The Lilac is a special research herb in Metin2 that you submit to Biologist Chaegirab as part of the Alchemy quest "The Biologist's Investigation (Lilac)". The herb is labeled as "Research" and can only be dropped by specific monsters during the active quest – it cannot be used for potions. Alchemy was introduced with the patch on July 17, 2007 and is a core part of early-game content for players between Level 4 and Level 25.
What is Alchemy in Metin2?
Alchemy is a gameplay system that combines two core aspects: on one hand, the quest series with Biologist Chaegirab, where you collect and submit special research herbs; on the other hand, potion brewing with various NPCs. Both aspects complement each other but use different herb types.
Herbs come in two variants:
- Research Herbs: Only for Chaegirab quests, drop exclusively from specific monsters during the active quest.
- Potion Crafting Herbs: For brewing potions with the Alchemy NPCs Baek-Go, Yu-Hwan, and Huahn-So.
Important: These two types are not interchangeable. Chaegirab only accepts research herbs, and research herbs cannot be crafted into potions.
Biologist Chaegirab and the Lilac Quest
The Biologist Chaegirab is located on Map1 in a small camp. He is the central NPC for all Alchemy quests, including the Lilac quest. His quests are aimed at players between Level 4 and Level 25 – the quest series ends after that.
Chaegirab sends you out multiple times to collect a specific number of special herbs. The submission of these herbs can fail because not every herb is considered suitable. This means you may need to farm more herbs than actually required.
Inventory quirk: You can only carry as many herbs as you still need to submit. Once you have the maximum submittable amount in your inventory, research herb drops stop.
Tips for the Lilac Quest
- Start the quest only when you're ready to farm monsters – herbs only drop during the active quest.
- Keep an eye on your inventory: if it's full with research herbs, drops will stop.
- Plan for submission failures and farm more rather than less.
- The quest is designed for characters up to Level 25 – complete it early.
The Three Alchemy NPCs: Baek-Go, Yu-Hwan, and Huahn-So
For potion brewing in Metin2, there are three different NPCs offering different potion tiers. Here's an overview:
| NPC | Location | Basic Potions | Advanced Potions | Expert Potions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baek-Go | Village 1 (Map1) | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Yu-Hwan | Village 2 (Map2) | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Huahn-So | Village 2 (Map2) & Donga Plains Village | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Baek-Go is the entry-level NPC for Alchemy potions. He is located in Village 1 on Map1 and can only craft the four basic potions. You unlock the "Alchemy" option with him only after completing the quest Ingredient for the Medicine. Additionally, you must reach at least Level 15 to brew potions with Baek-Go.
Yu-Hwan sits in Village 2 on Map2 and offers both basic and advanced potions. As your character develops further and you want more from Alchemy, you'll eventually switch to Yu-Hwan.
Huahn-So is the most comprehensive Alchemy NPC. He is the only NPC who can craft Expert Potions. You can find him in both Village 2 (Map2) and the Donga Plains Village, making him particularly accessible.
Potion Tiers Overview
The Alchemy system distinguishes three potion tiers. The exact potion names are displayed in-game and depend on the specific recipe. Here's the general breakdown:
| Tier | Available From | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Potions | Baek-Go, Yu-Hwan, Huahn-So | Available from Level 15 with Baek-Go; Prerequisite: "Ingredient for the Medicine" quest |
| Advanced Potions | Yu-Hwan, Huahn-So | Higher requirements for herbs and character level |
| Expert Potions | Huahn-So Only | Exclusive; Huahn-So is the only NPC offering this tier |
Unlocking Alchemy: Prerequisites and Order
Alchemy is not fully accessible from the start. Here are the key prerequisites at a glance:
- Level 15 minimum for potion brewing with Baek-Go.
- "Ingredient for the Medicine" quest must be completed to unlock the Alchemy option with Baek-Go.
- Biologist Chaegirab is available between Level 4 and 25 for research quests – including Lilac.
- Additional NPC options (Yu-Hwan, Huahn-So) are unlocked after completing respective quest prerequisites.
Recommended order for new players: First complete Chaegirab quests (Level 4–25), then from Level 15 unlock potion options with Baek-Go, and as you level up, progress to Yu-Hwan and finally Huahn-So.
Farming Lilac: What You Need to Know
Lilac as a research herb follows the general rules for Chaegirab quest herbs. Specifically:
- Lilac drops only from specific monsters mentioned in the quest.
- It drops exclusively during the active quest – outside the quest there are no drops.
- You can carry a maximum of as many Lilacs as you still need to submit.
- Submission to Chaegirab can fail. Plan for a buffer.
- Lilacs labeled "Research" are not usable for potions – they serve quest purposes only.
Since wiki sources don't provide specific monster names or drop rates for Lilac, check the official Metin2 wiki under "The Biologist's Investigation (Lilac)" for current details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alchemy and Lilac
What is Lilac in Metin2?
Lilac is a research herb you submit to Biologist Chaegirab on Map1 as part of the quest "The Biologist's Investigation (Lilac)". It can only be dropped by specific monsters during the active quest and cannot be used for potion crafting.
Where do I find Biologist Chaegirab?
Chaegirab is located on Map1 in a small camp. He gives you research quests for special herbs like Lilac between Level 4 and Level 25.
From what level can I brew potions with Baek-Go?
You must reach at least Level 15 to brew potions with Baek-Go. Additionally, the "Ingredient for the Medicine" quest must be completed to unlock the Alchemy option with him.
What's the difference between Research Herbs and Potion Crafting Herbs?
Research herbs (like Lilac) are exclusively for Biologist Chaegirab quests and cannot be processed into potions. Potion crafting herbs are brewed into potions by NPCs Baek-Go, Yu-Hwan, or Huahn-So.
Where do I find Huahn-So and what does he offer?
Huahn-So is located in Village 2 (Map2) and the Donga Plains Village. He is the only NPC in Metin2 who can craft Expert Potions – in addition to basic and advanced potions.
Why am I not getting Lilac drops anymore?
It's due to the inventory limit for research herbs: you can only carry as many herbs as you still need to submit. When your inventory reaches the maximum amount, drops stop. Submit herbs to Chaegirab first to free up space.
Can submitting herbs to Chaegirab fail?
Yes. Herb submissions to Chaegirab can fail because not every herb is considered suitable. Plan for a buffer when farming and collect more herbs than the minimum required.
When was Alchemy introduced to Metin2?
Alchemy was implemented in Metin2 with the patch on July 17, 2007.
Further Guides
Want to learn more about gameplay systems, quests, and items in Metin2? These pages will help: