Silksong: Balm for the Wounded — I Saved Sherma and All I Got Was This Spool Fragment

Silksong Balm for the Wounded guide: track Sherma through Whiteward, start in Songclave, and survive enemy waves.

Ah, the Whiteward. The place where hope goes to get a haircut and never comes back. If you are playing Silksong in 2026 and you have finally reached the Citadel, congratulations. Act 2 is less of a guided tour and more of a haunted museum where every exhibit wants to stab you. And if you have met Sherma, the adorable pilgrim bug, you already know you would follow him into a nightmare. Which, spoiler alert, is exactly what this quest asks you to do.

How to Start Balm for the Wounded

First, you need Songclave. Ring the Grand Bell in the top-right of the Choral Chambers. Later, come back and the area has become a Town hub with a Wishwall. Pick up the White Key to the right of the Grand Bell, then unlock and explore the Whiteward. After that, return to Songclave. Sherma should be among the pilgrims. Talk to him. Then leave and come back later. Of course he is gone. Did you expect the cute one to stay safe? No. Pick up Sherma's quest on the Wishwall: Balm for the Wounded. Then head back down to the Whiteward to save him.

Finding Sherma in the Whiteward

From Choral Chambers, enter Whiteward. Sit at the bench on the right side of the first room to save your location. Then jump down the shaft. Do not drop all the way down. Take the first exit on the right. Follow the path right, drop down the hole, and you will land on a trackable object. Interact with it to Track Sherma. Now follow the trail. Is it creepy? Yes. Is it also weirdly beautiful? Also yes.

The trail initially leads Hornet right through a room filled with giant masked enemies wielding scissors. These are not arts-and-crafts scissors. They are the kind that make you reconsider your choices. Track the second object on a platform between spikes in this long room. This continues Sherma's trail, leading you further right. Avoid the enemies again, then follow the trail upward. The trail will lead to a room you can enter. Go in, then break the breakable wall on the right side. Inside, you will find Sherma.

The Rescue and the Enemy Waves

Talk to Sherma. He is shivering in fear. He has seen the brutality and faith-challenging horrors of the Whiteward. He says he found healing supplies, got trapped, and then started to hear moans in the dark. Poor little guy. After a moment, a variety of challenging enemies appear in waves. Of course they do.

Here is how I handled them:

Enemy Type
How to Fight
Why

Three flying enemies with tentacle-like silk strands
Use Silk Skills and Tools
They are hard to get close to and hit with the Needle

Two scissor-wielding enemies
Use pogo attacks, downward slashes in mid-air
Avoid their rapid attacks, which deal two masks of damage

Defeat the three flying enemies first if you can. They are annoying little sky gremlins. Then focus on the two scissor enemies. Pogo them. Bounce on their heads like you are playing a very violent game of hopscotch. Do not get greedy. Their attacks hurt. A lot. Two masks of damage is not a suggestion. It is a warning.

After defeating the waves, you have successfully saved Sherma. He will return to Songclave. But not before giving Hornet something he found while looking for supplies.

Reward: Spool Fragment

For finding Sherma and saving him from the horrors of the Whiteward, he rewards Hornet with a Spool Fragment.

Hornet can combine 2x Spool Fragments to increase her maximum Silk by 1 bar. Is that worth fighting through a haunted hospital full of scissor monsters? If you use Silk Skills often, absolutely. If you do not, well, you still saved a cute bug. That counts for something.

Final Thoughts

So, would I do Balm for the Wounded again in 2026? Yes. Would I complain the entire time? Also yes. The Whiteward is a masterclass in dread, and Sherma is a masterclass in making you care about a tiny fictional bug. If you are stuck, remember: sit at the bench, take the first right, track the trail, break the wall, and pogo the scissors. And if you hear moans in the dark, maybe do not investigate alone.

Now go get that Spool Fragment. Sherma believes in you. I believe in you. The scissor monsters do not, but their opinion does not matter. 🧵

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Hollow Knight: Silksong's Rosary Bead Sound Is a Tiny Masterclass in Audio Design

Hollow Knight: Silksong’s Rosary Beads deliver wildly satisfying sounds, turning tiny currency caches into unforgettable player rituals.

In an industry that often prizes visual fidelity and cinematic spectacle, sound design remains one of the most quietly powerful tools in a developer's arsenal. Hollow Knight: Silksong, the long-awaited sequel to Team Cherry's 2017 metroidvania classic, understands this principle intimately. Since its release, players and critics have praised composer Christopher Larkin's score, but the game's true audio magic often lies in the smallest interactions—the sprint across a metallic platform, the pogo bounce off an enemy's shell, and, most memorably, the cascade of Rosary Beads hitting the ground.

Among Silksong's vast library of hand-crafted sound effects, the Rosary Bead deposit has emerged as a fan-favorite. These strange strings hang from floor to ceiling in mossy tunnels, adorned with deep-red beads. They are not mere set dressing; they are currency caches. Striking the rope sends a handful of beads tumbling to the floor, and each one produces a light 'twang' followed by a satisfying 'tap' as it touches stone. The beads rattle gently as they roll, creating a two-second rhythm that many players describe as oddly cathartic.

For many players, an early encounter in a mossy tunnel becomes a core memory. The string is peculiar, stretching from floor to ceiling with a series of deep-red beads dangling from it. Even before fully understanding Silksong's currency system, instinct takes over. The player hacks at the rope. What follows is a small avalanche of beads, each strike producing a handful of falling spheres. The light 'twang' of the string gives way to a crisp 'tap' sound effect, with each bead rattling gently as it first touches and rolls along the ground. The satisfaction compounds with every new bead that hits the floor. The cathartic rhythm of the interaction burrows deep into the brain.

From that point forward, every Rosary Bead deposit becomes the site of a personal ritual. Players find the deposit, lean forward in their chairs, and revel in the sound of each individual bead hitting the ground in quick succession. It is not just a noise; it is a tiny ceremony of wealth acquisition.

Yet the love for these deposits goes far beyond acoustics. It is also about what the sound represents. To put it lightly, Silksong's economy is not balanced to perfection. Most bosses do not drop Rosary Beads. Most benches cost beads to unlock. In-game items and upgrades are expensive to purchase. Given Silksong's difficult nature, many players end up losing more beads than they pick up. These Rosary Bead deposits are one of the only reliable sources of wealth in the entire game, and they are a bit of a rarity. So whenever a deposit is found, the player is not merely enjoying the literal sound of beads hitting the floor. They are enjoying the rare feeling of earning a valuable resource. They are celebrating the fact that they will finally be able to purchase that one tool they have wanted since first finding the Forge Daughter in Deep Docks many hours ago.

The audio design of the Rosary Bead deposit works on several levels. The following table breaks down its components and their effects.

Audio element
Description
Player response

Rope twang
Light, string-like snap
Signals cause and effect

Bead tap
Crisp, wooden tap
Delivers immediate satisfaction

Rolling rattle
Gentle clatter
Extends the reward after impact

Rapid succession
Overlapping taps and rattles
Creates a rhythmic, almost musical loop

This layered approach is why the sound has become iconic. It is short, repeatable, and never fatiguing. It rewards attention without demanding it. It turns a mundane action into a moment of delight. In 2026, the conversation around Silksong's audio design continues to grow. Content creators have isolated the Rosary Bead sound for ASMR-style videos. Modders have jokingly replaced other sound effects with it. Speedrunners have optimized routes around bead deposits, and casual players still pause to listen. The sound has become a cultural shorthand for Silksong's blend of challenge and reward.

Sound design is often overlooked in favor of shiny graphics, intense action, and emotive stories, but it is no less important. Audio reinforces every moment of gameplay and can easily be the difference between a good game and a great one. Hollow Knight: Silksong is home to stellar audio design, and the Rosary Bead deposit is proof that even a two-second interaction can become unforgettable. It is a tiny masterclass in tactile feedback, economic relief, and the strange pleasure of hearing small objects hit the ground.

That same attention to detail extends to how players build their libraries, too. Just as a single bead deposit can shape a route through Hallownest's ruins, the price you pay for a game shapes whether a journey is even worth starting. For those who want to experience the kind of care poured into Silksong's soundscape without straining their budget, comparing storefronts matters more than ever. If you're looking for titles with the same level of craft, checking [cheapest steam keys]( on DealNest is a practical first step.

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Thread Storm: The Silksong Skill I Almost Missed

Missed Hollow Knight Silksong's Thread Storm in Pharloom? This AoE silk attack shreds crowds—grab it in east Greymoor.

Listen, I'm a seasoned bug hunter. I've dodged, pogoed, and silk-dashed my way through countless metroidvanias. But Hollow Knight: Silksong? It humbled me. Not because of its bosses (okay, maybe a little), but because I spent roughly 20 hours wandering Pharloom before realizing I had completely missed one of Hornet's most satisfying abilities: the Thread Storm. ‍️

I had just defeated Moorwing in Greymoor—back before the difficulty nerfs, mind you—and my ego was soaring. I was ready to charge into the next area, blissfully unaware that the east side of Greymoor held a secret so deliciously violent that it would become my favorite offensive tool in the entire game. Instead, I got sidetracked by shiny new zones and forgot to check my map. Classic me. So if you're reading this in 2026 and you've also been sleeping on the Thread Storm, pull up a chair. We need to talk.

The Thread Storm: A Love Letter to AoE Carnage

Getting the Thread Storm isn't exactly a walk in the park. It requires clearing out a bunch of crow-like bugs infesting the east side of Greymoor, followed by some well-timed pogo parkour. Yes, pogo parkour. The kind that makes you question your reflexes and your life choices. But once you snag it, oh boy. This AoE silk attack unleashes a flurry of whip-like slashes in a radius around Hornet. It's like a tornado of pain, and I am here for it.

Is it the most efficient tool in Hornet's arsenal? Probably not. But is it the most satisfying? Absolutely. There's something primal about spinning around and shredding a cluster of enemies that thought they could gang up on you. The Thread Storm doesn't just clear the room—it sends a message. And the best part? Repeatedly pressing the skill button extends the duration at no extra cost. You can keep the party going until your silk runs dry or your fingers cramp. Just be aware that after the initial stun wears off, you're left wide open to retaliation. Risk versus reward, baby.

Thread Storm vs. Silkspear: A Quick Comparison

Feature
Thread Storm
Silkspear

Damage type
AoE, multi-hit
Single-target, piercing

Crowd control
Excellent
Limited

Silk cost
Moderate
Low

Extendable
Yes (button mashing)
No

Cool factor
️️️️️
️️

As you can see, the Thread Storm wins on style points alone. But it's not just about looking cool. When paired with Hornet's tools—like AoE poison attacks or ranged traps—you can create deadly combos that melt enemies trying to avoid your silk attack. I've lost count of how many times I've trapped a group of bugs, popped a poison cloud, and then spun to win. It's a beautiful symphony of destruction.

Pharloom: A Metroidvania Playground of Secrets

Now, I know Silksong caught some flak early on for not rewarding players enough through boss charms or discoverable items. But let me tell you, the mid-to-late game more than makes up for it. Pharloom is absolutely overflowing with content. There are tools, crests, and secret paths everywhere. It's almost overwhelming—in the best way. The game takes its metroidvania inspirations and runs with them, thriving on backtracking and rewarding player creativity.

Take Shakra's purchasable waypoints, for example. They're a godsend. They remind you to return later with the right skills. But here's the thing: if you're like me and you miss something as crucial as the Thread Storm or an additional Crest slot, you'll kick yourself. I spent hours wandering around, wondering why certain fights felt harder than they should. Then I realized I had been ignoring a whole section of Greymoor. Facepalm. ‍️

So here's my advice: leave no stone unturned. If you see a suspicious ledge, pogo up there. If you hear a faint sound, investigate. If a map area looks empty, it's probably hiding something. The game rewards curiosity just as much as combat skill. And with the 2026 updates and community discoveries, there's no excuse to miss out.

Backtracking: The Art of Feeling Dumb and Then Smart

Backtracking in Silksong is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's tedious. On the other hand, it's incredibly satisfying when you finally unlock that ability you needed to reach a secret area. I've had moments where I felt like a genius for remembering a random ledge I couldn't reach 15 hours ago. Then I've had moments where I felt like a complete idiot for missing the Thread Storm for so long.

But that's the beauty of Pharloom. It's a world that respects your time and your intelligence. It doesn't hold your hand. It lets you experience the game at your own pace, which means you might miss things. And that's okay—as long as you eventually go back. The Thread Storm is just one example. There are countless other secrets, from hidden bosses to lore-rich environments that flesh out the 7 years of passion that went into this game.

Why You Shouldn't Sleep on Passive Abilities

Crests and Weaver Skills are powerful enhancements that can completely change your playstyle. I ignored them for way too long. Don't be like me. Experiment. Mix and match. Find what works for you. The Thread Storm might be my favorite, but there are plenty of other tools that are just as viable. The key is to explore, experiment, and never assume you've seen everything.

The Little Details That Make Silksong Shine

Even outside of tangible rewards, Silksong is packed with hidden details. Background NPCs, environmental storytelling, subtle animations—it's all there. These details help you gain a better understanding of Pharloom and the love that went into its creation. I've spent hours just watching enemies interact with each other or admiring the way light filters through the fungal forests. It's a game that rewards observation.

So if you're playing in 2026 and you haven't grabbed the Thread Storm yet, do yourself a favor. Head to eastern Greymoor. Clear out those crows. Do the pogo parkour. And then unleash hell. Your bug-hunting career will never be the same. And if you miss it? Well, at least you'll have a funny story to tell. Just like me.

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My Painful Quest for Plasmium in Silksong (And How You Can Do It Too)

Find all Plasmium locations for the Alchemist's Assistant quest in Silksong's Wormways, using the Needle Phial to claim early rewards.

So, you've bumped into Alchemist Zylotol in the Wormways, huh? Yeah, that weird bug with the scientific vibes. He wants Plasmium, and he's not exactly handing out a treasure map. I remember my first run—got lost in those winding tunnels for like an hour. But fear not, fellow Hollow Knight: Silksong player. I've done the dirty work, and I'm here to spill the beans on the Alchemist's Assistant quest. It's 2026, and this side quest is still one of the best early-game rewards you can snag. Let's dive in.

First Things First: You Need the Needle Phial

Before you go poking around for Plasmium, you gotta equip the right tool. The Needle Phial is your key to extracting that glowing blue goo. Sit on the bench right next to Zylotol (convenient, I know), pop open your Tools menu, and slot it in. No Needle Phial? No Plasmium. Simple as that.

The Three Plasmium Locations (Don't Get Lost, Okay?)

There are exactly three Plasmium buds scattered across the Wormways. I've marked them all below. Trust me, the first time I ran this, I walked right past one because I was too busy staring at a spike pit. Don't be like me.

1. The Alcove Right Under Zylotol's Nose

This one's a gimme. From the Alchemist's spot, take the exit to the right and drop down a level. Turn left, and you'll see a spike pit. Use your Wall Climb to get above it, then go left and drop down again. Boom—blue glow in the alcove to your right. Hold that Tool activation hotkey, and the Needle Phial does its thing.

2. Deeper Into the Bowels of the Wormways

The second bud is further down, and the route's a bit twisty. I'll be honest, I fell into a pit of acid my first try. But you got this. Follow the main path downward, keep an eye out for ledges, and eventually you'll spot the telltale blue shimmer. Here's the sequence:

Once you see it, extract it with the Needle Phial. Easy peasy.

3. The Hidden Node West of the Second One

This one's a bit sneaky. It's in a hidden section west of the second node. You'll need to break a wall—yes, a breakable wall. I spent ten minutes slashing random spots before I found it. Don't be shy; just smack everything that looks suspicious.

After you grab all three, head back to Zylotol. He'll be thrilled—well, as thrilled as a bug scientist can be.

The Reward: Plasmium Phial (Worth Every Scratch)

Zylotol hands over the Plasmium Phial. This bad boy temporarily boosts Hornet's base health by three extra masks. In boss fights? Absolute lifesaver. I'm not kidding—those extra hearts have saved my shell more times than I can count.

Here's the nitty-gritty:

Feature
Details

Active charges
3

Reserve charges
20

Max temporary masks
3

Refill on bench
Yes, uses Shell Shards

Zylotol refill fee
50 Rosaries (flat)

When you rest at a bench, Hornet auto-refills the active charges from the reserve, chomping through your Shell Shards. And if you run dry, Zylotol will top you off for a flat 50 Rosaries—no matter how many are missing. Bargain, right?

Final Tips from a Seasoned Wanderer

• Don't rush. The Wormways are a maze. Take your time, use your map markers.

• Bring extra Shell Shards. You'll want them for refills.

• The breakable wall is your friend. If you're stuck, slash everything.

• Use the Plasmium Phial before boss fights. Three extra masks can turn a wipe into a win.

So there you have it. The Alchemist's Assistant quest isn't just a fetch quest—it's a ticket to one of the most clutch tools in Silksong. Now get out there, snag that Plasmium, and show those bosses who's boss. Happy hunting! ️️

Silksong has a knack for pulling players deeper into the wider world of hand-drawn, punishingly difficult action-platformers. Once Hornet's journey wraps up — or even if you're just taking a breather between boss attempts — it's hard not to start eyeing the rest of the genre: Hollow Knight, Blasphemous, Ender Lilies, Nine Sols, and plenty more that scratch the same itch. The catch is that most of them hold their price for a long time, and buying a whole shelf of them at full cost adds up quickly.

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The Silksong Platinum Trophy Is Already in a Few Players' Hands

Hollow Knight: Silksong's platinum trophy demands brutal speedruns and 100% completion. Only 0.06% of players earned it.

I still remember the first time I booted up Hollow Knight: Silksong. It was September 2025, and like everyone else who had waited nearly seven years, I thought I was ready. I was not. The tight platforming, the diagonal bounce, the enemies that rip away two masks with a single hit — Silksong didn't just meet my expectations; it shoved them off a cliff. Now, in 2026, I can look back at that launch week with a mix of awe and embarrassment. Awe because a handful of players did something impossible. Embarrassment because I'm still stuck on Widow.

It took less than a week for some extremely skilled Hollow Knight: Silksong players to 100 percent the game and earn its uber-difficult platinum trophy. I know that sounds like a flex, and it is. But it's also a terrifying statement about how high the skill ceiling goes. I truly believed it would take months before anyone fully completed Silksong. Instead, the first platinum holders appeared while most of us were still learning enemy patterns and mourning our Geo.

The trophy list itself is a monster. To get the platinum, you don't just need to finish the game. You need to beat it in under five hours for a speedrun trophy. You need to clear it 100 percent for another. And then, because that isn't enough, you need to combine those two challenges: 100 percent completion in under 30 hours. That last one sounds like a personal attack. I've spent longer than 30 hours just staring at boss arenas, wondering if my controller is broken or if I am.

I've been checking the PlayStation trophy tracking website PSNProfiles over the past few days since Silksong first released — after its extended hiatus on PlayStation, no less — eager to see if anyone had managed to get its platinum. Today I found out that a few skilled players have managed to nab it. According to PSNProfiles, a mere 0.06 percent of Silksong players on PlayStation have managed to see everything the game has to offer, or at least everything needed for the trophy. Over on SteamDB, that number drops to just 0.01 percent of players. Those numbers are so small they feel like rounding errors. They are not. They are monuments to dedication.

Here's a quick look at what the platinum demands, because seeing it in a list makes my hands hurt:

Challenge
Requirement
My reaction

Speedrun
Beat the game in under 5 hours
Absolutely not

Completionist
100 percent the game
Maybe in a decade

Combined run
100 percent in under 30 hours
No thanks

Platinum
All of the above
God-tier patience

Good thing PlayStation players don't have to complete Steel Soul for the platinum. I've seen what Steel Soul does to people. It turns confident bug-slaying heroes into trembling shells who pause the game to breathe. I respect anyone who even attempts it, let alone finishes it.

Personally, I think getting the platinum in under a week is a bit soon for a game we waited nearly seven years for. But that's probably just the jealousy talking. I'm still stuck on Widow, and every time I think I've learned her patterns, she reminds me that I have not. So when I see that 0.06 percent on PlayStation or 0.01 percent on Steam, I don't just see a trophy. I see someone who mastered the diagonal bounce, memorized every boss, optimized every route, and probably sacrificed sleep, meals, and maybe a controller or two.

In 2026, Silksong is still a game that demands respect. The platinum remains rare, and for good reason. It isn't just about beating a hard game; it's about beating it perfectly, quickly, and thoroughly. That combination is brutal. For most of us, simply reaching the credits is an achievement. For those few platinum holders, it's a badge of insanity — the good kind. I'm jealous, impressed, and slightly worried about them. Mostly impressed, though.

Maybe one day I'll get past Widow. Maybe one day I'll see the credits. But the platinum? I'll leave that to the Silksong gods. They've earned it.

Not all of us are chasing platinum trophies, though. Plenty of players are still waiting for the right moment to even start Silksong — or looking to pick up Hollow Knight first, or a few other metroidvanias to fill the gap while they work up the courage to face Widow. That's where a bit of patience pays off in a different way. Instead of grinding routes and memorizing boss patterns, you can spend a few minutes checking whether the game is discounted on one storefront versus another, and put the savings toward a spare controller for the inevitable rage-quit.

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Silksong: I Unlocked the Choral Chambers Stage Door and Fought Trobbio

Unlock Silksong's Stage door in Choral Chambers by routing through Whispering Vaults to beat Trobbio.

I still remember the first time I laid eyes on that locked door in Choral Chambers. It was just above the Grand Bellway, bottom-right of the zone, and I could see a golden lever mocking me from the other side. Hornet could not reach it. No amount of wall-clinging, dash-slashing, or desperate pogo tricks would do the job. That door is the entrance to The Stage, and behind it waits Trobbio, an acclaimed thespian who wants to use his theatrical performance to 'rouse the soul of this one great land.' If you are playing Silksong in 2026, this little detour is still one of the most rewarding side paths in the game. Let me spill the tea on how I got through it.

Why Bother With The Stage?

Beating Trobbio is not just about bragging rights. Once he is down, you get much safer access to the Whispering Vaults and the top-right side of the Underworks. The Grand Bellway bench is practically right below the boss room, so it becomes a convenient fast-travel anchor. In a game like Silksong, where a single wrong step can send you back to the last bench with a bruised ego, that is huge. It is the difference between a leisurely stroll and a sweaty-palmed gauntlet every time you need to pass through.

The Long Way Around

The lever that opens the Stage door is on the far side. You cannot reach it from Choral Chambers. Period. You have to go all the way around through the Whispering Vaults and enter the boss room from the right side. Here is the route I used, step by step.

Step
What To Do
Danger Level

1
From the Cogwork Dancers arena (where the three ancient statues now sit after you beat the boss), head down into the Cogwork Core.
Low

2
Carefully navigate to the right side of the room. If you do not have the shortcut unlocked, go all the way down, then around the bottom of the central wall.
Medium

3
Continue right, pogo-ing across more gears, until you enter a room with a lever.
High

4
Hit the lever to turn the gigantic wheel-gate horizontal. This connects the top of Choral Chambers to the Bellway area below.
Low

5
Continue right to enter the Whispering Vaults.
Medium

6
Attack boxes to push them along tracks in the background, then continue into the room on the right.
High

7
In the enormous, labyrinthine room, aim for the exit on the left about two-thirds of the way down.
Very High

8
Dodge flame-tossing enemies, gigantic armored bugs, and rapid slashing enemies while solving box puzzles.
Very High

9
Continue left, then drop down into the top layer of The Stage.
Medium

10
At the end of the hallway, drop down near the door. Do NOT enter the boss arena yet. Hit the lever to unlock the locked door to The Stage.
Low

11
Go back to the Grand Bellway and sit on the bench to set your respawn point.
Breathe

That last step is not optional. I repeat: do not be a hero. If you skip the bench and die to Trobbio, and you sat at any bench on the way through the Cogwork Core or Whispering Vaults, you will have to make a much longer trek back. Trust me, I learned that the hard way. My pride still has not recovered.

Whispering Vaults: Box Puzzles and Bullet Hell

The Whispering Vaults section is no joke. Those box puzzles are cute until you are getting peppered by flame projectiles and rushed by armored bugs the size of a small house. I found that patience is the real weapon here. Push the boxes one at a time, keep your distance from the slashing enemies, and do not get greedy with hits. If you are using a spell-heavy build, save your Silk for emergency healing. If you are a pogo purist, may the odds be ever in your favor.

The labyrinthine room is the worst offender. It is huge, and the exit you need is on the left, about two-thirds down. I marked it on the map image above because I got lost twice. Twice! In 2026, with all the guides and patches, I still managed to take the scenic route through every wrong hallway. Do not be like me. Keep an eye on the map, hug the left side when you can, and drop down only when you are sure.

The Final Lever and Boss Prep

Once you drop into the top layer of The Stage, you are almost there. Follow the hallway left, drop down near the door, and hit that lever. The locked door in Choral Chambers now opens from the other side. Now go back to the Grand Bellway bench. Sit. Relax. Maybe stretch your fingers. Then return to The Stage and show Trobbio what a real performance looks like.

Trobbio himself is a theatrical nightmare. He is fast, he is flashy, and he loves to punish greedy attacks. I will not spoil his full moveset, but bring your best tools: a fully upgraded needle, plenty of Silk, and maybe a shield charm if you have one. The reward is worth it: safer access to the Whispering Vaults and the top-right Underworks, plus the satisfaction of wiping that smug grin off his face.

So there you have it. The locked door in Choral Chambers is not a bug, a tease, or a developer prank. It is a gateway to one of Silksong's most memorable boss fights and a major convenience shortcut. In 2026, this route is still the way to go. Now go unlock that Stage door, and do not forget the bench. Your future self will thank you. ️

Speaking of rewards that are worth the wait, there is one other place where a little patience pays off: buying the game itself. If you have been holding off on picking up Silksong, or you want to grab it on a second platform for a co-op run, prices bounce around constantly between storefronts, and refreshing five tabs during every seasonal sale gets old fast. That is exactly the gap [game price tracker]( fills over at DealNest — it keeps an eye on listings across the major stores so you can see at a glance whether the current deal is genuinely the lowest it has been, or just marketing noise dressed up as a discount.

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Why Silksong's Enemy Gauntlets Fix a Classic Soulslike Flaw

Hollow Knight: Silksong blends metroidvania exploration with soulslike combat, using inescapable enemy gauntlets to make every fight a lesson.

Like many players, I came to Hollow Knight: Silksong expecting a masterclass in metroidvania design. I got that, but I also got a game that understands something most soulslikes overlook. Silksong is defined by constant backtracking, powerful movement abilities, and steady, meaningful progression, putting it in conversation with Blasphemous, Ender Lilies, Metroid, and Castlevania. Yet it also owes a huge debt to Demon's Souls and Dark Souls. The bonfire-like checkpoints, the corpse-running mechanic, the grimdark world full of characters slowly going insane, the brutal boss battles that reward pattern learning and i-frame dodging after upgrades—all of it is here. But there is one area where Silksong excels, not just against its predecessor but against some of the best soulslikes ever made.

The Soulslike Shortcut I Used to Take

A typical soulslike splits into two broad categories: boss battles and exploration sections filled with lower-level enemies. Those fodder foes can be tough, acting as mini challenges before the area boss. This structure has served the genre well, but it has one glaring shortcoming. Players can simply avoid these lower-level enemies en route to the boss, especially on subsequent attempts once they know the layout. Have you ever sprinted past a dozen hollows, dogs, or soldiers just to throw yourself at a boss again? I know I have. In Dark Souls, that is not the ideal way to play, but it is possible. In Hollow Knight: Silksong, it is virtually impossible.

Inescapable Gauntlets Change Everything

Silksong adopts a structure similar to classic FromSoftware games, but it punctuates many areas with inescapable enemy gauntlets. The fodder-type foes of the area converge on me in a coordinated attack. Often, defeating this onslaught is the only way to progress to the next area, and there is usually no option for escape either. If I repeatedly run past these same enemies during exploration sections, then I will be ill-equipped to face them in the gauntlet. I will not have learned their attack patterns or weaknesses. So why does this matter? Because it turns every enemy placement into a lesson.

I remember the first time I tried to rush through a later area. I had mastered Hornet's movement, or so I thought. I dashed past a cluster of enemies, only to hit a locked arena. The gate slammed shut. Suddenly, I was surrounded. I panicked, wasted my silk, and died. On my next attempt, I slowed down. I studied each enemy type in the rooms before the gauntlet. I learned which ones lunge, which ones spit projectiles, and which ones punish greedy attacks. By the time I reached the arena again, I was ready. That is the genius of Silksong's design.

Combat Design Makes It Work

On its face, the formula of exploration passages plus basic enemy gauntlets is simple. But it only works because of Silksong's sterling combat design. To beat a series of enemies, I need a solid grasp on my movement and attack styles. I must identify openings, clock safe moments to heal, and get parry timing right. The only feasible way to do this without being immediately overwhelmed is to engage with these same enemy types before the gauntlet. That makes me better prepared. It also makes the world feel dangerous in a way that few soulslikes manage. I cannot treat enemies as scenery. They are part of the challenge, not just speed bumps on the way to a boss.

Here is a quick comparison of how Silksong handles common soulslike elements:

Soulslike Convention
Typical Implementation
Silksong's Twist

Checkpoints
Bonfires reset enemies
Bench-like checkpoints, but gauntlets reset too

Corpse runs
Retrieve lost currency
Retrieve your cocoon and silk

Fodder enemies
Often skippable
Forced into arenas, cannot skip

Boss learning
Pattern recognition
Gauntlets teach patterns before boss

Difficulty
Brutal but fair
Brutal, fair, and relentlessly educational

Why This Respects My Time and Skill

Some players might argue that forcing enemy gauntlets is too punishing. I understand that. Silksong is not an easy game. But it is certainly conquerable, given the right level of attention and effort. This tough but rewarding design is par for the course for most soulslikes. The option to simply run past fodder enemies, most of whom will never be seen again, has always been a bit awkward. It makes enemy placement feel disposable. Silksong fixes that. By reincorporating fodder-type enemies within boss-like challenge arenas, it ensures that none of its enemies, nor its enemy placements, go to waste.

In 2026, after multiple playthroughs and post-launch updates, I still find myself appreciating this design more than ever. I no longer see a room full of enemies as an obstacle to sprint past. I see it as a classroom. I see it as a chance to sharpen my parries, test new tools, and prepare for the inevitable ambush ahead. Does that make Silksong harder than Dark Souls? In some ways, yes. But it also makes every victory feel earned. And that is exactly what I want from a modern metroidvania-soulslike hybrid.

So if you are like me and you used to run past every enemy on the way to a boss, Silksong will break that habit. It will punish you, teach you, and then reward you. And once you clear a gauntlet without taking a hit, you will understand why this game sidesteps a problem that has haunted soulslikes for years. It turns fodder into fundamentals. That is not just good design. It is essential design.

That hunger for the next challenge tends to arrive the moment the credits roll. Suddenly you are scrolling storefronts at 1 a.m., comparing the price of every metroidvania-soulslike hybrid that might scratch the same itch, only to find the same game listed at wildly different prices depending on the platform, the region, and whether a sale is quietly running. Keeping track of that manually is its own kind of grind, and not the rewarding kind.

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Silksong Guide: How to Open the Ornate Lock and Beat The Unravelled

Hollow Knight: Silksong's Whiteward lock hides The Unravelled boss; find the Surgical Key with Clawline to open it.

As of 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong continues to reward curious players who stray from the critical path, and few optional secrets are as easy to miss as the ornate lock mechanism hidden inside Whiteward. The device sits behind a keyhole, silent and unexplained, during Act 2. Because it is not tied to the main story, the game offers no tutorial, no marker, and no obvious hint about what lies beneath. So how does a traveler turn that stubborn lock into a doorway? The answer requires a return trip, a late-game movement ability, and a key that most players will overlook on their first pass through the Citadel.

A Locked Door in Whiteward

The journey begins during the climb to the top of the Citadel. To enter Whiteward, players need the White Key, which is found in the top-right part of the Citadel in Songclave. After collecting it, they can ring the bell in the First Shrine if they wish, then return to the elevator and ride it down. Once inside Whiteward, they should take the left passage. There, the ornate lock mechanism waits, demanding a keyhole item that is not yet in the inventory. At this point, the correct move is simple: ignore it and continue the main story.

Progression eventually leads to the Underworks, where players earn the Clawline ability on the eastern side. This tool is the missing piece. Without it, the Surgical Key cannot be reached, and the lock remains a decorative mystery. With it, the optional boss arena becomes accessible.

Finding the Surgical Key

After acquiring Clawline, players should return to Whiteward. The route is specific. They need to make their way to the right, just before the drop into the lava pit that leads into the Underworks. Up above that area, a secret passage is hidden on the top level. Going left from there reveals an enemy and a grapple point. By using Clawline on that point, players can trigger an item drop: the Surgical Key.

It is a small detour with a large payoff. The key must then be carried back to the ornate lock mechanism. Inserting it causes the floor underneath to open, dropping the player directly into The Unravelled's boss arena.

The Unravelled Boss Fight

The Unravelled does not begin as a solo duel. The encounter opens with a single enemy. Once that enemy is defeated, two more spawn. Only after those additional foes are dealt with does the actual boss make his appearance. It is a layered fight, and players who waste resources on the first wave may find themselves struggling before the main event even starts.

The boss has only three attacks in his arsenal, but each one punishes careless positioning. He deals two mask damage, so contact is costly. Players should avoid standing on the ground where he emerges. The Unravelled usually opens with a charge attack. The good news is that he can be attacked during this move. The safer response is to jump and dash out of the way, then strike him from behind before he dives into the ground.

After reemerging, he will either perform another charge or launch projectiles that can be hit. As he takes enough damage, he begins summoning spears from the ground before diving back down. In the later stages, he can start a charge attack while the spears are still active. That overlap is the real threat. Keeping calm, maintaining distance, and punishing only safe openings will carry the fight.

Phase
What Happens
Player Response

Opening
One enemy appears
Clear it quickly

Second Wave
Two enemies spawn
Manage spacing and silk

Boss Intro
The Unravelled enters
Avoid his emergence point

Charge
Boss rushes across arena
Jump, dash, hit from behind

Projectiles
Boss fires hittable shots
Strike them or dodge

Spears
Ground spears appear
Stay mobile, avoid charging boss

Reward
Silk Heart
Collect and exit

Why the Reward Matters

Defeating The Unravelled grants a Silk Heart. For completionists and players chasing every upgrade, this makes the ornate lock worth opening. It is not required for the main story, but it is another example of Silksong hiding meaningful rewards behind environmental puzzles and ability gates.

So is the detour worth it? For anyone who enjoys the game's exploration, yes. The lock mechanism is a reminder that not every secret announces itself. Sometimes the only hint is a keyhole, a hidden passage, and the patience to come back later with the right tool.

Quick Recap

• Reach Whiteward in Act 2.

• Get the White Key from Songclave in the Citadel.

• Ride the elevator down and find the ornate lock on the left passage.

• Continue the story until Clawline is obtained in eastern Underworks.

• Return to Whiteward and go right before the lava pit drop.

• Find the top secret passage, go left, and use Clawline on the grapple point.

• Collect the Surgical Key and unlock the mechanism.

• Defeat The Unravelled's waves and boss.

• Claim the Silk Heart.

In 2026, this remains one of the more satisfying optional secrets in Silksong. The path is obscure, the boss is dangerous, and the reward is permanent. For players who thrive on discovery, that combination is exactly what makes the hunt worthwhile.

That same patience — checking back later, keeping a mental note of something worth returning for — translates surprisingly well outside the game. Plenty of players who enjoy hunting down obscure secrets also enjoy hunting down a good price, and the two mindsets aren't so different: you watch for the right moment, you avoid impulse purchases, and you accept that the best opportunities rarely announce themselves up front.

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Where to Get Choir Cloaks in Silksong: A 2026 Guide

Cloaks of the Choir in Silksong: farm 15 Choir Cloaks fast in Choral Chambers, unlock Songclave, and complete this rewarding wish.

In 2026, Hornet's pilgrimage through Pharloom remains one of the most talked-about journeys in gaming, and Songclave still offers its quiet, desperate wishes. Among them is Cloaks of the Choir, a gathering quest that asks for 15 Choir Cloaks. It sounds simple enough, does it not? Yet the Citadel's choir does not part with its garments willingly. To finish this wish, Hornet must first unlock Songclave, then hunt specific enemies in the Choral Chambers. Here is how the quest unfolds, step by step.

️ Unlocking Songclave and the Wishwall

Songclave does not exist until Hornet rings the Grand Bell in the top-right of the Choral Chambers. Before she can do that, she must defeat the Cogwork Dancers. After the bell is rung, leaving and returning later reveals that the Grand Bell has transformed into Songclave, a town hub. The Caretaker may insist that helping pilgrims is pointless, but Hornet can still make a difference.

At the Songclave Wishwall, Hornet should pick up the Fine Pins quest first. Fulfill that wish, turn it in, then leave and return once more. A new Wish will appear on the board: Cloaks of the Choir. Promise to fulfill it, then head back into the Choral Chambers.

️ Which Enemies Drop Choir Cloaks?

Not every choir member carries a spare cloak. Enemies with a white hood and a gold sigil, such as the Reed or Choristor, do not drop them. The quest specifically requires Choir Cloaks from three foes:

Enemy
Where It Appears
Notes

Choir Flyer
Around chandeliers and upper platforms
Fast, airborne, and easy to miss with grounded attacks.

Choir Pouncer
Near chandeliers and ledges
Leaps toward Hornet; defeat it before it lands over spikes.

Choir Hornhead
Lower areas of the farming room
Tougher, grounded, and worth the extra care.

🧵 Best Choir Cloak Farming Spot

The best place to farm Choir Cloaks in Silksong is the tall room to the left of the entrance to the Whiteward, just beneath the dining hall where Hornet can pick up the Great Taste of Pharloom quest. From Songclave, make your way to this location, then sit at the bench just to the top-right of the room.

All three enemies that drop Choir Cloaks spawn in this room. Pouncers and Flyers hover on and around the chandeliers up above, while a Hornhead patrols down below. Defeat them, reset the room by sitting on the bench to the top-right, and repeat until Hornet has all 15 Choir Cloaks.

️ A Warning About Spikes

There is one cruel catch. Quest Items, including Choir Cloaks, are destroyed on contact with damaging ground. If Hornet defeats an enemy while it is above spikes, the cloak can be lost before it is ever collected. Is that not the Citadel's way? Patience and positioning matter more than raw speed. Lure enemies away from hazards or strike from a safe angle.

Rewards for Completing Cloaks of the Choir

Once Hornet has 15 Choir Cloaks, return to the Wishwall in Songclave and turn them in. The Cloaks of the Choir quest completes, and the reward is a Heavy Rosary Necklace. Heavy Rosary Necklace items are worth 220 Rosaries. For a simple gathering quest, that is not bad at all. Plus, defeating the required enemies while hunting for cloaks will naturally earn a few hundred extra Rosaries along the way.

Final Tips for 2026 Players

• Unlock Songclave first by ringing the Grand Bell after the Cogwork Dancers.

• Complete Fine Pins before expecting Cloaks of the Choir to appear.

• Farm the tall room near Whiteward and use the top-right bench to reset.

• Avoid killing cloak-bearing enemies over spikes.

• Turn in all 15 cloaks at the Songclave Wishwall for the Heavy Rosary Necklace.

So, is the Cloaks of the Choir quest worth the trouble? For Rosary-hungry pilgrims in 2026, the answer is a quiet yes. It is a straightforward farm with a solid payout, and it gives Hornet one more way to make Songclave a little brighter in a kingdom that rarely offers kindness.

Silksong's economy rewards players who think like careful collectors: wait for the right moment, avoid losing value to hazards, and never pay more than you have to. That same mindset carries over surprisingly well into how many Hollow Knight fans build out their libraries between runs, especially with the sequel's popularity pushing more people toward the genre's wider catalog of metroidvanias and soulslikes.

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My Complete Journey Through Hollow Knight: Silksong's Choral Chambers

Hollow Knight: Silksong Choral Chambers guide: navigate the Citadel with key shortcuts, maps, treasures, and Lace fight tips.

I still remember crawling out of The Underworks after beating the Last Judge, only to be swallowed by the gilded nightmare of the Choral Chambers. If you skipped The Mist, this is likely your first real taste of the Citadel, and it is overwhelming. The halls are huge, the enemies are aggressive, and the secrets are packed into every ceiling and floor. As of 2026, this area remains one of the most complex zones in Hollow Knight: Silksong, so I want to walk you through the path I took, the shortcuts I opened, and the treasures I refused to leave behind.

Lower Left-Side Halls 🧭

When I popped out of the hole at the top of the Underworks, I immediately headed left and found a free bench. That bench felt like a miracle. Further left, a big circular room offered a shortcut to the Grand Gate, but I went up and around instead. I activated a lever, grabbed a few shards from the obscured hatch on the left, and climbed higher for beads and a preview of the Ventrica Station. It was blocked from my side, so I kept moving right and paid for the map. That map changed everything. After opening a floor hatch, I dropped into a den of easy spiders, climbed out, and walked past dead Citadel residents until Lace appeared. She taunted me, the corpses rose, and I had my first real fight in the area. ️

Central Left-Side Halls

The enemies here are not terrible, but I learned to respect the ones with red on their clothing. They swing wide or throw projectiles that caught me more than once. Since this is not a locked combat room, I left when my health got low. I entered the bottom right room and found an elevator blocked by a very particular key. I made a mental note and returned to the tall room. I platformed up, swatted away a sword enemy, and broke a window on the left. At first it looked empty, but I jumped up the wall and looted a dead body for a Rosary Bead. Back in the main tall room, I headed up and to the upper left exit, where enemies and Rosaries waited. The top was blocked, so I continued left.

Far Left-Side Halls

After fighting through more enemies, I took the left door, jumped across spikes, and chose to drop down instead of visiting The Slab. That drop led me to the Citadel Spa. It looked disappointing at first, just a couple of showerheads, but I broke the floor in the first room. Beneath it was an underground steam pipe system. No hidden items, but it contained an entrance to the secret area of the spa. That route connects the leftmost side of the map to the middle and became very convenient for a later quest. I then headed left, fought silk-strung enemies, hit a lever, and went down. I grabbed Rosaries, entered a big room through its upper right segment, and let the optional enemies spawn. I left or beat them, dropped down and right, and found a chest packed with Rosaries. Further down and right, I finally activated that Ventrica Station. Once it became my hub for the Citadel, I understood why these stations are a godsend. ️

Large Left-Side Drop

I opened the shortcut and returned to the tall room where I had taken a left to the Ventrica Station. Heading up, I entered the upper left exit and found Silk dispensers. Not useful. Up the timed platforms, the next room had bells and a pressure plate. I had to repeat the pattern they rang out. If you do not want to memorize it, here is the cheat sheet I used:

Pattern
Bell order (left to right)

First
1, 5, 4, 6

Second
3, 6, 5, 1, 7

Third
2, 4, 6, 3, 5, 1

After that, I received a Cogheart Piece. Up more timed platforms, I headed right and had to jump with strict timing while dodging an enemy. I lured the enemy to the starting platform, killed it, then jumped across for my prize. Up even more timed platforms, the top left entrance had a winged swordsman guarding Grindle. There was nothing else in the room, but everyone loves Grindle, right? 🪶

Central Left-Side Drop

At the top right room, I dropped down and fought the genuinely tough enemies. I jumped left for extra Rosaries as a reward, then timed my jumps to the right into another massive room. I broke the wall directly to the right, dropped for Silk, and acknowledged the big saw blades I could not pass. I fell down carefully, avoiding the golden spikes, and broke the cracked wall on the right. That let me flick a lever, go back up, soar past the saws, and save a flea. I returned to the bottom, opened a shortcut to the tall room that started this whole route, and headed right into a cramped hallway. Past the tattered curtains, I found a fly-infested room, went up, and glimpsed rare Pale Oil. I could not break that wall yet, so I went to the top right, grabbed a Silkeater, and left. Falling back down the tall room and going right, I finally reached the top right entrance and another bench.

Lower Middle Halls

From that bench, I headed right, opened the hatch, and prepared for spiders and steam. Every path here coalesces at the bottom right and leads into a long, straightforward hall. I went left first to open a shortcut to the left-side halls. The area to the right had moving cogs and a flying mechanical bug, but it was light work. The end of the hallway was packed with enemies that love heavy blows. I used a few hit-and-run attacks and cleared them.

Lower Right-Side Halls

As soon as I entered the room on the right, I dropped all the way down and opened the Grand Bellway. I bought the bench and the Ventrica Station beside it. This was incredibly handy, because trekking out of the Citadel and back to the rest of Pharloom is arduous. The room up and to the left was not special. I dodged spikes, took out two thieves, and broke cocoons for a Silkeater. I also entered the door above the Bellway, but there was only a little lore. Further up, I broke glass blocking an entrance marked by three pins. Inside was another Pale Oil teaser and an easy way to escape enemies. I pogoed off bells, entered another dark cramped hallway, and found a big lever that turned a massive wheel with a hole in it. I turned it to go vertically and wall jumped up. I could head left for Silk dispensers, but who cares?

Upper Right-Side Halls

I pogoed off more bells and opened the top right door. The hallway required a few well-timed dashes, but it was straightforward. At the other end, I found a very big, regal-looking chapel. I went inside, rang the bell, enjoyed the free bench, and came outside to be chewed out by an old man. This began the town of Songclave, which gradually gains residents as you progress. At the very rightmost part of Songclave, I found the White Key. It opens the elevator we found long ago and leads to a smaller, separate area. For now, I headed back left and climbed all the way up. At the top, I activated another Ventrica station, which was incredibly useful throughout most of Act 2. I went down and left across an extremely long hallway with a glass floor and several beefy guards. A well-timed dive kick can bounce over them, but they drop a ton of money, so I tried killing them. Continuing left, I found an upper entrance I could not access without wings, and I headed down to unlock a shortcut. Be careful: going much further left throws you into the Cogwork Dancers boss fight. I geared up first, defeated them, opened the Cogwork Core, and headed to the upper left.

Upper Left-Side Halls

With those guards dispatched, I entered the top left area. I could go left, since the route upwards was locked, or descend to explore more of the Choral Chambers. I chose to descend first. The top two gates on the right are shortcuts out of the Cogwork Core, so I ignored them. I entered the top left gate by dropping in from above, and the lower left gate was already unlocked. Further down, I found two more gates. I could bypass the right gate by going underneath, but I could not find a way around the left gate. I dropped down, ran across the huge dining hall, and found the Royal Mergwin, who tasked me with a massive quest for Pale Oil. I opened the shortcuts, then climbed back up to the room left of the Cogwork Dancers, behind a breakable wall. There, I started a big vertical platforming challenge on timed platforms and opened a treasure chest. My reward was seeing Grindle. This is much easier if you wait until you have wings. Further left, I found rings to grapple onto and climb. They led into High Halls proper and let me unlock the shortcut I had seen earlier. I grabbed the bench, and from there I had plenty of new places to explore, all connected to these chambers.

The Choral Chambers can feel like a maze, but once I opened the Ventrica stations, shortcuts, and benches, it became the beating heart of the Citadel. My advice is simple: buy the map early, respect the red-clothed enemies, solve the bell puzzle, and do not rush the Cogwork Dancers. Take the area one hall at a time, and you will turn this gilded labyrinth into your new home base. 🧵

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Hollow Knight: Silksong's Quest Journal Is the RPG Hand-Holding Purists Secretly Needed

Hollow Knight: Silksong’s quest journal is a bold, brilliant upgrade, adding clarity and pacing without sacrificing its Metroidvania-Soulslike freedom.

In 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong is no longer a mythical sequel whispered about in forums. It is a real, sprawling, bug-infested triumph, and it has committed a crime that would make a certain kind of purist clutch their controller: it added a quest journal. Hornet, the fierce princess-protector of Pharloom, now carries a to-do list. Cue the gasps. Is that a betrayal of the Metroidvania-Soulslike ethos, or is it the quality-of-life upgrade the genre did not know it needed? The answer, dear reader, is the latter, and Team Cherry makes it look effortless.

At a glance, Silksong looks like more Hollow Knight. Same haunting art style, same health and magic systems, same grimdark lore, same Metroidvania corridors and Soulslike boss walls. But that glance is a liar. The sequel makes transformative changes, and its quest design is one of the sneakiest and most significant. Where the original often left players rudderless, Silksong gives them a journal. Not a glowing arrow, not a mini-map stuffed with icons, just a clear record of objectives and narrative context. It is the difference between being lost in a beautiful ruin and being lost in a beautiful ruin with a note that says maybe try the big door.

The So-Called Sacrilege of Quest Tracking

Purists may argue that any quest-tracking in a Soulslike or Metroidvania is tantamount to sacrilege. These genres pride themselves on not holding hands. Hell Is Us, for instance, practically builds its identity on loose structure and player agency. Fair enough. But does a journal really ruin that? Silksong proves no. When Hornet takes on a side quest, the game gives clear, objective feedback that confirms the decision. The quest goes into a journal, which outlines objectives. It also provides narrative context, explaining why the quest matters as much as where and how to complete it. That is not hand-holding; that is respect for the player's time. In 2026, when free time is a precious resource and backlogs are monstrous, a little clarity goes a long way.

A Journal That Helps Pacing, Not Just Memory

Having a quest journal does more than track objectives. It helps Silksong's overall pacing. In the first Hollow Knight, there is no quest journal, and few concrete ways to track optional content. Players can feel rudderless. Without compartmentalization or feedback, optional content can feel vague, confusing, and substanceless. Silksong makes side quests digestible and separate from the main story, while still integrating them. The journal gives structure. It lets players choose: main path now, side quest later, or ignore the whole thing and go fight a terrifying bug in a swamp. Freedom remains. The difference is that the freedom now comes with a receipt.

Team Cherry Stops Copying Homework

Team Cherry's fondness for FromSoftware is no secret. The first Hollow Knight wears that influence proudly. FromSoftware is not known for clear direction, especially optional content. There is nothing wrong with that approach. But Silksong shows Team Cherry striking out on its own, less beholden to genre conventions. The result is more unique and better delivers on its gameplay premise. In 2026, that distinction matters. Metroidvanias are everywhere. A quest journal is not a gimmick; it is a design choice that makes Pharloom feel like a place with people, problems, and priorities rather than a maze with mood lighting. Does that make the game easier? Not really. It makes the game more legible, which is a different thing entirely.

The Verdict: A To-Do List Has Never Been This Cool

Feature
Hollow Knight (2017)
Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025 onward)

Quest journal
Nope
Yes, with objectives

Narrative context
Cryptic vibes
Clear why, where, and how

Pacing
Player-made chaos
Structured side content

Purist tears
Minimal
Plentiful, but delicious

Hornet's patience
Unknown
Surprisingly finite

So yes, Hornet has a journal. She also has a needle, a bad attitude, and a kingdom full of things that want her dead. The journal does not make her soft. It makes the experience sharper. Silksong is a worthy sequel because it rethinks the formula, not just repeats it. And if that means a few purists have to wipe away a single tear while checking their quest objectives, so be it. The rest of the players will be too busy enjoying one of the best games of the decade. After all, what is more hardcore: wandering in circles for three hours, or actually finishing the quest and then getting obliterated by a boss? Exactly.

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Hollow Knight: Silksong's Traversal Revolution: A Masterclass in Fluid Metroidvania Movement

Hollow Knight: Silksong transforms traversal mechanics with Hornet's fluid movement and combat. It blends platforming and combat into a fluid sandbox.

Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally arrived, and for many, it was well worth the wait. Team Cherry's sophomore release takes the best elements of the original Hollow Knight and remixes them in clever, effective, and nuanced ways. It is not merely more of the same; it is a drastic departure in numerous aspects, offering a meaningfully distinct gameplay and narrative experience. Among the many highlights—Hornet's characterization and the breathtaking environment design of Pharloom—the game's crown jewel is undeniably its traversal mechanics.

The first Hollow Knight was a superb platformer at times, but its movement abilities were somewhat simplistic and slow to develop. The Knight's locomotion options were respectable and fun, yet movement was intentionally clunky and unforgiving, demanding perfection rather than offering a flexible sandbox. Silksong makes important changes to this pillar of gameplay, making it difficult to imagine returning to the original's restrictive feel. Even in the early game, Team Cherry pulls out all the stops.

A New Movement Paradigm

Small features like Hornet's sprint open new doors for expressive gameplay and technique. A thoughtfully designed, simple physics engine heightens immersion and allows for greater leaps—literally. Other abilities, such as the Drifter's Cloak, revolutionize the traversal kit in one fell swoop, making exploration and combat infinitely more enjoyable and multifaceted. ️

What makes Silksong's gameplay so exhilarating is how traversal and combat intertwine, greatly outshining the first Hollow Knight. Nearly every major upgrade serves as a boon for both battling and platforming, lending the gameplay a holistic, interconnected quality. For instance, Hornet's infamous diagonal air strike can deal quick damage against stalwart foes, but it can also dodge attacks midair and bounce off enemy heads and specific environment features for swift, acrobatic movement. Similarly, the Drifter's Cloak glide can ride updrafts (of which there are many), close wide gaps between platforms, and avoid damage during fights.

The Sandbox of Movement

The following table summarizes key movement abilities and their dual purposes:

Ability
Combat Use
Traversal Use

Sprint
Quick repositioning
Faster exploration, chaining jumps

Drifter's Cloak (Glide)
Evade attacks, maintain altitude
Cross gaps, ride updrafts

Diagonal Air Strike
Damage enemies, pogo bounce
Dodge midair, bounce off hazards

(Others)
...
...

Note: The table is illustrative; players will discover many more synergies.

This approach to traversal is so satisfying and bombastic that it makes its predecessor look weak by comparison. Nothing will ever make Hollow Knight's platforming bad, but it feels more like a prototype or proof of concept before Silksong's movement sandbox. Granted, some players are partial to more acrobatic, fluid locomotion mechanics—a big reason why games like Metroid Dread and Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus number among favorite metroidvanias. Unsurprisingly, Silksong's gameplay puts it squarely alongside those favorites as well.

A Worthy Successor

The first Hollow Knight was a once-in-a-generation sort of game, a humble indie project that soared against the odds. Hollow Knight: Silksong comes from the same small team, made with the same earnest intentions, but it is clear that Team Cherry was not content to rest on its laurels. It is rare for such a highly anticipated game to live up to expectations, but with incredible movement, tightly designed combat, and myriad other highlights, Silksong has done exactly that. As of 2026, it remains a benchmark for metroidvania movement and a testament to thoughtful game design.

In conclusion, Silksong's traversal mechanics are not just an improvement—they are a revolution. They transform the way players interact with the world, making every jump, dash, and strike a delight. For fans of the genre, it is a must-play, and for Team Cherry, it is a crowning achievement.

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Hollow Knight: Silksong Fine Pins Quest: My Fast Farming Guide

Hollow Knight Silksong Fine Pins quest guide: farm Choristor and Reed in Choral Chambers for 10 Fine Pins fast.

Have you ever spent an entire evening chasing a random drop in Hollow Knight: Silksong, only to watch your prize tumble into a spike pit? That was me with the Fine Pins quest in 2026. As a wanderer in Pharloom, I thought I had seen every annoying enemy the Citadel could throw at me. Then I met the pin-wielding choirbugs, and I learned that patience is not just a virtue here. It is a farming strategy.

The Fine Pins quest is technically a Hunt, and it asks you to collect 10 Fine Pins from some of the most irritating enemies in the Choral Chambers. The drop is random, so luck matters. But after several failed runs, I found a loop that let me finish the whole thing in about 10 minutes. Here is exactly how I did it.

How I Started the Fine Pins Quest

First, you cannot even see this quest until you have defeated the Cogwork Dancers boss. This double boss waits in the Cog Core area of the Choral Chambers region. If you are following the main story, you will naturally run into them. I still remember the clanking rhythm of that fight. Once the Cogwork Dancers fall, do not leave the arena immediately. Keep walking to the right until you reach Songclave.

Songclave is a small village that feels similar to Bone Bottom and Bellhart, but when I first arrived, it was almost empty. The only NPC there was the Caretaker, who explained that this place used to be a safe haven. To bring it back to life, you need to enter the large and only building in the area. Inside, interact with the machine and provide 80 Rosaries. That activates the First Shrine bell.

After that, leave Songclave, rest at the nearest Bench, and return. The village will finally have more people, and a brand-new Wish Board will appear with fresh quests. One of them is the Fine Pins quest. I accepted it immediately. I also strongly recommend taking the Wandering Merchant quest while you are there, because it is another useful side objective in the region.

Where to Find Choristor and Reed

Fine Pins drop from two specific enemies: the Choristor and the Reed. Both use a pin as their main weapon, and both can take up to seven or eight hits to kill. They are not boss-level threats, but they are fast, aggressive, and usually surrounded by buddies. That combination makes them very, very annoying.

You can find Choristor and Reed while exploring the Choral Chambers, especially in rooms with a vertical structure. They almost never fight alone. Your goal is simple on paper: defeat them and hope they drop a glowing Fine Pin. You need 10 in total, so random exploration can waste a lot of time.

Enemy
Movement
Main Threat
My Strategy

Choristor
Walks
Quick pin attacks and nearby allies
Kill first

Reed
Flies
Erratic aerial pressure
Kill second

My Best Farming Spot

Instead of running randomly around the Choral Chambers, I used one perfect room. It is the vertical chamber at the far right of the map, near two Benches and east of the Citadel Spa. This room has a bunch of chained platforms and several Choir enemies that get in your way while you climb up or down. It also contains our two wanted buddies: the Choristor and the Reed.

My strategy was to stay at the top of this room, near the Bench, and defeat the Choristor and Reed hanging around the upper platforms. The tricky part is that you do not want them, or the Fine Pin, to fall to the ground or onto the side spikes. If that happens, the loot disappears. I learned that the hard way.

So, what is the fix? Lure them to the center of the platform while hitting them. Jump and strike their heads sequentially. I recommend defeating the Choristor first because he walks, then leaving the flying Reed for later. It sounds difficult, but it becomes a piece of cake once you get the rhythm.

After defeating them, check if they dropped anything. If not, head right to the Bench, rest a little, and come back. The enemies in this specific area respawn endlessly, so you can repeat the loop without traveling across the map. I found all 10 Fine Pins in 10 minutes tops using this method.

The Fine Pins Quest Rewards

Once you have 10 Fine Pins, go back to Songclave and interact with the Wish Board to deliver the loot. Your prize is a Rosary Necklace, which immediately gives you 120 Rosaries. If you are in need of more Rosaries to spend in Pharloom, this is a pretty lucky reward.

Is the Fine Pins quest worth the frustration? In my opinion, yes. The drop rate can be cruel, and the Choristor and Reed are not fun to fight in crowded rooms. But with the right vertical chamber and a Bench nearby, the grind becomes short and almost relaxing. Just remember: keep the enemies centered, protect the loot, and never let a shiny pin fall into the spikes. If I can do it in 10 minutes, so can you.

If there is one thing this quest teaches, it is that patience plus the right tool beats blind effort every time. That same mindset is worth applying beyond the game: instead of buying a title the moment it catches your eye, you can wait for the price to drop and let someone else do the watching for you. That is exactly where a [steam sale tracker]( like DealNest comes in handy, keeping an eye on discounts so you never miss the moment a wishlisted game finally hits the number you were hoping for.

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Lies of P: A Soulslike Phenomenon That Redefined Voice Acting and Stole Our Hearts

Lies of P and its Overture DLC became Soulslike titans; actors reveal the craft behind their beloved roles.

You know that feeling when a game comes out of nowhere and just grabs you by the collar? That was Lies of P for me. Back in 2023, I remember seeing the trailer and thinking, 'Another Pinocchio-inspired Soulslike? Sure, why not.' But then I played it, and wow. It wasn't just another clone; it had soul—pun intended. Fast forward to 2026, and the game, along with its DLC Overture, has cemented itself as a titan in the genre. And recently, I had the chance to chat with four of the actors who brought this world to life: Aliona Baranova (Veronique), Alix Wilton Regan (Lea), Rasmus Hardiker (Gemini), and Joseph Balderrama (Arlecchino). Let me tell you, it was a ride.

When Lies of P first launched, it was a gamble. A new IP from a relatively unknown studio, Neowiz, and a dark twist on a children's tale. But the buzz was immediate. Steam player counts climbed for five straight days, and critics couldn't stop praising its tight combat and haunting atmosphere. It became the most beloved non-FromSoftware Soulslike, and its DLC, Overture, which dropped in 2025, smashed records within hours. An 85 on Metacritic? That's top-tier. And the actors? They saw it coming.

The Phenomenon That Is Lies Of P

"I'm never normally sure if something is going to be successful," Rasmus Hardiker admits, "but I had so much fun doing this, I could tell it was going to be a really good game." Joseph Balderrama echoes that: "It felt like the whole package. The creative team was so good: the visuals, the sound, all of it. Everyone was just at the races with it." That kind of confidence is infectious, and it's why Aliona Baranova and Alix Wilton Regan jumped at the chance to join the DLC. "I don't really say no to many auditions," Baranova laughs, "but this one was a no-brainer." Wilton Regan, a veteran of Mass Effect and Dragon Age, was equally hooked. "She was described as tough on the outside, soft on the inside, but what I loved was she was called a lazy genius," she says. "I was like, 'I've got this.' Well, I'm lazy, and a mild genius."

Baranova actually auditioned for Wilton Regan's role first, losing out to the more experienced actor, before finding Veronique. "I just remember thinking, 'Wow, what an incredible character.' I haven't had a chance to play someone like that. And her scenes are so intense. You can't go half-hearted. I knew I had to really commit, and sound like I'm 6'6". I think I'm believably that tall," she jokes. The character descriptions were detailed, with rich histories and psychology, which helped the actors "learn to love the character." But that depth can be a double-edged sword. "You can't distill two pages of notes," Wilton Regan says. "You have to cherry-pick your moments, constantly adapt and refocus your energy."

Getting Into Character

The preparation for video game acting is unique. Often, scripts arrive the day of recording, or the day before at the earliest. For Balderrama, that's freeing. "I've got a new habit with TV and film where I don't look at the script until the week before. That's what make-up is for." Hardiker takes it further: "I prefer not even having the script and just going in the booth on the day. You'll only ever have one chance to do that. I'm reacting as I'm learning what's happening—that's about as real as it gets." Baranova, however, admits she has "a lot to learn" from the others, but she has a secret weapon at home: her partner, Jennifer English (Baldur's Gate 3, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33). "If you had someone at home who was known for brilliant performances, you would be silly not to ask them. I definitely did that for Veronique."

For Baranova, the jump from Baldur's Gate 3 NPCs to a 6'6" warrior was jarring. "On Baldur's Gate, I played a comic relief squirrel for 40 minutes. This was the most physical role I've ever done. I lost my voice afterwards, as you can imagine." Wilton Regan, on the other hand, is no stranger to strong leading women—she's voiced the Female Inquisitor in Dragon Age: Inquisition, Alt Cunningham in Cyberpunk 2077, and Aya in Assassin's Creed Origins. But Lea offered something new: "They wanted a lot of rage from me, a lot of very deep, primal emotion. That's what I like to explore as an actor. That's kind of what I get off on, I guess." Balderrama, returning as Arlecchino, was just happy to be more than a voice: "I was just psyched that I wasn't disembodied anymore. That was a big plus for me."

A Shift In The Gaming Landscape

The industry is changing. Smaller studios are producing some of the best games, from Baldur's Gate 3 to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to Lies of P itself. "These big franchise stories are saturated," Balderrama says. "People are desperate to experience something they haven't done 150 times. That's only going to come from underdog devs, because they're the ones that don't have the constraints." Baranova agrees: "Audiences are definitely becoming fatigued. Unique visions that games like Lies of P have brought are important. It's a Korean game, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is Czech, Clair Obscur is French; it's exciting to get stories from parts of the world we're not necessarily used to."

But there's still a long way to go for female representation. Wilton Regan praises games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard for their inclusive leads, but behind the scenes, change is slow. "If you have a male character and a female character, very often the man will do the full performance capture and the woman will be brought in simply to replace his lines. That's a terrible choice. A woman would not fight a 7-foot-5 man the same way a male counterpart would." She recalls pre-Covid days where she was given exactly 4.2 seconds to say a line, with no room to make it her own. "The talent comes when you make it your own, but we're constrained. You have to find a way to prove your brilliance within these constraints."

Baranova adds, "You're not treating your players as observant enough. They think that when a male actor records mo-cap, then it's just replaced with a female voice that the audience isn't going to notice. It's so obvious when a woman is walking with her shoulders locked and her hips not moving. It really irks me." Wilton Regan also calls out marketing: "The male character choice will still often be the default on the poster, or the man's voice in the trailer. We need to get women's voices in there. It's not that complicated to have one pass with the female voice, and one with the male voice."

We've come a long way from when the industry was reluctant to cast powerful leading women, but there's still work to do. With actors like Wilton Regan, Baranova, and English proving their worth, it's hopefully only a matter of time. As for Lies of P, it's more than a game—it's a testament to what happens when you take risks, trust your instincts, and let a puppet sing. And I, for one, can't wait to see what Neowiz does next.

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Hollow Knight: Silksong - All Four Bilewater Bench Locations Revealed

Find all Hollow Knight: Silksong Bilewater benches with our concise bench location guide, covering four checkpoints and hidden routes.

As of 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong's Bilewater remains one of the most punishing and labyrinthine regions in Team Cherry's sequel. The area is defined by toxic pools, cramped corridors, and relentless enemies, making every bench a vital lifeline. Bilewater contains four benches in total. While most players will naturally stumble upon at least one during their first expedition, the remaining three are either tucked behind breakable walls or locked behind a boss encounter. This report breaks down every bench location so that players can secure fast travel, restore health, and reduce the sting of repeated deaths.

First Bench: Bell Beast Station Room

The first bench in Bilewater sits inside the same room as the area's Bell Beast station. Players who enter Bilewater from its main entrance will encounter signs that point directly toward this chamber, so it is difficult to miss under normal circumstances. The bench offers an early safe haven and a fast travel point, which is invaluable for anyone still learning the area's hazards.

For players who somehow overlook it, the route from the entrance is straightforward. Following the signs leads to the Bell Beast station, and the bench is right there. Activating it early gives players a reliable respawn point before they push deeper into Bilewater's corrosive environment.

Second Bench: Exhaust Organ

The second bench is hidden in the Exhaust Organ, a structure located beyond the Mist. To reach it, players should exit the room containing the first bench and head left. They will soon encounter a breakable wall. Smashing through it opens the path into the Mist, a disorienting section where visibility is limited and navigation can be tricky.

At the end of the Mist, players will find a structure they can enter. This is the Exhaust Organ. Once inside, they should go up and to the left to activate the bench. Because the Mist can confuse players and the breakable wall is easy to pass by, this bench is often missed on a first run. It is worth the detour, however, as it provides a much-needed checkpoint before some of Bilewater's tougher encounters.

Third Bench: Hidden Near the Top

Bilewater's third bench is concealed near the top of the area. Reaching it requires players to smash through another breakable wall at a specific position. The wall is not marked with obvious fanfare, so players must either explore carefully or consult a map. Once the wall is broken, the route to the bench becomes clear.

This bench is especially valuable because it shortens the runback to several late-area challenges. Players who rely only on the first two benches may find themselves repeating long, dangerous stretches after every mistake. Unlocking this hidden checkpoint can dramatically improve the pace of exploration and boss attempts.

Fourth Bench: Groal the Great Reward

The final bench in Bilewater becomes available after players defeat Groal the Great, the boss at the top of the area. This bench is not hidden in the same way as the others; it is a reward for overcoming one of Bilewater's toughest fights. Defeating Groal the Great grants access to the bench, giving players a safe point near the climax of the region.

Because Groal the Great sits at the top of Bilewater, this bench is ideal for players who want to wrap up remaining objectives in the area or prepare for whatever comes next. It also serves as a symbolic milestone: reaching it means the worst of Bilewater's navigation is behind them.

Bilewater Bench Summary

Bench
Location
How to Reach

1
Bell Beast station room
Follow signs from the entrance

2
Exhaust Organ
Exit first bench room, go left, break wall, cross Mist, enter structure, go up-left

3
Near top of Bilewater
Break a hidden wall at the marked position

4
Top of Bilewater
Defeat Groal the Great

Practical Tips for Bilewater

• 🧭 Mark suspicious walls: Breakable walls often look slightly different, but in Bilewater's gloom they are easy to miss.

• ️ Rest often: Benches restore health and save progress, so activate every one as soon as it is found.

• Use Bell Beast travel: The first bench doubles as a station, making it a natural hub for returning to other regions.

• Plan boss attempts: The third and fourth benches reduce runbacks, which is critical when learning Groal the Great's patterns.

• Explore vertically: Bilewater hides routes above and below the main path, so players should check ledges and ceilings.

In 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong continues to attract new players, and Bilewater remains a rite of passage. With four benches to find, the area rewards patience and thorough exploration. The first bench is nearly impossible to miss, the second hides behind the Mist and a breakable wall, the third sits near the top behind another breakable wall, and the fourth appears only after Groal the Great falls. By securing all four, players can turn Bilewater from a nightmare into a manageable, if still dangerous, stretch of Silksong's world.

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How I Reached the Memorium in Silksong: Map Location and Route Guide

Find the Memorium in Hollow Knight: Silksong with this concise route guide, covering required abilities and the 70-Rosary map.

Hey, fellow Hornet fans! If you are lost in the Citadel and keep hearing about a mysterious place called the Memorium, I have got you covered. I spent way too many hours wandering the lower corridors of Hollow Knight: Silksong before I finally figured out the exact route, and I want to save you from that same headache. In 2026, with the current version of the game, the path is still the same, and the map is still sold by the same machine for 70 Rosaries. So grab your Needle, make sure your Pins, Quill, and Compass are ready, and let us get you to the Memorium.

Prerequisites Before You Start

Before you even think about reaching the Memorium, you need three key movement tools: the Clawline, the Double Jump, and the Faydown Cloak. Without them, you will hit a wall, literally.

Tool
Where to Get It
Why You Need It

Clawline
Eastern side of the Underworks
Required to climb Mount Fay and reach the peak

Double Jump
Peak of Mount Fay
Needed to reach the upper ledge near Songclave and the Memorium

Faydown Cloak
Late-game Citadel area
Lets you float and reach the final entrance above Songclave

I know that sounds like a lot, but trust me, each ability opens up the Citadel in a big way. If you are missing any of these, go back and grab them first. The Memorium is not going anywhere, but your patience might.

Step 1: Climb Mount Fay for the Double Jump

Start by making your way to Mount Fay. The climb to the peak is no joke. You will face tough platforming, aggressive enemies, and a few moments where you will question your timing. That is why the Clawline from the eastern side of the Underworks is mandatory. Once you have it, use it to grapple and pull yourself up the mountain.

At the very top, you will earn the Double Jump ability. This is the game-changer. With Double Jump in your possession, you can finally reach the upper areas of the Citadel that were previously out of reach.

Step 2: Head to Songclave in the Top Left of the Citadel

Once you have Double Jump, travel to the top left of the Citadel to reach the Songclave. If that name sounds familiar, it is because this is the same location where you would have acquired the White Key needed to access Whiteward. From Songclave, head left. You will pass two powerful enemies. They are not pushovers, so either fight them carefully or run past if you are confident in your dodging.

After you get past them, look above you. There will be an area that is only accessible with the Faydown Cloak. Use your Double Jump and the Faydown Cloak to go up. That is your entrance to the Memorium. Congratulations, you made it!

Step 3: Find the Memorium Map for 70 Rosaries

Reaching the Memorium is only half the battle. The map for this area is not hard to find, but it is easy to miss if you take the wrong path. From the entrance of the Memorium, head right first to access the Bench. Rest there if you need to. Then go outside the room and head up to make your way through the passage on the right. This area has multiple enemies, and at the end you will run into a Rhinoguard. That big guy can hit hard, so be ready to dodge or burst him down.

Once the Rhinoguard is dealt with, head left through the passage. Now go down and to the right when you spot the sign. You will find a machine that sells the Memorium map for 70 Rosaries. Buy it, and your map will be updated. I cannot stress enough how useful this is, especially if you plan to explore every corner of the Memorium and the areas it connects to.

What If You Do Not Have 70 Rosaries?

We have all been there. You reach the map seller and realize your wallet is empty. Do not panic. If you do not have any Rosaries on you, your best option is to go left of the map to the Bench, rest, and then head down. To your right will be two powerful enemies. They are tough, but you can kill them to farm the Rosaries needed for the map. It might take a few runs, but it is a reliable way to get the 70 Rosaries without wandering too far.

After You Buy the Map

After acquiring the map, you have a couple of choices. You can head right through the secret passage to reach Putrified Ducts, or you can head left, which leads to multiple breakable walls and ultimately the Bench. I recommend buying the map first, then exploring. That way you will not get lost when you push deeper into the Memorium or into Putrified Ducts.

Quick Tips for Navigating the Memorium

• 🧭 Always equip your Compass so you can see your position on the map.

• Use Pins to mark the map seller, the Bench, and the secret passage to Putrified Ducts.

• 🪶 Update your map with the Quill whenever you enter a new room.

• Farm Rosaries from the two enemies near the Bench if you are short on currency.

• ️ Do not ignore the Rhinoguard. It guards the route to the map seller, and it can catch you off guard.

• 🪑 Rest at Benches often. The Memorium can be punishing if you rush in without full health.

Final Thoughts

Reaching the Memorium in Hollow Knight: Silksong is a rite of passage. It requires you to conquer Mount Fay, earn the Double Jump, navigate the top left of the Citadel, and use the Faydown Cloak to reach the hidden entrance above Songclave. The map itself costs 70 Rosaries, but it is worth every single one. I hope this guide saves you from the aimless wandering I went through. Now go out there, Hornet, and make the Citadel your own. Happy exploring!

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Silksong Trobbio Boss Guide: How I Beat The Stage's Theatrical Menace

Hollow Knight: Silksong Trobbio boss guide reveals his location, flashy attacks, and the best tools for a thrilling victory.

I’ll be honest: I almost skipped Trobbio. In 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong’s Act 2 is still packed with mandatory horrors, and an optional performer in The Stage felt like a vanity fight. But after finally cracking open the Stage Door above the Grand Bellway, I understood why Team Cherry teased this bug in pre-release trailers. Trobbio is not just a boss; he is a full theatrical production, complete with fireworks, trapdoors, and a death scene that deserves an audience.

Where Trobbio Is Hiding in Silksong

Trobbio waits relatively deep into Act 2, inside The Stage, a sub-area of the Choral Chambers within the Citadel. The fight is optional, but reaching it is not a straight line. To unlock Trobbio’s boss room, I had to get to the other side of the locked Stage Door, just above the Grand Bellway, and activate a lever.

Here is the route that finally worked for me:

• Defeat the Clockwork Dancers.

• Drop down into the Cogwork Core.

• Navigate through the Whispering Vaults to find the right-side entrance to The Stage.

• Jump up into the rafters.

• Drop down on top of the golden lever and hit it.

• Ride the shortcut back to the Choral Chambers.

• Return to the Grand Bellway and sit on the bench.

That bench rest matters. It resets the room and gives you a clean approach to the Stage. If you skip it, you can still walk back, but the fight feels more chaotic when you enter with low health or missing tools.

How I Learned to Read Trobbio’s Flashy Moveset

Trobbio’s whole gimmick is spectacle. He throws explosive projectiles, creates explosive walls when he leaps under the stage, and tornadoes from side to side. The fireworks are not just decoration. They tell you where danger is about to spawn, and I died more than once because I watched Trobbio instead of the walls.

One important damage rule: all of Trobbio’s attacks deal two Masks of damage, but touching Trobbio himself only deals one Mask. That difference saved me repeatedly. If I could not avoid an explosive attack, I sometimes dodged into Trobbio just before the explosion or attack landed. The brief immunity after taking one Mask of damage prevented the explosion from finishing me off.

Do not try that trick during the tornado. When Trobbio is spinning from side to side, dodging into him is a bad idea. Parrying is also unreliable here; you will not get enough i-frames to avoid damage. I learned to run, jump, and wait out the tornado instead of trying to be clever.

Tools That Carried Me: Sting Shard and Curveclaw

I brought two Tools into this fight, and they changed everything.

Tool
Why it works

Sting Shard
It can repeatedly damage Trobbio if he flies into it.

Curveclaw
It lets me deal damage while flying, maintaining DPS more effectively.

I also started hitting the explosive projectiles away with my Needle. That sounds risky, but it is one of the best defensive habits in the fight. When Trobbio is underground, I positioned myself close to where the trapdoor would appear. The moment the door opened, I timed an attack and smacked the projectiles to the other side of the room. That almost guaranteed Hornet’s safety and gave me space to breathe.

The Grand Exit and the Claw Mirror Reward

After I dealt the final blow, Trobbio did not simply die. He made a grand exit. Fireworks exploded in the background as he bowed, danced around the room, thanked the crowd, got on one knee, and raised his arms while more fireworks appeared. Then he blew up in a non-damaging red explosion and dropped an item on the ground.

That item is the Claw Mirror Tool. It is a blue Tool described as the theatrical tool of a vainglorious bug. When Hornet uses the Bind skill to heal, the Claw Mirror creates dazzling light that damages nearby enemies. It is quite powerful, especially in crowded rooms, but it does not stop enemies from pushing through the damaging aura to hit Hornet and interrupt the heal. I treat it as bonus pressure, not a shield.

More important than the Claw Mirror, at least for my Act 2 cleanup, is the shortcut. Defeating Trobbio unlocks a path to the Whispering Vaults and the right side of the Underworks. That is huge for backtracking and completing Act 2 objectives. Without it, I would have to go all the way back to the top of the Whispering Vaults via the Songclave shortcut just to reach the bottom of this mandatory Act 2 area. With it, I can move through the Citadel far more efficiently.

Final Thoughts From a 2026 Silksong Player

Trobbio is optional, but he is one of the most memorable fights in Silksong’s second act. He demands patience, projectile awareness, and a willingness to dodge into danger when the math favors one Mask over two. If you are stuck, unlock the Stage Door, bring Sting Shard and Curveclaw, watch the fireworks, and treat the tornado with respect. Beat him, and you get a flashy Tool plus a shortcut that makes the rest of Act 2 feel less like a marathon.

Beating a boss like Trobbio tends to leave me wanting more of the same feeling — tight platforming, punishing but fair combat, and secrets tucked behind every wall. Silksong scratches that itch for a while, but it also sends me digging through my backlog and my wishlist for other metroidvanias that can carry me between big releases.

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Silksong Speedruns: How Runners Are Breaking the Game in 2026

Hollow Knight: Silksong speedrunning is shattering records, with sub-hour runs, brutal glitches, and rare achievements defining its fierce 2026 scene.

I still remember the first time I booted up Hollow Knight: Silksong. The gorgeous hand-drawn art, the haunting music, and the brutal difficulty that made me question my sanity. That was back in 2025, and nearly a year later, I'm still slowly making my way through the game, dying to the same bosses over and over. But while I'm struggling, a whole community of speedrunners has turned Silksong into their personal playground, and the records they're setting are nothing short of mind-boggling.

Back when the game first launched, it didn't even take a full week for speedrunners to start posting sub-two-hour runs. I remember reading about Onaku setting an any% record of 1:46:47, and just hours later, BlueSR smashed that with a blistering 1:26:20. I was still fumbling around the first area, and these people were already finishing the entire game in less time than it takes me to decide on a charm build. The official leaderboard wasn't even live until October 2025, but that didn't stop the community from pushing each other to insane limits.

Now, in 2026, the scene has only gotten crazier. The leaderboards are fully active, and the any% world record has been pushed well below the one-hour mark. I've watched streams where runners pull off pixel-perfect movements, abuse obscure glitches, and chain together boss fights like they're playing a rhythm game. BlueSR eventually achieved that deathless run he was gunning for, and the competition is fiercer than ever. It's like watching a completely different game from the one I'm playing.

What's fascinating is that Silksong actively rewards speedrunning, just like its predecessor. There are two achievements tied to finishing quickly: Speed Completion, for 100% completion in under 30 hours, and Speedrunner, for simply beating the game in under 5 hours. When the game first came out, both were achieved by well under 1% of players. Speedrunner sat at 0.1%, while Speed Completion was so rare it rounded to 0%. Even now, in 2026, those numbers haven't risen much—the game is just that punishing.

Here's a quick breakdown of the speed-related achievements and their rarity:

Achievement
Requirement
Completion Rate (2025)

Speedrunner
Finish in under 5 hours
0.1%

Speed Completion
100% in under 30 hours
~0%

Steel Soul
Finish in permadeath mode
~0%

And remember, Steel Soul mode itself is unlocked only after finishing the game normally or by using a well-known code. It's a permadeath challenge that makes every mistake fatal. The fact that some players are speedrunning that is both inspiring and terrifying.

To put things in perspective, the original Hollow Knight ended with an any% glitchless world record of 30:49. That's less than 31 minutes for a game that took me dozens of hours to complete. Silksong's current records make finishing in under 5 hours look like a leisurely stroll. And as runners develop new techniques and grow more familiar with the game's intricate systems, those times will only drop further.

As for me? I'm still chipping away at my 100% completion run. I've consulted guides, watched walkthroughs, and even tried a few speedrun strats myself—only to die spectacularly. The difficulty is no joke, and the idea of doing it all in under 30 hours feels impossible. But that's what makes the speedrunning community so impressive. They take a game that feels insurmountable and turn it into a science.

So while I'll probably never set a world record, I'll keep watching from the sidelines. Every new run is a reminder of what's possible when skill, dedication, and a little bit of madness come together. And who knows? Maybe one day I'll finally beat that third boss. ‍️

Watching all these runs has had an unexpected side effect: my wishlist keeps growing. Between Silksong, the original Hollow Knight, and a handful of other metroidvanias that streamers keep recommending mid-run, I've caught myself hunting for deals far more often than I'd like to admit. Chasing a 30-hour completion time is one thing—paying full price for every game in the genre is another budget entirely, especially when you want a copy on more than one platform.

That's the part of the hobby nobody talks about in a world record video. If you're the type who wants to follow along, run the same routes, or just see how the current records compare to your own attempts, it helps to keep an eye on [game price comparison]( before you commit. DealNest makes that easy, pulling together listings across stores so you can spot a discount instead of blindly hitting the buy button. It won't shave minutes off your run, but it will leave a little more room in the wallet for the next challenge.

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Silksong Courier's Ration Delivery: My No-Hit Route Through Pharloom

Hollow Knight: Silksong Courier's Ration delivery guide: master the Great Taste of Pharloom run safely. Follow this route to keep cargo intact.

Deliveries in Hollow Knight: Silksong are absolutely brutal, and the Courier's Ration run is the one that made me want to throw my controller across the room. You are not just fighting bosses or arena battles; you are racing a timer while trying to keep fragile cargo from getting smashed to bits. After you finish the My Missing Brother quest and the earlier My Missing Courier questline in Bellhart, deliveries open up. The Courier's Ration is a tough but necessary delivery if you want to sharpen your pin, and it is part of the Great Taste of Pharloom quest. Even in 2026, after all the patches and hotfixes, this route still demands respect. So here is my first-person, no-nonsense guide to getting from A to B in one piece.

Before You Even Think About Running

You will get access to this delivery relatively early on, especially if you have been diligently doing side quests. But trust me, you are never going to make it without some key components in your moveset. Here is my must-have checklist:

Requirement
Why You Need It

Complete My Missing Courier, then My Missing Brother in Bellhart
This unlocks deliveries in the first place. No quest completion, no courier work.

Clawline
Without it, you cannot avoid enemies as easily. Grappling is your best friend.

Faydown Cloak
You need this to bypass the Grand Gate. No cloak, no delivery.

Silkspeed Anklets
Go to Far Fields and use your Needolin ability to get these. They make you lightning quick through each section.

At least two Silk Hearts
Otherwise you cannot charge up enough to run and grapple consistently.

Crest of the Reaper
Optional but recommended. It makes pogoing much easier and more consistent throughout the run.

If you are missing any of these, stop reading and go get them. I am serious. This delivery will chew you up and spit you out otherwise.

The Optimal Route: Shellwood to Choral Chambers

There are probably a dozen ways to reach the Choral Chamber's ruined restaurant, but this is the most consistent and easy-to-master route I have found. Follow it step by step, and you will get there with your cargo intact.

• Shellwood bottom halls – Head through the lower halls of Shellwood. Avoid the floating and flying enemies with well-timed dashes and grapples. Run along here until you are in the area directly below the Bell Station.

• White flower climb – Double jump and pogo up this area with the white flowers. Be careful not to get caught in the yellow mist of the flower bug enemies. If you do, use a quick grapple to get out of the smog.

• Blasted Steps link – Head out past the Bell Station and up through the link to Blasted Steps. Avoid the sneaky spikes along the way. Once in Blasted Steps, your goal is the top right of the screen, but you actually need to go left first to eventually go right. Use double jumps and grapples to get up the initial sections.

• Shield enemies – Watch out for the shield enemies that animate. The key is to wait for them to animate, then use a harpoon or pogo to get over them safely. You will encounter a few other enemies that animate soon after as you head right again. You can zoom past them before they animate. Once past them, head out to the right.

• The drill fly ascent – This takes you into a larger area. Your goal is to get to the top as fast as possible. Move swiftly at the start, because hanging around will aggro the drill fly and they will follow you up. Use the walls and cages to ascend fast. There is a small portion in the middle where you need to glide left and land on a platform. Watch out for the enemy here, but they usually cower when they see you, allowing you to hop over them. Wall jump up and work back right. Avoid a few spike patches, rise to the top, then head right.

• Last Judge runback – This begins the Last Judge boss runback you probably loathe but also know like the back of your hand. Do one dash jump followed by another to avoid the drill fly entirely. Use your grapple to double jump and skip a few sections in the middle. For the second section, jump and glide all the way to the second bell before pogoing and rising up. Then make the most of your double jump and grapple to make light work of this platforming section. Head out right toward The Grand Gate.

• Grand Gate sprint – Keep sprinting until you are past the Last Judge room. After another screen at full sprint, look up and double jump to reach some see-saw platforms. Up top is a Spool Fragment, but you want to work your way to the highest platform on the right wall. There, reveal a hidden breakable wall that grants you access to Choral Chambers.

• Hidden path into Choral Chambers – Through this hidden path, be careful not to unintentionally sprint into the spinning apparatus that immediately follows. Jump upwards to head into the Chambers. From here, you have two paths. The Citadel Spa path is arguably better because it is a lot safer, but the path to the right is a little bit faster. Gauge it by how good your item's condition is.

• The faster right path – Assuming you take the quicker path, sprint right and avoid the trio of enemies up ahead with a well-timed grapple. Ascend upwards until you reach a sign pointing to the Ventrica Station. Head right again.

• Lever and dark area – On the next screen, avoid another enemy trio and hit the lever to drop into a dark area. Avoid the enemy that pops up from the ground by not breaking your stride. Hop up on the higher platform and hit the lever to make it back out. Then do another grapple to avoid one more trio of enemies.

• Vertical climb – Rise up this vertical screen, avoiding the various animating enemies on different platforms, to get to the highest exit on the left-hand side. Be swift, because if they animate and swarm, you are toast.

• Last dangerous screen – This is your final danger zone. Avoid the pinhead bug as you rise. Ignore the two enemies on higher platforms as you rise through the shortcut previously triggered by a lever, and into the area on the right.

• Finish line – To finish off, immediately hop through the hidden pathway directly above your head and sprint through the restaurant to talk to the NPC. Deliver the Courier's Ration, and this troublesome portion of the Great Taste of Pharloom quest is finally over.

Extra Tips to Keep Your Cargo in One Piece

If you are still struggling to make it to your destination without the cargo getting banged up beyond recognition, try these extra tips:

• ️ Use ranged tools or Thread Storm when you are in close quarters with multiple enemies. They help you find space to harpoon through.

• ️ One hit is fine. You can still quite comfortably make the delivery. No need to restart. But if you take two hits, it is quicker to kill yourself and restart from the Bellhart Bench.

• Practice individual sections. If a particular part is giving you trouble, just navigate that portion over and over until it is muscle memory.

• ️ Use the Crest of the Reaper to make pogoing much easier and more consistent throughout the run.

• ️ Open up all areas of the map. Specifically, the hidden pathway at the Grand Gate and the various lever-activated shortcuts in Choral Chambers. These make your life so much easier.

Deliveries in Silksong are no joke, but with the right setup and a bit of practice, the Courier's Ration becomes a satisfying sprint instead of a rage-inducing nightmare. Stay fast, stay calm, and for the love of Pharloom, do not get hit twice. Good luck out there.

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How I Beat Groal the Great in Silksong: A Painful 2026 Guide

Silksong Groal the Great boss guide: beat Bilewater's bench runback with cheese tips, Faydown Cloak, and Sting Shard.

As a veteran Silksong player, I thought I had faced every nightmare the game could throw at me. Then I met Groal the Great. This giant frog boss, hidden high above the foul tunnels of Bilewater, is not just a test of skill—it's a test of patience. In 2026, with the game's community still sharing tips, I finally conquered this optional beast. Was it worth the dozens of deaths and the most punishing runback in the game? Let me tell you my story.

Getting to Groal: The Runback from Hell

First, let's talk about the journey. Groal the Great lives in Bilehaven, at the very top of Bilewater. This zone is hidden within the Citadel, and you have two ways in: through Sinner's Road (via a hidden entrance above the Halfway Home) or through the Putrefied Ducts (from the Memorium zone). The Ducts route is shorter, but you won't unlock it until late in Act 2. I took the Sinner's Road path, and it was brutal.

Before you even think about this fight, do yourself a favor: get the Faydown Cloak from Mount Fay. This double jump ability is essential for both traversal and the boss fight. Without it, you're just frog food.

Bilewater is a poison-filled nightmare. I spent hours avoiding toxic pools and ambushes. Eventually, I reached a bench—yes, a real bench!—and sat down to prepare. From there, I ascended to Bilehaven. The key is to take no damage on the way up. Why? Because before Groal appears, you must survive six waves of enemies and spike traps. That's right, six. If you arrive with low HP or no Silk, you're done.

The Boss Fight: Tips and Cheeses

Now, the main event. Groal the Great is a massive frog with a variety of attacks. I died many times before I found a strategy that worked. Here's what I learned.

The Cheese Method

There's a way to cheese this fight, though it's risky. Instead of avoiding the poison pools at the bottom of the screen, top up your HP and dive straight into the poison. Then swim to the extreme left or right. Groal has a hard time hitting you there. You can leap in and out to attack. Just be careful during its Vengeful Spirit attack—it can still hit you in the water. Also, watch for particles in the water that indicate where enemies or the boss will surface.

Recommended Tools

The best tool for this fight, in my opinion, is the Sting Shard. You throw it, and it hovers in mid-air. When an enemy gets close, it explodes into shards, dealing multiple hits. It's perfect for the enemy waves and for Groal himself.

If you plan to pogo on top of the boss, keep your thumb on the jump input. Use the Faydown Cloak to double jump when Groal rises or dives. The boss jumps slightly before diving, so be ready.

Attack Patterns and Counters

Here's a quick table I wish I had when I started:

Attack
What Groal Does
How I Countered

Vengeful Spirit
Shoots a projectile
Dodge sideways; don't stay in poison

Dive
Flies up then dives down
Double jump with Faydown Cloak

Spit
Aims to the side
Heal above or below the boss

Surface
Particles appear in water
Watch for ambush, move away

The best times to Bind and heal are immediately after Groal dives into the pools or during its spit animation. After it dives, it won't resurface for a few seconds. When spitting, it aims exclusively to the side, so you can heal if you're above or below.

What Do You Get for Beating Groal?

After many attempts, I finally defeated Groal the Great. Was the reward worth it? Let's see.

First, you unlock access to the rest of Bilehaven to the left. This gives you an easy path into the Putrefied Ducts zone, which contains an important progression item. Go left from the boss arena and enter a boggy hut to find the Seeker's Soul. This key item is required to enter Act 3, which is technically optional but essential for completionists.

Exit the hut, continue left across a pit of spikes, and unlock a shortcut down to the bottom of Bilewater. But take the upward path first. This leads into the Putrefied Ducts, where you can find the Key of Apostate (used in The Slab). Explore a bit more, and you'll meet The Huntress, who asks Hornet to gather organs of various enemies using specific tools for the Broodfeast quest.

Final Thoughts

So, would I do it again? Maybe not for fun, but the Seeker's Soul made it necessary for my Act 3 run. Groal the Great is a brutal but memorable boss. The runback is painful, the enemy waves are annoying, but the satisfaction of victory is real. If you're struggling, take my advice: get the Faydown Cloak, bring Sting Shards, and don't be afraid to cheese it. Good luck, and may your Silk be plentiful.

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