Exploring AFK Farming: The Good, The Bad, and The Balance

AFK farming—short for “Away From Keyboard” farming—is when players set up their in-game characters to automatically gather resources, gain experience, or complete quests without being on the computer. They can be practically on a different game as they play games with this “feature.” 

From Steam Official Website

But how does it happen? Some games, like Black Desert Online, provide these features to make the grind less tedious, while others allow players to devise the most convenient way to finish a task. This is why there is a rise in idle games that don’t require active gameplay.

That sounds good if you don’t have much time, and you are right to consider it that way. 

From GIPHY News official 

Two benefits come to mind: efficiency and accessibility. AFK farming allows players to progress without constant engagement, which is great for those with tight schedules. If you are a working gamer, this can significantly benefit you because it continues to make in-game gains while focusing on other tasks. No time wasted. 

Another is resource accumulation. MMOs are quite resource-heavy, so AFK farming helps players gather materials for crafting or leveling up. Again, this saves up on time. I even thought, “Man, I wish Monster Hunter had this feature,” but then double-backed because it would lose its primary gameplay function. 

This brings us to the bad. 

From IMDb Official GIPHY

Games would be too dull. AFK farming can disrupt intended gameplay. Some players might even use it to exploit it to get an unfair advantage, which will lead to a less enjoyable experience for others. And since people can just leave their computers for a bit, this farming feature can disrupt the game's balance. How? One word: oversupply. MMOs have a great market feature to help each other out; now, if there is an inflated supply of this material and everyone can acquire great equipment, it will diminish the sense of achievement for those who took the time.

Looking at it as a whole, AFK farming is a double-edged sword. While it offers convenience and efficiency, it challenges game balance and fairness. If you are willing to wield that sword, having a reliable connection is crucial—you don’t want to disconnect randomly—and that’s where the TP-Link BE230 Dual-band Router comes in. Its next-gen speed and stability elevate your gaming higher like never before.