You're running around the Shrine Ruins, stamina bar flashing, wondering why on earth a tiny glowing fruit is so hard to find. It happens to everyone. You need Wisplanterns for the "Cultural Exchange" request to unlock that second submarine at the Argosy, or maybe you're just trying to craft some early-game armor. Either way, these little red orbs are the gatekeepers to your efficiency in Monster Hunter Rise.
Honestly, the game doesn't do a great job of explaining where they are. It just says "Shrine Ruins." That's a big map.
What Are Wisplanterns Anyway?
They aren't monster drops. Don't go hacking at an Izuchi expecting a vegetable to fall out. Wisplanterns are classified as Account Items, specifically gathered from "Shimmering Berry" nodes.
When you pick them up, they're converted into Kamura Points immediately. You don't keep them in your item box like a Mega Potion. This confuses a lot of people. If you're doing the Argosy quest, the game tracks them internally. You just need to find them. If you're looking for the high-rank version, you're actually looking for Phantasm Lanterns, but the gathering spots remain the same.
The Best Route to Farm Wisplanterns Fast
Don't just wander. That’s how you waste twenty minutes.
Start at the main camp. Look at your map. See that massive mountain in the middle? That's your target. Use your Great Wirebugs to launch yourself toward the higher elevations. Most players stay on the ground paths in Area 1 and Area 3, but the "Shimmering Berry" nodes love the cliffs.
There is a specific cluster in Area 1, right near the entrance, but it’s hit or miss. The real goldmine is Area 9 and the peaks between Area 11 and 13. You'll find a node tucked behind a shrine structure on the northern cliffs. It’s a bit of a climb. Wall-running is your friend here. If you have the "Geologist" skill at level 2, you get an extra gather from every node. This is a game-changer. It turns a three-run chore into a one-run sprint.
Why the Argosy Quest Matters
You need three of these things. Just three. But without that second submarine, your resource management in the mid-game is going to be a nightmare. You'll be manually farming Honey like it's 2004.
The "Cultural Exchange" request also asks for Boatshells, but those are in the Frost Islands. Focus on the lanterns first. Once you grab the third one, the quest log will update instantly. You don't even have to finish the tour; you can just "Return from Expedition" via the menu and keep your progress.
Understanding the Map Icons
Open your detailed map. Filter for "Gathering." Look for the icon that looks like a small cluster of berries.
If you don't see them, it’s because you haven't "discovered" that specific node yet. This is a weird quirk of the RE Engine maps in Rise. You actually have to walk near a node once for it to stay on your map forever. If your map looks empty, head to the high ridges of Area 1, 3, 9, and 12.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Looking at night: They actually glow, so they're easier to see at night, but some people think they only spawn then. Not true. They're there 24/7.
- Ignoring the Palamute: Use the "Sniff 'em Out" command. You can literally tell your dog to find Shimmering Berries. A golden icon will appear on your mini-map, leading you directly to the Wisplanterns. It’s basically a cheat code.
- Forgetting Geologist: Seriously. Level 1 Geologist is okay, but Level 2 is the sweet spot for account items. You can easily slot a Geology Jewel 1 into any piece of early-gear.
The Shrine Ruins are vertical. If you’re staying on the water level, you're looking in the wrong place. Think like a Tobi-Kadachi. Get up high.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Run
To get your Wisplanterns and unlock that Argosy slot in under five minutes, follow this exact sequence:
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- Equip any armor with the Geologist Level 2 skill (the Leather S set is the easiest to get early on).
- Start a "Tour of the Shrine Ruins" expedition.
- Eat for "Dango Gatherer" if it's available at the tea shop, though it's not strictly necessary for just three items.
- Launch from the main camp and head to the cliffside in Area 1. Gather the first node.
- Wirebug up to the sub-camp location in Area 10 (if you've unlocked it) or climb the ridges toward Area 9.
- Hit the two nodes located on the high platforms overlooking the central valley.
- Check your quest progress. Once it hits 3/3, open your menu and select Return from Expedition.
Go straight to Rondine the Trader at the Buddy Piazza. Hand over the goods. Enjoy your new submarine and the extra Honey or Bitterbugs it'll bring in while you're out hunting Magnamalo.