Mandragors
 * Found in: Grothmar Wardowns

Farming locations



 * Grothmar Wardowns

Leave from Longeye's Ledge (can also grab the Vanguard Patrol from the nearby shrine). There are about six groups of Mandragors to the west of the river. One efficient route is to start by grabbing the group to your immediately left (east of Langmar), then return west and then south, roughly hugging the right (west) side, loop around the snow-capped hill in the south west, and return north along the grassy knolls until you can see the Fallen Vanguard Soldier.

Drop rates for an all-player party can vary from 3/run to 10/run.

Tactics

 * Threats
 * All the mandragor can charge, causing 60 damage and knock down.
 * They also bring Ground Cover, a decent blocking skill.
 * The Dust Devils and Smoke Devils are trappers, which can cause problems if you are not careful where you step.
 * Vile Mandragor bring degeneration skills
 * The Shadowfangs will cause numerous conditions.

Nevertheless, many of the standard solo builds will do fine, as long as you do not let the mandragors overwhelm you. Consider bringing a summoning skill (especially Ebon Vanguard Assassin Support) to distract them, a knock-down counter (especially "I Am Unstoppable!"), and self-healing.

If you have any trouble, consider bringing a protection hero, since you can flag them out of danger (e.g. a bonder or a ritualist with Soul Twisting and Union/Shelter).

Solo farming

 * See above for the most common solo builds. 

Summary

 * Item: Geodes
 * Dropped by:  Insects ( Rain Beetle &  Rock Beetle)
 * Found in: Vabbi

Farming locations

 * Garden of Seborhin
 * Go out of West exit of Tihark Orchard into Forum Highlands and then zone into Garden of Seborhin. Go to your right (East) past the resurrection shrine. There is usually a group of 4 Enchanted Brambles and 1 Whistling Thornbrush.  Killing them makes it easier to deal with the beetles when they come.  Kill the 4 beetles (usually 3 Rain Beetle and 1 Rock Beetle) and then move along the path further East-North-East until you come to the space between two outcroppings. There should be a group of Roaring Ether to your East.  You probably want to avoid them if you are solo farming. Slide past along the rocks to the left and it should make another group of Beetles spawn. Rezone and do again.  You should be able to do 10 runs in less than an hour and expected drop is one Geode per run.


 * Mirror of Lyss
 * Exit from Mihanu Township using the East Exit. Go a short distance along the north wall to a group of four or five beetles. From here go South-east - sticking close to the scarp to avoid any other creatures - to another group of five beetles. Map travel back to Mihanu Township and repeat. ADDED: Uploaded Pic to right of route, continue South and find 2 more groups, wiggle between patrols to avoid aggro, Great route! And, it ends at the Kodash Bazaar with the ability to just turn around and repeat in reverse!
 * → The drop rate using a fire Elementalist and a healer was just less 1 per run. Twelve runs to get 10 Geodes took about 45 minutes, not counting the wait between runs.
 * → Drop rate using a Solo Farming Method averages 1 Geode per Beetle group every 3 minutes (or total of 5 per run).

Tactics

 * List any significant threats posed by the target foes, recommended skills, etc.

Solo farming

 * See above for the most common solo builds. 

Summary



 * Item: Frigid Mandragor Husk
 * Dropped by: Mandragor
 * Found in: Far Shiverpeaks

Farming locations

 * Norrhart Domains
 * In the southwest corner; see farming route picture.


 * Bjora Marches
 * In the southwest corner by the portal to Norrhart Domains. Kill the patrolling 3 - 5 groups of Mandragor, beware of aggros even in Normal Mode can be hard. With 4 man team averaged 1-2 husks per trip (3-5 husks Solo if wait 2 minutes).  Rezone and repeat.




 * Jaga Moraine
 * During Curse of the Nornbear, 2 groups appear near the starting point. Solo with spirits works VERY well, about 1 Husk per 2 trips.


 * Ice Cliff Chasms
 * Outside Eye of the North there are three groups. One group to the Southwest just off the lake. Another group to the Northeast, also just off the lake. A third is in the cliffs above the Chilling Wisps at the end of the lake.

Tactics

 * List any significant threats posed by the target foes, recommended skills, etc.

Solo farming

 * See above for the most common solo builds. 

Summary



 * Item: Forgotten Seals
 * Dropped by: Forgotten and Enchanted
 * Found in: Crystal Desert

Farming locations



 * Vulture Drifts
 * Outside the Dunes of Despair outpost. Arguably the easiest and fastest.

Tactics

 * List any significant threats posed by the target foes, recommended skills, etc.

Solo farming

 * See above for the most common solo builds. 

Summary



 * Item: Sandblasted Lodestone
 * Dropped by: Earth Elementals
 * Found in: The Desolation

Farming locations



 * Poisoned Outcrops
 * You can farm Sandblasted Lodestones just north of the Lair of the Forgotten.


 * The Shattered Ravines
 * Basically follow the sulfur path to the immediate west once you leave the Lair heading south, then use the wurms to kill everything in the sulfur in this area. Try a 4 man team in NM, but watch for undead aggro, it tends to happen at the junctions in the sulfur roads.

Tactics

 * List any significant threats posed by the target foes, recommended skills, etc.

Solo farming

 * See above for the most common solo builds. 

Summary



 * Item: Celestial Essence
 * Dropped by: Celestial creatures
 * Found in: Nahpui Quarter (mission)

Farming locations

 * Nahpui Quarter (mission)
 * Enter with a full party of Heroes/Henchmen. Progress the mission as normal.
 * You may as well take this opportunity to feather farm!
 * Try this with 1 or more player friends, it is easy to make fun teams!

Tactics

 * Same as feather farming.
 * Alternatively enter the mission solo to get more Celestial Essence drops. But after the third Celestial, it slows down a lot with all the extra spawn of the three you've killed, so just rezone and start again.

Solo farming

 * See above for the most common solo builds. 

Summary



 * Item: Kraken Eye
 * Dropped by: Kraken Spawn
 * Found in: Boreas Seabed (explorable), Boreas Seabed (mission), Unwaking Waters (explorable)

Farming locations

 * Boreas Seabed (explorable)
 * Enter Boreas Seabed from Zos Shivros Channel. Go out the gate and down into the lower area to the right of the gate. There are 3 or 4 Kraken Spawn there. Kill and rezone.


 * Boreas Seabed (mission)
 * Enter with a full party of Heroes/Henchmen. Progress the mission as normal up to the actual jade sea, where the Jade Fish patrol. Eliminate the patroling Jade Fish, then flag your Heroes/Henchmen back to the arena. Proceed forward and solo the Kraken Spawn.

Tactics

 * You can avoid other mobs and just concentrate on the Kraken Spawn.

Solo farming

 * See above for the most common solo builds. 

Summary



 * Item: Skull Juju
 * Dropped by: Gaki ( Skill Hungry Gaki and Pain Hungry Gaki)
 * Found in: Echovald Forest

Farming locations



 * The Eternal Grove (explorable)
 * Enter The Eternal Grove from Vasburg Armory. Non-boss groups with Stone Scale Kirin, Dragon Moss and Undergrowth seem to have about a 50% chance of having a Gaki. This is one of those cases where taking several heroes will get you your set faster than soloing, so take two heroes in normal mode; good choices are a Minion Bomber and a SOS Channeling Ritualist (the 3 Hero Spiritway group without the SoGM Ritualist).  Go immediately to the left (southeast) and kill the group there.  Then move west to the center of the large open area in front of the Armory, clear several groups there, then move east to kill The Scar Eater.  Look down below to the group south of the bridge; if there is no gaki there, leave it be.  Move west through a group of Wardens, go over a small bridge and kill The Time Eater.  Map travel back to the Armory because trying to find more Gaki elsewhere in the zone is not time-efficient.  You should be able to get 5 Skull Jujus in a few hours.  Salvage Stone Horns and other items that yield Granite Slabs because they are valuable and in very high demand now; this is quite a nice money-making farm.

Tactics

 * Gaki bosses are easy to kill; but the enemies around them are a real pain!

Solo farming

 * See above for the most common solo builds. 

Summary



 * Item: Stolen Supplies
 * Dropped by: Level 10-15 Yetis ( Longhair Yetis, Mountain Yetis and  Red Yetis)
 * Found in: Shing Jea Island

Farming locations



 * Jaya Bluffs
 * There is a dense gathering of Yeti northeast of Seitung Harbor. Averages 5-7 supplies per 12 minute runs (or 9 minutes if using speed boost).
 * You may as well take this opportunity to feather farm!
 * The quest Death With Honor allows for faster farming due to non-hostile yetis. "Strongjaw Clan will not attack human that carry club of Yorrt Strongjaw."

Tactics

 * Mountain Yeti's are the only real threat to solo farmers.

Solo farming

 * See above for the most common solo builds. 

Summary



 * Item: Sentient Seeds
 * Dropped by: Level 6+ Fanged Ibogas and  Stormseed Jacarandas
 * Found in: Istan

Farming locations



 * Plains of Jarin
 * Most plants in this area are only level 1, meaning they don't drop seeds, but there are a few level 6 Iboga southeast of the Sunspear Great Hall.


 * Cliffs of Dohjok
 * The quest Scholarly Affairs will spawn multiple Beautiful Iboga throughout this area.


 * Fahranur, The First City
 * Enter from Blacktide Den. You will find four groups of level 6 Fanged Iboga and level 10 Stormseed Jacaranda, with more behind the res shrine.

Tactics

 * The enemies' low levels make this an exceptionally easy farm in any case, but it may be useful to employ weapons of Pruning against the plants. Movement speed boosts are helpful for shortening the time between groups.
 * Adrenaline skills are mostly useless, due to the Ibogas' use of Soothing Images.

Solo farming

 * See above for the most common solo builds. 

Summary



 * Item: Vial of Inks (Rare crafting material)
 * Crafted by: Artisan and Rare Material Trader.
 * Found in: Varies.

Farming locations



 * Vials of Ink can be crafted at Artisans by first crafting Tempered Glass Vials from Glittering Dust, which can then be combined with Plant Fibers.


 * Holdings of Chokhin
 * You can gain more than enough Plant Fibers through the Southeast section.


 * Nahpui Quarter
 * Running around killing stuff gets you Celestial Essences which can be salvaged into Piles of Glittering Dust.


 * Fissure of Woe
 * Farm the beach and/or forest in the Fissure of Woe. Salvage Gloom Seed, you get 13-16 Plant Fibers per salvage, and everything down there drops Dust.

Tactics

 * List any significant threats posed by the target foes, recommended skills, 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: Singed Gargoyle Skulls
 * Dropped by: Gargoyles (Resurrect Gargoyle, Shatter Gargoyle, Flash Gargoyle)
 * Found in: Diessa Lowlands, Nolani Academy (mission), Old Ascalon

Farming locations



 * Diessa Lowlands
 * Start from Nolani Academy in normal mode, and follow the farm route killing any gargoyle you come across. Total time is roughly 15 minutes, and should net close to the amount required by Nick

Tactics

 * List any significant threats posed by the target foes, recommended skills, 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: Jotun Pelts
 * Dropped by: Jotun (Jotun Bladeturner, Jotun Bloodcurdler, Jotun Mindbreaker, Jotun Skullsmasher ).
 * Found in: Far Shiverpeaks, The Tarnished Coast, Depths of Tyria

Farming locations



 * Drakkar Lake
 * Travel to Sifhalla located in the northeast section; from there exit the (west) portal and move west into the northwest cavern sections. There are many Jotun there and a single solo run through averages 5-7 pelts.

Tactics

 * List any significant threats posed by the target foes, recommended skills, 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: Spiked Crests
 * Dropped by: Lightning Drakes and Grand Drakes (Dragons)
 * Found in: Kryta

Farming locations



 * Sanctum Cay (mission)
 * Solo the 6-9 Lightning Drakes near the beginning of the Sanctum Cay mission. Bring speed boosts and a self-heal!

Tactics

 * List any significant threats posed by the target foes, recommended skills, 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: Mossy Mandibles
 * Dropped by: Moss Scarabs
 * Found in: Maguuma Jungle

Farming locations



 * The Wilds (mission)
 * Solo the mission and slay every scarab you encounter. Averages 5-10 mandibles per run.


 * Reed Bog
 * Exit from Ventari's Refuge and run through Ettin's Back.

Tactics

 * List any significant threats posed by the target foes, recommended skills, 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: Feathered Scalps
 * Dropped by: Sensali Tengu (Sensali Bloods, Sensali Fighters, and Sensali Assassins)
 * Found in: Shing Jea Island

Farming locations



 * Sunqua Vale
 * Leave from Tsumei Village and head north into the mountains. This area is populated by Sensali and a few Yeti, none of whom are particularly dangerous to a level 20 character.
 * The Factions-only quest Revenge of the Yeti will spawn additional Sensali in this area.

Solo farming

 * In normal mode, almost any build will suffice for any L20 character, although the spirit spammer build is probably the most efficient. Expect an average of 3 scalps per 5 minute run.

Summary



 * Item: Sentient Lodestones
 * Dropped by: Living Land ( Cracked Mesas, Droughtlings,  Stone Shard Crags,  Tormented Lands)
 * Found in: Kourna

Farming locations

 * Dejarin Estate
 * For a longer farm, start at Kodonur Crossroads and travel Southeast and East across the third bridge to a res shrine to obtain the elemental bounty. Immediately near the shrine there is a group of three living land monsters.  Travel south along the banks of the river; there is another group of three near the bridge and another just Southeast of that between two clumps of trees.  Cross the Southern bridge and enter the fort; inside the Southern gate, there is a small ledge with 2 more living land monsters.  Outside the fort at the crossroads, there are two groups on either side, and one group farther North along the road of 3 each.  If you chose to do the long farm, there are several groups of Heket and Kournan soldiers that are difficult to avoid; you can also collect Heket tongues and Kournan pendants.
 * Alternatively, for a shorter farm with less extraneous enemies, you could start from Pogahn Passage and keep to the West side of the river, zone, and repeat.
 * Arkjok Ward
 * For a shorter farm, start at Sunspear Sanctuary. Hugging the wall around the edge of the water to avoid all patrols of plants and mandragor, travel clockwise to the nearby group of elementals. Target the Stone Shard Crag first as their AoE skils and kd are the most dangerous. Continue on in a south-east direction killing the two elemental groups you pass. Once you see the Resurrection Shrine, turn around and follow the wall on the opposite side of the water. Beware of a group of pop ups that are surrounded by two patrols of mandragor's and a group of plants on the path between the two corners of the area, as they can easily wipe an unprepared player. Kill the final group of elementals in the south-western corner and zone back through the Sunspear Sanctuary portal. This run takes around 5 minutes and averages 1 Lodestone a run.
 * Barbarous Shore
 * Upon exiting Camp Hojanu, turn right and hug the western wall. After a couple of small groups of heket which you may or may not be able to sneak by, you will find many groups of two land monsters paired with groups of three plants all the way down the western wall.  In hard mode with the 3 Hero Spiritway build, you can usually get one Lodestone per run.

Tactics

 * Watch out for bombardments from Kournan Field Commanders and enchantment removal from Kournan Seers if you engage Kournan soldiers during your farm.
 * The living land are fairly devastating with their earth elemental skills; consider bringing appropriate protections. For the Spirit Lord farmer, be sure to spread out your spirits to minimize AoE damage.

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: Diamond Djinn Essences
 * Dropped by: Diamond Djinns
 * Found in: Vabbi

Farming locations

 * The Hidden City of Ahdashim
 * Exit the Dasha Vestibule and make a full circuit (ignore the east-sections). Approximately 1 Essence per 10 solo run.
 * Considering time consumtion needed to hunt extremely rare Djinn Essence, it is HIGHLY recommended that you also collect Ruby Djinn Essence and Sapphire Djinn Essence. Nick has already collected both of these, and if he restarts his collections in November, you'll be ready for the next time they come up.

Threats & recommended skills

 * Threats: Watch out for Searing Flames and Energy Surge.


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


 * Recommended skills: Bring hex removal, condition removal, and protection skills.

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: Stone Summit Badges
 * Dropped by: Stone Summit
 * Found in: Northern Shiverpeaks, Southern Shiverpeaks (but not Far Shiverpeaks).

Farming locations

 * Traveler's Vale
 * Exit the Yak's Bend and make a full circuit. Approximately 12-18 badges per solo run. Rezone through any of the portals.

Tactics

 * Summit necromancers or mesmers carry enchantment removal.

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

Summary



 * Item: Heket Tongues
 * Dropped by: Hekets ( Stoneaxe Hekets, Beast Sworn Hekets,  Blue Tongue Hekets,  Blood Cowl Hekets)
 * Found in: Kourna and Vabbi

Farming locations

 * Dejarin Estate
 * Exit northeast from Pogahn Passage, multiple groups along southeast shore


 * Barbarous Shore
 * Exit east from Camp Hojanu


 * Sunward Marches
 * Exit north from Dajkah Inlet, multiple groups in northwest corner


 * Gandara, the Moon Fortress
 * Exit south from Pogahn Passage, two groups near gate

Tactics

 * Blue Tongue Heket in Kourna cast healing spells, most notably Word of Healing and Watchful Healing; making their groups hard to clear using solo builds without interrupts or anti-healing skills. Vabbian versions are protection monks instead.

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

Summary



 * Item: Cobalt Talons
 * Dropped by: Cobalts (Cobalt Shriekers, Cobalt Scabaras, and Cobalt Mokele)
 * Found in: Vabbi: Garden of Seborhin, Resplendent Makuun, The Hidden City of Ahdashim, The Mirror of Lyss, Vehjin Mines

Farming locations
Just outside of Jennur's Horde, there are at least 7 groups of five or six cobalts.
 * Vehjin Mines

Just outside Honur Hill, there is a single group of six cobalts, including Jishol Darksong. Although farming just the one group can be tedious (especially if you wait the recommended two minutes at the start of each run), this group lack enchantment removal.
 * Resplendent Makuun

Tactics

 * The Cobalt Scabara carry enchantment removal; they also use Wastrel's Demise. This puts pressure on SoS-based builds, but can be overcome with careful pulling and proper kiting.

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


 * Enchantment-based builds (e.g. 55 Monk) should skip groups containing Scabaras.

Summary



 * Item: Icy Lodestones
 * Dropped by: Ice Golems, Siege Ice Golem and Ice Elemental
 * Found in: Northern and Southern Shiverpeak Mountains and Wizard's Folly in Pre-Searing

Farming locations

 * Wizard's Folly (Presearing)
 * Probably the easiest method is to farm pre-Searing and mule the ice into Old Ascalon.


 * Traveler's Vale
 * Just outside of Yak's Bend are groups of Stone Summit, along with plenty of Ice Golems: head west, then north. Save your Stone Summit Badges; Nick as yet to ask for them!


 * Lornar's Pass
 * From Beacon's Perch, head east out of the outpost then south.


 * Grenth's Footprint
 * Exit Deldrimor War Camp, get behind the Resurrection Shrine, and push to the tip of the rock. Kill the Siege Golems below; if the drops are poor, rezone right away (otherwise, grab your loot and rezone). Expect about 15 visits to collect 10 stones. Save your Stone Summit Badges.


 * Talus Chute
 * Just outside of Ice Caves of Sorrow.

Tactics

 * Stone Summit Dwarves pose a real threat to the 330 Terra Tank, since they'll remove your enchantments. Obsidian Flesh is recommended.

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: Behemoth Jaws
 * Dropped by: Root Behemoths
 * Found in: The Falls of the Maguuma Jungle

Farming locations



 * The Falls
 * Start from Ventari's Refuge.


 * Dry Top
 * The Root Behemoths are located as follows: several in the NW (near Ettin's Back); a few along the SW path; and two clusters of three each in the SE corner (NE of Tangle Root).


 * Enter Dry Top from Maguuma Stade; head left to kill a handful of foes (mostly to wear out the drop rate reduction), then backtrack to take out the cluster. Rezone & repeat. Another option is to head for Tangle Root, take out the six there, and use that portal to rezone.


 * Mamnoon Lagoon
 * Start from Quarrel Falls.

Tactics

 * List any significant threats posed by the target foes, recommended skills, etc.

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

PvX builds suitable for farming Totem Axes can also be used to farm Behemoth Jaws, including:
 * Totem Axe farming builds


 * PvX:Build:Any/Rt Totem Axe Farmer


 * ''Search PvX for more Totem Axe farming builds

Summary



 * Item: Insect Carapaces
 * Dropped by: Bladed Veldt Termite, Veldt Beetle Queen, Veldt Nephila, Veldt Beetle Lance
 * Found in: Kourna

Farming locations

 * Arkjok Ward
 * Enter from Yohlon Haven. 16-20 foes that drop carapaces will spawn immediately outside the portal.

Tactics

 * List any significant threats posed by the target foes, recommended skills, 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: Putrid Cysts
 * Dropped by: Afflicted
 * Found in: Kaineng City

Farming locations
Farm Afflicted in Bukdek Byway right outside of Kaineng Center.
 * Bukdek Byway

Exit from Dragon's Throat. The first 2 groups are small, easy to solo. Mesmers remove enchantments.
 * Shadow's Passage

Enter Shenzun Tunnels from Sunjiang District (outpost). Clear the area south of Sunjiang District, then northwest up to the water. Head back east and finish in the south-west.
 * Shenzun Tunnels

Tactics

 * Killing the Afflicted Monks (Ray of Judgment), Afflicted Assassins (Shadow Form), and Afflicted Ritualists (Flesh of My Flesh) takes priority over all other targets.

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: Enslavement Stones
 * Dropped by: Stone Summit forces in Sorrow's Furnace.
 * Found in: Southern Shiverpeaks

Farming locations

 * Sorrow's Furnace

Tactics

 * Killing the Priest of Sorrows takes priority over all other targets.

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

Summary



 * Item: Berserker Horns
 * Dropped by: Berserking Minotaurs, Berserking Bisons, Berserking Aurochs, and Berserking Wendigoes
 * Found in: Far Shiverpeaks

Farming locations

 * Bjora Marches
 * The southeast quadrant of the area, outside Longeye's Ledge.


 * Varajar Fells
 * The southwest quadrant, outside Olafstead. Watch out for hidden vaettir spawns.


 * Jaga Moraine
 * The southwest quadrant, outside Sifhalla.

Tactics

 * Enchantment-based builds are risky or ineffective due to Shattering Assault from the Berserking Wendigoes.

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

Summary



 * Item: Leathery Claws
 * Dropped by: Ascalonian Hydras
 * Found in: Western Ascalon

Farming locations



 * Ascalon Foothills
 * Small numbers of hydra, but densely packed. This is the most convenience place to farm for those who want to stay near Nick. Just be sure to bring anti-blind and anti-knockdown skills!


 * Dragon's Gullet


 * Large numbers of hydras, but very spread out. This is the best place to farm. The distance between groups is not that large when using speed boost skills, and there are many more of them than in the Foothills. Be sure to look in the tar for them.

Threats & recommended skills

 * Threats: Watch out for Meteor, causes knock-down and interrupt.


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


 * Recommended skills: Bring condition removal skills if farming in Ascalon Foothills with a melee character, due to Stone Furies using Eruption.

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 Pahnai Salad, collector reward for 2 Iboga Petals
 * Dropped by Fanged Iboga and quest-specific variants
 * Found in Istan


 * Note: Iboga Petals are also dropped by Mirage Iboga in Kourna and Vabbi, but the Fanged Iboga are much easier to farm due to their lower levels.

Farming locations

 * Plains of Jarin
 * There is a dense gathering of iboga northeast of the Sunspear Great Hall.
 * With the quest Material Girl active, multiple groups of Killer Iboga will spawn in the southeast area.


 * Cliffs of Dohjok
 * The quest Scholarly Affairs will spawn multiple Beautiful Iboga for faster farming.

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: 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. ''