My Complete Memory Locket Hunt in Hollow Knight: Silksong

Find all 20 Memory Lockets in Hollow Knight: Silksong to expand Crests and equip more Tools with this route-driven guide.

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.

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Hollow Knight: Silksong Endings Guide: All 5 Finales I Unlocked

Unlock all five Hollow Knight: Silksong endings with this definitive guide, from Weaver Queen to Passing of the Age.

I've been deep in Pharloom since the 2026 release, and after multiple clean saves I've now seen every unique finale Hollow Knight: Silksong has to offer. Team Cherry kept the original's habit: one default ending you'll find naturally, plus several alternatives that demand real detours. The payoff is worth it, because each route has its own fully animated cutscene showing the consequences of your choices.

For my own checklist, I count five endings, not three, because some special scenes can chain together on one file while others are mutually exclusive. From my runs, I could see Weaver Queen, Snared Silk, and Sister of the Void on a single save, while Twisted Child required a deliberately cursed Act 2 run. Passing of the Age is a bonus coda that plays after the true ending.

How the endings fit together

Ending
Type
Notes

Weaver Queen
Default ending
Can be seen in a normal playthrough if conditions are not met

Twisted Child
Cursed Act 2 ending
Mutually exclusive once you move into Act 3

Snared Silk
Void entrapment
Credits roll, then leads to the next ending

Sister of the Void
True ending
Follows Snared Silk

Passing of the Age
Mushroom coda
Not exclusive, adds a new final scene

Weaver Queen: the default finale

This is the ending most players will stumble into. I reached it by completing the main quests, reaching the Cradle at the peak of the Citadel, and avoiding the conditions for Twisted Child or Snared Silk. The minimum kit for the route is the dash, wall jump, and Needolin.

You can enter the Citadel either by ringing the bells and killing the Last Judge, or by taking the back path through the Mist and defeating Phantom. After that, I fought the Cogwork Dancers, collected the three song parts from the Cogwork Core, the Vault, and the High Halls, pushed past Lace on the ascent, and finally brought down Grand Mother Silk. In this ending, Hornet binds with Grand Mother Silk, absorbs her power, and becomes the Weaver Queen of Pharloom. It felt like an introductory ending, not the full stop.

Twisted Child: the cursed run I planned from the start

For this one I intentionally kept the Twisted Bud instead of taking it to the surgeon. That meant heading to the Cradle while still cursed and fighting the final boss with no tools, no silk abilities, and no healing. To me, the fight didn't become unbearably hard, but it did force a more focused style.

The big caveat is the lockout. If you start the Rite of Rebirth and move into the next act, you miss this ending. So if you want everything on one character, I recommend holding off on that quest until you are ready to finish the game. After the fight, Hornet cannot bind Grand Mother Silk. The Twisted Child erupts from her instead, and the cutscene suggests it takes over Hornet, Grand Mother Silk, and possibly the whole kingdom.

Snared Silk: not quite an ending, but it still rolls credits

I count this one because the credits do roll after its cutscene. Instead of rushing into the Grand Mother Silk fight, I did every quest on every quest board in all three towns, including donation quests. I also grabbed the Faydown Cloak, assembled the Cogheart and gave it to the Second Sentinel, and finished the world side objectives.

The most demanding part was finding the Putrified Ducts, reaching the lake inside, and relocating almost every flea. After that, the strange guy at the chapel in Songclave gave me a mission. I traveled around the kingdom, spoke with his siblings, trudged through Bilewater, and grabbed a tool from Weavenest Atla. At the end of the Grand Mother Silk fight, I played my Needolin. That entrapped both Grand Mother Silk and Lace in the void, and the scene rolled into the next route.

Sister of the Void: the true ending

After Snared Silk, I broke the void-soaked threads binding the save file, reopened it, and found the world ruined. The Snail Shamans at the ruined chapel in Moss Grotto sent me after three dream bosses: one at the Coral Tower, one near the Grand Gate, and one in the Far Fields. If you want an easier route, you can collect a heart from the Green Prince at the right edge of Greymoor instead.

With three hearts in hand, I returned to the Snail Shamans, played through an excellent retelling of Hornet's backstory, and claimed the Everbloom. Hornet then took it into the Abyss, dived in, and fought one last duel against a void-soaked Lace. This route feels like the true ending, and the final cutscene includes an appearance from a certain character that made the whole run feel complete.

Passing of the Age: the Mister Mushroom coda

This one is not mutually exclusive with the previous ending, so I added it to the same file. I started in the lake where the Fleas had taken residence and found a hole in the ceiling near the highest rocks. A super jump and a Needolin tune let me speak with Mister Mushroom.

He then visited a set of locations in order: Moss Grotto, Bone Bottom, Far Fields, Greymoor, The Slab, the peak of Mount Fay, and finally a newly unlocked room at the very top of The Cradle. After some genuinely scary platforming, I spoke to the mushroom man one last time, then fought Lost Lace again. After the normal ending, Mister Mushroom takes off with another "To Be Continued," just like the original Hollow Knight.

If you want the full 2026 completion route, I would do this: normal playthrough for Weaver Queen, back up your save, then do a dedicated cursed run for Twisted Child, and finally a completionist run through Snared Silk into Sister of the Void while stacking Passing of the Age. It takes time, but seeing all five cutscenes in Silksong is one of the best reasons to explore every corner of Pharloom.

The full completion run is a serious time investment, but it is also the kind of experience that makes Hollow Knight: Silksong worth every hour you put into it. Between the boss gauntlets, hidden dream fights, and those Mister Mushroom platforming sections, there are moments that will stick with you long after the credits roll. If you have not picked up the game yet or you want to gift a copy to a friend so they can finally understand why Hornet is such a beloved protagonist, it is smart to check a [game price comparison]( before you buy. Prices fluctuate across storefronts and regions, so a quick look can easily save you enough for a nice DLC or a fresh keycap set.

For anyone planning their own five-ending run, the main thing to remember is that Pharloom rewards patience and curiosity. Whether you are chasing the void-soaked true ending or just want the whimsical mushroom farewell, every route adds a layer to the story that makes the world feel alive. And once you have seen everything the game has to offer, you can always revisit your favorite areas or wait for the next content drop without worrying about having overpaid for the journey in the first place.

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How I Returned to Act 1 and Unlocked Early Bellways in Silksong

Stuck in Hollow Knight: Silksong's Underworks? Return to Act 1 via the Choral Chambers, then unlock early Bellways for fast travel.

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.

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The Ford Probe Is the Forgotten Mazda-Based Sports Coupe Bargain Everyone Overlooked

Ford Probe sports car, a 1990s cult classic, offers bargain value and unique styling compared to the legendary Ford Mustang.

Ask just about any gearhead to name a Ford sports car, and the Mustang will probably roll off their tongue before they finish blinking. Fair enough—the Mustang has been a legend for decades. But between the late 1980s and late 1990s, Ford also had another two-door running around with a secret Japanese heartbeat. That car was the Ford Probe. It never set sales charts on fire, but by 2026 it has quietly peeled off its “unloved” sticker and started wearing a “bargain cult classic” badge instead.

A Shape That Screamed ‘90s

The first-generation Probe arrived for 1989, and it looked exactly like the era it was designed for. The second-generation car, produced from 1993 to 1997, went even further with a rounder, almost spaceship-like nose, a big triangular glasshouse, smooth sides, and a swooping hatchback rear end. Ford wasn’t just chasing style either. Designers worked hard to make the body as slippery as possible, which gave the Probe a futuristic look that still stands out at a 2026 cars-and-coffee meet.

The Unusual Recipe: Front Drive and No V8

For an American sports coupe, the Probe had a slightly surprising setup. It was front-wheel drive, and there was never a V8 under the hood. Instead, buyers got a mix of four-cylinder and V6 power.

First-generation engines (1989–1992)

Engine
Power
Torque

2.2L inline-4
110 hp
130 lb-ft

2.2L turbo inline-4
145 hp
190 lb-ft

3.0L Vulcan V6, 1990
140 hp
160 lb-ft

3.0L Vulcan V6, 1991–92
145 hp
165 lb-ft

Second-generation engines (1993–1997)

Engine
Power
Torque

2.0L inline-4
118 hp
127 lb-ft

2.5L V6, 1993–95
164 hp
156 lb-ft

2.5L V6, 1996–97
164 hp
160 lb-ft

Both generations could be had with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, and the manual was usually the enthusiast choice.

Quick Enough to Surprise People

None of those options were slow for their day. Car & Driver clocked the 2.2-liter turbo first-gen Probe at 7 seconds to 60 mph in 1989. The second-generation V6 with a 5-speed manual hit the same number. By today’s standards, that is not exactly a barn burner, but it was right at the top of the class back then. The top-dog 1991 Isuzu Impulse RS managed the same 0–60 time, which tells you the Probe could punch above its weight.

Cheaper Than the Mustang Without Feeling Cheap

The Probe also made a strong value argument. In 1989, a base Probe started around $13,600, while fully loaded examples ran about $16,500. A Fox Body Mustang GT of the same period cost around $17,512. So you could grab a loaded turbo or V6 Probe with modern looks and still spend less than a V8 Mustang. Unless someone had a serious need for V8 muscle, the Probe delivered a lot of bang for the buck.

The Almost-Mustang That Never Was

Here is a wild piece of history: the Probe was originally supposed to replace the Mustang. Ford planned it as the fourth-generation pony car, which makes sense from a cost standpoint because the Mazda-based platform was cheaper to develop than an all-new Mustang. When Ford announced that plan publicly, enthusiasts absolutely lost it. The idea of a smaller, front-wheel-drive Mustang with no V8 was too much for the faithful.

Ford actually listened. In a rare about-face, the company went back to the drawing board, created the SN95 Mustang, and repositioned the Probe as a smaller, more affordable sports coupe instead. That gave the Probe room to battle imported rivals like the Toyota Celica, Nissan 200SX, Acura Integra, and Isuzu Impulse while the Mustang kept swinging at the Chevrolet Camaro.

Global Citizen with Mazda Bones

The Probe wasn’t just an American market special. Because it was compact and built on Japanese underpinnings, Ford sold it in the UK, mainland Europe, and Australia too. In Europe it even filled part of the gap left by the much-loved Capri, though British buyers were never quite as smitten with it.

Under the skin, the first-generation Probe used Mazda’s GD platform, and the second-generation car used the GE platform. That meant the Ford Probe and Mazda MX-6 shared a huge number of mechanical parts, including most of the engines. The only major non-Mazda engine was the 3.0-liter Vulcan V6 in first-gen cars, which came from Ford’s own stable. The bodies and interiors were mostly Ford’s work, but the heartbeat underneath was all Mazda.

In North America, both the Probe and MX-6 were even built in the same Flat Rock, Michigan facility. That created a situation similar to the Mitsubishi 3000GT and Dodge Stealth, where buyers could pick the American or Japanese flavor of essentially the same sports coupe sundae.

Value and Reliability in 2026

Time has been kind to the Probe’s reputation. The old snobbery about front-wheel-drive sports cars has faded, and more people now see the Probe as seriously underrated. Its Mazda-sourced mechanical bits have also earned it a solid reputation for reliability. One former owner reported that her family’s Probe reached 250,000 miles before an accident took it off the road, with only the distributor and belt ever needing replacement.

That reputation makes the current pricing even sweeter. Classic.com estimates an average used value of around $10,569, but it’s still common to find good, presentable examples for under $7,000—and sometimes under $5,000. Project cars can cost even less. Fuel economy is decent for a sports coupe, and because so many parts came from Ford and Mazda’s 1980s and 1990s parts bins, normal maintenance remains relatively cheap and easy in 2026. Hard-to-find interior trim and Ford-specific body panels are the main things shoppers should check before buying, because aftermarket support remains niche.

The Ford Probe may have spent years flying under the radar, but that’s exactly why it still makes sense today. It’s practical enough to be a fun daily, rare enough to turn heads, and cheap enough that it won’t break the bank. For anyone who wants a 1990s sports coupe with Japanese bones and an American accent, this forgotten Ford is worth a long look.

The same instinct that leads someone to recognize the Ford Probe as a hidden gem—spotting genuine value where others see nothing special—tends to carry over into other parts of life. Once you’ve caught the deal-hunting bug, it’s hard to walk past a good bargain without at least stopping to consider it. Whether it’s sourcing parts for a restoration project, finding accessories for a weekend drive, or simply being smart about everyday purchases, that mindset pays off again and again.

That’s why resources like [DealNest]( are worth keeping in your bookmarks. It collects discounts and offers in one convenient place, making it easier to save money on the things you already enjoy—leaving more room in the budget for the next project, the next road trip, or perhaps another forgotten 1990s coupe waiting for a second chance. After all, the best deals are often the ones that require the least effort to find.

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Silksong’s Rite of Rebirth: Surviving Hornet’s Most Annoying Errand

Hollow Knight: Silksong's Rite of Rebirth quest strips Hornet of healing and tools, challenging completionists to survive its harsh trials.

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.

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The Co-op Horizon Is Calling Me After Falling Hard for Split Fiction

Split Fiction fueled my love for cooperative games; 2026 titles like Voyagers, Haunted Paws, and Stage Fright promise chaotic fun and dark thrills.

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.

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I Ranked Every Silk Skill In Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong Silk Skills ranking covers all six, from Silk Spear to Cross Stitch, by boss pressure, mobility, and consistency.

I have been tearing through Pharloom since Hollow Knight: Silksong settled into its 2026 release rhythm, and the Silk Skills remain one of the most misunderstood parts of Hornet's kit. Silk is your healing resource, but when you have spare silk, you can spend it on a powerful Silk Skill. There are six Silk Skills in total, and each one can change how you approach exploration, crowd control, and boss fights. Here is my ranking of every Silk Skill, based on boss pressure, mobility, consistency, and how much trouble it saves me.

Rank
Silk Skill
Best Role
My Take

6
Silk Spear
Frontal burst
Good early, outclassed later

5
Rune Rage
Screen AOE
Great in dense rooms, inconsistent elsewhere

4
Pale Nails
Homing missiles
Reliable while dodging

3
Thread Storm
Defensive AOE
A panic button for close fights

2
Sharp Dart
Invulnerable dash
Damage plus dodge in one

1
Cross Stitch
Counter
The best boss fight tool

6. Silk Spear 🗡️

I unlocked Silk Spear first, and for the opening hours it felt like a huge upgrade. Hornet throws her Needle forward with power and deals about triple the damage of a normal attack. But that is where my praise ends. The skill cannot be aimed, so fast enemies can slip out of the way, and the recovery leaves Hornet open from other angles. Later, the Ancestral Art called Clawline makes this skill feel redundant. Clawline also throws the Needle forward, but it carries Hornet to the enemy she hits, which is safer and more useful. I have started leaving Silk Spear off my loadout as soon as that tool shows up.

5. Rune Rage 💥

Rune Rage is my favorite skill for one very specific job: clearing a room packed with enemies. I unlocked it in The Slab, and when I use it, Hornet summons a cluster of runes around the room. They group up over enemies and explode after a short delay, which is perfect for airborne foes and on-screen crowds. The problem is consistency. The hardest enemies sometimes move sporadically and escape before the runes land. I still bring Rune Rage into dense areas, but I never trust it as my only answer in a boss fight.

4. Pale Nails ✨

Pale Nails looks simple, and honestly, that is the point. It summons three thin nails behind Hornet. When I slash with her Needle, they fly off in different directions. The real value is that the nails track and home in on the first enemy they find. That makes Pale Nails one of the easiest Silk Skills to use while I am focused on dodging. I do not have to line up a perfect shot. I can slash, back off, and let the nails do the work. It will not solve every problem, but its low effort and reliable tracking make it a solid mid-tier choice.

3. Thread Storm 🌀

Thread Storm is the panic button I keep ready when a fight gets too crowded. It creates a massive AOE around Hornet that knocks back close enemies and can even stop many projectiles. I have used it to survive ambushes and messy rooms where I would otherwise die. The catch is real: Hornet cannot move for a short moment after the skill ends, so you need to time it carefully. Still, for defensive power and breathing room, Thread Storm is close to irreplaceable in my kit.

2. Sharp Dart ⚡

I slept on Sharp Dart at first because it costs silk, and silk is precious for healing. Then I started fighting bosses where every inch of movement mattered, and it completely won me over. Sharp Dart turns Hornet into a sharp spike that rushes forward, pierces enemies, and deals big damage. More importantly, Hornet becomes invulnerable during the move. That gives me one of the few ways to gain invincibility frames in the entire game. I use it as a dodge that also damages anything in the way. It makes Hornet even more mobile, and it has saved me from countless horrific boss attacks.

1. Cross Stitch 🛡️

Cross Stitch is the best Silk Skill in Hollow Knight: Silksong, and I do not think it is close. Many Silk Skills give Hornet extra offense, but Cross Stitch adds an entirely new mechanic: a counter. If I time it well, Hornet blocks an enemy attack and strikes back for massive damage. I have used it to negate boss hits and punish the worst attacks in the game. Taking a single hit in Silksong can end a fight, so the ability to remove damage while dealing damage is invaluable. Against many enemies and even major bosses, Cross Stitch turns terrifying encounters into manageable duels. It is the one Silk Skill I cannot imagine leaving behind.

After testing all six Silk Skills across Pharloom in 2026, my loadout almost always includes Cross Stitch, Sharp Dart, and Thread Storm. The others have their moments, but these three give me damage, mobility, defense, and a counter that can change an entire fight. If you are low on silk, prioritize healing first, but when you have spare silk, these are the skills worth spending it on.

If you are excited to try these Silk Skills for yourself, you might want to keep an eye on the game's price before buying. Deals on Hollow Knight: Silksong come and go quickly, and grabbing it during a discount can leave you with spare cash for another indie gem or a future DLC.

That is why I always check [this price tracking tool]( before making a big purchase. It helps me spot price drops and jump in when the game is cheapest, so I can spend more time mastering Cross Stitch and less time worrying about missing a sale.

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All Seven Crests in Hollow Knight: Silksong and How to Get Them

Silksong Crests guide: uncover all seven powerful relics, their locations, and how they transform Hornet's abilities in Pharloom.

I have been running Hornet through Pharloom again in 2026, and if there is one thing that changes a Silksong playthrough more than tools, it is Crests. These seven equippable relics are hidden across chapels and questlines, and each one alters how your needle, silk, and survivability work. Below is my updated field guide for all seven crests, where to find them, and what they actually do.

Quick Crest Summary

Crest
Location
Main Benefit

1
Crest of the Wanderer
Bone Bottom
More critical hits at shorter range

2
Crest of the Beast
Hunter's March
Life-stealing savage attacks

3
Crest of the Reaper
Greymoor
Heavy slower attack plus extra silk drops

4
Crest of the Witch
Shellwood questline
Infestation transformed into crest

5
Crest of the Hunter Upgrade
Weavenest Atla
Base crest upgrade; possible Vesti Crest

6
Crest of the Architect
Underworks
Tool-related crest reward

7
Crest of the Shaman
Ruined Chapel
Final crest tied to Act 3 and Silk Soar

Crest #1: Chapel of the Wanderer

I almost skipped this one on my first run, but Grindle, the bug you rescue in The Marrow, can hint at the location if you pay him a few rosaries. From the maiden at the start, head right past the pond into a graveyard around a run-down old chapel. The inside is a wave fight against pilgrim bugs. They are simple if your health is full because their movement patterns match the ones outside.

After clearing the room, go deeper until you see a cloth-covered corpse. Stab it and bind to it three times. The screen will flash blinding white and you receive the Crest of the Wanderer, shaped like a lyre. It makes your needle strikes shorter but crit more often, which is great for aggressive close-range builds.

Crest #2: Chapel of the Beast

Deep in Hunter's March, the Chapel of the Beast is lit by candles. This chapel has a flying mini-boss, the Savage Beastfly. It moves like the smaller beastflies from Bone Bottom and Moss Home, but faster and far more aggressive.

I recommend entering with at least Swift Step to keep up with its movement. Silkspear or traps from Deep Docks also drain the beastfly quickly. Knock it out twice and a left chamber opens. Stab the large Savage Beastfly husk three times to claim the Crest of the Beast. It adds life-stealing to Hornet's attacks and lets you enter a wild fury while slashing into prey.

Crest #3: Chapel of the Reaper

On the far left of Greymoor is a chapel marked clearly on the map. This is another wave fight, but now you face scissor bugs, heavy staff bugs, and rake bugs. Clear them and travel upward to a cloth-covered corpse. Stab it three times for the Crest of the Reaper.

This crest gives Hornet slower, heavier needle attacks and allows you to collect extra silk from fallen foes. I found it especially useful in Bilewater, where the silk-eating affliction can quickly drain your resources.

Crest #4: Witch Crest

This one is a long questline involving Greyroot and Yarnaby, and it will lock away your other crests, combat silk abilities, and tools until the end. The route is:

• Enter Bilewater through the Whispering Vaults and find the Twisted Bud.

• Go to Shellwood, hand the Twisted Bud to Greyroot, and accept the Rite of Rebirth.

• After completing her wish, go to Bellhart and speak to Pavo to learn about Yarnaby in Greymoor.

• Find Yarnaby in Greymoor.

• Accept the Infestation Operation, go to Sinners Road, and purchase Steel Spines.

• Return to Yarnaby and finish the quest.

Yarnaby then transforms the infestation inside Hornet into the Crest of the Witch. It is difficult because you lose many abilities, but if you avoid unnecessary fights and rest often, it is manageable.

Crest #5: Hunter Crest Upgrade

Your base Crest of the Hunter can be upgraded after you complete Bellhart's silkspun curse wish and obtain the Needolin ability. Play the Needolin at the marked door in Bone Bottom and continue to the right. There is no chapel here. Instead, you meet an imprisoned bug named Eva. Let her offer insight into you and she will upgrade your Hunter Crest.

If you speak with her a second time and have four or more quests completed, she will also grant the Vesti Crest. That is extremely valuable because it lets you use a tool regardless of how many slots your current equipped Crest has.

Crest #6: Chapel of the Architect

Under the Citadel, in the Underworks, the Chapel of the Architect is locked by the Architect bug. To prove yourself, you need enough tools to purchase the key. The bug keeps a number counter beneath the key description so you can track your progress.

Some useful tools for the key include Magma Bell and Silkshot from the Forge Daughter, plus Scuttlebrace, Sawtooth Circlet, and Cogwork Wheel from the Architect Bug, and Sting Shard from the Forge Daughter. Once you buy the key, enter the chapel and claim the crest from the small platform in front of the defunct chorus machine.

Crest #7: Chapel of the Shaman

This is the final crest and only opens in Act 3 at the Ruined Chapel. It takes the longest but is worth it. After entering Act 3, make your way to Bone Bottom. The ruined chapel path will be open. You also need to unlock Silk Soar in the Deep Docks bell area. Return to the Ruined Chapel, head right until you find an opening, and use Silk Soar. Crush the boulders blocking the path until you reach a large snail shell. Bind to the shell and you will receive the Crest of the Shaman, ready to pair with your chosen silk abilities.

In 2026, this remains my preferred endgame setup path because the Crest of the Shaman opens up powerful silk-focused playstyles that feel completely different from the early game.

If this guide has convinced you to finally take on Hollow Knight: Silksong's crest system, you will want to make sure you actually own the game for as little as possible. Rather than paying full price at launch, many players hold out for a good deal before diving into Hornet's journey, especially if they are planning to replay the game to grab every upgrade across multiple saves.

Thankfully, you do not have to wait for a Steam sale to get a fair price. Game key marketplaces often offer significant discounts compared to the official storefront, and knowing where to look can save you a surprising amount of money. If you are ready to start your own crest hunt without breaking the bank, it is worth checking out DealNest for some of the [cheapest steam keys]( available before you set off into the depths of Pharloom.

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Hollow Knight: Silksong Bell Eater Guide: Defeat It and Reunite the Beast

Master the Hollow Knight: Silksong Bell Eater boss with this Beast in the Bells quest guide, covering loadouts, weak points, and phase tactics.

In the 2026 version of Hollow Knight: Silksong, few encounters test a player's nerve quite like the armored centipede known as the Bell Eater. The first time a player tries to summon the Bell Beast from a bell fast travel system after waking up in The Citadel, this creepy crawler makes a brief and unsettling cameo. From that moment on, the fast travel tunnels are locked down, and the only way to get things back on track is to start the quest Beast in the Bells and take the fight to the Bell Eater. This guide breaks down the whole shebang—preparations, phase-by-phase tactics, and the heartwarming reunion that follows.

⚔️ At a Glance

Detail
Info

Boss
The Bell Eater

Location
Bell fast transport tunnels, Act 3

Quest
Beast in the Bells

Weak Points
Head and rear

Win Condition
Stagger the boss in Phase 1, stagger it twice more in Phase 2, then the Bell Beast finishes the job

Preparations

Before leaping into the bell tunnels, it pays to gear up properly. The Bell Eater is not the kind of boss that rewards half-baked loadouts. Since fast travel remains blocked until the quest is completed, players should knock this out as soon as Act 3 begins. The quest automatically pops into the wish tracker after the first Bell Eater sighting.

Crest Suggestions

• 🩸 Reaper's Crest – The Bell Eater only has two main weak points, so heavy damage is worth its weight in gold.

• 🏗️ Architect's Crest – Trap-focused players can equip more tools and bank silk for healing, especially since some silk abilities will not affect the Bell Eater.

Tool Suggestions

Tool
Why It Helps

🪀 Shakra's Rings
Ricochet around the room and hammer the Eater's weak spots multiple times.

🎭 Fractured Mask
Provides a safety net against a fatal attack.

🪚 Sawtooth Circlet
Damages nearby enemies with every cloak flap.

🧵 Reserve Bind
Acts as emergency silk healing if Hornet runs dry during the fight.

🐚 Conch Cutter
Ricochets off walls and the Eater's body in Phase 2 to hit weaker areas more easily.

🗡️ Longclaw
Extends needle reach so Hornet can stay outside the red orb bounce range while attacking.

🧪 Plasmium Phial
Adds a temporary mask of health and can be reused before needing an Alchemist refill.

Silk Ability Suggestions

• 🌪️ Thread Storm – Excellent for high damage output on the Bell Eater's vulnerable areas.

• 🎯 Sharpdart – Propels Hornet forward for blade and silk damage; use quick in-and-out dives for value.

Boss Fight: The Bell Eater

Phase 1

The Bell Eater has a handful of tricks up its sleeve to keep Hornet on her toes. Its body is covered in armor, leaving only the rear and head open to damage. It will hang down from the ceiling or pop up from the ground, swinging its scythe-like limbs around in a small radius. Players can use that moment to pogo off its head with a downward strike and deal damage.

The Eater also disappears and drops heavy bells from the ceiling. Looking up reveals dust that telegraphs where each bell will fall. Much like the Bell Beast fight, the bells bounce once before leaving the screen. At other times, the Eater shows its rear and spits red orbs that ricochet around the room. These can be parried, and the rear weak point can be punished before the boss retreats. On rare occasions, the Bell Eater rumbles underground, forcing Hornet to glide over long spines that erupt from the ground in arcing waves. Once the boss is staggered, it screeches and shifts into Phase 2.

Phase 2

In Phase 2, the Eater's long body blocks off the left and right sides of the arena, which makes the whole fight feel a lot more claustrophobic. The red orb attacks speed up, and the boss starts combining the ground arc attack with bell drops. When the Eater lifts its head and strikes at Hornet's last position, players should get out of dodge and use the opening to toss Shakra's Rings or let Conch Cutter ricochet around the arena.

This phase requires at least two more staggers. Downward pogo attacks on the rear weak point are the name of the game, because the head is often harder to reach while the rear offers a bigger opening for aerial hits and orb parries. A flea brew can also boost movement speed to help dodge the faster red orb launches. Just as the Bell Eater tries to shift again, the Bell Beast appears and tackles it into the sea of bells, taking care of the end of the fight.

Reunited with the Bell Beast

After the Bell Eater is soundly defeated, Hornet can finally speak with the Bell Beast. The creature lets out a loud purr before small baby Bell Beasts pop out of the ground beside their mother. Hornet can then take out the Needolin and play a song with the Bell Beast and its young, which unlocks a new melody called the Beastling Call.

The Beastling Call is a fitting reward for a fight that asks so much of Hornet, and it caps off one of Silksong's most memorable encounters. For players who want to experience this moment for themselves, the wait for a release date—or a good time to pick the game up—can feel just as tense as the boss fight itself.

Tracking down a solid deal on Hollow Knight: Silksong can save you a few Geo, and using [this price tracking tool]( makes it easy to see when the price drops to a comfortable range. That way, you can focus on learning the Bell Eater's patterns instead of worrying about your wallet.

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Hollow Knight: Silksong — All Seven Crest Locations and Best Playstyles

Master all seven Hollow Knight: Silksong Crests, from Hunter to Shaman, with locations, slot colors, and combat perks that trivialize bosses.

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.

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My Journey Through Every Hollow Knight: Silksong Ending

Unlock all five Hollow Knight Silksong endings—Weaver Queen, Twisted Child, Snared Silk, Sister of the Void, Passing of the Age—with exact conditions.

I still remember the first time I reached the end of Hollow Knight: Silksong in 2026. I thought I had understood Hallownest's fate, but then a hidden Act 3 opened up and everything changed. Depending on my actions, quests, and the bosses I defeated before the credits rolled, I could unlock one of five different endings. Some of them were straightforward, while others demanded that I leave no stone unturned. A few even forced me to start a new playthrough because it was nearly impossible to see them all in one run. Below is what I learned after chasing every ending in the game.

How Many Endings Are There in Hollow Knight: Silksong?

There are five endings in Hollow Knight: Silksong, and each one has its own achievement or trophy. They range from normal and cursed outcomes to a true ending and an extra conclusion. The table below shows every ending I found.

Ending Name
Ending Type

Weaver Queen
Normal

Twisted Child
Cursed

Snared Silk
Bad

Sister of the Void
True

Passing of the Age
Extra

Failing to meet the unlock conditions for one ending often locked me into another. That was especially true once I discovered that some endings require reaching the hidden Act 3 of Silksong.

How to Get the Weaver Queen Ending

I earned the Weaver Queen ending, which is considered the normal ending, by defeating Grand Mother Silk and binding her at the end of Act 2. After I used the Threefold Melody to unlock the elevator in the Cogwork Core, I reached the final boss of a typical playthrough. Once she fell, I chose the prompt to Bind Grand Mother Silk. Hornet then bound her power to herself, and both she and the Citadel became wrapped up in silk. As Hornet remained in the silk bindings, she began to transform before the screen cut to black. It felt like a complete but strange conclusion.

How to Get the Twisted Child Ending

The Twisted Child ending is the cursed outcome. It also requires defeating Grand Mother Silk at the end of Act 2, but I had to be cursed beforehand through one of the Wish side quests. I nearly missed it because curing the curse or entering Act 3 would have locked me out.

To become cursed, I followed these steps:

• Started the side quest called Rite of the Pollip.

• Tracked down all Pollip Hearts and completed the Pollip Wish.

• Found the Twisted Bud, an item located in Bilewater in a cradle made of vines.

• Gave the Twisted Bud to the NPC Greyroot, a Witch located in Shellwood.

• Agreed to help Greyroot after giving them the Twisted Bud.

• Began the Rite of Rebirth Wish.

• Allowed Greyroot to capture and ensnare Hornet.

• Escaped the Chapel of the Witch.

After I completed those steps, Hornet's Silk and Needle weapon changed form, which told me a curse was lingering inside her. I then played through the rest of the game normally. I could have removed the curse by following the instructions of the character Pavo, but I kept it until Grand Mother Silk was defeated. That choice unlocked the Twisted Child ending and its unsettling cutscene.

How to Get the Snared Silk Ending

The Snared Silk ending may be the bad outcome, but it opened the door to Act 3. This was a continuation beyond Grand Mother Silk with more challenging bosses, extra levels, and far more for me to do. To unlock it, I had to complete the Silk and Soul Wish. That required four core items: The Hermit's Soul, The Maiden's Soul, the Seeker's Soul, and the Snare Setter. With those items, I talked to the Caretaker NPC in Songclave to craft the Needolin, an artifact that could help defeat Grand Mother Silk.

When I defeated Grand Mother Silk with the Needolin in my inventory, a Needolin option appeared alongside Bind. I picked the Needolin option against Grand Mother Silk to get the Snared Silk ending. That choice opened up The Abyss, the hidden third story Act.

How to Get the Sister of the Void Ending

The Sister of the Void ending is the true ending, and it only appears in Act 3. That meant I had to unlock the Snared Silk ending first. Act 3 was filled with dangerous enemies and far tougher areas, but the extra effort brought me closer to the true conclusion.

For the Sister of the Void ending, I followed these steps:

• Reached Act 3 and worked through various objectives.

• Defeated the boss Nyleth in the Grand Gate to get the Pollen Heart item.

• Headed to the Sands of Karak area in Act 3.

• Defeated the Crust King Khann boss and got the Encrusted Heart item.

• Went to the Hunter's March area.

• Defeated the boss Karmelita to get the Hunter's Heart item.

• Started the Ritual at the Moss Grotto area.

• Reached the end of the Red Memory to gain the Overbloom item.

• Went to The Abyss area and defeated The Lost Lace boss.

There are plenty of hidden details in Silksong during the third Act that are easy to miss, but completing these goals helped me unlock the hardest ending in the game. The final boss of Act 3 demanded every skill and bit of effort I had.

How to Get the Passing of the Age Extra Ending

The final extra ending, Passing of the Age, also appears in Act 3 alongside Sister of the Void. To start reaching this outcome, I talked to the Fleamaster NPC in the Putrified Ducts once I was fully in The Abyss part of the story. Speaking to Fleamaster began the Ecstasy of the End Wish, which caused a platform to rise out of the water in the Putrified Ducts.

I pushed that platform until it reached the right end of the room. Then I used Hornet's grappling claw to launch upward onto some higher platforms. Climbing to the upper left brought me to a room full of mushrooms. There, I inspected a spot in the Moss Grotto to talk to someone named Mister Mushroom, who later appeared in the Bone Bottom section of the map.

Mister Mushroom showed up again in Far Fields, and then a few more times in the Grey Moore, The Slab, and Mount Fay areas. After seeing the character multiple times, I talked to them a final time at the top of the Choral Chambers to complete the Wish quest that began with Fleamaster. After that final conversation, I defeated the final boss of Act 3 to receive the fifth and additional conclusion. Unlike the others, unlocking this ending displayed a To Be Continued screen before the credits, which made me think there may be even more story still to tell.

Chasing all five endings in Hollow Knight: Silksong took time, patience, and at least one extra playthrough. Some outcomes were beautiful, some were grim, and the extra ending left me wondering what could come next. If you plan to 100% this game, keep careful track of which Wish quests you complete and be ready to enter The Abyss for the true and extra conclusions.

After unlocking every ending and truly mastering Silksong's toughest challenges, many players find themselves thinking about what to play next. Whether you are hunting for another atmospheric Metroidvania, grabbing a pre-order bonus, or just want to test a new title without overspending, it always pays to compare prices before hitting that purchase button. For those moments, taking a quick stop at DealNest can help you [find the best deal]( across various games and accessories, so your next adventure starts without stretching your budget.

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My 2026 Run Through the Great Taste of Pharloom for the Pale Oil

Hollow Knight: Silksong's third Pale Oil nail upgrade requires completing Mergwin's Great Taste of Pharloom wish—gather five ingredients.

Let me tell you, upgrading my nail in Hollow Knight: Silksong has been a ride. As of my 2026 run, the third Pale Oil still isn't just sitting around waiting for you—Mergwin locks it behind one of those sprawling Wishes, the Great Taste of Pharloom. I found the quest-giver in the Choral Chambers, that room on the left side of the map with the little building-like figures drawn in. It's northwest of the Citadel Spa and just west of Cogwork Core. When I reached Mergwin on the far right, I had to smack the Pale Oil container first. Then I accepted his grocery list: five items for his master. The list looked innocent enough.

Item
Where to Grab It
My Honest Vibe

🍲 Mossberry Stew
Mosshome, Moss Druid
easiest of the bunch

🍷 Vintage Nectar
Greymoor, Halfway House
ants. so many ants

🥒 Pickled Muckmaggot
Sinner's Road kitchen boss
cooking chaos

🌰 Crustnut
Sands of Karak
platforming pain

📦 Courier's Rasher
Bellhart, timed delivery
don't get hit

How I Found the Mossberry Stew

The Mossberry Stew was a nice warm-up. You need to have finished the Berry Picking quest. If you did it ages ago like me, you can just pop back to the Moss Druid in Mosshome. I took the shortcut elevator up from Bone Bottom, went up to the room where I got the Silkspear art, and kept right until her room. A quick chat and the stew slid into my inventory. No fuss, no boss, just... stew.

How I Found the Vintage Nectar

Then I headed back to Greymoor, because Creig at the Halfway House knows his fancy drinks. He demanded 480 Rosaries—steep, but I paid. Of course, he “forgot” to mention the basement was basically an ant convention. Once I reached the cellar and touched the vintage on the shelf, Hunter's March sent in the cavalry: Skarrlid, Skarrwing, Skarr Scout, Skarr Stalker, Spear Skarr, Skarrgard. Two waves of them. I had to wipe them all out before the Vintage Nectar finally let me collect it. On my way out, I definitely gave Creig a piece of my mind—someone should really call the health inspector!

How I Found the Pickled Muckmaggot

This one sent me back to Sinner's Road. If you haven't found it, the best route is via the exit at the top-right above the Halfway House in Greymoor. Inside, I went all the way right to a dead-end, used a double jump to get into the walls, then wall-climbed into the next room. Pro tip: open the shortcut on the left as soon as you can, because the next room is a boss fight.

I rang the gong and faced the two lesser cooks first. Then Disgraced Chef Lugoli wrapped up the second and third parts. Honestly, I won't sugarcoat it—the chef had me scrambling. I learned to stay under the lesser cooks and dash behind them. Against Lugoli, I kept to the center, stayed grounded, and in the second phase I stood beside where he surfaced from the maggots. If the maggots clipped me, I healed after dashing under Lugoli to the far side.

How I Found the Crustnut

The Crustnut sounds like a snack, but it's a whole ordeal. It's in the Sands of Karak, an optional area you've walked past on the Blasted Steps but can't access without at least the Clawline. The entrance sits above the Pinstress's home on the west side, so I had to defeat the Great Conchflies first.

Then came the platforming—northwest through difficult but straightforward jumps to a tall vertical chamber. I highly recommend doing three things before pushing deeper: buy the map from Shakra on the second left from the bottom, knock down the giant red spike to open a shortcut back to Blasted Steps, and reach the east bench to move your checkpoint closer. That place is not a backtracking playground.

When I was ready, I climbed the vertical chamber, broke the coral crystals to reveal a chamber to the left above Shakra's map spot and below the Coral Tower road. My only real goal was to keep heading west until there was nowhere left. The Crustnut was waiting at the end of that long, spiky road.

How I Delivered the Courier's Rasher

This is the one I saved for last, and it's basically the White Flower quest on a timer. Tipp and Pill in Bellhart start you off, but first I made sure My Missing Courier and My Missing Brother were done. I equipped Silkspeed Anklets and used Flea Brew before talking to them—every second counts.

The moment I chatted with them, the timer started. I could pause it by opening either menu fully, but I mostly kept moving. My route in ten steps: right to the end of Shellwood before the bench; ascend to Blasted Steps; go right to where I met Shakra, then ascend to the room before Last Judge; use the left wall to skip the driznit; sprint through Last Judge's arena ignoring enemies; race right through the Grand Gate to the platform chamber; climb the platforms through Choral Chambers to the Terminus sign; sprint right using the floor shortcut; take the exit at the top left, then the second alcove on the right; and finally run right using levers to reach Mergwin. I stayed careful—walls hurt, enemies hurt, and I jumped over threats with Clawline. It was tense, but delivering all five at once saved me a trip.

Rewards for Completing Great Taste of Pharloom

When I handed over the Courier's Rasher with the other four, Mergwin made that gelatinous dessert for his master. The cutscene was a lot, but once it finished, he gave me the Pale Oil from the pedestal on his right.

Then it was back to the Pinmaster in Bellhart to put that oil to use. My nail gained a full level of sharpness, boosting both regular attacks and nail arts. Worth it? Absolutely.

That kind of payoff is exactly why I keep coming back to Silksong—every quest, no matter how frustrating, feeds into a bigger sense of progression. Between the map purchases, upgrades, and countless deaths, the game rewards patience. And with so many hours of content waiting in Pharloom, it is genuinely one of those games you want everyone to experience.

If you have been holding off on starting your own journey, now is a good time to pick it up. Prices for the game vary depending on the platform and region, so I always suggest doing a quick [game price comparison]( before committing. DealNest makes that easy by checking prices across multiple stores at once, letting you focus your energy on the quests ahead instead of hunting for deals.

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What Counts for 100% Completion in Silksong and What Doesn't

Hollow Knight: Silksong completion guide details checklist items, stat upgrades, and tools needed for the 100% achievement.

Tracking down a full completion run in Hollow Knight: Silksong can feel mysterious at first. The game does not openly explain what pushes its internal percentage higher, and many players only discover the system after obtaining a particular item. Once the Farsight item is found and placed inside Hornet's Bellhome, the current completion status becomes visible, but the exact requirements for the Completion achievement remain hidden. This guide walks through the categories that matter for a 100% run and clarifies which activities do not contribute.

In the original Hollow Knight, reaching 112% completion required collecting every Mask Shard, Vessel Fragment, Charm, Nail upgrade, equipment piece, and spell. Players also had to defeat progression-related bosses and clear miscellaneous challenges such as the Colosseum of Fools. Silksong follows a similar philosophy, though its own checklist has a few important differences.

As of the current version in 2026, the completion route remains focused on collectible categories rather than raw boss count. To earn 100% in Silksong, players must still find every stat increase item, every Needle upgrade, every ability including all Ancestral Arts and Silk Skills, every Crest, and every Tool in the game. Upgraded versions of base Tools are not counted separately, so acquiring the base Tool is enough.

The main difference from the original Hollow Knight is significant. Silksong does not require players to defeat every boss, nor does it require completing every Wish. The only bosses and Wish quests that matter for completion are those connected to one of the items on the checklist.

For example, the Broodfeast quest must be finished because it rewards the Longnail. The quest itself adds no percentage, but the Longnail does, so the quest becomes mandatory for a true 100% run. A similar rule applies to many side activities. Individual Fleas do not count toward completion, but finding 25 Fleas is one of the requirements to enter Act 3.

Progression goals follow the same logic. Players will not earn percentage for acquiring each piece of the Threefold Melody, nor does each collected Map provide any direct progress. However, because these objectives are required to reach Act 3, they are technically unavoidable on the road to 100% completion. In short, some tasks are mandatory because they unlock required items, even if the task itself does not move the percentage.

The table below summarizes what counts and what does not.

Category
Counts toward 100%?
Notes

Farsight item
No direct percentage
Unlocks the completion display in Bellhome

Stat increase items
Yes
Every one must be collected

Needle upgrades
Yes
All Needle upgrades are required

Abilities
Yes
Includes Ancestral Arts and Silk Skills

Crests
Yes
Every Crest is required

Tools
Yes
Base Tools count; upgraded versions do not add separately

Bosses
Only if tied to an item
Defeating every boss is not required

Wish quests
Only if tied to an item
Completing every Wish is not required

Individual Fleas
No
25 Fleas are needed for Act 3 progression

Threefold Melody pieces
No direct percentage
Required to reach Act 3

Maps
No direct percentage
Required for progression

Players looking to 100% Silksong should therefore focus on collecting every permanent upgrade and Tool rather than trying to clear every boss or complete every Wish. Keeping track of the Farsight display can help confirm whether a missing percentage is tied to a stat item, an ability, a Crest, or a Tool. The system rewards thorough exploration, but it does not punish players who leave optional bosses or side Wishes unfinished unless those activities guard a completion item.

A full completion journey still requires careful attention. The list of required collectibles is broad, but the distinction between direct percentage and mandatory progression is useful. By locating the Farsight item early and placing it in Hornet's Bellhome, players can monitor their status and plan routes through Act 3 more effectively. The path to 100% is not simply a boss rush. It is a scavenger hunt through every upgrade category, with a few progression roadblocks that must be cleared along the way.

For players who find this kind of meticulous completion tracking satisfying, the hunt doesn't have to end with Silksong. Many similar action-platformers reward the same level of thorough exploration, and building a library of such games can quickly add up. If you're looking to expand your collection without overspending, checking out the [cheapest steam keys]( at DealNest is a smart way to pick up new adventures for less.

After you've finally hit that 100% mark in Hornet's journey, having a few more games lined up at a budget-friendly price keeps the momentum going. Whether it's revisiting other metroidvanias or tackling entirely different completion challenges, saving on the games themselves just makes the next 100% run even sweeter.

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Notes: In-Game Events #c6b56d98

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