Embarking on the Rite of the Pollip quest can be quite the challenge in Hollow Knight: Silksong. You might expect an easy task since you receive this quest from Greyroot early in your journey through Shellwood. However, to complete it, you first need to defeat Sister Splinter, the area’s boss.
To start the quest successfully, ensure you’re well-prepared. The first order of business is to tackle Sister Splinter. Head up and to the right from Greyroot’s chamber until you reach the edge of Shellwood, then make your way up and left. Defeating this boss grants you Cling Grip, which is essential for your next steps.
Once you have Cling Grip, it’s time to hunt for Pollip Hearts. Greyroot prompts you to “seek out the purple blooms,” which are the sites of the hearts. Here’s a helpful hint: Watch for small purple flowers on walls or areas with floating purple petals. Spotting either indicates you’re nearby a purple bloom housing a Pollip Heart.
The blooms containing Pollip Hearts are large purple flowers attached to the walls, with only one bloom in each area. To collect the heart, strike the flower with your Needle until it bursts, causing a Pollip Heart to drop—indicated by a purple glow. Simply interact with the glowing item to collect it.
Pollip Hearts Map
Refer to the following map to uncover all Pollip Heart locations. The spots are numbered for easy reference as you read through the detailed guide below.
Pollip Heart #1
This Pollip Heart is located close to the bottom right entrance of Shellwood, but don’t be deceived—it isn’t accessible without using Cling Grip. Jump on the wall in the top right corner of the room, and once you reach it, strike the blossom to collect your heart.
Pollip Heart #2
For Pollip Heart #2, you won’t need Cling Grip. Find your way to the left of Shellwood’s entrance. Climb the platforms, head to the right, and you’ll discover a series of platforms leading upward to the purple blossom. Strike the flower to collect the heart.
Pollip Heart #3
Pollip Heart #3 requires some skillful jumping. Find the series of white flowers to bounce upon and navigate upward. Approach each flower by jumping toward it and pressing down with the attack button to propel Hornet closer to the next one. Keep your rhythm, and you’ll soon reach the purple blossom.
Many players find that a steady attacking pace is easier than attempting to float between flowers. If you’re struggling, focus on staying consistent with your attacks rather than overthinking each jump.
Pollip Heart #4
To find Pollip Heart #4, return to the vicinity of Sister Splinter’s defeat. In the designated room, you’ll face a simple vertical platforming challenge. Ascend fully to the left, drop from a ledge, and then traverse right to discover the purple blossom.
Pollip Heart #5
The fifth Pollip Heart is located right after you collect #4. It’s in Shellwood’s central room. To get there, jump against the walls on the left, as if exiting to the right of the room. When you’re about halfway up, move left and slide against the wall with purple flowers. From there, you’ll find the right platform to collect the heart.
Pollip Heart #6
The final Pollip Heart is accessible only via Bellhart. To reach Bellhart, exit Shellwood through the top right section—where you defeated Sister Splinter. As you navigate the upper part, drop down carefully to dodge the huge bell bugs. When you encounter big drops, move all the way left until you find a previously inaccessible passage back to Shellwood.
Proceed to the right while maneuvering through the spikes. In the lower section of this area, you’ll notice a vine wall adorned with purple flowers. Jump towards it, break the vines, and reveal the last purple bloom to collect its heart.
Rite of the Pollip Reward
After collecting all six Pollip Hearts, return to Greyroot in the bottom left corner of Shellwood, noted on the map. Interact twice with Greyroot to exchange your Pollips for the Pollip Pouch. This charm, which fits into the blue slot, provides a poison effect to your tools.
During my playthrough, I equipped Straight Pins which dealt poison damage, inflicting four ticks of passive damage after a hit. This effectively serves as a slight attack boost for your tools. However, be aware that your Needle attacks will not gain the poison effect from the Pollip Pouch since the Needle is categorized as a weapon.
If you’re looking to enhance your Needle’s power, consider upgrading it at Pinmaster Plinney.
Like what you read? Consider visiting Moyens I/O for more great content on gaming, tips, and strategies!