Hollow Knight: Silksong Guide: How to Play Hornet
Master Hornets silk-based combat, explore Pharlooms secrets, and dominate every boss battle in Team Cherrys anticipated sequel.
Get ready to experience a completely different kind of bug-slaying adventure. Hollow Knight: Silksong transforms everything you knew about Team Cherry's formula, putting you in control of Hornet - a lightning-fast warrior whose silk-based combat system will revolutionize how you approach every encounter. Whether you're a Hallownest veteran or jumping in fresh, this guide will prepare you for the challenges awaiting in Pharloom.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Guide: How to Play Hornet
Hornet’s Unique Playstyle
Hornet's playstyle represents a complete departure from the methodical, soul-based approach of the original Knight. Where the previous protagonist favored careful positioning and heavy strikes, Hornet thrives on aggressive mobility and rapid-fire combinations.
The core difference lies in her resource system. Instead of collecting Soul from fallen enemies, Hornet generates Silk through active combat engagement. This fundamental shift encourages you to stay on the offensive, rewarding players who maintain pressure rather than those who turtle behind defensive strategies.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Guide: How to Play Hornet
Needle and Thread Combat System
The Needle and Thread serves as both your primary weapon and traversal tool, creating a unique dual-purpose system that defines Silksong's gameplay loop.
Your basic attacks with the needle execute significantly faster than the Knight's nail strikes, allowing for combo chains that can overwhelm enemies before they react. The thread component adds a secondary layer, enabling grappling maneuvers mid-combat.
| Combat Element | Function | Silk Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Needle Strike | Fast melee attack | None |
| Thread Grapple | Mobility/positioning | 1 Silk |
| Bind Ability | Crowd control | 2 Silk |
| Enhanced Dash | Quick repositioning | 1 Silk |
See our How to Unlock the Dash Ability guide to know where and how to get them.
The blocking mechanism operates differently than traditional parrying systems. Instead of timing-based deflections, Hornet can maintain defensive stances while building up counterattack opportunities.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Guide: How to Play Hornet
Dash and bounce combinations form the backbone of advanced combat. You can chain these movements to create aerial combos that keep you airborne while dealing consistent damage. The pogo mechanics from the original game return but feel more fluid when executed with Hornet's enhanced mobility.
important
Your Silk regenerates through successful needle strikes, creating a risk-reward loop. Aggressive players who land consecutive hits maintain their ability resources, while defensive players may find themselves resource-starved.
Exploring Pharloom
The Kingdom of Pharloom is made up of several distinct biomes, each offering its own environmental challenges that push different aspects of Hornet’s move set.
The Mossy Grottos form the underground foundation of the kingdom. These areas are characterized by narrow corridors that demand precise movement, where grappling abilities become essential for navigation. Vertical traversal is especially important here, and players will need to master thread-based techniques to progress effectively.
In contrast, the Gilded Cities serve as the bustling urban heart of Pharloom. Their wide, open spaces are ideal for practicing dash combinations and aerial maneuvers. The towering architecture encourages more traditional platforming while also presenting complex, multi-level encounters that test agility and timing in new ways.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Guide: How to Play Hornet
Misted Moors challenge your spatial awareness with limited visibility environments. Success here depends on understanding enemy audio cues and maintaining situational awareness during combat.
The Silk Citadel crowns the kingdom as the ultimate test of everything you've learned. This final region combines elements from all previous areas while introducing mechanics that push Hornet's abilities to their limits.
Unlike Hallownest's static environments, Pharloom features interactive elements that respond to your silk abilities. Certain surfaces can be manipulated with thread attacks, creating new pathways or revealing hidden chambers.
warning
Environmental hazards in Pharloom are more dynamic than in the original game. Moving platforms, collapsing structures, and silk-reactive mechanisms require constant adaptation.
Boss and Enemy Strategies
Pharloom is inhabited by more than 200 unique enemies, creating an impressive range of combat scenarios. Each foe demands its own approach, yet there are a few core strategies that can guide you through nearly every encounter.
One of the most important principles is resource management. Always maintain your Silk reserves by combining aggressive needle strikes with careful positioning. Running out of Silk at a critical moment can leave you exposed and unable to respond effectively.
Another key tactic is to take advantage of the vertical space around you. Hornet’s ability to jump higher and use her thread for grappling opens up a three-dimensional battlefield that many enemies are unable to adapt to. Mastering aerial movement and attacks can often provide the upper hand, allowing you to control the flow of combat.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Guide: How to Play Hornet
Enemy Types and How to Beat Them
Beasts and Hunters represent the aggressive enemy archetype, rushing you with overwhelming force. Counter these with dash combinations that let you attack while maintaining safe positioning.
Assassins and Knights favor precision strikes and defensive positioning. Against these foes, your bind abilities become crucial for creating openings in their guard.
Monsters typically feature unique mechanics that require specific strategies. Study their patterns and exploit environmental elements to gain advantages.
tip
Boss encounters in Silksong reward experimentation. Don't be afraid to try unconventional approaches using your full ability toolkit.
Quests and Items
Silksong's quest system represents a significant evolution from the original game's exploration-focused progression. Hornet can now accept specific objectives that guide exploration while rewarding players with unique items and abilities.
Inventory and Crafting
Your inventory system allows for complex item management, supporting the new crafting mechanics that let you create specialized tools for specific challenges.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Guide: How to Play Hornet
Essential crafting materials include:
- Silk Threads for ability enhancement
- Metal Fragments for weapon modifications
- Essence Crystals for magical augmentations
The crafting system encourages experimentation, as different tool combinations provide advantages against specific enemy types or environmental challenges.
If you’re getting ready for Silksong, you might also want to check out our Beginner’s Guide to Hollow Knight to sharpen your skills, or browse our list of upcoming Metroidvania titles worth watching this year
Updated:
September 6th 2025
Posted:
September 4th 2025