Hollow Knight: Silksong is an expansive journey, but don’t let the two-act framework fool you. Many players complete the game after Act 2, only to learn there’s a hidden third act waiting for those bold enough to unlock it. This secret phase is titled Abyss and can only be accessed by completing a challenging quest known as Silk and Soul. Don’t worry; I’m here to guide you through every step of the way to ensure you enjoy your adventure to its fullest.
Having spent countless hours playing Hollow Knight: Silksong and assisting others, I understand the nuances of gameplay that can make or break your experience. Trust me; with the right approach, you can master this game.
How to unlock Silk and Soul in Hollow Knight?
To embark on your journey to the Abyss, the first step is to unlock the Silk and Soul Wish. Unfortunately, this Wish starts locked, meaning that you’ll need to complete the bulk of other Wishes scattered throughout Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Here’s what you need:
- Finish nearly every Wish, including those on the Wishboards from Bone Bottom, Bellhart, The Citadel, and Songclave.
- Chat with Pavo in Bellhart and earn a Bellhomme.
- Collect at least 25 Fleas and consult with Mooshka to successfully move the caravan three times into the Purefied Ducts area.
- Then, head over to Songclave to speak with the Caretaker about taking down Grand Mother Silk.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Wish List
- Pharloom’s Crown (Ascend)
- Liquid Lacquer (Delivery)
- Queen’s Egg (Delivery)
- An Icon of Hope (Donate)
- A Lifesaving Bridge (Donate)
- Bellhart’s Glory (Donate)
- Bone Bottom Repairs (Donate)
- Building Up Songclave (Donate)
- Restoration of Bellhart (Donate)
- Strengthening Songclave (Donate)
- Alchemist’s Assistant (Gather)
- Berry Picking (Gather)
- Great Taste of Pharloom (Gather)
- Rite of the Pollip (Gather)
- Silver Bells (Gather)
- Savage Beastfly (Grand Hunt)
- The Hidden Hunter (Grand Hunt)
- The Terrible Tyrant (Grand Hunt)
- The Wailing Mother (Grand Hunt)
- Broodfest (Hunt)
- Cloaks of the Choir (Hunt)
- Crawbug Clearing (Hunt)
- Fine Pins (Hunt)
- Flexible Spines (Hunt)
- Garb of the Pilgrims (Hunt)
- Roach Guts (Hunt)
- Volatile Flintbeetles (Hunt)
- Architect’s Melody (Learn)
- Bugs of Pharloom (Learn)
- Conductor’s Melody (Learn)
- Vaultkeeper’s Melody (Learn)
- Grand Gate (Open)
- The Threadspun Town (Save)
- Silent Halls (Search)
- The Great Citadel (Seek)
- Fastest in Pharloom (Sprint)
- Balm for the Wounded (Wayfarer)
- Infestation Operation (Wayfarer)
- My Missing Brother (Wayfarer)
- My Missing Courier (Wayfarer)
- Pinmaster’s Oil (Wayfarer)
- Rite of Rebirth (Wayfarer)
- The Lost Fleas (Wayfarer)
- The Lost Merchant (Wayfarer)
- The Wandering Merchant (Wayfarer)
- Trail’s End (Wayfarer)
Interestingly, while most players—including myself—didn’t complete every single Wish, the exact number needed remains a mystery. To play it safe, I’ve included a comprehensive list for your convenience.
How to complete Silk and Song Wish in Hollow Knight: Silksong?
Completing the Silk and Song Wish is an entirely different challenge. You’ll need to accomplish five unique tasks, each located in different areas.
- Begin at the Maiden in Bone Bottom to acquire the Maiden’s Soul. You may need to instigate a fight with the Skull Tyrant to make her appear; simply sit on the bench to trigger the battle.
- If you’ve unlocked the Needolin door under Bone Bottom, converse with Weavenest Atla to find the Snare Setter above the bench in that area.
- In Bilewater, look for a deserted bellhome to the left of the bench to collect the Seeker’s Soul.
- Locate the Bell Hermit inside the pipe right beneath the Bellhart Bellway, hidden behind a destructible wall, for the Hermit’s Soul.
- Finally, with all four components collected, head to the Caretaker in Songclave. He will assist you in crafting the trap using the components.
How to start Act 3 in Hollow Knight: Silksong?
After successfully completing Silk and Soul, you will encounter the Caretaker en route to The Cradle. He will inform you that the trap is set. During your battle with Grand Mother Silk, play the Needolin to activate the trap. After defeating her, play the Needolin again.
Once all steps are completed, you’ll be returned to the main screen. Reloading your save file will reveal a new appearance, shrouded by black vines. Tap the action button repeatedly to break through the vines and access the secret Act 3.
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