As a dedicated player of Roblox's expansive RPG, The Forge, I've spent countless hours exploring its worlds and tackling its most rewarding quests. In 2026, the game's landscape remains rich with unique challenges, and one of the most memorable early-to-mid game quests is helping the lonely NPC, Tomo the Explorist, find his lost black cat. This isn't just a simple fetch quest; it's a multi-stage adventure that tests your perseverance, resource management, and combat skills, culminating in significant rewards that boost your progression. The journey begins in the serene hills of Stonewake's Cross but quickly leads you into the treacherous depths of the Forgotten Kingdom, where a deceptive Goblin King holds the key to your success.

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Initiating the Quest: Finding Tomo the Explorist

My adventure started when I first wandered into Stonewake's Cross, the game's starting area. Perched atop a hill, looking rather forlorn, was Tomo the Explorist. Upon speaking with him, he explained his predicament: his beloved feline companion had gone missing. He pleaded for my assistance, promising not just gratitude but tangible rewards for the cat's safe return. This quest is a fantastic example of The Forge's design, where helping NPCs yields more than just a good feeling—it grants quest items, exclusive titles, progression badges, and valuable in-game currency. Accepting his plea sets you on a path that will significantly enhance your character's capabilities, including increasing your stash capacity and providing a substantial experience boost for leveling up.

The Search Begins: Beyond Stonewake's Cross

My initial instinct was to scour every nook and cranny of Stonewake's Cross. However, after a thorough investigation, I confirmed what many guides now state: Tomo's cat is not in the starting area. This realization is the first major clue that this quest is designed for players who have progressed further. To find the elusive pet, you must venture into the Forgotten Kingdom, the game's second major world. Access to this realm is gated behind a simple but crucial requirement: reaching Character Level 10. Once you achieve this milestone, a portal becomes available, allowing you to teleport to the new, more dangerous island.

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Upon arriving in the Forgotten Kingdom, the real hunt begins. From the spawn point, I headed east, then moved south from the location of the Sensei Moro NPC. Continuing along this path, I eventually spotted goblin guards on the right-hand side, marking the entrance to a hostile area. Venturing inside, I was greeted by the imposing sight of the Goblin King and, to his right, a massive door leading to the Goblin Cave. This is the dungeon where the cat is hidden, but gaining entry is not straightforward—it requires dealing with the king himself.

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The Goblin King's Deceptive Demands

Here's where the quest transforms from a simple search into a grueling test of resource gathering. The Goblin King presents himself as a helpful ally but is, in truth, a notorious scammer who will run off with your hard-earned stash. To obtain the Goblin Cave Key, you must complete a series of five escalating tasks for him. This is a long series of tasks that demands significant time investment, gold farming, and ore collection. Unlike quicker quests like the Cure for Isaac, this is a marathon. Here’s a breakdown of his demands:

Quest Step Required Gold Required Ores & Location
Goblin King 1 5,000 Gold Coins None
Goblin King 2 10,000 Gold x3 Topaz (from Basalt Core)
Goblin King 3 15,000 Gold x5 Diamonds (from Basalt Core & Veins)
Goblin King 4 20,000 Gold x5 Emeralds (from Basalt Core & Veins)
Let's get over It! 25,000 Gold x5 Rubies (from Basalt Veins)

Total Cost: A staggering 75,000 Gold and 18 precious gems! 😱

Efficient Farming Strategies for Gold and Ores

As a seasoned player, I've refined methods to tackle these demands without excessive grinding. Here are the fastest ways to earn gold and collect ores in 2026:

  1. Complete High-Yield Quests: Focus on quests from Captain Rowan, as each completion can grant 10,000 Gold or more. This is your primary gold source.

  2. Multi-Task Enemy Slaying: Simultaneously accept quests from the Masked Stranger and Amber. They often involve defeating the same enemy types, such as:

    • Rogues

    • Deathaxe Skeletons

    • Bombers

    • Reapers

    Progress on one quest counts for all, maximizing efficiency.

  3. Team Up for Combat: If you're an early or mid-game player, team up with friends. Damage dealt to monsters counts for all party members, and you earn bonus gold for every enemy killed together. This makes tackling tougher foes much more manageable.

  4. Monetize Monster Drops: Don't ignore the essences dropped by enemies. Selling these on the marketplace or to vendors provides a consistent, sizable income stream.

  5. Invest in Mining Early: Purchase a Cobalt Pickaxe (10,000 Gold) as soon as you can. Head to the Ruined Cave to mine Basalt Cores and Basalt Veins for premium materials like Topaz, Diamond, Emerald, and Ruby.

  6. Craft and Sell for Profit: Use 30+ of these high-quality ores (Cobalt, Topaz, Quartz) to craft 100% pure weapons and armor. Forage for excellent-quality tools as well. Each crafted or found high-tier item can sell for over 1,000 Gold, turning your mining efforts into direct wealth.

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Claiming the Cat and Reaping the Rewards

After what feels like an eternity of farming and finally handing over the last ruby, the Goblin King will vanish. Simply press 'E' near his throne to claim your prize: the Goblin Cave Key. Unlock the giant door, enter the cave, and navigate north, then east toward the sound of rushing water. Behind the waterfalls, you'll find what appears to be a rock wall—this is a secret door. Enter from the left side, and in the area marked Descent's Beginning, you'll find Tomo's scared black cat. Just interact with it to pick it up.

Now, use your map to teleport back to Tomo in Stonewake's Cross. The reunion is heartwarming, and your compensation is more than fitting for the ordeal. Completing the Tomo the Explorist quest in 2026 grants you:

  • 💰 25,000 Gold: A massive financial injection.

  • 🏅 Professional Rescuer Badge: A permanent mark of your achievement.

  • 📛 CatLover Title: A fun, exclusive title to show off.

  • ⬆️ Increased Stash Capacity: More space for your loot.

  • 💪 Bonus Stamina: Improved exploration and combat endurance.

  • ✨ Large Experience Payout: A significant boost toward your next level.

This quest epitomizes the rewarding cycle of The Forge. It pushes you to explore new zones, master resource economies, and overcome substantial challenges. The sense of accomplishment when you finally return that cat, coupled with the powerful bonuses, makes every minute of the grind worthwhile. It's a rite of passage for any dedicated adventurer in the game.