Black Desert Online (BDO) offers a vast array of lifeskills, allowing players to delve into activities beyond combat. Among these, farming stands out as a particularly rewarding endeavor, and raising livestock, especially cows, is a key component of a thriving farming operation. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of how to effectively grow cows in BDO, maximizing your milk production and contributing to your overall wealth.
Understanding the Basics of Cow Farming in BDO
Cow farming in BDO revolves around managing a specific type of farm: a fenced area specifically designed for livestock. These farms are not player-owned houses but rather rented from specific NPCs within the game world. Once you have a farm, you can then purchase and place cows, providing them with the necessary resources to grow and produce milk. The quality and quantity of milk produced depend on several factors, including the breed of the cow, the feed provided, and the overall health and happiness of your bovine herd.
The primary purpose of raising cows is to obtain milk, a valuable resource used in various cooking recipes. Milk is essential for crafting items like cereal, milk tea, and various other dishes that provide buffs and healing. Consistent milk production can provide a steady income stream or fuel your own culinary ambitions.
Acquiring a Farm and Preparing for Your Cows
Before you can even think about raising cows, you need to acquire a farm. Farm locations are not freely available; you must rent them from specific Farm Managers scattered throughout the world. Renting requires Contribution Points (CP), a valuable resource earned by completing quests and exploring the world.
The process of renting a farm involves speaking with the Farm Manager and selecting the desired farm location. The number of Contribution Points required varies depending on the size of the farm. Larger farms can accommodate more cows, but they also demand a larger investment of CP. Consider your current CP availability and your long-term goals when choosing a farm.
Once you’ve secured your farm, it’s time to prepare it for your new residents. The farm itself will likely be an empty fenced area. You will need to purchase cows from livestock vendors, which are also typically located near Farm Managers.
Choosing the Right Breed of Cow
In BDO, not all cows are created equal. Different breeds of cows exist, each with varying stats and milk production potential. It’s essential to choose the right breed to maximize your yield.
While the specific breed names might differ slightly across translations or game updates, the general principle remains the same: some cows are inherently better milk producers than others. Researching which breeds offer the highest milk output is crucial. Look for information online or consult with experienced farmers within the BDO community.
Consider also the cost of each breed. Higher-yielding breeds typically come with a higher purchase price. Balance your budget with your desire for maximum milk production to make an informed decision.
Feeding and Caring for Your Cows
Cows require a consistent supply of food to grow and produce milk. Providing the right type of feed is crucial for their health and happiness, which directly impacts milk production.
The most common type of feed used for cows is hay. Hay is relatively easy to obtain, either by purchasing it from a vendor or by producing it yourself through farming. While vendor-bought hay is convenient, producing your own can significantly reduce your operating costs in the long run.
The amount of feed your cows require depends on their breed and size. Regularly check their hunger levels and provide enough food to keep them satisfied. Neglecting their dietary needs will lead to decreased milk production and potentially even death of your livestock.
Beyond feeding, regular interaction with your cows is beneficial. While the specific mechanics of interaction might vary with game updates, generally, you can interact with your cows to improve their mood. A happy cow is a productive cow.
Harvesting Milk and Maximizing Production
Once your cows are mature and well-fed, they will begin to produce milk. You can harvest milk regularly, and the frequency depends on the specific breed of your cows and their overall condition.
Regular harvesting is key to maximizing production. Neglecting to harvest milk will result in a backlog, potentially affecting the health and happiness of your cows. Set a regular schedule for harvesting to ensure a consistent flow of milk.
To further maximize milk production, consider investing in farming tools and equipment that boost your efficiency. These tools can reduce the time required for harvesting or increase the overall yield.
Dealing with Illness and Death
Unfortunately, cows in BDO are susceptible to illness and, eventually, death. Neglecting their needs, such as failing to provide adequate food or ignoring signs of illness, will increase the risk of losing your livestock.
Regularly monitor your cows for any signs of sickness. If you notice any abnormalities, such as decreased milk production or unusual behavior, take action immediately.
While the specific remedies for cow illnesses might vary, generally, providing them with the necessary resources and care will help them recover. Keeping your cows healthy through proper feeding and interaction is the best way to prevent illness in the first place.
When a cow dies, you will need to replace it with a new one. This represents a loss of investment, so it’s crucial to prioritize preventative care to minimize mortality.
Advanced Strategies for Cow Farming
Once you’ve mastered the basics of cow farming, you can explore more advanced strategies to further optimize your milk production and profitability.
Crossbreeding different breeds of cows can potentially result in offspring with improved traits. However, crossbreeding can also be unpredictable, so it’s essential to research the potential outcomes before attempting it. Experimentation and careful observation are key to successful crossbreeding.
Consider diversifying your farming operation by raising other types of livestock alongside cows. Different animals produce different resources, which can complement your milk production and provide additional income streams.
Investing in advanced farming tools and equipment can significantly boost your overall efficiency. These tools can automate certain tasks, reduce the time required for harvesting, or increase the yield of your milk.
Selling and Utilizing Your Milk
The milk you harvest from your cows can be sold directly to vendors for a profit or used in various cooking recipes. The choice depends on your overall goals and priorities.
Selling milk directly to vendors provides a consistent and reliable income stream. The price of milk fluctuates depending on the market conditions, so it’s essential to monitor the market prices to maximize your profits.
Alternatively, you can use your milk in cooking recipes to create valuable dishes. These dishes can be sold for a higher profit margin or used to provide buffs and healing for your own character. If you enjoy cooking and are looking for a way to add value to your milk, this is a viable option.
Contribution Points and Farm Management
Contribution Points (CP) are a crucial element in managing your cow farm effectively. Since you need CP to rent the farm in the first place, it’s vital to understand how to acquire and manage them efficiently.
Completing quests is the primary way to earn Contribution Points in BDO. Focus on completing quests that offer CP as a reward, especially those that are relatively easy and quick to complete.
Consider investing in lodging for workers near your farm. Workers can help with various tasks, such as feeding your cows or harvesting milk, freeing up your time to focus on other activities.
Managing your Contribution Points wisely is essential. Avoid investing in unnecessary nodes or activities that don’t directly contribute to your farming operation. Prioritize investments that will maximize your milk production and profitability.
The Long-Term Benefits of Cow Farming
Cow farming in BDO is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It requires a significant investment of time and effort to establish a profitable operation. However, the long-term benefits can be substantial.
A well-managed cow farm can provide a steady and reliable income stream. Milk is a consistently in-demand resource, so you can always find a buyer for your product.
Cow farming can also be a relaxing and enjoyable activity. Tending to your livestock and watching them grow can be a rewarding experience.
In conclusion, growing cows in BDO is a complex but rewarding endeavor. By understanding the basics of farm management, choosing the right breed of cow, providing proper care, and implementing advanced strategies, you can build a thriving farming operation and reap the benefits of consistent milk production. Remember to adapt your approach to the ever-changing dynamics of the BDO world, and you’ll find cow farming to be a valuable and enjoyable aspect of your game experience.
What are the benefits of growing cows in Black Desert Online?
Growing cows in Black Desert Online provides a passive income stream through milk production. Milk is a valuable ingredient used in various cooking recipes, especially those requiring high CP (Cooking Proficiency). By establishing a cow farm, you can reliably obtain milk without relying on market availability or resource gathering, allowing you to focus on other aspects of the game like grinding or PvP.
Furthermore, cow farming is an efficient way to contribute to your worker empire. Workers assigned to the cow farm will passively produce milk over time, even when you’re offline. This frees up your time and energy, allowing you to invest in other profitable ventures. The consistent milk production can significantly boost your overall income and self-sufficiency in Black Desert Online.
What are the requirements to start growing cows in Black Desert Online?
To begin cow farming, you’ll primarily need a suitable fence and contribution points (CP). Fences are crafted at a Carpentry Workshop or bought from the Central Market, and their size determines how many cows you can raise. Larger fences can accommodate more cows, leading to higher milk production.
You also need to invest contribution points into connecting the node where you wish to place your fence. This enables you to set up a worker to manage your cow farm. Higher quality workers will yield better results, such as faster milk production and a decreased chance of disease affecting your cows. Make sure you have sufficient contribution points available and a skilled worker before setting up your farm.
Where is the best location to place a cow farm?
The ideal location for a cow farm is near a town or city with readily available workers and access to storage. This allows for easy transportation of the milk produced. Velia and Heidel are popular choices due to their central location and proximity to resource nodes and other activities.
Consider the terrain and climate when choosing a location. While not explicitly stated in the game mechanics, some players believe that certain areas with more favorable conditions may subtly improve milk production or reduce disease occurrences. However, this is mostly anecdotal, and convenience for worker management and storage access should be your primary focus.
How do you acquire cows for your farm?
Cows are not obtained through breeding or direct purchase from NPCs. Instead, they are summoned using a Fence. When you place a Fence, a certain number of cows will automatically appear within its boundaries, depending on the size of the fence. Therefore, the more space your fence provides, the more cows you can keep.
These cows cannot be moved or altered. The number of cows within the fence is predetermined by the fence’s capacity. You don’t have to feed the cows or interact with them in any way other than assigning a worker to extract the milk. The entire process is automated after the worker is assigned.
How do workers collect milk from the cows?
Once your fence is placed and your cows are in it, you need to assign a worker to the farm. Go to the node manager overseeing the area where your fence is located and assign a worker to the “Produce Milk” task associated with the fence. The worker will then begin collecting milk automatically based on their work speed.
The amount of milk produced depends on the worker’s stats, specifically their work speed and luck. Higher work speed results in faster milk production, while higher luck can reduce the chance of disease affecting the cows. Make sure to regularly check on your workers’ stamina and provide them with food to ensure they continue working efficiently. Periodically upgrading your worker will also enhance their milk production abilities.
How do you deal with diseases in your cow farm?
Cow diseases can occur randomly and will reduce the amount of milk your workers can collect. You’ll be notified if your cows are sick through the worker management interface. The best prevention is using workers with high luck stats, which reduces the chance of diseases appearing in the first place.
When a disease does occur, you cannot directly treat the cows. The only way to resolve the issue is to wait for the disease to run its course. The duration and severity of the disease are generally dependent on the worker’s luck stat. Therefore, assigning high-luck workers can significantly mitigate the impact of diseases on your milk production.
How do I upgrade my cow farm for better milk production?
You can’t directly “upgrade” the individual cows or the existing fence once it’s placed. However, you can improve your overall milk production by investing in a larger fence. Demolish your current fence and build a bigger one, allowing for more cows and consequently, more milk produced per cycle.
Another key aspect of improving milk production is optimizing your worker setup. Hire a skilled worker with high work speed and luck stats. Regularly feed your workers to maintain their stamina. Continually promote your workers to higher ranks to further improve their milk production efficiency. By focusing on both fence size and worker optimization, you can significantly increase your milk output and profit from your cow farm.