Guide to the "Rite of the Pollip" Quest and the Pollip Pouch in Hollow Knight: Silksong

The world of Pharloom in Hollow Knight: Silksong is teeming with mysteries, challenges, and valuable rewards for the intrepid explorer. Among these is the intriguing "Rite of the Pollip" quest, a gather Wish that tasks players with tracking down six elusive Pollip Hearts scattered throughout the verdant Shellwood region. Completing this quest not only deepens your understanding of Pharloom's lore but also bestows a crucial combat enhancement: the Pollip Pouch.

This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the "Rite of the Pollip" quest, detailing Greyroot's location, precise instructions for finding each of the six Pollip Hearts, and an in-depth look at the potent effects and synergies of the Pollip Pouch.

The Rite of the Pollip Quest: An Overview

The "Rite of the Pollip" is a side quest acquired from Greyroot, an enigmatic NPC residing within the Shellwood region. To fulfill her wish, Hornet must locate and collect six "Pollip Hearts." These aren't conventional items; they are glowing seeds released when specific large, purple flowers—known as Pollips—are struck. Identifying these Pollips is key, as purple petals can often be seen drifting from them when you are nearby. The quest requires keen observation, mastery of movement abilities, and a touch of environmental puzzle-solving.

Starting the Quest: Finding Greyroot

To initiate the "Rite of the Pollip" quest, you must first locate Greyroot in Shellwood. Greyroot is nestled within a cave or hut in the lower-central part of Shellwood, directly west of Bellhart. A common point of reference is the central Shellwood bench; Greyroot's dwelling is often found by heading left from this bench, possibly dropping down an elevator shaft, and then gliding or moving left to a platform where a dwelling on the far left contains Greyroot. Engaging in conversation with Greyroot will prompt her to bestow the "Rite of the Pollip" Wish upon Hornet.

All Pollip Heart Locations in Shellwood

All six Pollip Hearts are exclusively found within the Shellwood region. Collecting them demands precision platforming, often leveraging core movement abilities like Cling Grip (wall climb/jump) and Drifter's Cloak (glide). It is highly recommended to acquire the Cling Grip ability first, typically unlocked after defeating the Sister Splinter boss, as it is essential for reaching several of these hidden flowers. Here’s where to find each Pollip Heart:

Pollip Heart #1: The Apex of Shellwood

This heart is found at the very top of Shellwood, typically accessible after unlocking the Cling Grip ability. Utilize your wall-jumping and climbing skills to reach the peak. Here, you'll encounter a purple nest that spawns Wood Wasps. Destroying this nest reveals a secret area. Within this hidden passage, a thorny ceiling often requires a precise dash across a gap to avoid damage and reach the purple flower. Strike it to obtain the first Pollip Heart.

Pollip Heart #2: The Hidden Alcove

Located in a small alcove along the left wall of a chamber found by descending from the Cling Grip ability area. As you descend, keep an eye out for small purple flowers lining the left side. The specific Pollip flower is often tucked away in an opening or nook, requiring a precise glide with Drifter's Cloak or a well-timed dash to enter and collect the heart.

Pollip Heart #3: Post-Sister Splinter Nook

After successfully defeating the Sister Splinter boss, proceed through her arena to the left. In the subsequent room, drop down and move towards the middle-left portion of the chamber. Here, you'll discover a hidden nook, frequently covered by vines, where the third purple Pollip flower resides. Clear any obstructing vines and strike the flower to claim your prize.

Pollip Heart #4: The Pond's Canopy

This Pollip Heart is situated in the corridor that links the large shrine where you acquire the Cling Grip ability to the nearby central bench and elevator. Look for a section with a pond and distinctive white flowers growing above it. You'll need to pogo off these white flowers to gain sufficient height to reach and strike the purple bud located on the ceiling directly above the water.

Pollip Heart #5: High-Up on the Right

Starting from the rightmost bench in Shellwood, head right, ensuring you stay on the highest possible path. Keep an eye out for areas adorned with vines and blooming flowers on the ceiling. This Pollip Heart often requires utilizing Cling Grip or wall-jumping to ascend to the very top of these sections. Be prepared to contend with Wood Wasps that may guard the flower before you can harvest it.

Pollip Heart #6: The Secret Bellvein Passage

The final Pollip Heart is hidden within a secret section of Shellwood, accessible through a specific route from the northern Bellvein tunnels of Bellhart. When navigating the northern Bellvein, look for a drop where two bells threaten to fall. After dealing with these, proceed down and then break a false wall on the left to unveil a hidden path that loops back into Shellwood. This passageway will lead you through spike pits and enemies. At the far left end of this route, often concealed behind a series of vines on the ground, you will find the last purple flower. Cut the vines and strike the Pollip to secure the sixth heart.

The Pollip Pouch: Reward and Effects

Once all six Pollip Hearts have been collected, return to Greyroot's hut in Shellwood. Upon presenting her with the hearts, Greyroot will forge them into a powerful new item: the Pollip Pouch.

The Pollip Pouch is a Blue Tool that, when equipped to your crest, profoundly alters your combat strategy by applying venom to your equipped Red Tools.

Key Effects of the Pollip Pouch:

• Venom Application: Equipping the Pollip Pouch causes your Red Tools to inflict venom on enemies they hit. This venom deals damage over time (DoT), adding persistent harm to your attacks.
• Damage Scaling: The damage dealt by each venom tick is dynamic, scaling with the number of Crafting Kits Hornet possesses:
  • No kits: 1 damage per tick.
  • 1-2 kits: 2 damage per tick.
  • 3-4 kits: 3 damage per tick.
• Duration Reset: Hitting an envenomed enemy will reset the duration of the venom effect, allowing you to maintain the DoT on targets through sustained assault.
• High-HP Enemy Efficacy: Poison damage remains unaffected by Enemy Damage Modifiers, making the Pollip Pouch particularly effective against high-HP enemies and bosses. It provides a consistent damage output that complements your direct attacks, especially useful in the mid-game before other damage sources are fully upgraded.

Synergies and Strategic Uses:

The Pollip Pouch opens up numerous tactical possibilities, enhancing various Red Tools and playstyles:

• Architect Crest: The Pollip Pouch synergizes exceptionally well with the Architect Crest, which often relies heavily on Red Tools for its combat effectiveness.
• Flintslate: When combined with Flintslate, the Pollip Pouch can make your Needle venomous instead of inflicting fire damage, preventing "Seared Organs" from dropping if specific Wishes are active.
• Plasmium Phial: Using the Plasmium Phial with Pollip Pouch causes Hornet to release a cloud of venom upon the temporary mask breaking, adding an offensive burst to a defensive tool.
• Cogflies: You can strategically spawn Cogflies with the Pollip Pouch equipped to imbue them with poison. Even if you then switch out the Pouch for another tool, the Cogflies will continue to deal poison damage until they despawn.
• Flea Brew & Straight Pin/Threefold Pin: Combining the Pollip Pouch with Flea Brew can make your Needle attacks venomous. This, along with tools like the Straight Pin or Threefold Pin, becomes potent against mobile or flying enemies, allowing you to inflict damage even if direct nail hits are difficult to land.

The Pollip Pouch is a versatile and powerful reward, transforming Hornet's Red Tools into deadly, venom-laced instruments of war. Mastering its use will undoubtedly prove invaluable as you continue your journey through the perilous kingdom of Pharloom.