Navigating the harsh landscapes of Conan Exiles requires a solid understanding of basic survival resources from your first moments in the Exiled Lands. While grand fortresses and legendary weapons define the late game, simple items keep your exile thriving early on. Gathering a handful of insects is one of the most reliable ways to secure early sustenance and start your crafting journey.

Best Locations to Find a Handful of Insects

Foraging for these small critters is relatively simple because they populate almost every green region on the map. Exiles can easily find them by interacting with thick bushes, tall grass, and colorful lotus plants scattered along the riverbanks. Simply walk up to any abundant vegetation and press the interact button to accumulate them quickly.

If you need to harvest a massive amount of these bugs for crafting purposes, targeting the lush starting river valley is highly recommended. The dense foliage along the water provides a safe environment to gather resources without running into high-level threats. Consistently clearing out small shrubbery ensures your inventory remains fully stocked during your travels.

Essential Survival Uses for Foraged Bugs

The primary use for a handful of insects during your initial hours is acting as a desperate source of protein. Eating them raw provides a very minor amount of nutrition, though it helps prevent starvation when better meat is unavailable. It is a vital fallback option when you are still learning how to hunt larger game.

Beyond direct consumption, these insects serve as an essential ingredient for specialized early game survival recipes. You can combine them with plant fibers at a campfire to cook a slightly more filling meal that satisfies your hunger more efficiently. This basic recipe keeps you going while you establish your first permanent base camp.

Utilizing Insects for Fishing and Agriculture

As your settlement expands, these tiny creatures become incredibly valuable for automated food production loops. Placing a handful of insects inside a fish trap acts as excellent bait to catch various types of fish over time. This mechanic allows you to generate a passive supply of fresh seafood while you focus on exploration.

Additionally, these bugs are highly useful when managing your agricultural setups in the Exiled Lands. You can place them inside a compost heap to accelerate the decomposition process of organic waste materials. The resulting fertilizer can then be used to grow valuable crops and rare lotus variants in your planter boxes.

Strategic Value for Pet Taming and Beyond

Aspiring beastmasters will also find a steady supply of insects helpful when attempting to raise specific small animal companions. Certain juvenile creatures prefer smaller invertebrates over heavy meats when placed inside your animal pen. Feeding them their preferred diet increases the chances of growing a loyal and powerful variant.

Ultimately, neglecting these common floor resources can slow down your progression through the game's survival tiers. Keeping a stack in your storage boxes ensures you can always bait your traps or jumpstart your compost piles at a moment's notice. It proves that even the smallest items hold significant weight in your battle against the elements.