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

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!