Farming Simulator 22 shipped in November 2021 with three maps: Elmcreek in the American Midwest with 82 fields, Haut-Beyleron in southern France with 48, and the alpine Erlengrat with 25. Seasonal growth is the headline change, so each crop now has a sowing and harvesting window instead of growing whenever you feel like planting. Production chains are the other addition, with 13 plant types that turn raw harvest into flour, bread, cake, fabric, clothes and more.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arable crop farming | A | Balanced | John Deere 8R | Yes |
| Animal husbandry | A | Balanced | Claas Lexion 8900 | Yes |
| Forestry | A | Balanced | Krone BiG X 1180 | Yes |
| Production chain operator | A | Balanced | Grimme Ventor 4150 | Yes |
| Contract work | A | Balanced | Fendt 900 Vario | Yes |
New player? Start with Animal husbandry. See our beginner's guide for why.
Arable crop farming
Arable crop farming is a strong option in Farming Simulator 22.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | John Deere 8R |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Seasonal growth cycles |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with John Deere 8R
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Elmcreek to learn Arable crop farming-specific mechanics
- Focus on Seasonal growth cycles. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize John Deere 8R as your first major upgrade
- See our full Arable crop farming build guide for the optimal gear progression
Animal husbandry
Animal husbandry is a strong option in Farming Simulator 22.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Claas Lexion 8900 |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Production chains |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Claas Lexion 8900
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Elmcreek to learn Animal husbandry-specific mechanics
- Focus on Production chains. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Claas Lexion 8900 as your first major upgrade
- See our full Animal husbandry build guide for the optimal gear progression
Forestry
Forestry is a strong option in Farming Simulator 22.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Krone BiG X 1180 |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Field state management |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Krone BiG X 1180
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Elmcreek to learn Forestry-specific mechanics
- Focus on Field state management. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Krone BiG X 1180 as your first major upgrade
- See our full Forestry build guide for the optimal gear progression
Production chain operator
Production chain operator is a strong option in Farming Simulator 22.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Grimme Ventor 4150 |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Contracts and leasing |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Grimme Ventor 4150
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Elmcreek to learn Production chain operator-specific mechanics
- Focus on Contracts and leasing. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Grimme Ventor 4150 as your first major upgrade
- See our full Production chain operator build guide for the optimal gear progression
Contract work
Contract work is a strong option in Farming Simulator 22.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Fendt 900 Vario |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Construction and terrain shaping |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Fendt 900 Vario
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Elmcreek to learn Contract work-specific mechanics
- Focus on Construction and terrain shaping. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Fendt 900 Vario as your first major upgrade
- See our full Contract work build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Animal husbandry is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Arable crop farming is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with John Deere 8R for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Contract work offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Production chain operator shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Farming Simulator 22 Guides
- Farming Simulator 22 Farming Simulator 22 Overview
- Farming Simulator 22 Best Builds
- Farming Simulator 22 Tier List
- Farming Simulator 22 Walkthrough
- Farming Simulator 22 Beginner's Guide
- Farming Simulator 22 Tips & Tricks
- Farming Simulator 22 Weapons Guide
- Farming Simulator 22 Combat Guide
- Farming Simulator 22 Boss Guide
- Farming Simulator 22 Maps & Locations
- Farming Simulator 22 Crafting Guide
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