Skip the Chaos: Grab the Gloom Skewer on Your First Run

Table of Contents (8)

Why the Gloom Skewer Is Worth the Grind

My first dive into the Toxic Anthill ended with me bruised, poisoned, and spear-less. Lesson learned: the Gloom Skewer isn’t a casual loot drop—you need the right gear, a clear route, and a solid plan. On my second run, I flew straight to the weapon, felt its lightning-fast strikes, and knew I’d found my early-game MVP. Want to skip the stumbles and snag it on your first try? Let’s dive in.

Checklist Before You Enter

• Grade II Omni-Axe – essential for chopping through thick mushrooms.
• Bandages & Mintito Smoothies – poison and Sizzling damage stack up fast.
• Heavy Armor (optional but clutch if you plan to fight the Queen).
• 10+ Torches – these tunnels are pitch-black without them.
• Red Soldier Ant Buggy – riding cuts down unwanted fights.

Pro Tip: Never skimp on torches. I once backtracked five minutes because I couldn’t see a single fork.

Finding the Toxic Anthill

This anthill hides better than a lawn gnome. Pin it down with these landmarks:

• South Entrance: From the Ranger Outpost Snackbar, head north past the Hatchery Ant Hill South marker.
• North Entrance: From the Picnic Table’s south corner, look for a buried bug spray can poking out of the ground.

I swear by the south route—it’s shorter, has fewer patrolling Red Soldiers, and you can park your buggy just inches from the hole.

Common Pitfall: Looping around the Picnic Table wastes time. Spot that bug spray can, and you’re set.

Surviving the Toxic Tunnels

• Follow the main tunnel until a fork—always take the left branch.
• Midway, another bug spray can marks you’re halfway to the Queen’s lair.
• At the next split, hug the center to avoid poison puddles, then veer right.
• Saw a cockroach? You’re close. Heal up and buff before moving on.

Save Often: Manual saves in these tunnels are lifesavers. I once lost an hour by trusting auto-save.

Confronting the Cockroach Queen

The Queen stays neutral until provoked. You have two options:

• Sneak Past: Creep along side walls, chop the mushrooms, and exit—no fight needed.
• Take Her On:
  • Avoid front-leg swipes—they deal poison or Sizzling damage.
  • Watch for acid spit that shrinks your safe zone—keep moving.
  • She revives at one-third health, faster and angrier.
  • Elemental damage barely scratches her; stick to raw melee hits and dodge.

I skipped the Queen on my best run—no boss loot, but zero risk. If you want her drop, brace for a dodge-heavy brawl.

Chop & Claim Your Gloom Skewer

With the Queen behind you, turn left in her chamber to find a mushroom cluster. Only a Grade II Omni-Axe will do:

• Stand against the left wall upon entering.
• Chop through the mushrooms (6–10 seconds with the right tool).
• Grab the Gloom Skewer from the alcove—congrats, you made it!

This spear’s speed and reach outclass your early sticks, and its “Gaping Wound” skill excels in co-op. Plan on 30–45 minutes if you avoid combat, or up to an hour with the Queen fight.

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

• Died in the tunnels? Your gear drops near the entrance, not the Queen. Rush in with your buggy to retrieve it.
• No mushroom chops? Double-check your Omni-Axe rank—basic hatchets won’t cut it.
• Solo run? Toss pebbles at the Queen to lure her away from the alcove.
• Farming heads? Wear high-durability armor, dodge often, and don’t stay close too long.

Key Takeaways

• Gear up with a Grade II Omni-Axe, healing items, and plenty of torches.
• Use the south entrance for the quickest path.
• Stick to left forks, save manually, and ride your buggy.
• Stealth past the Queen to avoid a brutal boss fight.
• Chop mushrooms, claim the spear, and enjoy your fast, long-reach weapon.

My early Ant Hill runs were chaos—now they’re smooth, fast, and fun. Gear up, stick to the plan, and enjoy that shiny new Gloom Skewer!