Long one, hold your undies
(and no, not a smart idea to craft in eq2 as a newbie to game)
Earning the Coin in EQ2
Starting out in a new game usually means you will be asking the magic question shortly after starting. How do I earn coin? This brings about a variety of answers but for me I've found one way to make coin quickly in EQ2 that works at any level. Harvesting.
Understanding the System
If you ask the channels how the harvesting system works, how to get rares, you will get a handful of theories which few have been tested by the individual spouting the greatness of their theory. Tried and true means extensively tested. My system isn't actually mine but what the devs designed. I spent a year in beta and watched as the devs tweaked and changed the harvesting system. It's undergone some changes, mostly increases, but the one thing that has stayed the same (minus fish node change) is that each node belongs to an area and the area respawn determines the rare spawn.
More clearly.
Nodes are the harvestables.
Each node belongs to an area.
An area is a set space in the zone where x number of nodes are placed.
Not all nodes are active at the same time, but after you harvest an area for hours and hours you will notice where some of the placements are which helps in your collection route. Be observant.
X number of rares are set to spawn per area, which rare is random ALTHOUGH it is hinted at by devs that some rare types are given a lower percent chance to spawn than others.
In order to get a cycle going when rare collecting, you MUST clear an area of all spawned nodes so the game knows to start a new rare respawn. This is minus fish nodes, which wasn't the case in beta, but is now.
Finding a node area can be tough in open zones. Stick to zones that have more clearly defined areas, spaces where collision detection borders easily define an area like in corners or dead ends. Remember that not all areas are square. While it is possible that an area can cross collision detection borders, I've not found one that does to date. This works at all levels, all zones, all tiers.
Avoid areas where there are nodes that say it can't be reached, like in a tree. Those bugged nodes ruin the area quick.
When I prep to harvest for the day I set about clearing my spawn area, sometimes I need to do this twice before the rares will begin. This might be because you missed a node somewhere. Clear it well. You will begin to see a timer on when they spawn. I usually work from one corner and cross over then back moving from one end to the other, one side to the other. Etc. Use your key commands in Options to set your Target Next NPC key to something easy. Set your Target Nearest NPC. These two used constantly while moving will help you to find hidden nodes and ones that simply don't load graphics until you are on top of them.
To date I haven't noticed a set number of rare spawns per clearing. Sometimes a clear will give me three sometimes it will rate me six. Hard to know for sure since it's always possible someone came through and harvested a rare without you noticing.
Follow these and you will do fine with harvesting. Tidbit advise: Don't do a trade skill if you're new to game. It will quickly suck your harvestables and coin. Raise all harvesting skills, yes even fishing, since at higher levels fishing does pay decently. Log the market from the broker. Keep a written log of what sells for what on your server and watch as that fluctuates up and down over a month period. This helps to decide what to price at what cost and WHEN.
How much you earn depends on too many factors for me to give you a set number. How long you work an area. What tier. Are the mobs in that tier gray to you, if not, consider the extra time it takes to play dodge-the-mob to get to nodes. How well you can research the market and use that information. I generally earn 1 to 3 plat an hour of hardcore, non-interrupted area harvesting. That’s selling everything I harvest, minus the totally worthless items. (Those items that never, ever sell for more than 10copper each.) This varies depending on what tier. On most the servers I can earn 1plat an hour doing tier one areas. Some servers are less, some are more it all depends on the market. Leaded loam that sells for 1silver here might sell for 50silver there.
You know the system now. Know your market. Enjoy your coin earning!
