In New World, the open-world MMORPG set in the mysterious land of Aeternum, gathering skills are an essential part of progressing and building up your character’s resources. Among these, Tracking and Skinning are especially valuable, as they allow players to gather leather and other animal products needed for crafting armor, bags, and various upgrades. Leveling up this skill not only enables you to harvest more types of animals but also unlocks valuable resources as you explore the wilds of Aeternum.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you efficiently level up your Tracking and Skinning skill, along with some useful tips for maximizing your efficiency in the field.

Why Level Up Tracking and Skinning?

Tracking and Skinning is a gathering skill that offers unique advantages. As you progress, you’ll be able to track animals from farther distances, spot rare creatures, and gather high-quality resources. These are useful for crafting leather armor and valuable items, which can be traded or used to boost your character's survivability. Furthermore, leveling up this skill is relatively straightforward, as it involves hunting down and skinning creatures found throughout Aeternum’s biomes.

Tips for Leveling Up Tracking and Skinning Quickly

Start Early and Skin Every Animal You Kill

From the moment you step into Aeternum, make a habit of New World Coins skinning every animal you defeat. Whether you're battling boars, wolves, or turkeys, every animal you skin contributes to your Tracking and Skinning experience. It’s a simple but effective method to accumulate experience without requiring additional effort.

Focus on High-Density Areas with Respawning Animals

Certain areas in Aeternum have high concentrations of animals that respawn quickly, making them ideal for fast leveling. Look for places with wolves, boars, or other small animals that are easy to kill and skin. Locations such as the forests near Windsward and Everfall often have groups of boars and wolves, perfect for continuous gathering without moving too far.

Choose the Right Weapon for Quick Kills

Using a high-damage weapon, such as a bow or musket, can speed up your kills and make it easier to level Tracking and Skinning. Ranged weapons allow you to hunt quickly from a distance, minimizing the time spent on each kill. If you’re in a high-traffic area with other players, these weapons will also help you tag creatures faster, ensuring you get the kill.

Prioritize Tier 2 and Higher Animals

Once you’ve leveled up a bit, start focusing on Tier 2 animals like Lynxes and Elks. These creatures yield more experience when skinned, helping you progress faster. As your Tracking and Skinning skill reaches higher levels, you’ll also be able to track and skin even rarer creatures that provide valuable resources.

Invest in Skinning Speed Gear and Perks

Certain gear and perks can boost your skinning speed, making the gathering process quicker. Look for items with Skinning Luck or Skinning Gathering Speed as these can increase your productivity, allowing you to move on to the next animal faster. Equipment with high durability will also reduce repair costs and downtime.

Use Food Buffs for Increased Luck

Some foods grant buffs that increase your chances of finding rare items while skinning. For example, Roasted Game and other skinning-specific dishes increase your skinning luck, which helps you gather rare resources like rare animal hides. Cooking and consuming these foods can add valuable resources to your inventory as you level.

Best Locations to Level Tracking and Skinning in Aeternum

Here are some recommended spots in Aeternum where you can efficiently level up Tracking and Skinning:

Windsward Region (South of Monarch’s Bluffs): This area has an abundance of New World Gold coins boars, which are easy to kill and skin. They also respawn fairly quickly, making it a great spot for early levels.

Brightwood: As you progress, the dense forests of Brightwood offer larger creatures like Elks and Wolves. This region provides a balanced combination of higher-tier animals and plenty of places to restock on resources.

Ebonscale Reach: Known for its rich and diverse wildlife, Ebonscale Reach is home to Lynxes and other high-level animals. This is an ideal spot for mid to high-level Tracking and Skinning.

Maximizing Your Skinning Experience with Trade Skills

Tracking and Skinning isn’t isolated; it’s beneficial to pair it with other trade skills. For example, Leatherworking allows you to turn raw hides into leather, which can be used to craft valuable items or sold for a profit. Combining Tracking and Skinning with Leatherworking is a natural fit, as it allows you to maximize resource use and increase your crafting experience at the same time.

Additionally, while exploring for animals, you’ll likely come across resources for other gathering skills like Mining and Harvesting. Take advantage of these to collect ores, fibers, and herbs, giving you a well-rounded gathering experience and supporting other crafting professions.

Final Thoughts: Skin Your Way to Success in Aeternum

Leveling Tracking and Skinning in New World offers more than just gathering animal hides—it’s a pathway to securing rare resources, enhancing your crafting skills, and earning gold. With the tips outlined above, you’ll be able to optimize your time spent hunting and skinning across Aeternum, allowing you to progress quickly and build a stockpile of valuable materials.

Whether you’re a seasoned New World player or just starting, make sure to incorporate these strategies as you roam the wilds of Aeternum. Tracking and Skinning are both a survival skill and a moneymaker, and with each level gained, you’ll unlock even more possibilities in this vast, untamed world.