Conan Exiles farming is the backbone of long-term survival, letting you secure food, resources, and rare materials without constant risk. Understanding crop cycles, irrigation, and protection strategies dramatically improves your chances of thriving in the harsh desert.
This guide covers efficient field layouts, high-yield crops, and protective measures so you can build a reliable surplus and focus on progression rather than hunger.
| Crop Type | Growth Cycle (In-Game Time) | Base Yield Per Plant | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thatch Wheat | 1 hour 40 minutes | 15–20 thatch | Early food and thatch production |
| Split Yam | 40 minutes | 1–2 split yam | Quick food, easy to stack |
| Fibrous Potato | 1 hour 30 minutes | 1–2 fibrous potato | Food and lightweight nutrition |
| Starberry | 2 hours 30 minutes | 1–2 starberry | Food and health regeneration |
| Frostfruit | 5 hours | 1 frostfruit | Late-game cold resistance food |
| Royal Melon | 6 hours | 1 royal melon | High food value, tradeable |
Planning Your Primary Farm
A well-planned farm reduces waste and maximizes output per plot. Start by choosing a flat area close to a water source, then clear debris and till the soil with a stone or metal tool.
Use a simple grid pattern with paths wide enough for easy watering and harvesting. This layout scales well when you expand later, and it keeps irrigation consistent across every row.
Water Management and Automation
Reliable water is critical, especially in the arid Exiled Lands. Place water reservoirs or troughs within a short walk of your fields and use irrigation tools to keep hydration stable.
For larger setups, channel water with trenches or stone troughs so every tile in the grid receives moisture without wasting resources on over-saturation.
Advanced Crop Rotation and Timing
Scheduling planting cycles based on growth times prevents gaps in supply. Pair fast crops like Split Yam with longer ones such as Royal Melon to maintain a steady flow of food and materials.
Track in-game hours and use alarms or landmarks as visual cues for when to harvest and replant, minimizing idle time and spoiled produce.
Protecting Your Crops
Wild animals and rival players can quickly ruin a field if it is left unprotected. Build low walls or fences around the perimeter and place spike walls near access points to deter intruders.
Consider using tamed creatures as guards or setting up hidden storage nearby so you can respond quickly if a raid occurs during harvest.
Scaling and Late-Game Optimization
As your base grows, transition to larger greenhouse-style structures with controlled temperatures. This allows you to farm Frostfruit and other temperature-sensitive crops in safer zones.
Add storage chests close to the fields, automate with teleporters if possible, and assign thralls to specific tasks like watering, harvesting, or defending the perimeter.
Key Takeaways for Effective Farming
- Plan a grid layout with clear paths for watering and harvesting.
- Match crop growth times to maintain a continuous food supply.
- Use reservoirs and irrigation to stabilize hydration and save resources.
- Secure fields with walls, spikes, and tamed guards against raids.
- Upgrade to greenhouse structures for temperature-sensitive late-game crops.
- Automate repetitive tasks with thralls to focus on higher-priority goals.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I stop birds and small animals from eating my seeds?
Surround seed beds with stone walls or thorn walls, and keep a tamed animal or two nearby as a deterrent. Covering plots with thatch or hide walls also reduces visibility and access.
What is the most efficient crop for early food supply?
Split Yam is among the fastest and most reliable early crops, giving quick returns with modest water and thatch requirements compared to other options.
Can I farm inside a base without sunlight or temperature issues?
Yes, but you must control temperature with air conditioning or insulated rooms for crops like Frostfruit. Use enclosed greenhouses with regulated climate to avoid penalties.
Is it worth building large automated farms with thralls?
Absolutely if you have the resources. Automated farms with thralls handling watering and harvesting free up your time for combat, building, and exploration while ensuring consistent supply.