In the sprawling kingdom of Pharloom, a PlayStation 5 owner named Mara finally reached the final challenge after thirty hours of careful platforming and brutal combat. Like many players, she had been drawn to Hollow Knight: Silksong when it launched on September 4, 2025. The game immediately earned a reputation for punishing early areas. Yet Mara also noticed something strange while scrolling through the trophy list. The PlayStation version felt shorter than what she had seen in online guides. The reason was not a glitch. It was a deliberate absence.



Hollow Knight: Silksong contains a semi-secret permadeath mode called Steel Soul. When a player dies in this mode, the save file is deleted. It is one of the most demanding features Team Cherry has ever created. On Steam and Xbox, the game asks players to overcome that fear. On PlayStation, however, the associated trophies are nowhere to be found.

The Missing Permadeath Trophies

The omissions were first highlighted by TheGamer. Two achievements tied to Steel Soul are absent from the PlayStation Network trophy list. The first is Steel Soul, which requires finishing the game in Steel Soul mode. The second is Steel Heart, which demands 100% game completion and a finish in Steel Soul mode. Additionally, PlayStation does not include Speed Completion, a trophy that asks players to achieve 100% completion and finish the game in under 30 hours.

That last exclusion is particularly interesting because PlayStation still features Speedrunner, a far more extreme trophy requiring a five-hour run. So the platform does not shy away from intense challenges entirely. It simply omits the permadeath and moderate speed goals.



As a result, PS4 and PS5 owners have a significantly easier time platinuming Silksong compared to their peers on other platforms. The mode itself remains available on both PlayStation consoles. But the risk no longer carries a trophy reward.

A Comparison Across Platforms

The difference in trophy totals is stark. Steam and Xbox each list 52 achievements for Hollow Knight: Silksong. PlayStation offers only 34. Most of the absent trophies are smaller challenges, but the Steel Soul omissions stand out.

Trophy / Achievement
Requirement
PS4 / PS5
Steam / Xbox

Steel Soul
Finish the game in Steel Soul mode
❌
✅

Steel Heart
Achieve 100% completion and finish in Steel Soul mode
❌
✅

Speed Completion
Achieve 100% completion and finish in under 30 hours
❌
✅

Speedrunner
Finish the game in under 5 hours
✅
✅

This table reveals a strange balance. PlayStation players are spared the permadeath grind, but they still face one of the most demanding speedrun trophies in the game. The Platinum trophy remains a serious challenge, yet its path is shorter and less psychologically punishing.



Why the Lists Differ

Team Cherry has not commented on the missing trophies. The pattern is not unprecedented. The original Hollow Knight also had fewer trophies on PlayStation. It offered 35 trophies compared to 63 on other platforms.

Once upon a time, Sony imposed strict achievement restrictions on non-full-priced games. Those games were not even allowed to include Platinum trophies. The policy was so rigid that it affected high-profile developers. Hideo Kojima once explained that this was why Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes had a smaller PlayStation trophy list than other versions.

That policy, however, belonged to an earlier era. As of 2026, shorter PlayStation trophy lists are more likely explained by design philosophy than by old platform rules. Silksong's PlayStation achievement list emphasizes major progression milestones. Each trophy may therefore feel more meaningful, even if the total number is lower.



An Easier Platinum, Not an Easy Game

Make no mistake: Hollow Knight: Silksong is still exceptionally difficult. Players must master precise movement, learn aggressive boss patterns, and survive long stretches without rest. The PlayStation trophy list simply removes some of the most brutal optional peaks.

Some community members are relieved. Others argue that a Platinum should represent the complete experience, including Steel Soul. For now, trophy hunters on PlayStation can celebrate a slightly softer climb. The Pharloom kingdom remains dangerous, but at least the save file will not erase itself on the road to Platinum.

For players weighing which version to buy based on the trophy list they prefer, the decision often comes down to more than just achievement counts. Console releases and Steam keys frequently launch at different prices, and seasonal sales can shift the value equation dramatically. Checking where the game is cheapest before committing to a platform is a smart way to make the choice easier.

A reliable game price tracker like DealNest can help you monitor price drops, compare offers across major stores, and get notified when Hollow Knight: Silksong falls within your budget. That way, you can focus on the challenge ahead — whether you pursue the Platinum or chase every achievement on PC.

In Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hornet's expanding collection of Tools grants players flexibility for every combat and platforming challenge. Some Tools improve movement, others grant defensive benefits, and a few trade safety for raw damage output. The Barbed Bracelet falls into that last category. While most damage upgrades require tracking down Pale Oils and returning them to Bellhart, this hidden Yellow Tool increases Hornet's needle damage but also increases the damage she receives. For players exploring the 2026 builds of the game, the Barbed Bracelet remains one of the most debated Tools in Hornet's loadout.

How to Get the Barbed Bracelet

The Barbed Bracelet is hidden deep enough that players cannot grab it during the opening hours. The first requirement is reaching Shellwood and unlocking the Wall Jump ability. That means defeating Sister Splinter and then moving right from the boss arena to collect the ability. Without Wall Jump, the vertical climbs and spike-filled corridors leading to the bracelet are not accessible.

Once Wall Jump is available, travel to Greymoor Bellway Station. Head left and enter the first tower. From there, climb upward until a passage on the right appears. Follow that passage into the second tower, then continue moving right and take the passage on the right. This is where the platforming becomes tighter: from the elevator, pogo off the metal spikes on the left, float toward the right, and use a down slash on a ball to reach the top-right exit. The passage leads directly into Sinner's Road.

Inside Sinner's Road, ignore the imprisoned green mantis above and push far to the right. The route passes through a room filled with multiple Muckroaches. At the end of that room, do not take the path going upward. Instead, enter the cage and drop down carefully. After avoiding the spikes, players will find the Barbed Bracelet resting on top of a wooden raft.



How the Barbed Bracelet Works

The Barbed Bracelet is a Yellow Tool with a simple but risky effect. It increases Hornet's total damage output, and it also increases the damage she takes. That double-edged design makes it very situational. Because most players will have fewer than eight Mask Shards before reaching the endgame, the higher incoming damage often means that bosses can two-shot Hornet. This is especially dangerous in fights with fast combos or delayed attacks that are difficult to learn quickly.

Platforming sections are even more punishing with the bracelet equipped. Many enemies, wall spikes, and environmental traps already deal two Mask damage without any extra penalty. With the Barbed Bracelet equipped, a single mistake can send Hornet back to the bench in under a minute. For that reason, it is not recommended for blind exploration, difficult platforming gauntlets, or any boss fight where the player is still learning attack patterns.

That said, the Barbed Bracelet is not without value. Against predictable bosses where players are confident in their ability to avoid hits, the damage boost can shorten fights significantly. Fewer attack cycles mean less time in danger and more room for mistakes overall, which can offset the risk for skilled players.

Is It Worth Equipping?

The Barbed Bracelet has a clear niche, and it shines most when players are farming for Rosaries. On farming routes, taking one or two hits is common, but the bracelet allows Hornet to clear enemies much faster. Pairing the Barbed Bracelet with the Fractured Mask creates an especially effective setup, because the extra survivability lets players withstand three hits while still benefiting from the boosted damage. The result is a faster and safer farm loop.

The bracelet also has synergy with the Clawline ability once it is unlocked. Since the Barbed Bracelet increases Clawline damage as well, players can harpoon enemies and dash away repeatedly. This hit-and-run style makes most Rosary farming routes easier and noticeably shorter. Instead of committing to long melee trades, players can kill from range and reposition before enemies can respond.

? Best use cases: Rosary farming, predictable bosses, experienced players who rarely get hit

⚠️ Avoid using in: platforming-heavy areas, multi-phase boss fights, early-game loadouts

?️ Pairs well with: Fractured Mask, Clawline ability

Final Verdict

The Barbed Bracelet is a high-risk, high-reward Tool that rewards careful planning and confident play. It is not a universal best-in-slot item, and players who prefer a defensive or exploration-focused build should leave it unequipped for most of the game. However, once a farming route is established or a boss pattern is fully learned, the damage increase becomes a powerful tool for saving time and ending fights quickly.

For players exploring Hollow Knight: Silksong in 2026, the Barbed Bracelet is absolutely worth collecting once the route to Sinner's Road is open. The acquisition requires solid Wall Jump control and some precise spike pogoing, but the payoff for Rosary farming and confident boss kills makes the detour worthwhile.

Of course, an efficient build only matters if you actually have the game in your library. Players who enjoy fine-tuning their loadouts in Silksong often apply the same careful planning to how they buy games. Timing purchases around seasonal sales can make a big difference, and staying informed about the best ongoing offers is a smart habit for any PC player.

For those looking to expand their collection without overspending, keeping an eye on PC game discounts is a practical way to spot worthwhile deals early. A little patience between sales can free up budget for other indie gems while you keep mastering Hollow Knight: Silksong.

In the sprawling kingdom of Pharloom, players who wander far beyond the main routes of Hollow Knight Silksong may uncover a hidden boss tucked away in the Grand Gate. That encounter is far more than an ordinary test of combat skill. The warrior known as Shrine Guardian Seth carries the name and spirit of Seth Goldman, a young Hollow Knight fan whose real-life story became permanently woven into Team Cherry’s insectoid world. By 2026, as players continue to map every corner of Pharloom, the guardian has become one of Silksong’s most heartfelt tributes.

? A Rare Diagnosis and a Special Wish

In 2019, Seth Goldman was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer. This aggressive illness affects bones or the soft tissue around bones and often appears in children and young adults. Facing a life-threatening diagnosis, Goldman connected with the Marty Lyons Foundation, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to granting wishes for children aged 3 to 17 who have terminal or life-threatening conditions. His wish was deeply personal: he wanted to meet the team at Team Cherry, the indie studio behind one of his favourite games, Hollow Knight.

The meeting turned into something far larger than a simple studio visit. After what Goldman described as a “super fun” talk with the developers, he received an extraordinary opportunity. Team Cherry invited him to design a character that would be implemented in the upcoming sequel, Hollow Knight Silksong. That collaborative dream eventually became Shrine Guardian Seth, a permanent fixture in Pharloom.



? The Hidden Guardian of the Grand Gate

Shrine Guardian Seth resides in a concealed area of the Grand Gate, one of Pharloom’s grand and imposing landmarks. Visually, the character resembles an ant, which fits naturally alongside the game’s insect-inspired cast. In combat, he wields an oversized pin as a weapon and carries a cymbal as a shield, giving his fighting style a strange, rhythmic personality. His boss battle is accompanied by a hauntingly ethereal musical theme that deepens the otherworldly atmosphere of the hidden arena.

For players expecting a brief optional duel, the encounter offers much more. Once Shrine Guardian Seth is defeated, he does not disappear from the adventure. Instead, he reappears throughout Pharloom, making Goldman’s creation feel like a recurring presence rather than a one-off enemy. Following the initial fight, players can find him in Greymoor, Shellwood, the Grand Gate, and eventually Fleatopia.



In Fleatopia, the guardian shifts from adversary to friendly rival. He challenges Hornet to beat his high score in the various caravan minigames scattered across the settlement. Succeeding earns players the Guardian’s Memento, a special keepsake described in-game as “A gift given in respect of great skill.”

Location
Encounter

Grand Gate
Hidden boss fight

Greymoor
Post-defeat appearance

Shellwood
Post-defeat appearance

Fleatopia
Caravan minigame high-score challenge

?️ A Farewell Before the Journey Ended

Goldman passed away shortly after designing the character, and he did not live to see Silksong’s eventual release. Still, he was able to witness his original character being brought to life during development. Around the time of the collaboration, Goldman shared his excitement online under the username u/big_boi878. He explained that he could not show much beyond the name, which he had chosen after himself, but that a blog post was coming soon. He added that he could not wait for others to see the character’s lore, design, and gameplay.

Those words now read as a quiet promise fulfilled by the finished game. Team Cherry also honoured Goldman in the credits, offering a special thanks to him after all the years of waiting. For players who know the story behind the hidden boss, that brief credit becomes one of the most emotional moments in the entire experience.

? How the Community Keeps Seth’s Memory Alive

Within the Hollow Knight community, Shrine Guardian Seth has taken on a life of his own. Artists have produced extensive fan art, reimagining his ant-like silhouette in countless styles. Other passionate fans have created 3D blueprints for figurines, allowing the guardian to exist as a physical object outside the game. This steady wave of creative work has transformed Seth from a secret boss into a symbol of remembrance, immortalising Goldman inside one of his favourite fictional universes.

The Marty Lyons Foundation, which helped arrange the meeting with Team Cherry, continues to support children facing life-threatening illnesses. Players moved by the guardian’s story can support that mission through official channels, helping other young people create meaningful final memories. Through careful design, thoughtful placement, and lasting community affection, Shrine Guardian Seth remains much more than an optional encounter. He stands as a quiet monument to generosity, fandom, and the deep human connections that can grow out of video games.

For players eager to witness Shrine Guardian Seth's touching tribute firsthand, securing a copy of Silksong at the right price makes the journey all the sweeter. Hunting for bargains on beloved titles has become part of modern gaming culture, and knowing where to buy cheap games can help fans spend less time worrying about cost and more time soaking in the emotional moments crafted by developers like Team Cherry. Every player deserves the chance to stumble upon Seth's hidden shrine and read the credits knowing that a real person's memory lives on inside the game.

After I saved Tipp and Pill, I thought the chaos was over. Nope. Those two immediately put me on courier duty, and the Liquid Lacquer delivery to Mask Maker became the closest thing Silksong has to a stress test for the soul. That little jar sat in my inventory like a fragile glass heart, and every enemy, spike, and bad landing wanted to shatter it.

Why This Quest Is Brutal

Delivery quests in Hollow Knight: Silksong already disable teleporting, but Liquid Lacquer adds a cruel twist. The item has only 3 HP. On top of that, this quest opens in Act 3, when many enemies are upgraded and throwing dark attacks. Some of those attacks hit multiple times, which can instantly erase the jar. No pressure, right?

The mission rules are short, but the run feels anything but short:

Deliver Liquid Lacquer to Mask Maker in Mount Fay.

Protect the Liquid Lacquer with its 3 HP.

Survive without teleportation.



Prepping Before the Run

I cleared every area along the route before starting the actual delivery. It took longer than the run itself, but I would rather spend twenty minutes removing Void Masses and dark enemies than repeat a ten-to-fifteen-minute run because a multi-hit shadow attack tapped my jar twice. The journey is long enough without gambling on enemy spawns.

Here is the route I trusted:

Order
Area

1
Bellhart

2
Shellwood

3
Blasted Steps

4
Grand Gate

5
Choral Chambers

6
The Slab

7
Mount Fay



Bellhart to Mount Fay

I started from Bellhart using the same path I knew from the Courier's Rasher delivery. Act 3 changed things, though. Some walls were broken and old hook points were gone, but new platforms and targets appeared clearly enough. Once I reached Choral Chambers, I stopped at the gate that exits into The Slab and aimed for the Bellway at the bottom. That lower route gave me easy access to Mount Fay.

The Mount Fay Climb

Mount Fay is where the real platforming begins. It is the same climb I did for the Faydown Cloak, but this time I had Double Jump, which made the vertical maze far more manageable. Still, Act 3 placed dark upgraded enemies along the climb, including some that normally exist only to help with the hook. Even the air felt hostile up there.

After conquering the main climb, the wind current carried me upward. I used it to leap left onto a ledge. For a moment, I just stopped and let Hornet breathe...



Then I spotted the slide.

The Hidden Parkour Puzzle

That slide drops you toward the bottom of Mount Fay. I had to jump and descend until I saw a small hole on the left side. Entering it began the final upward parkour puzzle to Mask Maker. The first rough spot involved a high ledge with spikes waiting on the other side. I jumped at the spikes and attacked them to boost Hornet onto the ledge. My hands were absolutely sweating by then.

Next came a double-jump wall challenge that demands perfect timing. Instead of fighting it, I used the skip: jump to the icy slide on the left, touch it, and immediately jump again to reach the other side. That little move saved my attempt and possibly my controller.



Delivering the Jar

After ten to fifteen minutes of nerves, I finally reached Mask Maker and delivered the Liquid Lacquer. The jar survived, barely. Standing there at the end of Mount Fay, I realized the hardest part was not any single enemy or spike—it was keeping my focus while the whole of Pharloom tried to crack my cargo open. Would I run it again? Ask me after my hands stop shaking.

After a delivery like that, I usually find myself browsing for the next game to test my platforming skills before I lose my nerve entirely. Whether I'm hunting for something that matches Silksong's intensity or just re-installing an old favorite, I've learned to compare prices before committing. Sites like DealNest specialize in rounding up the cheapest steam keys, so I never have to overspend just to satisfy my craving for a good challenge.

Once you have your next title secured at a fair price, you'll be ready for whatever absurd deliveries await. And trust me, there is always another jar, another climb, and another Mask Maker waiting just around the corner.

Man, when it comes to Hollow Knight: Silksong, the community never ceases to knock my socks off. I have been deep in the weeds with this game since it finally launched back in September 2025, and just when I thought I had seen it all, a player comes along and pulls off something that makes my own playthrough look like a walk in the park. We are talking about defeating every single boss in the game without taking one point of damage. Not a scratch. Zip. Nada. I was honestly gobsmacked when I saw the footage floating around.



I have been playing Metroidvanias for ages, and Team Cherry really outdid themselves with the difficulty spike in this sequel. The original Hollow Knight was already a tough cookie, but Silksong cranks that dial up to eleven. We are dealing with a grand total of thirty-six different bosses here. I have spent hours banging my head against the wall with some of the more aggressive encounters. Enemies like Trobbio and Groal the Great have become household names in the community, and honestly, some of their attack patterns still give me nightmares. The idea of taking down all of these maniacs in a row without taking a hit is the kind of challenge that usually makes me want to throw my controller through the window.

But hey, someone actually did it. I was scrolling through my feed when I saw the report about a YouTuber named CrazyTemplar. This absolute legend posted a nearly two-hour-long video showcasing a perfect run of every single boss. Two hours of flawless gameplay. I can barely keep my focus for a twenty-minute boss rush, let alone two hours of perfect dodging and punishing. And this mad lad didn't just stop at the main roster; he also cleared several hidden bosses, including the ones exclusive to the game's brutal permadeath mode. Talk about going the extra mile. I remember watching his uploads chronicling the journey, where he would break down the fights into different groups. It is one thing to master a single pattern, but stringing them all together without a single slip-up is a different beast entirely.



The skill ceiling in this game is just astronomical. I like to think I am a pretty decent player, but watching this run gave me a serious reality check. It is like watching a ballet where the choreography involves a needle and a whole lot of spite. The precision required to avoid chip damage from some of the more chaotic bosses is unreal. The fact that he included the permadeath mode bosses is the cherry on top. I do not even want to think about the anxiety of doing a no-hit run on a mode where one mistake means starting the whole save file over. That is a level of mental fortitude I simply do not possess.

Of course, this is exactly the kind of energy that has made the Silksong community so vibrant since day one. Even though we are well into 2026 now, players are constantly finding new ways to interact with the game. I have seen people pointing out weird trophy discrepancies, like the fact that a pair of achievements exclusive to permadeath mode are missing from the PlayStation Network. Honestly, that is a bit of a relief for me because I might actually have a shot at the Platinum Trophy on my PS5 without having to put myself through that specific kind of torture. The modding scene has also been absolutely popping off. I have messed around with a few skin mods for Hornet, and seeing a full co-op mod hit the scene so quickly was wild. It really keeps the game fresh.



It is funny to think back to the release window. The hype was so real that other games were scrambling to move their release dates out of the way, and the player count for the original Hollow Knight spiked like crazy because everyone wanted a taste of that atmosphere before diving into the sequel. Silksong wasn't just a game; it was a cultural event. And now, months down the line, we are seeing the fruits of that obsession. Perfect runs, dedicated modders, and a community that shares every little secret.

Seeing the Bell Beast lose its marbles in that screenshot above reminds me exactly why I love this game. The fights are emotional, the world is grim, and the sense of accomplishment is unmatched. But even with all that love, you will not catch me trying to replicate this no-hit run. I will leave the perfection to the crazy talents. I am just happy to sit back, watch the two-hour masterpiece, and cheer from the sidelines. It is inspiring, sure, but it is also a humbling reminder that there is always a bigger fish in Pharloom. ?

If you have not seen the video yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. It is a masterclass in patience. Just be prepared to feel a little bad about your own skills afterward. I know I did. But in the best way possible, because it shows just how deep this game really goes.

Watching runs like this always makes me want to dive back into the game myself. Whether you are a veteran looking to replay with the co-op mod or a newcomer finally ready to see what all the fuss is about, there is no wrong time to jump into Pharloom. For anyone inspired to experience the game for themselves, it is always worth keeping an eye out for the best game deals if you want to pick up Silksong or the original Hollow Knight without burning a hole in your pocket.

And with the modding scene constantly adding new ways to play, having the game on hand means you will never run out of fresh challenges. A quick stop at DealNest might just save you a few bucks before you start your own journey—just maybe do not aim for a no-hit run right away.

In the kingdom of Pharloom, every corner hides a challenge, and the road forward is never free of trouble. The bosses of Hollow Knight: Silksong are more than simple obstacles; they are tests of timing, patience, and mastery over Hornet's silk and needle. A traveler who steps into these arenas quickly learns that some fights can be skipped, while others must be faced with a steady hand. Below is a chronicle of ten bosses that stand out—not always because they are the hardest, but because they leave a lasting mark on the journey.

?️ 10. Trobbio – Clumsy And Slow Attacks



When Hornet found Trobbio beside the Choral Chambers after defeating the Cogwork Dancers, she quickly realized this boss was not about raw speed but about chaos. Trobbio uses fast, wild movements and becomes more aggressive as its health drops. It twirls and summons tornadoes that shoot up from both sides, and it throws bombs that explode in straight patterns across the floor. The fight rewards patience. A player should wait for Trobbio to begin a heavy swing, dodge out of the way, and punish during the recovery. Trading blows almost never works, because his hits out-damage Hornet's. Short combos of one or two quick strikes before retreating are the safest route. If Trobbio leaps into the air, a dash is essential, since the ground smash covers more space than it looks.

?️ 9. Bell Beast – Once You Get the Timing, It’s Not Threatening



The Bell Beast lives in The Marrow and serves as the second main boss. Hornet first encountered it trapped in silk near the entrance. To wake the beast, she had to retrieve the Silkspear from Mosshome and cut it free—an act that immediately triggers the fight. The Bell Beast uses ground moves that cover wide spaces: it dashes across the arena, jumps from one side to the other, and drops into the center with two large rolling bells that travel toward the edges. In its second phase, after losing about half its health, it digs underground and causes falling bells to rain down. Some attacks make the ground shake before they happen, providing crucial warnings. The move set is not super fast, but it covers large zones and can catch a player who stands still.

?️ 8. Savage Beastfly – Aggressive But Predictable



Found in Act 1 and completely optional, the Savage Beastfly is a fight that pressures Hornet with both direct attacks and summoned minions. It spawns waves of small flying bugs to distract, then rushes in to take advantage of the confusion. At certain moments, the Beastfly drops to the ground in a vulnerable state, but those windows pass quickly. The longer the fight drags on, the more minions appear, making dodging far harder. The main boss's strikes are not overly complicated, but the combined pressure of the swarm can overwhelm an unprepared player. The best strategy is to fight aggressively. Saving the strongest Silk Skills for when the Beastfly drops prone is essential—unload everything in those short openings, because burning its health quickly means fewer swarms to deal with.

?️ 7. Moorwing – The Swooping and Speed Make It Harder, the Patterns Are Readable



Depending on the choices Hornet makes, especially if she resolves the Lost Fleas side quest, she can actually skip the Moorwing boss fight. But if the fight is chosen, the first signature attack is a fast dive from the top of the screen that forces a quick reaction. A skilled player can pogo on Moorwing's back during the descent. The boss also has a forward drill rush with its legs, a move that deals heavy damage if caught unprepared. The other big threats are saw-blade hazards. In one version, rotating blades sweep across the arena floor. In another, a circular pattern of blades radiates outward, covering wide portions of the stage. These blade attacks often happen when Moorwing pulls back and rises into the air, so learning the windup animation helps predict what is coming.

?️ 6. First Sinner – Fast and Makes Hiding Difficult



The First Sinner is one of Silksong's secret Act 2 bosses, and it relies heavily on thread and needle constructs. During the first phase, it sets up straight-line silk needles across the arena while mixing in precise melee swipes. These attacks are dangerous because once the silk patterns are laid out, they restrict movement until they fade. The boss later summons more complex thread webs that block sections of the floor or ceiling, and it mixes in new binding moves. If Hornet is caught in a bind, she will be open to a follow-up hit unless she breaks free fast. The best time to land damage is when the boss is summoning threads. It pauses for a short moment while shaping the attack, and that is the perfect opening to strike.

?️ 5. Forebrothers Signis and Gron – Keeping Track of Both Brothers Is the Challenge



These two brothers appear together in Act 2 as an optional fight. Each brother has a distinct style, but both throw fiery arrows at Hornet. One is slower and covers more area, while the other attacks faster with quicker combos. On their own, neither is too overwhelming, but when they attack together, it is easy to get cornered. The safest plan is to focus on one brother first. Taking him out early reduces the chaos and makes the fight much easier. Keeping both in the line of sight prevents blindsiding, and using wide attacks when they are close together can deal damage to both at once. Standing between them is a fatal mistake.

?️ 4. Sister Splinter – Fast and Relentless



In Shellwood, Hornet meets Sister Splinter in a tight arena filled with obstacles, which makes the fight stressful before the boss even attacks. This boss blocks the way forward and must be defeated to obtain the Cling Grip ancestral art that enables wall-jumping. Sister Splinter spends most of the battle clinging to the ceiling, punishing Hornet with overhead strikes. Her main move is a sequence of claw slams, often three in a row, that cover a wide part of the stage. She also calls down thorn walls from above—barbed roots that rise up and split the arena into smaller spaces. After some damage, she summons small flying bugs that swarm around while she keeps pounding from above. The second half of the fight is faster and more crowded, with more vines and minions. The best time to damage her is during her claw combos. Jump and strike upward, but do not linger. Tools like the Threadstorm excel here, shredding both vines and minions while also tagging the boss.

?️ 3. Last Judge – Requires Patience and Good Timing to Defeat



Unlike some chaotic fights with minions, the battle against the Last Judge is controlled and focuses on spacing. He uses wide swings that take a while to charge up. If a player ignores the telegraph, they will take massive damage. Some attacks also create small shockwaves that punish anyone standing too close. Patience wins this fight. A traveler should not rush him. Instead, watch his windups, wait for the strike to finish, then step in for one or two hits before backing away. Pushing too much results in eating a heavy swing. Healing is easier here than in faster boss fights, since there are longer gaps between attacks.

?️ 2. Lace (Act 2) – Moveset Expands with Faster Combos and Relentless Pressure



Lace appears multiple times in Silksong, and the Act 2 fight gives her a stronger moveset than in Act 1. The arena is slightly larger this time, allowing her to make full use of her acrobatics. Her core moves carry over: slashing combos and sudden leaps. In Act 2, she adds a charged leap where she pauses, channels energy, then launches into the air and slams down in a wide AoE circle. The key to surviving this fight is recognizing the channel. As soon as the channel begins, the player should move out of the marked zone. Once she lands, that is the opening to punish. Attacking during the channel is a mistake—staying safe and patient is better. Defeating Lace rewards Hornet with a Silk Heart.

?️ 1. Grand Mother Silk – Tests Endurance with Multi-Phase, Overwhelming Attacks



At the top of the list stands Grand Mother Silk, a boss that tests endurance like no other. She fights with scissor-like arrows that chase Hornet around the arena. She can cover large areas with threads, summon extra enemies, and mix sweeping slashes with ranged strikes. She also has multiple stages, with each shift adding speed or layering new hazards on top of the old ones. As the battle progresses, more silk webs clog the arena, reducing the safe spaces where Hornet can move. This means movement skills are just as important as damage. A traveler must remain calm, dodge the chasing arrows, break the threads when possible, and find windows to strike. Grand Mother Silk is a fitting final challenge for any journey through Pharloom.

These ten bosses are only a sample of what Pharloom has to offer, but each one stands out for how it forces Hornet to adapt. Whether she is dodging bombs, tracking two brothers at once, or weaving through silk webs, every victory teaches something new. The best travelers are not the ones who swing hardest, but the ones who learn fastest.

Every boss in Silksong rewards preparation as much as reaction time. Travelers who clear Pharloom’s toughest fights are often the ones who studied the arena, planned their approach, and stocked up on the right tools long before the first swing. That same resourceful mindset carries over outside the game itself. Knowing where to get quality gear, accessories, or even the game at a fair price gives a player a quiet advantage before the challenge even begins. When the time comes to add to a collection or upgrade a setup, it pays to find the best deal rather than settle for the first price that appears.

For those who like to stretch every coin of their gaming budget, DealNest is a handy stop. Checking a few options before buying is no different from learning a boss’s tells—once the full picture is clear, the right choice becomes obvious.

Silk is the high-octane bug juice that keeps Hornet alive in Hollow Knight: Silksong. She burns it to heal, and she also burns it to pull off some seriously flashy offensive moves. The usual way to refill the meter is to land hits, which is great for aggressive players who treat every room like a boxing ring. But for anyone who prefers a little passive income, the three Silk Hearts are the real prize. These things quietly restore a portion of the Silk meter without asking for much in return. A player can grab two of them by simply playing well and clobbering major bosses, but the third one? Oh no, one of them is a proper sneaky little needle in a very large haystack. This guide covers every Silk Heart location in Silksong, including the boss fights, the keys, the weird locks, and the Regenerated trophy that comes from collecting all three.

Silk Heart
Boss
Location
Act
Missable?
Extra Reward

First
Bell Beast
The Marrow
Act One
No
Bellway fast travel

Second
The Unravelled
Whiteward, Citadel
Act Two
Yes
Sneaky bragging rights

Third
Lace
The Cradle
Act Two finale
No
Regenerated trophy

1. First Silk Heart: Bell Beast in The Marrow

The first Silk Heart is a nice warm-up. Early in Act One, players roll into The Marrow and find the Bell Beast wrapped up like a leftover burrito in webbing. At first, the poor thing looks more like set dressing than a boss. But after Hornet grabs the Silkspear ability, she can cut the beast loose, and then the real fight begins. The Bell Beast is not the cruelest fight in the game, but it can absolutely punish a player who treats it like a tutorial pushover. Once the beast goes down, the first Silk Heart will be floating right over its body. The key here is not to fast travel away in a post-victory daze. Snag that heart. On top of that, beating this boss also unlocks the Bellway fast travel system, which is basically a quality-of-life gift from the developers.

2. Second Silk Heart: The Unravelled in Whiteward

If completionist anxiety had a mascot, it would be this heart. While the first Silk Heart practically hands itself over, the second one apparently took lessons from a hide-and-seek champion. It is hidden in the Citadel during Act Two, and a player can completely walk past it if they are not poking their antennae into every corner. The target is the Unravelled boss in the Whiteward area. To get there, players first need to pass through the Coral Chambers and track down a white key. That key opens a lift with a lock bearing a surgical symbol, which is the game's subtle way of saying \u201cabandon all comfy vibes.\u201d

After riding into Whiteward, the hunt continues. There is a Surgical Key needed to open an ornate lock mechanism, because one ominous medical lock simply was not enough. Once inside the crypt, things get spicy. A gang of enemies jumps out, and then the Unravelled boss crashes the party. This fight can be a genuine head-scratcher, especially for players who like to brute-force bosses without learning patterns. When the Unravelled finally falls, the second Silk Heart will be floating in the air like a smug little prize. Players should grab it immediately, because second chances are not exactly on the menu.

3. Third Silk Heart: Lace at the Cradle

The final Silk Heart shows up during the Act Two finale, and it is tied to Hornet's most stylish rival: Lace. To reach this showdown, players have to learn three melodies. Think of them as the world's creepiest elevator music:

The Melody of Conductor

The Melody of Architect

The Melody of Vaultkeeper

Once all three tunes are learned, the lift unlocks and the player can enter the Cradle. That is where Lace is waiting, probably sharpening her needle and practicing dramatic entrances. Lace is fast, elegant, and more than happy to remind a careless player that standing still is a death sentence. After she is defeated, the third Silk Heart appears, and a player can finally complete the collection.

All Three Silk Hearts? Trophy Time

Collecting all three Silk Hearts causes the Regenerated trophy to pop like a champagne cork. These hearts are not just shiny collectibles; they make Hornet's Silk management a little more forgiving over a long run. The second heart is the main reason some players miss the Regenerated trophy, so anyone aiming for full completion should double-check Whiteward before moving on. As of 2026, the Silksong community has these three locations thoroughly mapped, but that second heart still catches plenty of overconfident players sleeping.

Silk Hearts are one of those small upgrades that feel minor on paper but make a huge difference in practice. A player who picks up all three will have a much smoother time in later sections, especially when healing windows are tight. So the next time someone asks why their Silk meter keeps refilling on its own, they can point to these three little treasures and say, \u201cThat\u2019s the good stuff.\u201d

For players who want to chase down every last boss and secret in Silksong, being patient with the grind is only half the battle. Managing time and knowing where to look is what separates a casual explorer from a true completionist. And for those who like to stock up on new adventures after finishing their Silk Heart hunt, keeping an eye on the best game deals today is a smart way to keep the momentum going without emptying the wallet.

Hornet's journey may end once those three hearts are in hand, but the broader world of action-platformers is full of similar challenges waiting to be conquered. Whether it is a fresh indie gem or a polished AAA title, grabbing a solid discount at the right moment can turn a casual evening into another unforgettable playthrough. After all, the hunt for rewards does not have to stop at the Cradle.

If you have been poking around the Citadel in Hollow Knight: Silksong, you have probably heard about the Conchcutter, and yeah, it is every bit as nasty as it sounds. I finally grabbed it in the second act after a few very sweaty attempts, and it immediately changed how I approached stubborn bosses. It is a red Tool that ricochets off walls and drills into anything unlucky enough to stand still. Honestly, using it feels like throwing a caffeinated pinball into a glass jar and just letting physics do the violence.



I think the biggest mistake I made was assuming the Conchcutter would be handed to me early. Nope. You need the Clawline ability and the Needle Strike from the Pinstress after the Great Conchflies fight. Without the Clawline, the Sands of Karak might as well be behind a stone zipper, because you cannot reach the upper path at all.

The Long Walk to Sands of Karak

Start from Blasted Steps and head north into the Sands of Karak. The route still holds up in 2026, although I would recommend bringing some healing items because the platforming can get prickly. Once you arrive, work your way upward with the Clawline. There are plenty of platforms that demand patience, but the geography is not hard to read.

As you climb, keep an eye out for the Stalactide. You can hit it from above to create a shortcut that will save you a horrific amount of time if you die. I hit it, watched it drop, and the whole route opened up like a bone-colored elevator shaft, which made backtracking much less annoying.

To the left of the second Stalactide is the Raging Conchfly boss arena. Do not go in lightly. Every single attack from that boss deals two mask damage, and it does not care about your feelings. Once its health gets low, it starts summoning smaller conflies that drill around the arena like angry little corkscrews. You suddenly have to split your attention between swatting minions and avoiding a giant shelled monster.



I found it easier to stay mobile and not get greedy. The boss punishes standing still, which is ironic because once you get the Conchcutter, you become the one who punishes stationary bosses. After the fight, keep moving forward to the far end of the Sands of Karak. Head inside the Coral Tower, and the Conchcutter is just lying there on the ground. No extra puzzle, no secret door. It is a relief after that boss.

What Makes the Conchcutter So Good

The Conchcutter is a high-damage Tool that bounces off walls. If you have extra Tool Pouch upgrades, you can carry quite a few into a boss fight. Against enemies that love to plant themselves while charging a big attack, this thing is a dream. Aim, throw, and it starts drilling into the boss like a furious little excavator.



I did some testing with a build, and the best combo for me was the Pollip Pouch plus the Quick Sling. That setup launches two Conchcutters at once and adds Venom to the mix. It is basically a double-barreled shell barrage, and it melts through large hitboxes. The trade-off is that you still need to manage spacing, because the Conchcutter wants walls and angles, not just a straight line.

It is also excellent for clearing obstacles in platforming sections. In Sands of Karak, while grabbing the Crustnut for the Great Taste of Pharloom, I ran into blocked paths that would have been a chore with regular attacks. The Conchcutter cleared them away in seconds. If you are exploring, keep one or two in reserve just for utility, not only combat.

Final Tip Before You Go

I will say this: do not sleep on the shortcut from the first Stalactide. You will probably revisit the area, and the climb back is not fun. With the Clawline, the shortcut, and a bit of patience against the Raging Conchfly, the Conchcutter is absolutely worth the detour. Once you have it, stationary bosses go from threats to target practice.

For players who like to be thorough, the preparation doesn't stop at in-game tools. Knowing when to buy — and when to wait — is its own kind of strategy. A quick look at a game price tracker like DealNest can show you exactly when a title drops, so your next adventure doesn't have to cost a fortune.

It's a small habit that pairs well with a meticulous play style. The same patience that helps you clear a brutal boss room can also help you land a great deal, which means more games in your backlog and less money spent chasing full-price releases.

I never expected a simple badge to change how Hornet moves, attacks, and survives. But that is exactly what Crests do in Hollow Knight: Silksong. After too many hours wandering Pharloom in 2026, I finally tracked down all seven and earned that achievement. Here is my story.

Hunter Crest

This one starts with you. I did not have to find it. The Hunter Crest is equipped at the beginning of Hornet's journey. At first I thought it was basic. But it is the only Crest that can be upgraded.

Eva in Weavenest Atla can upgrade it twice. The upgrades depend on how many Memory Lockets I had used. I was hoarding a few, and after using them, Eva offered the upgrade. Fully upgraded, it gains a focus meter. That meter builds when I deal successful damage and makes my attacks hit even harder. If I get hit, it drops to zero. This Crest rewards a careful, dodge-focused playstyle. If you like Hornet's starting moveset, stick with it.



Reaper Crest

The Reaper Crest sits in Greymoor, just before the Moorwing fight. I found it in the Chapel in the far west, south of Yarnaby. It changes the main attack into a slow but heavy strike. I could even slash downward instead of diagonally. Binding also lets me steal silk wisps from enemies to charge the silk meter faster.

This crest made my run back to Moorwing less painful because grabbing a Crest acts as a hard save. If you are struggling with that fight, pick this up first.



Wanderer Crest

I loved the original Hollow Knight attack speed, so the Wanderer Crest was a joy. It allows extremely quick slashes but with far less range. If I judged distance correctly, fights ended fast. It also gives a powerful critical chance when my silk meter has silk.

To reach it, I went to the Chapel west of Bone Bottom Town. I needed the Cling Grip to climb a high wall in a ruined building at the far west. The Longclaw tool helps offset the short range.



Beast Crest

Honestly, I did not experiment much with this one. Its down attack is tricky, and pogoing feels essential in Silksong. It has passive lifesteal, which heals you when you damage enemies. That sounds great, but it also gets no blue tool slots, which hurts. I got it in the east of Hunter's March after taking down the Savage Beastfly.



Witch Crest

This one only becomes available in Act 2. It is tied to the Infestation Operation quest. I found a twisted bud in Bilewater from the Whispering Vaults exit, then spoke to Greyroot in Shellwood. Completing the quest let me fuse with the twisted bud.

The moveset double-hits enemies and builds silk quickly. The binding attack whips tendrils around for heavy damage. It took practice, but it became my pick for arena rooms like High Halls.



Architect Crest

I loved spamming Cogflies but always ran out. The Architect Crest fixed that. It turns the main weapon into a drill and lets me equip three red tools. I could craft more on the fly. The shard cost is high, but the payoff is worth it.

To get it, I needed 25 different tools. After that, the Architect Key appeared in the shop for 110 rosaries. I headed up and west from the Architect's location to enter a new area and bind the crest.



Shaman Crest

The last one is hidden in Act 3 and requires Silk Soar. It specialises in Silk Skills, giving them a damage multiplier. I could use up to three different skills at a time instead of more tools. With two blue slots, it pairs well with Volt Filament for lightning damage and Egg of Flealia to reduce skill silk cost at full health.

I headed far east of the ruined chapel, then silk soared through the ceiling in front of the lore tablet. I followed the path down and found the crest.





Quick Crest Overview

Crest
Location / Requirement
Playstyle

Hunter
Equipped at start, upgraded by Eva
Balanced, focus meter after upgrade

Reaper
Greymoor Chapel, before Moorwing
Slow heavy attacks, silk steal

Wanderer
Chapel west of Bone Bottom Town, need Cling Grip
Fast slashes, short range, crits

Beast
East Hunter's March, beat Savage Beastfly
Lifesteal, tricky down attack

Witch
Act 2, Infestation Operation quest
Double hits, tendril binding attack

Architect
25 tools, buy Architect Key for 110 rosaries
Drill weapon, 3 red tools

Shaman
Act 3, far east ruined chapel, need Silk Soar
Silk Skill focus, 2 blue slots

Now I have all seven. If you want that same sense of completion, just follow the path I took. Some crests demand patience. Others demand a specific tool or quest. But every one of them changes Hornet in a way that makes Pharloom feel new again.

Once you've unlocked all seven crests and felt that rush of discovery, you might find yourself hungry for more Hollow Knight experiences or even other metroidvania gems. Whether you're picking up the Silksong launch edition, grabbing a new controller for those precise Silk Soar inputs, or hunting down a used switch cartridge to revisit Hallownest, it's always worth checking a few stores before comitting. Prices can swing wildly between retailers just like a Wanderer's crit build, so taking a moment to compare prices here before checkout can leave you with extra rosaries in your pocket.

With every crest collected and Hornet's toolkit fully customised, your journey through Pharloom is complete. But the game never truly ends for collectors and completionists. If you're looking to expand your shelf with art books, figurines, or soundtrack vinyls inspired by Team Cherry's work, a quick price comparison is the smartest tool you can equip. After all, a true hunter always knows the value of every resource they gather.

While pushing through Act 3 of Hollow Knight: Silksong, I noticed a new Hunt-type wish pinned to the Bellhart Wish Board. The citizens of Bellhart were clearly unsettled—they kept looking over their shoulders at dark, pulsing growths that had begun appearing in the surrounding areas. Their wish was simple: find someone brave enough to remove the Void Masses permanently. That request turned out to be the Dark Hearts quest. It did not take long to trigger, but tracking down enough Void Masses made me climb through almost every corner of Pharloom.

The trigger itself is straightforward once you have reached Act 3. I approached the Bellhart Wish Board and grabbed the wish. From that moment, Hornet's objective was to destroy 12 Void Masses. The reward promised for clearing the danger was a Mask Fragment, which is always useful for survivability. What surprised me was how many Void Masses actually exist—there are more than 40 scattered across Pharloom, but only 12 are required for the quest. That gave me plenty of freedom to pick a route close to Bellhart and avoid some of the more dangerous detours.

I started my search right outside Bellhart. From the hub, I headed right and took the elevator upward. After running left and climbing a few rocky ledges, I reached Shellwood. Under one of the wooden platforms I found my first Void Mass. The growth was dark, sticky, and seemed to cling to the surface like tar. A quick strike removed it.

I continued left and glided down beneath a cliff edge to find a second Void Mass. Staying on lower ground, I entered a larger chamber. Near the top of that area, next to a room entrance, a third Void Mass was stuck to the side of the wall. Venturing through a lower door to the left brought me close to the bench near Bone Bottom. In that horizontal room, another Void Mass clung to the ceiling, forcing me to jump and strike upward.

From Shellwood I made my way toward The Marrow. I also used the Needle to summon the baby Bell Beasts and returned to the Bellway, which allowed me to teleport closer to my next targets. Heading left from the Bellway and then down revealed a Void Mass tucked in a corner under a platform on the right. Gliding down to the bottom of a vertical room, I looked to the upper left corner and used the platforms to reach another one. Climbing to the top of that same vertical room, I went right and found a Void Mass on the roof near a red bulb. Further right, I flew past a bench—resting there helped because the enemies were starting to pile up—and found a Void Mass on the upper part of the area.

Deep Docks became the next major stop. I kept moving in the same direction and climbed the second vertical room. At the end, a Void Mass waited. Heading higher and turning left, I saw another Void Mass stuck to the side of a platform near the lava. That one was tricky because enemies guarded the area. I cleared them first and then used a plunge attack to scrape the growth off cleanly.

I briefly considered heading into Hunter's March. There is a Void Mass on the roof above two enemies not far from the entrance, but after checking my count I decided to skip it. If you want a safer route or need an extra one without going too far into Far Fields, Hunter's March is a reasonable option. However, I preferred to push forward.

Returning to Deep Docks, I went right into Far Fields. I climbed higher and moved into the next area, where a Void Mass was stuck to the top and surrounded by enemies. Defeating them before removing the mass made the task less frantic. Then I went back to the previous room, glided down to the lower section, and ran right. There, under one of the platforms near the lava, I found the final Void Mass I needed for my count.

By the time I destroyed twelve, I had explored a good chunk of Pharloom. The route I followed was not the only option, and I know I left many Void Masses untouched in more distant areas. That is one of the best parts of the Dark Hearts quest: you can mix and match based on your preferred path, your combat comfort, and whether you want to detour into optional regions.

Returning to Bellhart felt satisfying. I spoke with the quest giver, turned in the removed Void Masses, and completed the Dark Hearts quest. The reward was exactly what the board had promised—a Mask Fragment. For any player in Act 3, I would recommend picking up this wish early and keeping an eye out for the dark growths as you travel. Since only twelve are needed out of more than forty, the quest is manageable even if you skip the more hostile locations.

Quick trigger checklist:

Advance to Act 3.

Visit the Bellhart Wish Board.

Accept the Hunt-type wish called Dark Hearts.

Destroy 12 Void Masses anywhere in Pharloom.

Return to Bellhart and turn them in for a Mask Fragment.

A few tips that helped me:

Use plunge attacks when a Void Mass is attached to a platform or floor.

Clear nearby enemies before trying to remove a growth.

Rest at benches before enemy-heavy rooms.

Watch ceilings, corners, and the undersides of platforms, because the black growths blend into shadows.

Once you've cleared your board and collected that Mask Fragment, it's natural to start thinking about the next adventure. Many players I know like to keep a rotating backlog of games so they can jump straight from one quest to another. Hunting for good deals is part of that habit, and I've found it pays to compare prices before picking up a new title.

If you're looking to expand your library without overspending, you might want to check out cheapest steam keys at DealNest. Whether you're chasing another Metroidvania with similar exploration or want to switch genres entirely, grabbing a game at a solid discount makes the next adventure even easier to start. Happy hunting, and may your benches always be nearby.