BDO PvE Guide 2023: Best Grinding Spots & Tips
What's up, BDO adventurers! The year 2023 is shaping up to be a massive one for Black Desert Online's PvE scene. Whether you're a seasoned veteran looking for the next big grind or a fresh-faced newbie wondering where to start, you've come to the right place. We're diving deep into the best PvE grinding spots in BDO for 2023, covering everything from trash loot values to mob density and even the specific gear requirements you'll need to conquer these zones. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's get ready to melt some mobs!
Understanding the PvE Grind in BDO
Alright guys, let's chat about the Black Desert Online PvE grind because, let's be honest, it's a huge part of the game. Unlike games that focus solely on story or boss raids, BDO's PvE experience is largely centered around efficient monster grinding. This means finding spots where you can kill mobs quickly and consistently to earn silver, experience, skill points, and those coveted item drops. The meta for PvE can shift with updates, new gear, and even changes to monster zones, which is why staying updated is key. For 2023, Pearl Abyss has been rolling out some awesome new content and revamps that make PvE more rewarding and diverse than ever. We're talking about everything from ancient mobs that drop game-changing gear to revamped zones that offer insane silver per hour. The goal is always to maximize your efficiency – more mobs killed, more loot acquired. This involves understanding mob density, respawn timers, and how your class performs in different environments. Are you a fast-moving class that can clear wide areas, or are you a burst damage dealer that excels at taking down tough elites? Knowing your strengths and matching them to the right spot is the name of the game. The PvE grind isn't just about mindless clicking; it's a strategic endeavor. You need to consider your gear score, your class's specific PvE skills, and the type of loot you're aiming for. Are you hunting for accessory materials, rare gear pieces, or just raw silver to fuel your next enhancement attempt? The 2023 BDO PvE landscape offers a wealth of opportunities for every type of player, and we're here to help you navigate it. So, buckle up, because we're about to break down the spots that are printing silver for players right now.
Top Tier PvE Grinding Spots for 2023
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty, shall we? When we talk about top tier PvE grinding spots in BDO 2023, we're looking at places that offer the best bang for your buck in terms of silver per hour, experience, and potential rare drops. These are the zones that separate the casual players from the powerhouses, and mastering them can set you on the fast track to endgame riches.
1. Ash Forest (Requires High Gear Score)
First up, for you absolute gear-heads out there, we have Ash Forest. This place is not for the faint of heart or the under-geared. To even consider stepping foot here, you're likely looking at a minimum of 700+ gear score, and honestly, more is always better. Why the high requirement? Because the mobs hit hard, and they hit often. However, the rewards are equally astronomical. Ash Forest is renowned for its incredibly high trash loot value, often exceeding 50 million silver per hour before any rare drops. The main draws here are the Black Magic Crystals (Corruption and Destruction) and the chance to obtain Turo's Belt, a highly sought-after accessory that can sell for billions of silver. The mob density is decent, but the key is survivability. You need a solid defense, high DP, and the ability to sustain yourself through tough fights. Classes with strong self-heals or high evasion tend to do very well here. If you can brave the onslaught, Ash Forest can be one of the most lucrative spots in the entire game. Just remember, bring your best gear, your A-game strategy, and maybe a few extra health potions. This is where the real PvE monsters in BDO make their fortune, and if you can handle it, you can too. It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding grind that truly tests your character's limits and offers unparalleled returns for those who can conquer it. The fight for survival is fierce, but the potential payoff makes it all worthwhile for dedicated players seeking the ultimate PvE challenge and the most coveted loot in the game.
2. Gyfin Rhasia Temple (Upper and Lower)
Next on our list are the Gyfin Rhasia Temple zones, specifically the Upper and Lower levels. These spots have been PvE powerhouses for a long time, and for good reason. They offer a fantastic balance of trash loot, experience, and the chance for incredibly valuable drops.
- Upper Gyfin Rhasia Temple: This area is generally considered more accessible for players starting their high-end PvE journey. You're typically looking at a gear score requirement in the high 600s (around 680-700 GS). The mob density here is excellent, and the trash loot is solid, providing a consistent silver income. The real prize, however, is the chance to obtain Tungrad Accessories (Rings, Earrings, Belts, Necklaces), which are staples in many endgame PvE builds and can fetch a pretty penny. You'll also find Magic Crystals and other valuable crafting materials. The combat here is engaging, requiring you to move efficiently and manage your cooldowns to maximize your kill speed. It's a spot where many players spend countless hours honing their skills and accumulating wealth. The consistent drops and manageable challenge make it a go-to for a wide range of players looking to make serious silver.
- Lower Gyfin Rhasia Temple: This is the big brother of the Upper Temple, demanding a higher gear score, typically in the 700+ GS range, often pushing towards 720+ GS for optimal performance. The mobs hit harder, and the overall challenge is significantly increased. However, the rewards scale accordingly. Lower Gyfin is where you'll find the highest concentration of Tungrad Accessories and potentially even better drops. The trash loot is also slightly higher, making every minute spent here count. This zone is often farmed in groups due to the increased difficulty, making it a great place to socialize and conquer challenges with friends. The elite mobs here are particularly dangerous, so coordinated efforts are key. If you're looking to push your limits and aim for the absolute best accessories in the game, Lower Gyfin Rhasia Temple is where you need to be. It’s a testament to BDO’s progression system, offering clear steps up in difficulty and reward, ensuring that even veteran players have challenging and lucrative goals to pursue. These Gyfin zones are truly cornerstones of the BDO 2023 PvE meta, offering consistent and high-value rewards for those willing to put in the effort and meet the gear requirements.
3. Thornwood (Navarn Steppe Extension)
Ah, Thornwood, the newer kid on the block that has quickly become a favorite for many PvE enthusiasts. Located as an extension of Navarn Steppe, this spot offers a unique blend of challenging mobs and fantastic rewards, making it a prime destination for those looking to enhance their silver income.
Gear-wise, Thornwood generally requires a solid mid-to-high end setup, typically around 670-690 GS and above. While not as punishing as Ash Forest or Lower Gyfin, the mobs here are no joke. They have a good density, and their attacks can quickly wear you down if you're not prepared. The real draw of Thornwood lies in its unique drops. It's a fantastic place to farm Black Magic Crystals (similar to Ash Forest, but with potentially better rates for certain types depending on the patch) and, more importantly, the Thornwood Essence. This essence is a crucial component for crafting the highly sought-after Forest's Echo accessory, which provides significant stats for PvE builds. The silver per hour here can be very competitive, often sitting in the 40-60 million silver per hour range before rare drops, with the potential for much higher earnings if you snag a Forest's Echo or high-value crystals. The terrain is also quite open, allowing many classes to effectively chain their skills and maintain high mobility. It’s a fantastic spot for players who enjoy a more active and engaging grind, where you need to be constantly on the move and aware of your surroundings. For players looking for a step up from the more standard zones, Thornwood offers a refreshing and highly profitable PvE experience in BDO 2023. It strikes a perfect balance between accessibility for moderately geared players and the promise of extremely valuable rewards, making it a must-try destination.
4. Underwater Ruins (Rare Drop Focused)
For those who love the thrill of the chase and are aiming for specific, high-value rare drops, the Underwater Ruins is your spot. While the silver per hour might not always be the absolute highest compared to the top-tier zones for consistent trash loot, the potential payoff from its unique drops can be immense.
This zone generally requires a gear score in the high 600s (around 680+ GS), but survivability and DP are often more crucial than raw AP due to the nature of the mobs and the environment. The main attraction here is the chance to obtain the Dawn Earring. This earring is incredibly powerful, offering substantial AP and other useful stats that are highly desirable for many endgame PvE builds. Getting even one Dawn Earring can significantly boost your character's power and net you a massive amount of silver if you choose to sell it. Besides the Dawn Earring, you can also find other valuable items like Kutum's Shield, a potent off-hand weapon, and various magic crystals and enhancement materials. The mob density can be a bit more spread out than other zones, and the combat requires a specific approach. Many players find success by focusing on the elite mobs that spawn periodically, as they have a higher chance of dropping the rare items. If you have the gear and the patience, the Underwater Ruins offers a high-risk, high-reward PvE experience that can be incredibly rewarding in Black Desert Online 2023. It's a testament to the game's diverse PvE offerings, catering to players who prefer a more targeted approach to farming valuable, game-changing items. It's a true test of endurance and luck, where every kill could be the one that changes your BDO journey.
Tips for Maximizing Your PvE Grind
Alright guys, so you've picked your spot, geared up, and you're ready to dive in. But how do you make sure you're getting the most out of every single minute you spend grinding? It's not just about showing up; it's about optimizing. Here are some essential tips for maximizing your BDO PvE grind in 2023:
- Know Your Class: This is numero uno. Every class has strengths and weaknesses in PvE. Are you a Sorceress with incredible burst damage and mobility? Focus on packs that you can one-shot or two-shot. Are you a Guardian with high survivability and AoE? You can probably tank more and clear slower, denser packs. Understand your core PvE rotation, your key skills, and how to chain them effectively for maximum damage output and minimal downtime. Mastering your class is the single biggest factor in increasing your silver per hour.
- Gear Optimization: Don't just slap on any gear. Ensure your gear complements your class and the spot you're grinding. For high-end spots, focusing on DP and Evasion might be more important than raw AP if you're struggling to survive. Use the right Black Magic Crystals that boost your relevant stats (like Critical Hit Damage, Attack Speed, Cast Speed, Monster AP). Consider using Godr's Essence or Vaha's Rage for extra monster AP if your budget allows. Small optimizations add up!
- Consumables are King: Never underestimate the power of buffs! Always have food buffs (like Greater Sutej's Special Feast or Kraken's Feast), elixirs (like Khaz's Tear, Spirit Perfume, Frenzied Destroyer), and tent buffs active. These buffs can provide significant boosts to your AP, DP, monster damage, and even drop rate. Value Packs are also essential for the extra loot and weight limit. Think of consumables as an investment, not an expense – they directly translate to more loot and silver.
- Utilize Your Skills and Pets: Make sure your pets are on auto-loot! This is non-negotiable. Higher tier pets loot faster. Also, ensure your pets have the right skills like