NieR: Automata Guide | How to Level Up Fast (Early Game)

NieR: Automata has a simple early-game EXP farm that stays useful for a long stretch of the story. You can level up quickly, even if you're not very high level, because the foes keep coming back, and you don't have to go back. This place is also good for getting more G and upgrade materials, which help you get stronger and move forward.

Why This Desert EXP Farm Works So Well

This method works at almost any level because enemies in the area respawn continuously. There is no need to run back and forth to force resets. The key is fighting in a location where groups of enemies reappear after a short wait, which keeps the pace fast and the EXP flowing.

When This Farm Becomes Available

To access this farm, you need to reach the Desert Zone and progress to the point where an unusual machine gathering happens in the Desert Housing Complex area. 

For most playthroughs, this happens about two to three hours into the game. After that, there is a boss encounter, and the agricultural region becomes a good place to go back to for steady gains.

Getting There From Desert Camp

Begin at Desert Camp and head in the direction of the Desert Housing Complex route. Keep going further until you reach the same arena-like space that was part of the earlier machine gathering. Once you are there, the enemies with the red band look will appear in groups, and that is where the leveling starts to shine.

Target The Self-Destruct Enemies For Easy Clears

In this area, the most important enemies are the self-destruct units, commonly known as Small Exploder machines. These units can detonate, and that explosion also damages nearby enemies. 

This is the reason the farm works so early. You can let Small Exploder blasts soften or wipe out other machines around them, which makes fights faster even when your level is low.

Huge EXP Gains From High-Level Enemies

You may see enemies around the level 38 range in this spot. That is the big payoff. When you are around level 8 or 9 and defeating enemies far above your level, the EXP gain per kill becomes a noticeable jump. 

Because the spawns keep coming back, the leveling stays steady and can remain effective until about level 40 or even level 50, depending on how long you choose to farm.

Managing The Risk At Low Levels

At first, this farm is really risky. At low levels, a Small Exploder detonation can kill you in one hit. To lower that risk, concentrate on moving and avoiding. 

The safest way to do things is to be mobile and set off explosions from a safe distance. If you have them, defensive Plug-In Chips like Defense Up or Max HP Up can help you survive blunders, but placement is still the most important thing.

Use Explosions To Drop Bigger Targets Too

You can also use Small Exploder blasts to aid you in fighting tougher foes in the region, like big machines like Goliath Biped kinds. Bringing a detonation to harder targets can speed up kills without requiring more damage. The goal is to safely set off explosions, keep evading, and break up groups before they surround you.

Extra Rewards: G, Machine Core, And Rare Upgrade Materials

This spot is not only for EXP. It is also a strong area for the production of farming materials. You can earn good G and pick up valuable drops like Machine Core, Pristine Screw, and Pristine Cable, along with other upgrade resources. 

With enough farming, it can even support pushing weapons toward higher upgrade levels earlier than usual, especially if you stay here through the mid-teens in level range.

Smart Saving To Protect Progress

Saving regularly is vital on this farm because people can die rapidly. It's a good idea to farm a few levels, then leave, save, and come back. This keeps your progress safe while still letting you take advantage of the rapid EXP rate and constant respawns.

Also, check our NieR: Automata Review and other guides below:

• NieR: Automata Beginner's Guide | Gameplay Tips & Tricks
• NieR: Automata Guide | Everything about Chip Fusion
• NieR: Automata Guide | Best XP Farm With Amusement Park Rabbit
• NieR: Automata Guide | How To Get All Endings (A–Z)