Discover essential Silksong combat mechanics, silk system mastery, and progression tips to dominate your journey as Hornet.
Team Cherry's highly anticipated sequel brings a fresh take on the beloved Metroidvania formula, with Hornet as your agile protagonist. Unlike the Knight's soul-based abilities, you'll master an entirely new silk-based combat system while ascending through mysterious kingdoms. Whether you're a Hollow Knight veteran or newcomer, Silksong introduces mechanics that'll challenge everything you think you know.
Hollow Knight: Silksong: Ultimate Beginner's Guide
Hornet's journey flips the original's descent into darkness on its head - you're climbing upward toward a kingdom's peak. After being captured and taken to this strange land, Hornet must battle through mossy grottos, coral forests, and shining citadels to uncover the truth behind her kidnapping.
The core difference lies in Hornet's incredible mobility. Where the Knight moved with deliberate precision, Hornet flows like silk itself. Every attack chains into acrobatic tumbles, giving you extended air time for positioning. The new mantling system lets you grab ledge edges automatically - no more frustrating falls when you barely miss a platform.
Practice chaining attacks with movement early. Unlike Hollow Knight's methodical approach, Silksong rewards aggressive, flowing combat.
Forget everything you knew about Soul - Silk operates completely differently. You generate Silk by dealing damage to enemies, then spend it on healing (geng) or powerful abilities. Here's the crucial difference: Binding heals 3-4 health at once but consumes significant Silk and can be interrupted.
Silk Generation Strategy:
Action | Silk Cost | Effect |
---|---|---|
Binding (Healing) | High | 3-4 health restored |
Needle Throw + Pull | Low | Movement + damage |
Storm AoE | Medium | Area damage |
Charge Stab | Medium | High single damage |
Hollow Knight: Silksong The Silk System
Never attempt Binding mid-combat without proper spacing. Interruption wastes your Silk without healing.
Crests replace Hollow Knight's charm system entirely. Think of them as equipment loadouts that define your playstyle. The Wanderer Crest starts you with one slot each for red (offensive tools), blue (utility), and yellow (passive benefits).
Hollow Knight: Silksong Crests
Advanced Crests like the Reaper's Crest double your slots and add central abilities that transform Hornet's basic attacks. The Harp Crest reduces Binding costs while changing attack visuals - perfect for defensive players.
Red Tools (Offensive):
Blue/Yellow Tools (Utility):
Hollow Knight: Silksong Crests
Hornet's combat rewards constant pressure. Unlike the Knight's defensive focus, you'll want to stay close and maintain offensive momentum. Shell Shards fuel your tools - manage this resource carefully since you'll need to craft replacements.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Combat
Core Combat Loop:
R
+ direction) for crowd controlTools don't require Silk - they're your bread-and-butter damage dealers. Save Silk for healing and special abilities.
Hornet's movement toolkit expands dramatically as you progress. The needle throw + pull technique costs minimal Silk but opens incredible traversal options. You can target hanging rings, moving platforms, or even enemies to zip across gaps.
Advanced Movement Techniques:
Hollow Knight: Silksong Movement
Unlike Hollow Knight's limited water interaction, Silksong includes basic swimming mechanics. While not revolutionary, it opens new exploration paths and escape routes during combat encounters.
Health Upgrades work identically to Hollow Knight - collect Mask Shards scattered throughout the world. Early upgrades require 3-4 shards, with later ones demanding 5 or more.
Needle Upgrades replace nail progression. Find the hidden blacksmith equivalent and bring Rosaries (the new currency) plus rare materials. Expect 4 total upgrade tiers, each significantly boosting damage output.
Prioritize the Crafting Kit from traders early. Enhanced tool effectiveness pays dividends throughout your entire playthrough.
Rosaries replace Geo as your primary currency. Unlike Hollow Knight's sometimes scarce economy, you'll collect Rosaries regularly from defeated enemies. The Bellbeast system handles fast travel between discovered locations - think stag stations with a silk-themed twist.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Rosaries
Essential Early Purchases:
With over 40 unique bosses confirmed, adaptability becomes crucial. Lace, your primary rival, appears multiple times with evolving movesets. This acrobatic fighter mirrors Hornet's mobility, demanding precise timing and aggressive counterplay.
Universal Boss Tips:
Remember: this isn't about rushing to completion. Silksong's world rewards curious exploration and patient mastery. When the speedrunning community eventually breaks the game wide open, you'll appreciate having experienced it at your own pace first. Don't get too attached to any single Crest or strategy. Silksong rewards experimentation and adaptation above rigid optimization.
Seven years of memes, fan theories, and “Silksong when” jokes later, it is finally happening. Team Cherry did not just cook, they slow cooked this game to perfection. Silksong feels like Hollow Knight turned all the way up, with faster combat, a bigger world, and movement options that make you feel like a nimble assassin exploring a deadly playground.
If you thought the first game was tough, get ready. Pharloom is not here to hold your hand, it is here to smack it away and then dare you to try again. But that is part of the magic. Every boss victory and secret discovery will feel like a personal achievement.
So sharpen your needle, grab some snacks, and prepare for a game that will take over your free time in the best way possible. Silksong is finally here, and it is ready to pull you into a world you will not want to leave.
Updated:
September 4th 2025
Posted:
September 3rd 2025