Hollow Knight: Silksong Quest Guide: Alchemist's Assistant, Plasmium & Plasmified Blood
Embarking on new adventures in the highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong, players will encounter a myriad of quests and challenges. Among these, the "Alchemist's Assistant" side quest stands out as an early opportunity to delve into the mysteries of Pharloom and acquire invaluable tools. Initiated by the enigmatic Alchemist Zylotol, this questline tasks Hornet with gathering peculiar specimens from the hazardous depths of the Wormways. Successfully navigating its winding passages and confronting its unique inhabitants will not only deepen your understanding of the game's rich lore but also equip you with crucial items that can significantly aid your journey through the perilous kingdom. Prepare to uncover secrets and enhance Hornet's capabilities in this captivating quest.
The journey begins in the subterranean expanse known as the Wormways, a region teeming with both danger and scientific curiosities. Accessing this area is typically achieved after traversing the Shellwood, though resourceful explorers might find an alternative entry using a Simple Key. The Wormways themselves are a treacherous environment, characterized by narrow tunnels and vast caverns where giant worms unpredictably burst from walls and ceilings, posing a constant threat to Hornet.
Navigating the Wormways and Meeting Alchemist Zylotol
Your primary objective within the Wormways is to locate Alchemist Zylotol, the eccentric NPC who will set you on your alchemical path. Zylotol's secluded laboratory is situated in the upper reaches of the zone, specifically to the left of the main central shaft. Upon reaching him, engage in conversation to formally initiate the "Alchemist's Assistant" quest. This initial interaction is crucial, as Zylotol will entrust you with a vital piece of equipment: the Needle Phial, a specialized tool essential for collecting the required specimens. Before venturing further, ensure you rest at a nearby bench to properly equip this new item, preparing Hornet for the delicate extraction tasks ahead.
The Needle Phial and Gathering Plasmium
With the Needle Phial now in your possession and equipped, your first assignment from Zylotol is to gather three samples of Plasmium. These unique substances are found within specific glowing blue buds scattered throughout the Wormways. Identifying these buds is straightforward due to their distinctive luminescence. To extract a sample, approach a glowing bud and hold down the designated button prompt for the Needle Phial. Hornet will begin a charging process; once the phial is fully charged, release the button to successfully collect the Plasmium.
- The first Plasmium source is located in the large, expansive chamber found directly below Zylotol's quarters.
- The second Plasmium can be found near the exit point that leads back towards the Bonegrave region.
- The third and final Plasmium source is situated in the lower-left portion of the Wormways zone. Notably, this area also holds a hidden Memory Locket, offering an additional incentive for thorough exploration.
Once all three Plasmium samples have been successfully extracted, your immediate task is to return to Alchemist Zylotol to report your findings and progress the questline.
Advanced Alchemy: Hunting for Plasmified Blood
Upon delivering the Plasmium, Alchemist Zylotol will present you with a new, more challenging task: the "Advanced Alchemy" quest. This next objective requires Hornet to collect ten samples of Plasmified Blood, which, unlike Plasmium, must be extracted directly from the living inhabitants of the Wormways. The Needle Phial remains your indispensable tool for this process, but the dynamics of extraction shift considerably when dealing with active enemies.
Successfully collecting Plasmified Blood demands a keen understanding of enemy movement and attack patterns. You still need to charge and use the Needle Phial, but timing is critical to avoid taking damage while performing the extraction. Players will find it most effective to target the smaller, more manageable worms known as Plasmids. These creatures are typically easier to approach and extract from. Conversely, some of the larger, more formidable worms, such as the Plasmidas that cling to the ceilings, are generally out of reach and not viable targets for Phial extraction. Focus on the ground-dwelling Plasmids to efficiently gather your ten samples.
Confronting Plasmified Zango
For those seeking a more direct and potentially faster method of collecting Plasmified Blood, a unique encounter awaits behind a breakable wall. This hidden passage is located near the third Plasmium source, in the lower-left section of the Wormways. Breaking through reveals a chamber where you will face Plasmified Zango, a boss who was once Zylotol's assistant.
Plasmified Zango presents a distinct challenge. He moves at a relatively slow pace initially and possesses a basic attack where he belches out globules of plasma. As his health diminishes, however, Zango's speed will noticeably increase, requiring quicker reactions from Hornet. The key strategy here is to repeatedly use the Needle Phial on Zango. Each successful extraction from the boss will yield a valuable sample of Plasmified Blood. This method can be an efficient way to accumulate the required ten samples, as Zango provides a consistent source, albeit with the added challenge of a boss battle. Defeating Zango is not strictly necessary to complete the extraction objective, but engaging him strategically with the Phial is highly recommended.
The Alchemist's Rewards
Upon the successful completion of both the "Alchemist's Assistant" and "Advanced Alchemy" quests, return to Alchemist Zylotol to claim your well-earned rewards. Your efforts in gathering Plasmium will be recognized with the acquisition of the Plasmium Phial. This invaluable red-type tool grants Hornet a temporary health pip, providing a crucial burst of survivability during intense combat encounters. The effect lasts for approximately five seconds, offering a strategic advantage when timing is everything.
Furthering your alchemical mastery, the completion of the "Advanced Alchemy" quest, involving the collection of Plasmified Blood, bestows upon you the permanent item known as the Plasmium Gland. This exceptional item significantly enhances the utility of your Plasmium Phial. With the Plasmium Gland equipped, charges for your Plasmium Phial will automatically replenish whenever Hornet rests at a bench. This means you will consistently have access to this vital temporary health boost, making future explorations and boss battles considerably more manageable. These rewards underscore the importance of Zylotol's questline, providing tangible benefits that empower Hornet throughout her perilous journey across Pharloom.