Enshrouded: Find the Alchemist at the Ancient Vault
To find the Alchemist in Enshrouded, head to the Ancient Vault located southwest of the Springlands’ starting area, inside the Shroud. The exact coordinates are approximately (370, -330) on the world map. Once you reach the vault, you’ll find the Alchemist’s skeleton inside; interact with it to free his soul and unlock the Alchemist as a craftable NPC at your base.
Background: Who Is the Alchemist?
The Alchemist is one of the first crafters you can rescue in Enshrouded, a survival action RPG. He’s essential for progressing through the early game because he unlocks the alchemy station, which lets you craft important items like:
- Shroud survival items (e.g., Shroud Wood, Shroud Spores)
- Early-game tools and weapons (e.g., the Grappling Hook, the Pickaxe)
- Healing and buff consumables (e.g., Health Potions, Flame-resistant gear)
Without him, you’re stuck with only the basic workbench and a limited crafting menu. Rescuing him early makes a huge difference in how fast you can explore and survive.
How to Reach the Ancient Vault
Finding the vault requires a bit of navigation, especially if you’re new to the game. Here’s a step-by-step route from the starting area:
- Start at the Cinder Well – your initial spawn point in the Springlands.
- Head southwest – follow the path that leads away from the well, past the ruined buildings and into the Shroud.
- Look for a large stone structure – the vault is a massive, ancient-looking building with a glowing green entrance. It’s not hard to miss once you’re close.
- Enter the vault – you’ll need to have the Shroud survival skill (which you get automatically at the start) to withstand the Shroud’s toxic air. Inside, you’ll find the Alchemist’s remains in a side room.
If you get lost, open your map and look for the vault icon – it appears as a small, square symbol with a figure inside. The coordinates (370, -330) are approximate but should guide you.
What to Do Once You Find the Alchemist
When you interact with the skeleton, you’ll see a prompt to “Extract” the Alchemist’s soul. Do that, and you’ll receive a notification that he’s been added to your crafting NPC roster. Then, return to your base and build the Alchemist’s station. You’ll need:
- 8x Stone
- 4x Wood Logs
- 2x String
Once built, the Alchemist will appear as a ghostly NPC who can craft items for you and also assign you quests to unlock new recipes.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Many players run into a few issues when trying to rescue the Alchemist. Here are the most frequent ones and their fixes:
- Can’t find the vault – Make sure you’re looking in the right area. The vault is not in the starting zone; it’s to the southwest, across a small bridge. If you’re still stuck, try climbing to a high point to spot the green glow.
- Shroud damage – The Shroud deals damage over time, but it’s manageable. Carry a few bandages or food that heals, and don’t linger too long. You can also upgrade your Flame Altar to increase your Shroud time.
- Vault door is locked – Some vaults have locked doors that require a key. However, the Ancient Vault for the Alchemist is not locked; if you can’t enter, you might be at the wrong vault. Double-check the coordinates.
- Alchemist doesn’t show up at base – Make sure you’ve actually built the Alchemist’s station. It’s a separate structure from the workbench. If you built it but he’s not there, try reloading the game or fast-traveling away and back.
Why This Vault Is Important for Early Game
Rescuing the Alchemist early is a game-changer. He provides access to the Grappling Hook, which is essential for reaching high places and exploring new areas. He also unlocks the Alchemy Station, which is required for crafting Shroud Wood – a material needed for many mid-game items. Without him, you’ll hit a progression wall around level 3-4, as many quests and upgrades require his recipes.
Alternative Crafters and Their Vaults
The Alchemist is just one of several crafters you can rescue. Others include:
- The Blacksmith – Found in a vault to the east, near the Ancient Spire. He unlocks metal tools and weapons.
- The Hunter – Located in a vault to the north, she unlocks bows and ranged weapons.
- The Farmer – Found later in the game, he unlocks farming and food recipes.
Each crafter is tied to a specific vault, and you can rescue them in any order. However, the Alchemist is often the first target because his items are so foundational.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a certain level to find the Alchemist?
No, you can rescue the Alchemist as soon as you start the game. The Shroud is survivable at level 1, and the vault has no enemies. Just bring some healing items to counter the Shroud’s damage.
What if I can’t find the vault on my map?
The vault icon may not appear until you’re close. Use the coordinates (370, -330) as a guide, and look for the green glow of the Shroud. If you’re still lost, try following the main road southwest from the starting area – the vault is just past a broken bridge.
Can I rescue the Alchemist before building a base?
Yes, you can rescue him without a base, but you won’t be able to build his station until you’ve placed a Flame Altar and built a base. So it’s best to set up a small camp first, then go rescue him.
What happens if I die in the Shroud while trying to reach the vault?
If you die, you’ll respawn at your last Flame Altar. You’ll lose any unspent skill points and resources you were carrying, but you can simply try again. Make sure to eat food that gives you health regen to survive longer.
Is the Alchemist’s vault the same as the one for the Blacksmith?
No, each crafter has a unique vault. The Alchemist’s vault is the Ancient Vault southwest of the starting area, while the Blacksmith’s is a separate vault to the east. They are not interchangeable.
Can I skip the Alchemist and rescue other crafters first?
Yes, you can, but it’s not recommended. Without the Alchemist, you’ll miss out on the Grappling Hook and many essential recipes, making exploration and combat much harder. It’s best to rescue him first.
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