Completing the 'Rite of the Pollip' Quest in Hollow Knight: Silksong

The 'Rite of the Pollip' quest in Hollow Knight: Silksong presents players with a significant challenge: finding six unique Pollip Hearts hidden throughout the treacherous Shellwood. These hearts are obtained by interacting with specific purple flowers, often requiring precise movement and traversal skills. Success in this quest is deeply tied to mastering the game's mechanics, particularly advanced parkour and 'pogo' techniques. Moreover, a key movement ability, the 'Cling Grip', found within Shellwood, is indispensable for accessing all the heart locations, adding an extra layer to the puzzle.

This comprehensive guide details the precise starting point of the quest, outlines a strategic approach to acquiring all Pollip Hearts, and explains the significant reward players receive for their efforts. It serves as an invaluable resource for players aiming to conquer this intricate challenge, providing step-by-step instructions and location insights to navigate Shellwood effectively and ultimately claim the Pollip Pouch tool, which enhances combat by applying venom to attacks.

Initiating and Preparing for the Quest

The 'Rite of the Pollip' quest begins in Shellwood, located directly west of Bellhart. To start your adventure, seek out Greyroot, who resides within a cave positioned near the center of Shellwood, specifically southwest of the region's easternmost resting spot. Engaging with Greyroot will trigger the quest, tasking you with the difficult objective of gathering six Pollip Hearts. These hearts are essential for completing the quest, and their collection demands not only keen observation but also mastery of the game's movement mechanics.

Before venturing out to collect the Pollip Hearts, it is highly recommended to first acquire the 'Cling Grip' ability. This crucial skill allows Hornet to slide down walls and perform wall jumps, making vertical navigation significantly easier. The 'Cling Grip' is found in the northwestern part of Shellwood and requires a series of precise 'pogo' jumps to reach. Obtaining this ability early on will streamline your search, as several Pollip Hearts are strategically placed in areas that are otherwise inaccessible, requiring this specific movement technique for successful retrieval.

Locating and Collecting the Pollip Hearts

Once equipped with the 'Cling Grip' ability, players can systematically search for the six Pollip Hearts. The first heart is found immediately after acquiring 'Cling Grip'; ascend to the highest point of Shellwood, where you'll encounter a purple nest that spawns Wood Wasps. Destroy the nest by repeatedly striking it to reveal a hidden passage. Inside this secret area, a thorny ceiling guards the first Pollip flower; a well-timed dash across the gap will help avoid damage. The second heart is located by carefully descending the left side from the 'Cling Grip' ability's chamber, navigating past floral enemies by utilizing Swift Step and Drifter's Cloak. Look for a small alcove beneath purple flowers along the left wall, accessible by a precise glide or dash. The third heart awaits at the top of a chamber filled with vines and white flowers, requiring expert pogoing from the chamber's bottom floor to reach. This heart is accessed from the 'Cling Grip' chamber's rightmost wall, entering the first opening on the right.

The fourth Pollip Heart is situated in the area above Bellhart, near the Widow boss fight. For efficiency, consider following the 'The Threadspun Town' quest walkthrough, as this heart can be collected towards its conclusion. From the Shellwood resting spot, wall climb to the entrance leading above Bellhart, but do not proceed too far. The heart is found near the entrance, just before a thorny floor. Break the vines on the left wall to uncover it. The fifth heart is found by heading right from Shellwood's easternmost resting spot. As you progress, observe purple flowers on the ceiling. Continue until you find a climbable wall; ascending it reveals the heart. Finally, for the sixth heart, descend from Shellwood's left edge into the entrance on your left. Take the elevator down, then move to the room's left side. Platform your way to the right wall, where purple flowers line the surfaces. Jump to the top to claim the final Pollip Heart from the ceiling.