The bleating was incessant. My flock needed shearing, their wool overgrown and matted, but a shadow fell across the pen: wolves, drawn by the scent of easy prey, slavering teeth gleaming in the dim light. Defenseless, my livestock were sitting ducks, and everything I had worked for was about to be torn apart.
The Woolhaven DLC in Cult of the Lamb introduces Ranching, a system that allows you to raise livestock and reap the rewards. These resources are more than just a pastoral fantasy; they’re your ticket to completing everything this new expansion offers.
First, you need to build the Ranch itself.
Building Your First Ranch
I remember watching a neighbor build a fence once. He measured twice, cut once, and still ended up with a crooked line. Cult of the Lamb is almost as forgiving when setting up your Ranch.
To get started, deliver Baraq’s remains to his grave and then speak with his ghost. This spectral encounter will reveal the secrets of Wool and the animals that produce it. This unlocks the Ranch blueprint, buildable at your base.
The Ranch requires a 4×4 plot and four pieces of wood. Here’s where placement gets tricky: connect the Ranch’s posts correctly; otherwise, your creatures will remain homeless.
Initially, all Ranch tasks must be handled yourself. Upgrading the Ranch lets you assign a follower to automate animal care. Constructing a Trough, costing eight grass and four wood, is also wise. Your livestock needs to eat, and the Trough allows you to stockpile feed. A Hutch facilitates breeding, expanding your woolly empire.
What animals can you raise in Cult of the Lamb?
The primary livestock is the Yakish, a wool-producing animal. However, the game might introduce other types of animals as you progress or through updates.
Raising and Using Livestock
I have an aunt who swears talking to her prize-winning roses is the secret to their lush blooms. I am not sure if that will help in Cult of the Lamb, but the next steps are vital.
After constructing a Ranch, speak with Baraq in Woolhaven to receive your first Yakish for free. Assign the animal from your inventory by interacting with the Ranch. Remember: feeding and waste removal are initially manual tasks.
The primary purpose of livestock is Wool production, the lifeblood of the Woolhaven expansion. Shear your animals regularly. If food becomes scarce, consider a Butcher’s Block for meat, especially during winter. This meat fuels essential meals when foraging becomes impossible.
Can you prevent livestock from dying in Cult of the Lamb?
Absolutely. Once you reach the second level of winter, wolves will target your Ranch. The game gives clear warnings before these attacks, allowing you to defend your flock. A well-placed fence and vigilant followers are a good start.
What is Wool used for in Cult of the Lamb?
Wool serves as a currency in Woolhaven, required for crafting and trading. It’s your ticket to new items and upgrades. Consider it a fluffy form of USD (€0.93), without the volatility.
Will you become a benevolent shepherd or a ruthless rancher, sacrificing livestock for the greater good?