Herbalism is a crafting system in Metin2 that has been in the game since the patch of 17th July 2007. It allows players to craft various potions through special NPCs – from simple basic potions to expert potions. Sim Water is an associated ingredient item needed within this system. Players begin with simple quests from level 4, though progression extends considerably further.
What is Herbalism in Metin2?
Herbalism is not a standalone skill, but rather an NPC-based crafting system. Players gather herbs throughout the game world and bring them to specific NPCs who brew potions from them. The system is divided into three tiers: Basic Potions, Intermediate Potions, and Expert Potions. Which potions are available depends on which NPC you visit.
Herbs come in two variants: Herbs labelled "Potion Brewing" are used to craft potions. Herbs labelled "Research" are used exclusively for special quests with the Biologist Chaegirab and cannot be used for potion brewing – and conversely, Chaegirab will not accept potion brewing herbs.
Biologist Chaegirab – Your Introduction to Herbalism
The first important NPC for beginners is the Biologist Chaegirab. He is located on Map 1 in a small camp and is the starting point for the Herbalism quest chain. Chaegirab sends players between level 4 and level 25 multiple times to gather a specific number of special herbs.
The following rules apply:
- The required herbs are marked as "Research" and only drop from the specified monsters during the active quest.
- Herb submission can fail – not every herb qualifies as suitable.
- Your inventory can only hold as many herbs as you can still submit.
- Research herbs cannot be used for potion brewing.
Further details about individual quests and their submission conditions can be found in the separate quest chain "The Biologist's Investigation".
The Three Herbalism NPCs at a Glance
Potion brewing takes place through three different NPCs, each offering various potions. The table shows what each one can do and where to find them:
| NPC | Location | Basic Potions | Intermediate Potions | Expert Potions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baek-Go | Village 1 (Map 1) | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Yu-Hwan | Village 2 (Map 2) | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Huahn-So | Village 2 (Map 2) & Dongan Plains Village | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Baek-Go – The Beginner Brewer on Map 1
Baek-Go is the most straightforward Herbalism NPC and is located in Village 1 on Map 1. He only masters the four basic potions of the Herbalism system. To have Baek-Go brew potions for you, you must be at least level 15.
Important: The "Herbalism" option only appears in Baek-Go's menu once you have completed the quest "Ingredient for Medicine" with him. If you haven't completed this quest yet, you simply won't see the brewing function.
Yu-Hwan – Basic and Intermediate Potions on Map 2
Yu-Hwan is located in Village 2 on Map 2. He expands the offer compared to Baek-Go and can brew both all four Basic Potions and the four Intermediate Potions. For players beyond level 25 who need stronger potions, Yu-Hwan is the first point of contact on Map 2.
According to the wiki, the options with each NPC only become available once you have fulfilled a corresponding prerequisite (such as completing a quest) with that NPC. It is therefore worthwhile to work through the quest chain properly.
Huahn-So – The Only Expert Potion Brewer
Huahn-So is the most advanced of the three Herbalism NPCs. He can be found in two locations: in Village 2 on Map 2 and in the Dongan Plains Village. As the only NPC in the game, Huahn-So can craft Expert Potions – in addition to the Basic and Intermediate potions he also masters.
For players in higher level ranges, Huahn-So is therefore the central Herbalism NPC. Anyone wanting to brew the strongest available Herbalism potions cannot get around him.
Sim Water – Ingredient in the Herbalism System
Sim Water is an item within Metin2's Herbalism system. It is an ingredient required for crafting certain potions with the Herbalism NPCs. The item is called Sim Water in English, Voda Sim in Czech, Eau de Sim in French, or Acqua Sim in Italian – demonstrating that it is a fixed component of the international Metin2 game.
Since Sim Water counts as a Herbalism ingredient, it is closely linked to the brewing system. It is not used as a combat item, but rather serves potion crafting. For players actively brewing potions and using the Herbalism system, obtaining Sim Water is part of resource management.
Practical Tips for Herbalism
- Check herb type: Always ensure whether a herb is labelled "Potion Brewing" or "Research" – both types are not interchangeable.
- Complete quest first: The Herbalism options with Baek-Go and other NPCs only become visible after completing certain quests. Keep track of your quest progress.
- Level requirement: Brewing with Baek-Go requires at least level 15. Chaegirab is available from level 4 onwards.
- Inventory management with the Biologist: Never gather more herbs than you can submit with Chaegirab – the inventory limit applies strictly.
- Expert potions = Huahn-So: Only this one NPC can brew the strongest Herbalism potions. He is available on Map 2 and in the Dongan Plains Village.
- Plan for failures: Herb submission with Chaegirab can fail. Plan a large enough herb supply to have several attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Herbalism & Sim Water
From what level can I use Herbalism?
The Biologist Chaegirab is accessible from level 4 onwards and sends players on herb quests up to level 25. Brewing potions with Baek-Go requires at least level 15.
Where can I find the Biologist Chaegirab?
Chaegirab is located on Map 1 in a small camp. He is the entry NPC for the Herbalism quest chain.
What is the difference between Research herbs and Potion Brewing herbs?
Herbs labelled "Research" are exclusively for Chaegirab quests and cannot be used for brewing. Herbs marked "Potion Brewing" are used for crafting – however, Chaegirab will not accept them.
Who can brew Expert Potions?
Only Huahn-So can craft Expert Potions. He is located in Village 2 on Map 2 and in the Dongan Plains Village.
Why can't I see the Herbalism option with Baek-Go?
The option only appears after completing the quest "Ingredient for Medicine" with Baek-Go. Additionally, you must be at least level 15.
Can herb submission with Chaegirab really fail?
Yes. According to the wiki, submission can fail because not every herb qualifies as suitable. It is recommended to gather more herbs than the minimum required to cover for failures.
What is Sim Water and what is it used for?
Sim Water is an ingredient item in Metin2's Herbalism system. It is needed for crafting certain Herbalism potions with the corresponding NPCs.
Where can I find Yu-Hwan and what can he brew?
Yu-Hwan is located in Village 2 on Map 2. He can brew all four basic potions as well as all four intermediate potions – but not expert potions.
Related Topics in Metin2
The Herbalism system is only one part of Metin2's game mechanics. Other relevant topics: