In *NieR: Automata*, the array of weapons available across various types offers players a rich selection to experiment with during multiple playthroughs. Each weapon can be enhanced through multiple upgrades, ensuring that your preferred weapons remain effective throughout the game. Whether you're aiming to stick with a single weapon or switch it up, upgrading at the Resistance Camp is key, though it requires specific resources tailored to each weapon. Among these, Beast Hides stand out as a crucial material that doesn't come naturally but is essential for upgrades.

How to Acquire Beast Hides in NieR: Automata

To gather Beast Hides, target wildlife like moose and boar, which can drop these hides upon defeat. These creatures spawn randomly in designated areas such as the ruined city and forest zones. They're easily distinguishable on your mini-map by their white icons, contrasting with the black icons of machines. While there's no straightforward method to farm these animals due to their less frequent spawn rates compared to machines, knowing their spawn locations is crucial.

When you encounter moose or boar, their behavior depends on your level relative to theirs. Lower-level animals might flee when attacked, while those at or above your level could become aggressive, especially if you approach too closely. Given their substantial health pools, confronting higher-level wildlife early in the game can be quite the challenge.

To make hunting easier, consider using Animal Bait to lure wildlife closer. However, since these animals don't respawn as consistently as machines during the main story, you'll need to kill them as you explore and seek out new spawns. The respawn mechanics for wildlife and machines are similar:

• Fast traveling will respawn all enemies and wildlife.
• Moving far enough away will trigger respawns in areas you've previously visited.
• Advancing through story events can cause nearby enemies and wildlife to respawn.

Farming Beast Hides isn't straightforward at any point in the game. Your best strategy is to systematically eliminate all wildlife you encounter while navigating through the forest and city ruins. Beast Hides boast a decent drop rate, so as long as you're not upgrading more weapons than you can actively use, you shouldn't find yourself in short supply of these hides.