At this point, it goes without saying that collectibles have become as much a part of modern gaming as just about anything else. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is no different. However, where many games choose to send players on a search for some mundane trinket, Wo Long decides to stay in line with the 'soulslike' genre and keep things weird.
Golden Cicada Shells are Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty's weirdest collectible, without a doubt. Not only is there no obvious explanation for why the player is required to scour the battlefields of ancient China for dead bugs, but then they must be taken to a man whose sanity is questionable at best. But, no matter how weird it may seem when examined out of context, within the game, it works.
All Golden Cicada Shells in Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
"Two Chivalrous Heroes"
Golden Cicada Shell 1:
The first cicada shell can be easily found on the roof of the same building that Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty's first Dragon Vein Crystal is in. After beating the Zhuyan, head to the first building in the large complex. In the front is a series of platforms that allow the player to reach the roof. From the roof,
"The Valley of Crying Wraiths"
Golden Cicada Shell 2:
After the first Marking Flag at river level, look up to see a series of ledges and bridges. There are several warlocks that guard the path up, but they also act as a good marker for the right path. From the ground, the player will be able to spy a piece of loot resting just under a hole in one of the bridges. This is the shell, and following the path will lead the player directly to it. The correct bridge will lead to the next Marking Flag, so if that is not at the end, it's the wrong bridge.
"The Demon Fort of the Yellow Heaven"
Golden Cicada Shell 3:
From the Battle Flag that sits in the center of the small village, the player can see the shell on top of one of the various rooftops. If the player has already lowered the shortcut ladder near the steps that lead into the town square, they can use it to get to the right side of the fence. If the ladder is not down, head across the bridge that spans the dry canal, turn right, and head under the bridge that connects the tower and the roof; turn right again to go through the building with the yellow flags on its facade.
Once there, use the wood platforms to reach the shortcut ladder; then, come back into the courtyard to find the path to reach the correct rooftops. Use the platforms in the image above and then head over the peak to find the shell.
"In Search of the Immortal Wizard"
Golden Cicada Shell 4:
In the final cave chamber before the boss, there will be a fight with the Zhupolong (crocodile demon). After this fight, the player can access the various roots overhead, which leads to several different pieces of loot. Look for the loot on a small ledge between roots; this is the shell.
"Fall of the Corrupted Eunuch"
Golden Cicada Shell 5:
The first shell in this stage is in the main chamber with the purple goo at the bottom. In the area just before the door that leads to Baishe, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty's snake-lady boss, there will be an area with two patrolling enemies and a locked cell that contains a Battle Flag. One of the enemies will be going back and forth on what looks like one end of a crumbled bridge. The section is bathed in light, and the shell can be found at the very end.
Golden Cicada Shell 6:
The shell is on the roof of the building that contains Zhang Rang, the boss. There is a long, covered hallway that the player can use to jump over to the correct roof. The hallway roof can be reached by going through the hole in the wall of the first indoor chamber.
"The Battle for Hulaoguan Pass"
Golden Cicada Shell 7:
Depending on whether the player cleared the corrupted Battle Flag in the small camp area first, the shell will be located near the second or third Battle Flag in the stage.
When players reach the flag that sits just outside the mouth of the canyon leading to the battlefield, they will see a trench that runs along the length of the field. From the flag, drop into the trench and head to the right. Keep going to the very end to find the seventh Golden Cicada Shell.
"Centuries of Glory Burned Away"
Golden Cicada Shell 8:
The first shell in this stage is found just past the second Battle Flag. Head down the street and turn left at the cart and torch. Take care of the enemies before grabbing the shell from behind a small fire.
Golden Cicada Shell 9:
From the Battle Flag in the dragon's area, head to the canal lined with impaled bodies. Jump down into the water and head to the tunnel beneath the platform with the Marking Flag. The second shell is there.
"Darkness over the Hanshui River"
Golden Cicada Shell 10:
From the very beginning of the stage, head down to the right, past the boat that is released. Take out the Shigui that patrols the area, then head to the boat wreckage that marks the furthest point the player can travel in that direction. Just over the edge of the wrecked boat is another piece of wreckage sticking out over the water. The tenth shell rests here.
"Tyrant's FInal Banquet"
Golden Cicada Shell 11:
There are two large courtyards separated by two large walls with gold-shingled tops. If the player is heading from the first courtyard into the second, the shell will be on top of the second wall. The player must use the buildings along that side of the wall to reach the top.
Golden Cicada Shell 12:
The second golden shell in the stage is located just past the arena where the player fights a Leader version of Fengxi (boar demon). Heading through the opposite end of the arena will lead the player to a building with two carriages and a red crystal growth that allows the player to reach the roof. The shell is on top of the pointed spire.
"War's Flames Blaze Fiercely"
Golden Cicada Shell 13:
Look for the Battle Flag near a fallen red tower. There will be signs of battle all around, including several dead bodies and a considerable amount of blood. To reach the shell, head over the tower and continue along the wall until reaching the corner with the blood trail. Turn right here, then continue until reaching the burning pile of rubble.
Turn right again, and the chest containing the shell will be at the end of the path. Check the images above for visual confirmation.
Golden Cicada Shell 14:
The second shell in "War's Flamed Blaze Fiercely" is found in the tunnels below the location of the first shell. From the chest, look across the river to see the switch that lowers the water. Once that has been done, enter the tunnels.
Look for the area with the raised platform out in the middle of a large chamber. The chest with the second shell sits here. Simply use the pillars to reach the platform. Watch out for the terracotta soldiers guarding the area.
"The Way of the Warrior"
Golden Cicada Shell 15:
From the first broken tree branch that the player comes across at the very start of the stage, turn left into a clearing that features a fight with a Zhupolong. The shell can be seen at the back of the area, along with other loot. See the picture for the correct item.
"Lu Bu, Mightiest Among Men"
Golden Cicada Shell 16:
Shell 16 is found on the ground on the left side of the building that contains the final Battle Flag.
"Behold the Glaive of Righteousness"
Golden Cicada Shell 17:
In the small arena that features a roaming Suanyu (Bird Demon), there is a large guard tower. Look for the broken tree that rests on the edge of the tower; the shell is found on the tree itself. Watch out for the warlock in the tower and the enemy on the tree.
Golden Cicada Shell 18:
After defeating the mid-level bosses, the player will enter the stage's tunnel section. From the first Battle Flag found here, head straight and under the loot seen overhead. In the next chamber, turn left up the slight incline and follow the path to the chamber with the two massive terracotta soldiers. Instead of heading in their direction, go straight across and up, entering the upper chamber.
Turn left and locate a hole in the ground with the ladder descending. This ladder will lead to the shortcut seen above the battle flag. Back up top, there will be a large Huoshu (fire rat) in the hallway to the left of the hole. Deal with the rat and the demon cocoon behind it, and find the shell against the wall.
"Decisive Battle of Guandu"
Golden Cicada Shell 19:
The first shell in "Decisive Battle of Guandu" is incredibly easy to find. When approaching the row of giant terracotta soldiers after clearing out the small village, go behind the second soldier on the right and walk straight toward the edge. Directly below the edge will be a small ledge that sticks out. The stage's first shell is found here.
Golden Cicada Shell 20:
The stage's second shell is found just below the final Battle Flag. To the right of the flag, there is a small ledge that can be dropped on and followed to a small area with the shell and a Shitieshou.
Final Golden Cicada Shell in Hidden Village
Hidden Village
Golden Cicada Shell 21:
The final shell is found at the base of the tall tower that is located at the very end of the Hidden Village. Head down past the forge, then past the Taoist who features in Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty's ' House Keys' side quest, and on through to the tower. There is a small chamber at the base of the tower will Golden Cicada Shell 21 will be found. The shell can be found as soon as the area is open.
How to Complete Ascension Trophy/Achievement
Head to the same tower that the final shell was in. There are a series of vines that make their way around the tower, allowing the player to climb to the top. There will be a hermit on the roof that asks the player for the shells. In return, he will give various rewards, though none are all that special. Once the player turns in all 21 shells, they will be rewarded with the Ascension trophy/achievement.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.