Winter Burrow Mole Artifact Quest – Find Willow and the Hidden Mole Helmet

Step 1: Reach Willow

Willow lives south-west behind granite gates—bring the Granite Pickaxe from Bufo’s chain.\nBreak the rocks, follow footprints through the trees, and find Willow in a quiet clearing.\nIf she’s missing, progress Aunty’s/Moss’s beats; timing unlocks her first errands.

Step 2: Notebook and Tunnel

Clear Willow’s early errands to set up the Mole Artifact quest.\nWhen Aunty recovers and invitations loom, Willow will finally ask for a Mole Artifact.

• Pick up Willow’s Notebook just outside your home and return it for a Better Shovel.
• Dig out her hidden tunnel near home with the shovel.
• Deliver Aunty’s pie back to Willow.
• Story shifts to Moss/Aunty next—finish those to unlock the artifact ask.

Step 3: Find the Mole Artifact (Mole Helmet)

Exact path to the Mole Artifact in the spider thicket.

• From Willow, go east past a bird’s nest landmark.
• Angle south into tall grass; cut vine walls with your Flint Axe.
• Lantern on—spiders lurk; dodge or swat a couple, then keep moving.
• Search the central patch of the thicket; avoid hugging edges.
• Watch for a weird grey lump—the artifact prompt appears when close.
• Grab it and exit north; spiders won’t follow between screens.

Step 4: Return to Willow

Hand over the artifact for a heartfelt scene, then fetch Hazelnuts to cap the storyline.\nDeliver nuts to Willow to finish *Willow’s Epiphany*.

• Check Bufo’s marsh edges and Ant Pass for trees/nuts.
• Grab 3–4 for future recipes.
• Deliver to Willow to finish the arc.

Pro Tips

Quick comfort and navigation notes.

• Daylight improves visibility; storms flatten grass contrast.
• Drop twigs as breadcrumbs while grid-sweeping.
• Arachnophobia Mode helps if spiders stress you out.
• Keep a tea on hotbar for mid-search recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers for the Mole Artifact quest.

• Q: I can’t find Willow—what am I missing? A: Break southwest granite with the Granite Pickaxe; timing with Aunty/Moss also matters.
• Q: When does the artifact quest appear? A: Late game—after Willow’s errands and Moss/Aunty progress, near finale prep.
• Q: Exact artifact spot? A: Central band of the vine-gated thicket east of Willow; not at edges.
• Q: Must I fight spiders? A: No—kite them aside or enable Arachnophobia; sprint to the pickup.
• Q: Any reward beyond the scene? A: Story closure and the Willow’s Epiphany achievement; materials/recipes come from prior arcs.

Internal Links

Full path: Walkthrough (/articles/winter-burrow-walkthrough)\nTools: Pickaxe Guide (/articles/winter-burrow-pickaxe-guide)\nOrientation: Map & Navigation (/articles/winter-burrow-map-guide)