Overview
The Darkwater Shore is a small but important zone in the deeper sections of the Moonlit Forest dungeon. It sits at the bottom of the waterwheel structure, next to a lake at the base of a cliff. The zone serves primarily as a resource farming hub for quest-critical plants and as a unique fishing location. Despite its compact size, Darkwater Shore plays a crucial role in the Explorer profession questline because it is packed with Eldergrain and Echobeans needed for the Senior Explorer certification.
How to Reach Darkwater Shore
Darkwater Shore is deep in the Moonlit Forest, requiring significant progression through earlier zones. The full path to reach it is:
There is also an alternative route: from the Grain Haven area near a wooden platform by the bridge, you can drop off the cliff into the lake below and land next to Darkwater Shore.
The Waterwheel Puzzle
The waterwheel is located in the Harvest Yard and functions as a bidirectional elevator. It takes you up to Grain Haven or down to Darkwater Shore. Repairing it is one of the more involved puzzles in the dungeon.
Materials Required
Material | Quantity | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
Primorite | 5 | Mural Valley mining nodes and ruins areas; requires Impact Hammer |
Magnetite | 5 | Process Uncommon Ore Chunks through the Ore Analyzer (from Soil Mounds near Spiritshade River); also from translucent white deposits in the Glintortle boss arena |
Gold | 5 | Nodes beyond Crystalith Hideout; Mural Valley and ruins areas; requires Impact Hammer |
Waterwheel Bearing | 1 | Given by Zephyria when you start the Senior Explorer certification |
Repair Steps
Magnetite Farming
Magnetite is the hardest material to obtain. It does not drop from standard mining nodes. The two methods are:
Glintortle Boss
The Glintortle is the second major boss of the Moonlit Forest. Its arena is between Mural Valley and the Harvest Yard, so it must be defeated before you can access the waterwheel and Darkwater Shore.
Detail | Info |
|---|---|
Appearance | Giant turtle |
Weak Point | Glowing crystal on top of its shell (visible when dazed or after retreating from a spinning attack) |
Attacks | Water beams, waves (jump to dodge), rapid spinning, bubble attacks |
Best Weapon | Bow with Bomb Arrows (Slingshot is ineffective) |
Double Damage | Hit the shell when it glows bright blue during attacks |
Rewards | Water Arrow blueprint, Fire Arrow blueprint, Pristine Orb blueprint |
Resources
Quest Plants
Darkwater Shore is the primary farming location for two quest-critical plants needed for the Senior Explorer certification:
Plant | Description | Quest Use |
|---|---|---|
Eldergrain | Tall wheat-like plants; abundant at Darkwater Shore and near the waterwheel base | Required for Youfang's healing formula (Senior Explorer quest) |
Echobean | Bright-colored bean plant with a glowy purple tint | Required for Youfang's healing formula (Senior Explorer quest) |
Both plants are gathered by hand. After collecting them, bring them to Youfang at the temple near Cloudrest Lake, then report back to Zephyria to advance the Explorer questline.
Other Resources
Resource | Type |
|---|---|
Midnight Herbs | Forageable plant |
Pasture Grass (+ Seeds) | Forageable plant |
Hardwood | Wood (requires Impact Axe) |
Softwood | Wood |
Fluorite | Mineable ore |
All resources in the Moonlit Forest regenerate daily, so Darkwater Shore can be farmed repeatedly for Eldergrain and other materials.
Fishing: Green Swordtail
Darkwater Shore has one fishing spot: the small pond at the bottom of the waterwheel. The signature catch here is the Green Swordtail.
Detail | Info |
|---|---|
Seasons | All (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) |
Time | 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM |
Weather | All conditions |
Bait | All bait types work (Meat, Veggie, Bug) |
This is one of only two fishing spots in the entire Moonlit Forest (the other is at Dreamfall Garden). See the Bait Guide for detailed bait information.
Campsite
Darkwater Shore has one campsite requiring 5 Fluorite to activate its Damaged Moonweaver. The camp provides a tent, campfire, and Workbench. Once activated, it serves as a fast-travel point to other Moonlit Forest camps and the overworld.
Treasure Chests
The Moonlit Forest contains 47 treasure chests in total across all zones.
Progression
Darkwater Shore is an optional detour off the main path. After gathering resources and fishing, return to the waterwheel and ride it up to Grain Haven to continue deeper into the dungeon. The remaining zones leading to the final boss are:
Zone | Key Feature |
|---|---|
Grain Haven | Camp with additional Gravecrystal puzzles |
Homeward Trial | Runebird fight; Echobean plants |
Serenity's Rest | Fire Arrow puzzle (shoot six lights above torches to raise a pathway) |
Moonlit Meadow | Final zone; Moonstone, Aurorite, and Oilstone mining; Ruin Guard final boss and Luna Deer altar |