Quick Answer
The brighter shores spider nest quest starts in Hopeforest at Cliffside Path, where Toblaine is trapped in a spider web. Your main goal is to distract the Titan Spider, get a Tar Rat from Hamish Truefire, gather the items he asks for, then return to rescue Toblaine.
The quest is worth doing because it unlocks useful progression, including the Storage Rift spell during the questline. Make sure you are prepared for Carpentry requirements, Hopeforest travel, and combat against spider enemies.
How to Start Spider Nest
To start Spider Nest, you need to be in Episode 2 and have access to Hopeforest.
Go to Cliffside Path in Hopeforest. There, you will find Toblaine trapped in a web. When you try to reach him, the Titan Spider blocks the route and knocks you down.
After this, speak with Alannor nearby. Alannor explains that you need to distract the spider with a Tar Rat. This sends you toward Hamish Truefire, who can help you get one.
For broader progression, check the Brighter Shores quest guide or the Brighter Shores main quest guide if you are not sure whether you have reached the right part of the game yet.
Spider Nest Quest Requirements
The main confirmed requirement to watch for is Carpentry. You will need high enough Carpentry to craft the required Anti-Acid Shields.
Known requirements and checks include:
| Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Access to Hopeforest | The quest takes place there |
| Carpentry progress | Needed for crafting quest items |
| Combat readiness | You fight spider enemies near the end |
| Hopeforest map knowledge | Several locations are spread out |
Some guides also mention Woodcutter progress as part of the preparation. Because Brighter Shores can change over time, check the in-game quest panel if a requirement appears different after an update.
Spider Nest Walkthrough
1. Find Toblaine at Cliffside Path
Go to Cliffside Path in Hopeforest and interact with Toblaine. He is trapped in a spider web.
Try to approach him. The Titan Spider prevents you from crossing safely. After you fall, speak with Alannor. You will learn that you need a Tar Rat to distract the spider.
2. Speak to Hamish Truefire
Travel to Small Clearing in Hopeforest and find Hamish Truefire. He has Tar Rats, but he will not simply hand one over.
Hamish asks you to bring several items first. These are the main collection steps of the quest.
3. Get the Golden Marrow
To get the Golden Marrow, you need access to Mr. McGrish’s Garden.
You cannot just take it normally. The common route is to pretend you are connected to the fruit and vegetable committee. For that, you need a committee badge.
Go to Huntsman’s Lodge and speak with Kedwick Shalstanger. He asks you to prove yourself by defeating a Spriggan. After you do this, return to Kedwick and get the badge.
Then go back toward Mr. McGrish’s Garden. You will need to use a Green Marrow and gold paint as part of the trick to swap it for the real Golden Marrow.
Do not rush this part. Many players get stuck because they go to the garden before getting the badge or miss the paint step.
4. Get the Snake Eyeball
The Snake Eyeball comes from fighting snake enemies, usually found around Snake’s Clearing and Snake’s Path.
This is a combat drop, so it may take more than one kill depending on your luck. Bring food or healing if the enemies are still dangerous for your level.
5. Make the Anti-Acid Shields
This is the Carpentry-heavy part of Spider Nest.
You need Ash Log material and access to the Carpenter’s Workshop tools. Use the workshop process to turn the log into planks, then craft the shields needed for Hamish.
The quest asks for two Uncoated Anti-Acid Shields. If you cannot craft them, your Carpentry level is probably too low or you are missing the correct material step.
6. Return to Hamish
Once you have the Golden Marrow, Snake Eyeball, and the Anti-Acid Shields, return to Hamish Truefire.
He will help you prepare what you need and give you the Tar Rat.
During this section, you should also follow the quest prompts carefully, because the Storage Rift spell is unlocked around this part of the questline. This spell is very useful because it lets you send items to storage from Storage Rift Markers.
For travel help, use the teleports and obelisks guide and the Brighter Shores map guide.
7. Distract the Titan Spider
Return to Cliffside Path.
Use the Tar Rat on the correct boulder near the spider route. This distracts the Titan Spider and lets you continue toward Toblaine.
After the spider is distracted, prepare for a fight. Smaller Titan Spider enemies appear before you can finish the rescue.
8. Rescue Toblaine
Defeat the spider enemies and reach Toblaine. Interact with him to complete the rescue and finish the quest.
Important Locations
| Location | What You Do There |
|---|---|
| Cliffside Path | Start the quest and rescue Toblaine |
| Small Clearing | Speak with Hamish Truefire |
| Huntsman’s Lodge | Get help from Kedwick Shalstanger |
| Mr. McGrish’s Garden | Get the Golden Marrow |
| Snake’s Clearing / Snake’s Path | Farm the Snake Eyeball |
| Carpenter’s Workshop | Craft the Anti-Acid Shields |
| Rainbow Pool area | Storage Rift spell step |
If you are still learning Hopeforest, the Brighter Shores beginner guide can help with early route planning.
Items You May Need
The main quest items are:
- Golden Marrow
- Snake Eyeball
- Two Uncoated Anti-Acid Shields
- Tar Rat
Useful preparation items:
- Food or healing items
- Combat gear for spider fights
- Carpentry materials
- Time to move around Hopeforest
Do not drop quest items unless the game clearly says they are no longer needed.
Common Problems
I cannot reach Toblaine
You are not meant to force your way past the Titan Spider at first. You need to speak with Alannor and get the Tar Rat distraction.
Hamish will not give me a Tar Rat
You must bring Hamish the items he asks for first. Check whether you still need the Golden Marrow, Snake Eyeball, or Anti-Acid Shields.
I cannot get the Golden Marrow
Make sure you have handled the committee badge step with Kedwick. Also check that you have followed the Green Marrow and gold paint part of the route.
I cannot craft the shields
Your Carpentry may be too low, or you may be using the wrong material process. Return to the Carpenter’s Workshop and check the required recipe step.
The spider fight is too hard
Upgrade your combat gear, bring healing, and return later. The final part includes spider enemies, so do not treat the quest as only a gathering task.
Rewards and Next Steps
Spider Nest rewards include profession XP and important unlocks tied to the questline. The most useful reward for many players is access to the Storage Rift spell, which makes item storage much easier while exploring.
After finishing Spider Nest, your next step should be to continue Hopeforest progression and clean up any nearby side quests. If you are following main progression, return to the Brighter Shores main quest guide to see what to do next.
FAQ
Where does the Spider Nest quest start?
It starts at Cliffside Path in Hopeforest. Look for Toblaine trapped in a spider web.
Who gives the Tar Rat?
Hamish Truefire gives you the Tar Rat after you bring him the items he asks for.
Do I need Carpentry for Spider Nest?
Yes. Carpentry is important because you need to craft Anti-Acid Shields during the quest.
Where do I get the Snake Eyeball?
You get it from snake enemies around Snake’s Clearing and Snake’s Path.
What is the main mistake in Spider Nest?
The most common mistake is trying to reach Toblaine without first distracting the Titan Spider. You need the Tar Rat before you can finish the rescue.
Is Spider Nest required for main progression?
Spider Nest is a side quest, but it is important because it unlocks useful progression tools. Many players complete it early in Hopeforest because Storage Rift is very helpful.