Hollow Knight: Silksong's 'Berry Picking' Quest – Jeff Unravels the Early Game's Sticky Bits
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Dive into *Hollow Knight: Silksong*'s 'Berry Picking' quest, a seemingly simple early-game task that quickly escalates into a challenging masterclass in Hornet's new moves and Team Cherry's clever design. From mastering the Silkspear to perfecting diagonal pogo attacks for those elusive mossberries, this quest serves as a brilliant, if sometimes frustrating, introduction to Pharloom's unique blend of charm and challenge.
Right, so you know that feeling when a game you've been dreaming about for *ages* finally drops, and diving into it feels like accidentally blowing a hole through reality into a whole new, incredible dimension? Yeah, that's pretty much what the arrival of *Hollow Knight: Silksong* feels like. And as you stumble, or rather, gracefully dash and pogo your way through the mystical lands of Pharloom, you'll quickly discover that even the most seemingly mundane early-game tasks are packed with Team Cherry's signature blend of charming challenge and clever design.
Take the 'Berry Picking' quest, for instance. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Go pick some berries. My grandma used to do that. But this isn't your grandma's berry picking, mate. This is *Silksong* berry picking, and it's a brilliant little early-game masterclass in what makes this Metroidvania sequel tick. It's not just about collecting three mossberries; it's about learning the ropes, getting a feel for Hornet's new moves, and getting deliciously frustrated in the process.
Your quest kicks off in Bone Bottom, where you'll encounter the Moss Druid. Now, picture this: a cackling old character, stirring a mysterious pot in a dimly lit cave – classic Metroidvania vibes, eh? She's got a hankering for three mossberries, apparently for some concoction, and she's not shy about sending you on a bit of a wild goose (or rather, moss-bug) chase into the moss-covered nooks of Pharloom. Fair dinkum, you can practically hear the subtle 'mwahaha' in her voice as she points you towards what she *knows* will be a slightly fiddly task.
But hold your horses, because before you can even *think* about becoming a master forager, you've got to earn your stripes. Or, in Hornet's case, your Silkspear. This shiny new ability is found just outside the Druid's cave, perched atop a large room. It's the game's cheeky way of saying, "Hey, learn this new trick, mate, you're gonna need it!" After you snag it, you'll need to use it to smash through a silk barrier to even *enter* the Druid's cave and officially start the quest. A clever little gatekeeper for what's to come, teaching you a core mechanic before you even realise it.
Now, onto the berries themselves. Two of these verdant treasures are tucked away in Moss Grotto, and the third? That's a bit of a sneaky one, hiding above the first village in Bone Bottom. Team Cherry aren't just giving these away, you know.
The first mossberry is a relatively gentle introduction, like the game lulling you into a false sense of security. Head down to Moss Grotto, plunge into that shadowy maw just left of the Bone Bottom village, and navigate your way through. It's a fairly straightforward platforming challenge, designed to get you comfy with Hornet's movement. You'll jump, you'll dash, you'll feel like a seasoned adventurer already. Find that staircase-like platform, follow the path, and *pop*, there's your first mossberry. Easy peasy, right?
Then things get a bit... acrobatic. The second mossberry, also in Moss Grotto, decides it wants to play hide-and-seek a bit further up. It's just out of reach, of course. But what's nearby? A flying enemy. Ah, yes, the classic *Hollow Knight* pogo manoeuvre, but with a *Silksong* twist. You see, Hornet's downward attack sends her down *diagonally*. Hollow Knight veterans, get ready to re-learn your muscle memory. It’s like trying to cast a fire spell with a water wand at first – familiar, but fundamentally different. You need to wait for the bug to dive, pogo off its noggin, and then *swiftly* slash upwards to knock that berry down. It’s a moment of delightful chaos, a beautiful dance of timing and precision. You'll probably miss a few times, plunge into the abyss, and come back for more. But when you finally nail it? Pure satisfaction, mate. Don't forget to scoop up your prize before you zip off.
And just when you thought you had it all figured out, Silksong throws another curveball with the third mossberry, which is, fair dinkum, hidden inside a bug's mouth! Cleverly observant? You'll need to be. To get this one, you'll need to venture past Shakra, the map vendor in The Marrow, and loop back up to Bone Bottom. This path takes you through some winding sections, eventually leading you to a rather handy elevator. Hit that switch; you'll thank me later, because you'll likely be riding it up and down a few times.
Once you’re in the right spot, look downwards. And I mean *really* look. You'll spot a bug creature chilling out, casually holding a glowing green object in its gob. That, my friends, is your mossberry. Your goal? Pogo that bug until it gives up the goods. Again, that diagonal attack comes into play, making this a test of patience and refined aerial combat. If you fumble – and you probably will, no shame in it – just take the elevator back up for another crack at it. It’s a testament to Team Cherry’s design that they give you a convenient retry mechanism for a genuinely tricky early-game challenge. Persistence pays off, and soon enough, that third mossberry will be yours.
With all three slimy green treasures in hand, it’s back to the Moss Druid. Hand over your bounty, and what's your reward for this early demonstration of bug-slaying and berry-snatching prowess? The Druid's Eye crest. Sounds a bit mystical, doesn't it? This handy little crest, which slots into one of your blue crest slots, will partially refill your silk bar with a green elixir every time you take damage. Bloody hell, that's a godsend in the early game! As you’re getting accustomed to Hornet's unique rhythm and the myriad of new enemies Pharloom throws at you, that extra bit of silk can be the difference between a triumphant victory and a slightly embarrassing respawn.
So, you see? This 'Berry Picking' quest isn't just a simple fetch mission. It’s a masterclass in early-game tutorialization, dressed up in mossy goodness and deceptively simple tasks. It teaches you movement, introduces you to Hornet's unique attack style, highlights environmental puzzle-solving, and rewards you with a genuinely useful item that aids your survival. It’s a brilliant little preview of the magic and mayhem to come, a gentle (but sometimes frustrating) nudge into the magnificent world of *Hollow Knight: Silksong*. And for that, Team Cherry, we salute you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to see what other reality-bending challenges Pharloom has hidden away. What happens if I try to pogo *that* giant mushroom...?
Tags: Hollow Knight Silksong, Metroidvania, Quest Guide, Indie Games, Game Design
Original article: Polygon