What is Herbalism in Metin2?
Herbalism is a game system in Metin2 introduced on 17 July 2007 with a patch. It allows players to brew various potions from collected herbs – ranging from simple basic potions to powerful expert potions such as the Darkwood Elixir (also known as Elixir of Darkness Resistance). The system is divided into three levels – Basic, Intermediate and Expert – and is managed through three NPCs on Map1 and Map2.
Getting Started: Biologist Chaegirab and Herbalism Quests
The first contact point for all players is Biologist Chaegirab, located on Map1 in a small camp. He guides players between level 4 and level 25 through a series of quests centred around Herbalism.
Chaegirab sends the player to collect a certain number of special herbs from specific monsters. These herbs are labelled as "Research" and can only drop from the specified monsters during the respective quest. The following rules apply:
- Research herbs can not be used for potion brewing.
- Biologist only accepts herbs labelled "Research" – no normal potion ingredients.
- Your inventory can only carry as many research herbs at once as you still need to hand in.
- Handing in herbs can fail, as not every specimen is deemed suitable.
Find more details on individual quest steps in the Herbalism Quest Overview.
The Three Herbalism NPCs at a Glance
Once you've completed the introductory quest with Chaegirab, the actual brewing options open up with three specialised NPCs. Each NPC offers a different range of potions – so it matters who you visit.
| NPC | Location | Basic Potions | Intermediate Potions | Expert Potions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baek-Go | Village 1 (Map1) | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Yu-Hwan | Village 2 (Map2) | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Huahn-So | Village 2 (Map2) & Donganebene Village | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Baek-Go: The Beginner Brewer on Map1
Baek-Go is located in Village 1 on Map1 and is the first NPC where potions can be brewed. However, he is limited to basic potions. The "Herbalism" option with Baek-Go is only unlocked after completing the quest "Ingredient for Medicine". Additionally, there is a minimum level requirement of 15 to brew potions with him.
Baek-Go is good for beginners who want to gain first experience with the system. However, if you need intermediate or expert potions, you'll need to switch to Yu-Hwan or Huahn-So.
Yu-Hwan: Basic and Intermediate Potions on Map2
Yu-Hwan is found in Village 2 on Map2 and offers both all basic potions and intermediate potions. He is the first contact for players who want to move beyond basic supplies and create more powerful elixirs.
The intermediate potions at Yu-Hwan require correspondingly higher-quality herbs as ingredients. If you regularly travel on Map2, you should keep Yu-Hwan in mind as your standard brewer. Learn more about available areas on Map2 in the Map2 Guide.
Huahn-So: The Expert Brewer for the Darkwood Elixir
Huahn-So is the most powerful of the three Herbalism NPCs. He is accessible at two locations: in Village 2 on Map2 and in the Donganebene Village. As the only NPC in the game, Huahn-So can brew expert potions – including the sought-after Darkwood Elixir (Elixir of Darkness Resistance).
Huahn-So covers the full spectrum of Herbalism:
- Basic Potions (identical to Baek-Go and Yu-Hwan)
- Intermediate Potions (identical to Yu-Hwan)
- Expert Potions – exclusively available from Huahn-So
The Darkwood Elixir is an expert potion from the Herbalism system. It grants your character resistance to darkness effects – particularly relevant in later game stages and against corresponding enemies. Find more about the item world in the Metin2 Items Guide.
Potion Levels: Basic, Intermediate and Expert
Herbalism distinguishes three clearly separated levels. Which herbs are needed as ingredients and which potions are exactly included in each level depends on the respective NPC and your game progress.
| Level | Description | Available from |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Fundamental potions for early-game needs | Baek-Go, Yu-Hwan, Huahn-So |
| Intermediate | Stronger potions for mid-game requirements | Yu-Hwan, Huahn-So |
| Expert | Powerful elixirs such as the Darkwood Elixir | Exclusively Huahn-So |
Important: Regular herbs in the game are labelled as "Potion Brewing" and are solely for brewing with the NPCs. Research herbs for Chaegirab are a separate system and are not usable for potions. More information on resources in the game is available in the Resources Overview.
Tips for Efficient Herb Farming
- Go straight to Huahn-So: If your goal is the Darkwood Elixir or other expert potions, the detour through Baek-Go or Yu-Hwan isn't worth it. Huahn-So brews all levels.
- Complete quests first: Herbalism options at the NPCs unlock progressively through quests. Completing Chaegirab's quests and finishing "Ingredient for Medicine" unlocks the system fully.
- Pay attention to level requirements: Level 15 is the minimum for Baek-Go. For the intermediate and expert NPCs, options are often only available after completing the respective introduction quests.
- Check herb labels: Only herbs labelled "Potion Brewing" are accepted by brewing NPCs. Research herbs are exclusively for Chaegirab.
- Donganebene as an alternative: If you're travelling on Donganebene, you can visit Huahn-So directly there without having to travel to Village 2 on Map2.
Frequently Asked Questions on Herbalism
When was Herbalism introduced in Metin2?
Herbalism was introduced to the game with the patch from 17 July 2007.
Where do I find Biologist Chaegirab?
Biologist Chaegirab is located on Map1 in a small camp. He is the entry-level NPC for Herbalism and provides quests for players between level 4 and level 25.
From what level can I brew potions at Baek-Go?
To brew potions at Baek-Go, your character must have reached at least level 15. Additionally, the quest "Ingredient for Medicine" must be completed.
Which NPC can brew the Darkwood Elixir?
The Darkwood Elixir is an expert potion and can only be brewed by Huahn-So. He is located in Village 2 on Map2 as well as in Donganebene Village.
What is the difference between Research herbs and Potion Brewing herbs?
Research herbs are special quest items for Biologist Chaegirab and can only drop during the respective quest. They cannot be used for brewing. Herbs labelled "Potion Brewing" are the normal ingredients for brewing NPCs like Baek-Go, Yu-Hwan and Huahn-So.
Can handing in herbs to Chaegirab fail?
Yes. Handing in research herbs to Chaegirab can fail, as not every harvested herb is deemed suitable. Players should collect enough herbs to account for possible failures.
Where can I find Huahn-So?
Huahn-So is available at two locations: in Village 2 on Map2 and in Donganebene Village. He is the only NPC who can brew expert potions.
Can I buy the Darkwood Elixir or must I brew it myself?
The wiki describes the Darkwood Elixir as part of the Herbalism system at Huahn-So. Whether it's also available through other means (marketplace, events) depends on the current game status – brewing with Huahn-So remains the most reliable method.
Find more guides on items and crafting in Metin2 in the Crafting Overview as well as in the Beginner Guide.
