With its low barrier to entry and exceptional survivability, the CWS (Cast When Stunned) Chieftain build has become a top choice for many farming-oriented players in the PoE Patch 3.29 "Curse of the Allflame" league. This build requires a substantial amount of currency to support it; here is a recommended strategy for farming currency quickly: Path of Exile 3.29 Legion Farming Strategy | How to Maximize Currency and Loot?

Centered around the "Cast When Stunned" mechanic, this build deals massive area-of-effect damage by triggering skills upon taking hits. The Chieftain Ascendancy provides significant fire resistance, life regeneration, and damage bonuses. Since it eliminates the need for frequent manual skill casting, it is perfect for repeatedly farming high-density content like Simulacrum, Ritual, and Ultimatum, offering a highly satisfying and stress-free gameplay experience.

The league-start of this build is relatively accessible; a few standard items are enough to clear the campaign and transition smoothly into "Red Maps." However, the build's potential is heavily tied to specific gear; to unlock its full power, you cannot simply stop at the starter setup.

To consistently handle high-wave Simulacrum and navigate various map modifiers smoothly, you will need key Unique items, multiple Abyss Jewels, and armor pieces offering high life and resistances. Endgame optimization often involves chasing top-tier belts like Mageblood, causing the total currency cost to skyrocket.



While many players choose to accumulate resources gradually through repeated map farming, this build does have some distinct pain points. While the mapping experience is comfortable, assembling a full "end-game" gear set requires significant resources: Chaos Orbs to hunt for the right rare items, Divine Orbs to optimize stat rolls, and currency to buy specific Unique items.

As the league progresses, the cost of gear for popular builds skyrockets. Relying solely on self-found drops often entails endless grinding. Many players choose powerful builds but get stuck in the gear-progression phase, unable to move beyond mid-tier performance or experience high-level end-game content.

You can buy POECurrency.com PoE Currency to bypass the tedious currency grind and rapidly bring your CWS Chieftain build to its full end-game potential. The platform stocks a wide range of mainstream currencies - from bulk Chaos Orbs for the transition phase to the Divine Orbs needed for crafting top-tier gear - offering a convenient, one-stop solution.

The platform prioritizes transaction security and offers fast delivery, helping you avoid the scams and price gouging often associated with private in-game trades. Once you have the currency, you can immediately acquire core Unique items, select jewels with the right stats, and finalize your skill gems and links. This allows you to fully leverage the build's mapping strengths and confidently farm high-yield content to accumulate even more league resources.

If you are playing the CWS Chieftain build in the Patch 3.29 but are struggling with currency shortages and gear upgrades, POECurrency.com can help you unlock the build's full farming potential. Spend your time enjoying engaging end-game content instead of getting bogged down in an endless, repetitive currency grind.

How to Buy POECurrency.com POE Currency?

1. Enter POECurrency.com dedicated POE currency marketplace page

2. Select your game server: Allflame SC/HC or Standard Softcore / Hardcore

3. Pick all required currency and fill out accurate character & server details without typos

4. Finish payment via your preferred secure and enter your exclusive COA code to save 8%

Important Notes:

- After payment, please stay online in the game. Our staff will invite you to the party.

- After accepting the invitation, please be sure to give us some items. Do not use prohibited words such as "trade" to avoid transaction failure.

What should I do if I encounter a problem?

If you encounter a problem, don't worry, we have 24/7 online customer service to help you solve it. We will give you feedback as soon as possible, without waiting in line, ensuring your buying experience!

PoE players are welcome to come and buy! This will be key to your easy enjoyment of the game content.

In the PoE Patch 3.29 "Curse of the Allflame" league, the Holy Absolution Guardian build has emerged as a highly popular choice for league starters. It balances excellent map-clearing efficiency with robust survivability, making it highly suitable for both new players starting out and veterans pushing into endgame content.

This build relies on Absolution to summon Sentinels of Absolution for combat, while Vaal Absolution summons an empowered Ascended Sentinel to deal massive area-of-effect lightning damage. The Guardian Ascendancy provides significant bonuses to block, armor, and minions; the gameplay feels fluid, and the build is tanky enough to handle Red Maps and various boss encounters.

The build offers both a budget-friendly league-start and a high-end endgame. The initial cost is low, requiring only a few basic gears to complete the campaign and progress to Tier 16 maps. However, unlocking the build's full potential - such as tackling Uber-tier endgame bosses - requires powerful gear, specific Timeless Jewels, and high-level skill gems, all of which demand a significant amount of PoE currency to acquire. Here is a guide on how to obtain one of the most important currencies in PoE Patch 3.29: Path of Exile 3.29 Gemcutter's Prism Is the Best Currency Type for Maximizing Build Power: How to Farm and Utilize?



IGGM can provide a reliable source of PoE currency, helping players skip the tedious farming grind and quickly bring their Holy Absolution Guardian build to its full potential. The platform maintains ample stock of currencies; whether you need a small amount of Chaos Orbs for early-game progression or Divine Orbs for crafting endgame gear, you can acquire everything in one place.

Once you have the currency, you can immediately buy core Unique items, fine-tune your gear, and acquire the necessary skill gems. You can instantly experience the thrill of Vaal Absolution clearing entire screens, enjoy smooth map farming, and tackle endgame challenges without wasting hours of playtime on repetitive currency grinding.

How do I create an IGGM account?

You can access IGGM.com and click "Sign up" to begin.

After entering the registration page, you can register via email, X, Twitch, Google, Steam, Reddit, and Discord, which is convenient and quick.

Easy Steps To Buy IGGM POE Currency

1. Head over to IGGM's dedicated POE currency marketplace page
2. Select your game server: Allflame SC/HC or Standard Softcore / Hardcore
3. Pick all required currency and fill out accurate character & server details without typos
4. Finish payment via your preferred secure checkout channel

Exclusive 8% Off Coupon + Facebook  Giveaway

Input coupon code COA at checkout to grab an extra 8% off every currency bundle, perfect for Patch 3.29 mapping runs, endgame crafting and fresh league build testing.

We are also running a IGGM POE 1 & 2 Facebook Group Giveaway:

Prize pool:

- 1,000 Divine Orb + 30,000 Chaos Orb + 30,000 Chromatic Orb for POE 3.29
- 3 Mirror of Kalandra for POE 2 0.5

10 random winners will share the Divine, Exalted and Chromatic Orbs, 3 random winners will share the Mirrors. No buy is required to enter.

How to enter:

1. Join the IGGM POE 1 & POE 2 Facebook Group 
2. Like the giveaway post 
3. Leave a comment under the giveaway post
4. Share the post and @everyone

How to join the IGGM POE Facebook Group: You can join quickly and easily via the "Giveaways" entrance in the top navigation bar of the IGGM POE product page to participate in event discussions, giveaways prize draws, and more.



To get more free in-game rewards, you can also join IGGM's other communities:

"IGGM Facebook"
"IGGM Monopoly Go Facebook Group"
"IGGM Diablo 4 Facebook Group"
"IGGM POE Facebook Group"
"IGGM EA Sports FC Facebook Group"
"IGGM X.com"
"IGGM Discord"
"IGGM Instagram"
"IGGM Pinterest"
"IGGM Youtube"
"IGGM Trustpilot"

IGGM Core Advantages For Buying Currency Here

• Stable, cheap pricing all league long

No hidden surcharges or sudden price spikes mid-patch. Our orb rates stay cheaper than rival trading platforms throughout every seasonal cycle.

• Fast manual face-to-face in-game delivery

More than 90% of orders get traded directly to your character within 10 minutes once payment is confirmed. Skip repetitive low-reward farming and craft endgame gear instantly.

• 100% legit hand-farmed currency stock

All orbs are farmed manually by our veteran POE grinders. Every transaction is completed by real human staff instead of automated bots to lower account suspension risks.

• Recognized long-term platform trust

4.8/5 Trustpilot rating accumulated from over 180k verified exile buyers, paired with full perfect 100% trust scores on APIVoid and ScamAdviser.

• Wide coverage of global secure payment options

Supported checkout options include PayPal, Apple Pay, Cash App, Klarna and various safe localized payment channels for players.

• Clean build-oriented shop navigation

Built-in category filters let you quickly locate Divine, Chaos, Exalted and other essential crafting orbs without scrolling irrelevant game product pages.

• Cost-effective gaming service

IGGM points system is now live; you can earn points by IGGM Check in (Only for registered users) and use points redeem them for discounts, special offers and in-game items (currently limited to Monopoly Go stickers and POE 2 Orbs), more games items will be available for redemption in the future, enjoying a premium shopping experience, so stay tuned.

IGGM Points System & Rules Explained

- Registered users earn points via daily check‑ins ($1=1 point; new users get 10x points for their first $1 or more order). Points (100 = $1) expire in 90 days.

- You may redeem them in the IGGM Coupon for checkout discounts, limited coupons or in‑game items. Tiered VIP discounts stack with points but not coupons.

- Points are adjusted accordingly for refunds and are non‑transferable across accounts.



IGGM Refund Policy

We only approve refund requests under two platform-caused scenarios:

1. No currency transferred to your character after full payment settlement
2. The currency types or delivered quantities do not match your submitted order list

Refund claims will be rejected for the following reasons:

- Intentionally submitted false refund disputes
- Delivery errors caused by self-submitted incorrect character or server information
- Private off-site trades completed outside IGGM's official website
- Trade failures brought on by uncontrollable external network and server issues

Real Reviews(Trustpilot)

- "very straight forward, trustworthy and practical" 
- "Super quick and support was very nice"

Review platform guide: Trustpilot applies strict identity verification to every public comment, so its buyer feedback acts as a reliable reference. Platforms like Reviews.co have loose content moderation and mostly contain one-sided negative complaints; their ratings cannot be treated as credible judgment standards.

Advice For All Wraeclast Exiles

1. Add IGGM to your Google Preferred Source to receive early alerts of league launches, limited discount codes and exclusive resource promotions.

If you purchase in-game currency, items, or services on IGGM.com, you might have noticed their recently overhauled Points & Rewards Ecosystem. At first glance, it looks like a standard loyalty system: earn points on purchases, check in daily, and redeem discounts. However, if you analyze the underlying math, there are strategic ways to squeeze significantly more value out of every dollar spent.

In this guide, we break down the exact mathematical breakeven points between Cash Coupons and Percentage Discount Codes, reveal how VIP Stacking works, and share a step-by-step strategy to maximize your rewards without falling into common traps.



1. The Core Mechanics: How IGGM Points Work
Before diving into the optimization math, here is a quick baseline summary of IGGM's reward system:

• Standard Earning Rate: $1 spent = 1 Point (rounded to nearest whole dollar).

• Point Cash Value: 100 Points = $1 (approx. $0.01 per point).

• Newcomer Bonus: 10x Points on your first eligible paid order (Order Subtotal Amount ≥$1).

• Daily Check-in Streak: Earn 5 points on Day 1, 6 on Day 2, 8 on Day 3, and 10 points/day from Day 4 onwards.

• Rolling Expiration: Points expire 90 days from the day they are earned.

2. Cash Coupons vs. Percentage Discounts: The Math Breakdown

When redeeming points in IGGM Coupon Center, you face a key choice at every tier: Should you redeem a fixed Dollar Cash Coupon or a Percentage Discount Code?

Because Cash Coupons carry a minimum order requirement while Percentage Codes scale with your order total, each pair has a precise Breakeven Price Point. Below is the exact mathematical comparison for all 5 tiers:

Tier 1: 100 Points (3% Off vs. $1 Cash Coupon)

• $1 Cash Coupon Requirement: Order ≥ $10.

• At $10 Order: 3% Off = $0.30 savings vs. $1 Cash Coupon = $1.00 savings. (The $1 Coupon saves 3x more!)

• Breakeven Point: $1 / 0.03 = $33.33.

• Optimal Strategy: Use the $1 Cash Coupon for orders between $10.00 and $33.33. Switch to the 3% Discount Code for orders over $33.34.

Tier 2: 200 Points (4% Off vs. $3 Cash Coupon)

• $3 Cash Coupon Requirement: Order ≥ $30.

• At $30 Order: 4% Off = $1.20 savings vs. $3 Cash Coupon = $3.00 savings.

• Breakeven Point: $3 / 0.04 = $75.00.

• Optimal Strategy: Use the $3 Cash Coupon for orders between $30.00 and $75.00. Switch to the 4% Discount Code for orders over $75.01.

Tier 3: 300 Points (5% Off vs. $5 Cash Coupon)

• $5 Cash Coupon Requirement: Order ≥ $50.

• At $50 Order: 5% Off = $2.50 savings vs. $5 Cash Coupon = $5.00 savings.

• Breakeven Point: $5 / 0.05 = $100.00.

• Optimal Strategy: Use the $5 Cash Coupon for orders between $50.00 and $100.00. Switch to the 5% Discount Code for orders over $100.01.

Tier 4: 400 Points (8% Off vs. $8 Cash Coupon)

• $8 Cash Coupon Requirement: Order ≥ $80.

• At $80 Order: 8% Off = $6.40 savings vs. $8 Cash Coupon = $8.00 savings.

• Breakeven Point: $8 / 0.08 = $100.00.

• Optimal Strategy: Use the $8 Cash Coupon for orders between $80.00 and $100.00. Switch to the 8% Discount Code for orders over $100.01.

Tier 5: 500 Points (10% Off vs. $10 Cash Coupon)

• $10 Cash Coupon Requirement: Order ≥ $95.

• At $95 Order: 10% Off = $9.50 savings vs. $10 Cash Coupon = $10.00 savings.

• Breakeven Point: $10 / 0.10 = $100.00.

• Optimal Strategy: Use the $10 Cash Coupon for orders between $95.00 and $99.99. Switch to the 10% Discount Code for orders of $100.00 or more.

3. Summary Comparison Table

100 Pts: 3% Off OR $1 Off (Order ≥ $10). Use $1 coupon: $10.00‑$33.33. Use 3% code: >$33.34
200 Pts: 4% Off OR $3 Off (Order ≥ $30). Use $3 coupon: $30.00‑$75.00. Use 4% code: >$75.01
300 Pts: 5% Off OR $5 Off (Order ≥ $50). Use $5 coupon: $50.00‑$100.00. Use 5% code: >$100.01
400 Pts: 8% Off OR $8 Off (Order ≥ $80). Use $8 coupon: $80.00‑$100.00. Use 8% code: >$100.01
500 Pts: 10% Off OR $10 Off (Order ≥ $95). Use $10 coupon: $95.00‑$99.99. Use 10% code: ≥$100.00

4. Stacking Strategy: VIP Rank + Direct Points Deduction

One critical rule that many buyers overlook is IGGM's Discount Stacking Constraint:

• Option 1: VIP Discount (1% to 5%) + Direct Point Deduction (up to 10% of order total).

• Option 2: Single Coupon Code or Cash Coupon (Standalone only; CANNOT stack with VIP or Direct Points).

When to skip Coupons and use VIP + Points instead?

If you are a VIP 5 member (5% permanent discount) and have accrued substantial points over 500 (Like 600):

On a $100 purchase:

• Using 10% Coupon (costs 500 points): Total discount = $10.00. Final Price = $90.00 (You have 100 points left).

• Using VIP 5 ($5) + 600 Points ($6): Total discount = $11.00. Final Price = $89.00 (Points fully used for max instant savings).

IGGM's checkout system automatically highlights the "Best Value" choice for you, knowing this rule helps you decide whether to spend points on coupons or save them for direct deductions.

5. Three Pro Hacks to Maximize Your Savings

Hack #1: Never Waste Your 10x Newcomer Bonus

IGGM awards 10x points on your very first paid purchase. However, if your first order subtotal is under $1.00 (e.g., $0.90), it triggers zero points and permanently consumes your newcomer status. Always bundle your items on your first order so that your initial spend is at least $10-$50, netting you 100 to 500 bonus points immediately!

Based on genuine feedback from many users, a common strategy after signing up is to place a single, very large order - such as one exceeding $500 - to secure the 5,000-point new-customer bonus. This creates a larger pool of points that can be used to offset the cost of future orders.

Hack #2: Farm ~300 Free Points Monthly via Daily Check-ins

By checking in daily, your streak caps out at 10 points per day after Day 4. Over a 30-day month, you can farm up to about 300 free points without spending a single cent. That is enough to claim a 300-point reward tier ($5 Cash Coupon or 5% Off) every month for free.

Pro Tip: If you are browsing the coupon page, click the animated rocket emoji at the bottom for a one-tap instant check-in without navigating back to the Check-in Center!

Hack #3: Set an Alarm for Friday Reward Resets

Limited weekly rewards reset every Friday at 4:00 PM (UTC+8) / 1:00 AM PDT. High-demand rewards (especially 500-point 10% codes, $10 coupons or special items) can sell out quickly. Mark your calendar to claim them right as inventory resets.

6. Summary Cheatsheet

1. 100 Points (3% Off vs. $1 Coupon): Use the $1 Cash Coupon for orders between $10.00 and $33.33; switch to the 3% Code for orders over $33.34.

2. 200 Points (4% Off vs. $3 Coupon): Use the $3 Cash Coupon for orders between $30.00 and $75.00; switch to the 4% Code for orders over $75.01.

3. 300 Points (5% Off vs. $5 Coupon): Use the $5 Cash Coupon for orders between $50.00 and $100.00; switch to the 5% Code for orders over $100.01.

4. 400 Points (8% Off vs. $8 Coupon): Use the $8 Cash Coupon for orders between $80.00 and $100.00; switch to the 8% Code for orders over $100.01.

5. 500 Points (10% Off vs. $10 Coupon): Use the $10 Cash Coupon for orders between $95.00 and $99.99; switch to the 10% Code for orders of $100.00 or more.

6. Daily Check-ins: Check in daily to farm ~300 free points per month without spending a cent!

Source: https://gamems.com/iggm-ultimate-saving-...-vip-perks

The farming sim community received an unexpected surprise when Eric Barone, known as ConcernedApe, confirmed that Stardew Valley would receive a version 1.7 update. The announcement took place during one of the Stardew Valley orchestral concerts, where Barone appeared on stage to share the news in person. A simple pixel art message then circulated on social media after the concert, making the reveal official. Even though Barone has said he wants to focus on Haunted Chocolatier, his next project, the valley has clearly not been left behind.



No one yet knows exactly what Update 1.7 will contain. The announcement was deliberately small, which has left fans with plenty of room to speculate. Some players expect new crops, furniture, or quality-of-life improvements. Others are looking for a proper crossover nod that would link two of the most respected indie games in recent memory.

Version 1.6 set a high bar when it launched, bringing the meadowlands farm, the desert festival, and the mastery system among many other additions. Even though Update 1.7 may be smaller by comparison, the use of a full version number rather than a small bug-fix patch suggests that Barone is planning something new. Small patches often arrive quietly, but numbered updates tend to give players a reason to start a fresh save file.

A Full Circle Indie Moment

Days after the concert, Hollow Knight: Silksong arrived on September 4, 2025, and attentive players discovered Eric Barone's name in the credits. His role was in voice acting rather than design or programming, but the credit still carried significant weight. Both Stardew Valley and Hollow Knight are indie darlings with devoted fanbases. Seeing the creator of one appear in the credits of the other felt like a rare full-circle moment.



Because Stardew Valley 1.7 is in development, there is a strong chance that Barone could return the favor inside his own game. The most likely path is not a literal character crossover but a subtle item reference. A small statue, a rosary-style wall hanging, or a new silk cloth material could serve as an unspoken nod while still fitting the game's rustic fantasy world.

Potential items could include:

A carved nail-themed decoration for farmhouse walls

A silk-based tailoring material that expands clothing options

A Hornet-inspired charm or rosary to display in the home



A direct audio reference is unlikely. Barone contributed as a voice actor to Silksong, but Stardew Valley relies on simple sound effects that match its pixel art aesthetic. Hornet's iconic 'shaw' would feel out of place in the valley, so the tribute would probably be visual or mechanical rather than audible.

Stardew Valley already has a template for this kind of cross-game tribute. The Terraria crossover added items like Meowmere, but obtaining them required players to perform specific steps that mirrored moments from Terraria. A Silksong-inspired chain could work similarly. A hidden statue might be locked behind a season, a specific fish, or a bundle-style quest. If Team Cherry's world of silk and nail is referenced, it would likely arrive through discovery rather than a simple shop purchase.

The version 1.7 window is ideal for such an Easter egg. It does not need to be large, but it could deepen the connection between two landmark indie titles. For now, the only thing players can do is wait for a release date. As 2026 continues, the community keeps a close eye on any new pixel art message or patch note that might reveal what Barone has been quietly preparing.

While the community waits for any hint of a release window, many players are choosing to revisit the valley or introduce the game to friends who have somehow never played it. With the 1.7 update still shrouded in mystery, a fresh save file on a new platform can make the wait feel far more productive. Gamers looking to pick up Stardew Valley on another device or grab a copy for a friend can compare prices here at DealNest to find the best current offer across multiple storefronts.

Until Barone reveals more, re-exploring the existing content remains the most reliable way to pass the time. Whether that means hunting for rare items, perfecting farm layouts, or chasing every hidden secret the game already holds, having the title at the best possible price makes the journey a little sweeter. The anticipation for 1.7 only grows with each passing week, and the community will be ready the moment that pixel art message finally appears again.

After I defeated the Last Judge and the Grand Gates finally creaked open, I expected to leave Act 1 behind cleanly. Instead, the floor collapsed into the Underworks, the elevator groaned and snapped, and I was stuck with no obvious way back. If you left unfinished quests in Act 1, don’t panic—returning is possible, but it’s a bit of a hike.



Can You Return to Act 1?

Yes, but not by climbing. The elevator that takes you down to the Underworks breaks immediately, and Wall Climb cannot carry you back to the surface. To physically return to the Act 1 areas of Silksong, you need to climb up through the Underworks until you reach the Choral Chambers.



From the Choral Chambers, smash the breakable wall and follow the tunnels filled with spinning blades. This path eventually drops you back into the Grand Gate area. Once there, drop to the bottom and head left to reach the Blasted Steps.



If you did not activate any Bellways in Act 2, this long walk is your only return route—the elevator stays broken. Honestly, the elevator giving up felt a little personal after that boss fight.

Here is the shortest foot route I’ve used:

Climb from the Underworks to the Choral Chambers.

Break the hidden wall near the chambers.

Follow the spinning-blade tunnels to the Grand Gate area.

Drop down and move left toward the Blasted Steps.

? Unlocking Early Bellways in Act 2

The walk back is doable, but it gets tedious as you push deeper into the Citadel. Fortunately, two Bellways sit very close to the opening section of Act 2. One is in The Slab, and the other is in The Grand Bellway. Both are easy to reach, but they serve slightly different purposes.



The Grand Bellway

After falling into the Underworks, go through the tunnels and climb to the Choral Chambers. Hit the lever to open a path below that leads to another room on the right. Cross that room, and you’ll enter a large hallway with floating platforms and hanging bells you can pogo across.



I recommend this as your first Bellway because The Grand Bellway also contains a Ventrica Tube. That makes it an excellent midway point that connects both fast travel methods in Silksong. Unlocking it early saves you from repeating the whole Underworks climb later.

The Slab Bellway

The Slab Bellway is located to the left of the Choral Chambers. Reaching it follows much of the same route as the Grand Bellway. From the Choral Chambers, take the path on the top left and keep going in a straight line. Then cross the large ornate bridge to arrive at The Slab.



This one is straightforward and a decent second unlock, but it doesn’t offer the same Ventrica Tube convenience as the Grand Bellway.

Which Bellway Should You Grab First?

Bellway
Location
Best For

The Grand Bellway
Close to Choral Chambers
First unlock; has a Ventrica Tube

The Slab
Left of Choral Chambers
Quick second fast travel point

Fast travel in Silksong has two layers: Bellways let you ring yourself between major locations, while Ventrica Tubes work as tram-like connectors. Having both in one spot is rare early on, so The Grand Bellway is the more efficient first stop.

As of 2026, this remains the most reliable route I’ve found. If you clean up Act 1 quests before activating any Bellways, you’ll be stuck with the long Underworks walk. Let’s be real—nobody wants to retrace that entire spinning-blade tunnel twice. So grab the Grand Bellway early, ride the Ventrica Tube when you can, and keep those old Act 1 quests from haunting you.

Nailing down this route early makes Act 2 far less painful, but you can only put the strategy to work if you have the game in hand. Whether you're picking up Hollow Knight: Silksong for the first time or grabbing a copy for a friend so you can finally talk through Bellway routes together, it's worth making sure you're not overpaying. If you want to save a little real-world Geo before your next playthrough, you can compare prices here and land on the best deal without the usual storefront hunt.

Once the purchase is handled, the only thing left is the fun part: ringing those Bellways, gliding through Ventrica Tubes, and never crawling back through the Underworks again. With the Grand Bellway unlocked and your fast travel network taking shape, Act 2 stops being a chore and becomes the sprawling adventure it was always meant to be.

When I set out to collect all 20 Memory Lockets in Hollow Knight: Silksong, I thought it would be a short side errand. A few hours later, I was deep in hidden alcoves, breaking cocoons in Bilewater and juggling Rosaries at three different vendors. Memory Lockets are the key to expanding Crests, which lets Hornet equip more Tools on each Crest. Since maximizing her loadout can completely change how a fight plays out, I knew I had to find every single one.

First, let me mention the gear and unlocks I needed. The hunt is much smoother if you have wall jump, double jump, at least one Simple Key, Silk Soar from Act 3, and a decent pile of Rosaries. You will spend 480 Rosaries just on vendor lockets: Mort sells one for 150 after you pay 30 to enter his building in Pilgrim's Rest, and Frey in Bellhart sells another for 330. Keep those funds ready.



My early route looked like this. In Bone Bottom, I accepted the Volatile Flintbeetles Wish from the Wish Board and completed it to receive a Memory Locket. In the Marrow, I waited until I had wall jump, then climbed the route to a locket. Wormways, above Moss Grotto, was easier to reach once I knew the path; it sits just above the grotto. In Deep Docks, I used a Simple Key on the locked door and followed the path to the reward. The Far Fields area held two more: one from Mort in Pilgrim's Rest after paying the entrance fee and his price, and one at the end of a hidden path in the secret area that only opens after Act 3.

After that, I moved through Hunter's March and Greymoor. In Hunter's March, I found a cage at the marked position and hit it repeatedly until it released a Memory Locket. In Greymoor, the path to the locket forced me past a Mitemother, so I kept my guard up. The Bellhart region gave me three lockets. First, I entered Halfway Home and jumped to the top-left ledge to reach a hidden alcove. Second, I bought one from Frey for 330 Rosaries. Third, I used Silk Soar above Bellhart to reach an alcove that would otherwise be unreachable. That third one is easy to overlook because the unlock only arrives in Act 3.

The midgame regions tested my movement. In Blasted Steps, I followed the mapped route to the locket. In the Sands of Karak, the third seed created a forked tree; I took the left path, found the seed hanging from the ceiling, and that seed opened another leftward path ending at a Memory Locket. In the Slab, I double-jumped and broke through the ceiling, entered the cave, climbed the wall, and took the first path on the right to an alcove. In the Underworks, the room with three Rosaries devices hid a platform on the left wall; from there, I found a hidden hole in the ceiling and followed the path to another locket.

The late-game lockets required more careful navigation. For the Choral Chambers locket above the Grand Bellway Bell Beast, I started at Songlcave, passed through the Cogwork Core and Whispering Vaults, used the elevator down to the Underworks, hit the switch at the bottom without riding the elevator, and accessed the area beneath it. That route feels obscure, but the locket is sitting there once you commit to the detour. In the Whispering Vaults, a hidden path in the top-right corner of a room leads to a climb and another Memory Locket. In Memorium, I used double jump to enter and made my way to the marked position. Finally, Bilewater gave me two more. One was down a hidden path near the fast travel point, and the other was hidden inside suspended cocoons at the marked position; I broke them open and claimed the last locket.

I often ask myself: was every detour worth it? When I look at Hornet's Crests now, each one can hold an extra Tool or two, and that flexibility makes the whole hunt feel justified. If you are only planning to use a couple of Crests, you can skip some of these, but for a full build, all 20 Memory Lockets are worth collecting.

Here is my quick checklist:

#
Region
Method

1
Bone Bottom
Complete Volatile Flintbeetles Wish

2
The Marrow
Climb with wall jump

3
Wormways
Path above Moss Grotto

4
Deep Docks
Open Simple Key door

5
Far Fields / Pilgrim's Rest
Pay Mort 30 + 150 Rosaries

6
Far Fields
Hidden path after Act 3

7
Hunter's March
Hit the cage repeatedly

8
Greymoor
Follow path past Mitemother

9
Halfway Home
Top-left ledge alcove

10
Bellhart
Buy from Frey for 330

11
Bellhart
Use Silk Soar above Bellhart

12
Blasted Steps
Follow mapped route

13
Sands of Karak
Third seed left path, then ceiling seed

14
The Slab
Double jump through ceiling, first right path

15
Underworks
Left wall platform, hidden ceiling hole

16
Choral Chambers
Elevator switch route from Songlcave

17
Whispering Vaults
Hidden top-right path

18
Memorium
Double jump enter, marked position

19
Bilewater
Hidden path near fast travel

20
Bilewater
Break suspended cocoons

I hope this checklist saves you some backtracking and helps you fill out your Hornet's Crests without pulling your hair out. Sticking to the route above should get you through every locket in a single dedicated sweep, so you can spend less time wandering and more time actually enjoying the extra Tool flexibility.

Once your collection is complete, you might already be eyeing the next world to explore. If you're looking to pick up a similar Metroidvania without overpaying, a quick game price comparison can point you toward the best deals on titles that reward that same sense of discovery — because hunting down hidden secrets is always better when you got the game at a fair price.

Nobody picks up a wailing, vine-covered baby for fun—except the most stubborn completionists in Hollow Knight: Silksong. The Rite of Rebirth sounds like a noble wish, but it quickly turns into a multi-zone scavenger hunt that strips Hornet of her healing, her tools, and her patience. Here is how Hornet can survive the ordeal without losing her mind.

Finding the Twisted Bud

The Twisted Bud sits in a cradle on the outskirts of Bilewater, hidden behind tiny passageways. To reach it, Hornet needs the grappling hook from the Whispering Vaults in The Citadel. From there, she should head east, pull down a hook, dodge a series of very rude gears, and drop into Bilewater. After progressing a little east, she must look for a hidden path on the left near the bottom. Small side paths eventually lead up and to the right, where the cradle waits.

The real problem starts after pickup. The Twisted Bud is described as consorted mass of ashen vine. Cries out incessantly. Opening the inventory becomes psychological warfare, because the bud screams every single time.

Greyroot’s “Help” Is a Trap

After grabbing the bud, Hornet heads to Greyroot. Players who completed the Rite of Pollip will gain access to the Rite of Rebirth. It sounds like a wholesome delivery. It is not.

Greyroot accepts the Twisted Bud, grabs Hornet, infects her with a parasite, and drops her at the Chapel of the Witch in Shellwood. So much for maternal warmth. The infection imposes three miserable restrictions:

? Cannot change Crests

?️ Cannot equip tools

❤️? Cannot Bind or heal

That final restriction hurts most. Every skirmish turns into a no-hit challenge. There is one upside: finishing the game while infected opens a different ending. Most first-time players, however, will want the parasite gone before the controller goes through a window.

Curing the Infection

The easiest lead comes from the Bell Hermit in Bellhart. He tells Hornet to seek an exiled bug named Yarnaby, who has moved “high up into the moors.”

Yarnaby lives in the northwest of Greymoor. Hornet must climb the towers, push all the way west, and eventually reach a small home belonging to a rather rude individual: Yarnaby. After Hornet explains the illness, Yarnaby agrees to help, but only in exchange for a specific item: Steel Spines.

Yarnaby’s directions are deliberately vague—“a tangled mess of cages.” Players who have visited Sinner’s Road will recognise the cages in the central section. At the top right of that area, two bugs named Benjin and Crull wait. They will sell the Steel Spines for 260 Rosaries.

Item
Cost
Location

Steel Spines
260 Rosaries
Benjin & Crull, Sinner’s Road central cages

Return to Yarnaby with the Steel Spines, and she will rip the parasite out of Hornet with zero bedside manner. The reward is the Witch crest, plus the return of healing and tools. The Twisted Bud’s crying finally stops.

Final Tips for the Rite of Rebirth

? Save 260 Rosaries before visiting Benjin and Crull.

? Avoid opening the inventory while carrying the cursed bud.

? Explore Sinner’s Road early to mark the cage location.

? If attempting the infected ending, do it on a second run, not the first.

The Rite of Rebirth is less about rebirth and more about being repeatedly inconvenienced across Pharloom. But the story, the Witch crest, and the sweet sound of silence after the parasite is removed make it one of Silksong’s most memorable detours.

Once the parasite is gone and the Witch crest is equipped, the rest of Silksong opens up at your own pace. For many players, finishing this quest is also a signal to revisit other parts of Pharloom — or to start hunting for similar action-platformers with the same rich atmosphere. Whether you're picking up a physical copy of Silksong, investing in a new controller, or eyeing expansion packs, every Rosary saved at Benjin and Crull reminds us that frugality pays off.

That same mindset carries over into real-world gaming purchases. Before committing to a full-price order, it's worth checking whether a better offer is hiding nearby — just like a secret room in Greymoor. DealNest regularly rounds up discounts, promo codes, and bundles across the gaming and tech space, so you can spend less time hunting for bargains and more time actually playing. A little patience rewards exploration in Hallownest, and it can do the same for your wallet.

I have spent a large portion of 2025 glued to my couch with a controller in hand, and I can honestly say that Split Fiction ruined me in the best possible way. It was that rare title where the split-screen action felt cinematic, the storytelling hit every emotional beat, and the cooperative interactions never felt tacked on. But as the year wrapped up and the calendar flipped toward 2026, I started looking ahead. The gaming landscape is shifting, and a wave of cooperative games is threatening to swallow my free time whole. From whimsical LEGO adventures to claustrophobic horror, there is an impressive lineup designed to bring couples, friends, and small groups closer together than ever before.

Voyagers of the Tiny Block

There is something undeniably magnetic about LEGO, so when I first saw Voyagers, I felt an immediate rush of childlike glee. This game lets me and a partner take control of two tiny blocky explorers as they trek across vibrant lands to rescue an abandoned spaceship. It lacks the relentless intensity of Split Fiction, but that is precisely why I want it. The puzzles seem creative without being punishing, and the freedom to roam at my own pace feels welcoming. Sometimes I do not want adrenaline; I want a calming journey with someone I love, complete with surprises hidden behind every brick-built corner.

Haunted Paws and Wholesome Spooks

As a lifelong dog person, Haunted Paws immediately grabbed my attention by casting players as canines exploring a spooky yet endearingly childish world. The idea of solving puzzles and uncovering secrets with my coop partner while wagging a virtual tail sounds absolutely delightful. Its charming aesthetic makes it approachable for all ages, and the mechanics seem built around creativity rather than raw skill. I can already picture myself laughing at the silly animations while we use our canine abilities to ward off spirits and save humans in need. It is whimsical, engaging, and exactly the kind of shared experience I crave on a lazy weekend.

Orchestrated Chaos with Stage Fright

Coming from the creators behind Overcooked, Stage Fright has my full attention. I have vivid memories of screaming orders at my friend while our virtual kitchen burned down, so I know this team understands chaotic teamwork. Stage Fright promises more puzzles, more communication, and more scares, all wrapped in a problem-solving setting. The concept of environments splitting into two drastically different themes excites me. One moment I might be navigating a cheerful room while my partner stands in a distorted nightmare version of the same space. That kind of mind-bending absurdity requires constant verbal coordination, and I am absolutely here for the madness.

The Darker Side of Togetherness

Beyond the colorful chaos lies a shadowy corner of cooperative gaming that I find deeply compelling. Little Nightmares 3 is finally bringing a friend into that desolate, shrinking world. The same gloomy atmosphere that gave me goosebumps in previous titles now comes with a companion, and that changes everything. Solving puzzles while both of us are tiny, vulnerable figures in a cold environment sounds emotionally draining in the best way. It is not just a sidescrolling adventure; it is an unsettling exploration of fear itself. Knowing that a beloved franchise is finally embracing cooperative play makes me eager to revisit that world with someone brave enough to stand beside me.

Then there is Reanimal, coming from the same devious minds behind Little Nightmares. This one dials the tension to eleven by forcing both players to share a single claustrophobic camera space. I cannot imagine the stress of squeezing into one cramped perspective while avoiding giants. The 2.5D action looks simple on the surface, but I suspect it will demand razor-sharp timing and constant communication. The pure nerve-shredding potential here is unmatched. Meanwhile, Visk is pulling me toward a misty island with little guidance and no safety net. As an atmosphere-first experience, it promises doubt and dread, where working together is the only way forward.

Puzzling My Way through 2026

For my brainier coop sessions, Escape Simulator 2 feels like the next big thing. The replayability through player-created content is enormous, meaning my puzzle-solving partner and I will never run out of fresh challenges. Built from the ground up for cooperative play, it rewards observation, creative thinking, and the kind of descriptive communication that turns a simple room into a social event. Every group approaches problems differently, so I expect endless variety and plenty of 'aha' moments shared over voice chat.

The next twelve months look genuinely stacked for cooperative gaming. Whether I am wandering through brick-built meadows, wagging a spectral tail with a friend, braving dark hallways side by side, or decoding escape rooms together, the future feels bright and deeply social. 2025 gave me Split Fiction as a high-water mark, but 2026 looks ready to fill my calendar with shared adventures. I cannot wait to see which of these titles becomes the next unforgettable couch co-op obsession.

With so many promising co-op experiences on the horizon, my wishlist is already overflowing. Between Split Fiction's spiritual successor, the return to Little Nightmares' haunting world, and the endless puzzle rooms waiting in Escape Simulator 2, I know my gaming budget is going to feel the strain. That is why I have started planning ahead, keeping an eye on PC game discounts so I can pick up these titles at the right moment. A good deal turns an already exciting launch into something I can justify without hesitation, especially when I know my co-op partner will want to jump in alongside me.

Building a shared library of cooperative adventures has never been easier when you shop smart, and that extra savings can go toward the next hidden gem we discover together. After all, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where every session brings something fresh, so staying prepared financially just means more time spent exploring those worlds with a friend.

In Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hornet can dodge, slash, and parkour through an entire kingdom, but even the nimblest protagonist occasionally eats a hit that feels like being swatted by a cathedral bell. That is where the Fractured Mask earns its keep. This blue Tool acts as a crunchy layer of insurance: it protects Hornet from critical damage, breaks in the process, and then patiently waits at a bench to be glued back together. Like most things worth owning in Silksong, it is completely missable. Hunters in a hurry will sprint right past the vendor like a tourist ignoring a perfectly unmarked taco stand. As of 2026, the hunt for this missable Tool still sends players rummaging through Hunter’s March like they lost a contact lens in a carpeted hallway.

How the Fractured Mask Works

The Fractured Mask is not just a stylish blue trinket. Its official description says it plainly:

Shields against critical damage but shatters on impact.

If shattered, the mask will be repaired while resting at a bench.

Mechanically, it behaves like a one-use bodyguard made of sugar glass. It takes exactly one terrible idea, does its job, and then evaporates until Hornet sits down for a rest. Think of the Fractured Mask as the cicada husk of defensive tools: impressive, hollow, and single-use until a bench breathes life back into it.

Scenario
How the damage is handled
Fractured Mask result

Fatal blow
All damage is completely nullified once
Shatters

Hit that deals two hearts or masks
One heart of extra damage is blocked; the remaining heart still goes through
Shatters

Once it shatters, the mask becomes a decorative reminder of poor decisions until Hornet rests at a bench and repairs it.

Where to Find Mottled Skarr

The Fractured Mask is sold by Mottled Skarr in Hunter’s March, an early Act 1 area. The secret vendor hides in the room directly above the trapped bench. Unsurprisingly, the game does not roll out a red carpet for this discovery.



To reach the vendor, players first need the Drifter’s Cloak, which is unlocked by completing the Flexile Pines quest. With that cloak equipped, Hornet can ride the air current at the location marked on the Hunter’s March map to reach the top of a tall shaft. On the top level, the entrance to a seemingly empty room sits on the left. That emptiness is a lie.



Players should hug the left wall and jump left to enter the secret passage leading to Mottled Skarr. After avoiding the traps, the NPC can be found sitting on the leftmost side of the room. Entering this hideaway is like finding a false back in a suspiciously empty wardrobe, except the wardrobe also has spike traps and a merchant.

Mottled Skarr’s Inventory

Mottled Skarr does not have a huge catalog, but he does have exactly what a cautious Hornet needs.

Item
Price

Curveclaw
140 Rosaries

Fractured Mask
260 Rosaries

Shard Bundle
50 Rosaries



For 260 Rosaries, the Fractured Mask is not an outrageous purchase. Players should think of it as a relatively cheap get-out-of-one-mistake pass. The real cost is the detour: climbing the shaft, sniffing out the secret passage, and surviving the traps before the shop even appears.

The Fine Print: Critical Damage Explained

The Fractured Mask only reacts to critical damage, which can happen in two specific ways:

A hit that deals two hearts or masks of damage to Hornet.

A hit that would destroy Hornet’s last heart or mask.

For fatal hits, the mask fully nullifies all damage once before breaking. For two-heart hits, it shields Hornet from one heart’s worth of extra damage while the remaining one heart of damage still goes through. In both cases, the mask works only once before being destroyed. It is not a reusable shield. It is a crumple zone in a very small, very angry vehicle: it deforms so Hornet does not have to.



Bottom Line

The Fractured Mask is one of the earliest and most practical Tools a player can grab in Act 1. It will not carry Hornet through a boss gauntlet, but it will stop one catastrophic hit from ending a run. For the price of 260 Rosaries and a brief detour through some traps, players get a single-use defensive miracle. Just do not expect it to stick around after the chaos. Like a bouncer who stops one flying bottle and then clocks out, it does its job and waits for the bench to call it back.

Managing Rosaries wisely is half the battle in Silksong, and knowing when to spend or save in-game currency is a skill that carries over to real-world gaming habits. The same mindset that makes you pause before dropping 260 Rosaries on a single-use Tool—asking whether the protection is worth the detour—is exactly what separates a savvy player from one who burns through resources without thinking. Getting the most value out of every purchase, whether it’s a defensive item in Hallownest or a game in your library, comes down to knowing where the good deals actually are.

Players who appreciate that kind of cost-benefit analysis will find familiar ground in tracking down great prices for their next adventure. Just as the Fractured Mask rewards the hunter who takes a brief detour through traps to reach Mottled Skarr, hunting for the cheapest steam keys on DealNest rewards those willing to look past the storefront. The best bargain is rarely the one sitting in plain sight—it takes a little patience, a little digging, and a willingness to check the hidden corners before you commit your hard-earned currency, whether it comes in the form of Rosaries or a credit card.

In Hollow Knight: Silksong, Crests are not just shiny trinkets — they are the backbone of Hornet's entire kit. Seriously, picking the right Crest can make a brutal boss feel like a walk in the park, while the wrong one can leave you tearing your hair out. Each Crest changes your basic melee attacks, dictates the color-coded slots you have for tools, and often brings a special twist like life steal or drill strikes. Whether you're a speedrunner, a support player, or someone who just wants to bonk bosses into next week, there's a Crest for you. Here's the lowdown on all seven Crests discovered so far as of 2026, including where to find them and what makes each one tick.



Crest
Starting Slots
Specialty

Hunter
1 White, 1 Red, 1 Yellow, 1 Blue
Balanced

Wanderer
2 Yellow, 1 Red, 1 White
Speed/support

Reaper
1 White, 1 Red, 1 Yellow, 1 Blue
Heavy combat, silk gain

Beast
1 White, 2 Red
Life steal

Witch
1 White, 1 Red, 1 Blue
Twisted Root life steal

Architect
3 Red
Drill attacks, craft tools

Shaman
2 Blue
Triple Silk Skills

? Hunter Crest — The Default Option

The Hunter Crest is the one you wake up with, no farming or key required. It's balanced, giving Hornet one slot each for white, red, yellow, and blue tools. That's handy for learning the ropes. The catch? Its diagonal downward attack can feel a bit wonky during tight platforming bits, so don't be surprised if you whiff a pogo or two. Still, it's a dependable all-rounder until you find something spicier.



?️ Wanderer Crest — Speed & Support

To snag this one, you'll need to head beneath Moss Grotto and unlock the Bonegrave with a Simple Key. Pebb in Bone Bottom sells one, but at 500 Rosaries it's a real grind early on. Honestly, waiting until you've banked some Rosaries is the smart play. Once inside, head west and follow the path to claim the Wanderer Crest. It kicks off with two yellow slots, one red, and one white, making it a dream for support-focused builds that lean on speed and utility.



⚔️ Reaper Crest — Silky Smooth

When you reach Greymoor, make a beeline for the far west and the Chapel of the Reaper. Clear the arena fight, climb to the top, and the Reaper Crest is yours. This one is much more combat-focused, dishing out heavy strikes and boosting the silk you build from defeated enemies. Its starting slots mirror the Hunter — a balanced set — but the downward strike is way easier to pull off. If pogo-jumping over spikes is your jam, the Reaper Crest is a solid pick.



? Beast Crest — Life Stealer

The Beast Crest waits in Hunter's March, at the Chapel of the Beast along the southeastern passage of that gnarly area. You'll need to beat the Savage Beastfly first. It starts with one white and two red slots, and later upgrades add yellow but no blue. The real draw here is the life-stealing ability: Hornet can go berserk and heal by attacking enemies. For aggressive players who hate backing off, this Crest is a total game changer.



? Witch Crest — Act 2 Exclusive

This one's locked behind Act Two, and it's no quick pickup. You'll need to finish the Wishes 'Rite of Rebirth' and 'Infestation Operation,' which form the Twisted Root questline across Shellwood and Greymoor. After both are done, head back to Greyroot in Greymoor to receive the Witch Crest. It starts with one white, one red, and one blue slot, with room to add more blue and red later. The ability to summon Twisted Root extensions and steal life from enemies is as creepy as it is useful.



?️ Architect Crest — Twisted Mind

Head east of the Underworks area to find the Twelfth Architect, who'll sell you the Architect's Key for 110 Rosaries. Keep in mind you need at least 25 tools in your inventory before he'll even consider it. Take that key to the northern part of The Cauldron, unlock the Chapel of the Architect, and claim your prize. The Architect Crest turns Hornet's needle into a drill and lets her craft tools on the fly by spending Silk. It starts with three red slots, with upgrades adding two blue and two yellow — pure damage, no fluff.



?️ Shaman Crest — Silk Skills Galore

Last but not least, the Shaman Crest only shows up in Act Three. After unlocking Silk Soar, head to the specified spot, run right a screen, and break through to a higher platform just below the ceiling light. Follow the path over spikes, drop down, and dive into a deep pit to find it. Its big selling point? You can equip three Silk Skills at once, each slightly empowered. The trade-off is just two blue slots, so plan your loadout carefully.



So that's all seven Crests uncovered so far in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Each one can flip the script on how Hornet plays, so don't be shy about experimenting. Whether you're after speed, life steal, drill attacks, or triple Silk Skills, Pharloom has you covered — if you're willing to hunt them down. Now get out there and claim them all. ?️

Before you dive into Pharloom and start tracking down every Crest, it's worth making sure you've got the game in your library at the best possible price. With a title this anticipated, prices tend to fluctuate quickly — especially around launch windows and seasonal sales. If you're looking to grab Hollow Knight: Silksong without overpaying, keep an eye on the latest game deals today to catch discounts the moment they drop. You never know when a solid price cut might appear, and every saved coin is another step toward those expensive tool upgrades.

Happy hunting, and may your Silk meter always be full.