Welcome to Pharloom, hunter. After a wait that felt like an eternity, Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally here, and it’s every bit as beautiful, challenging, and mysterious as we hoped. Developed by the tiny Australian studio Team Cherry, this massive sequel to the 15-million-copy-selling indie classic Hollow Knight puts you in the nimble shoes of Hornet, the princess-protector of Hallownest. Whether you’re a hardened veteran of Hallownest or a brand-new player drawn in by the hype that crashed Steam and the PlayStation store on launch day, Pharloom is an unfamiliar and dangerous land. Hornet plays differently; the rules have changed, and new threats lurk around every corner. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. This guide will walk you through nine essential beginner tips to help you start your pilgrimage on the right foot.
What is Hollow Knight: Silksong? (The Story So Far)
Silksong is the epic sequel to the 2017 Metroidvania masterpiece, Hollow Knight. You play as Hornet, a key character from the first game, who has been captured and brought to the haunted kingdom of Pharloom. Your goal is to ascend from the depths of this new land to the shining citadel at its peak, uncovering the mysteries of your capture along the way. It’s a classic Metroidvania, meaning you’ll explore a vast, interconnected world, battling enemies, defeating powerful bosses, and acquiring new abilities that unlock previously inaccessible areas.
9 Essential Tips to Survive Pharloom
Tip 1: Master Hornet’s Acrobatic Combat
If you’re coming straight from Hollow Knight, the first thing you need to do is forget everything you know about the Knight’s movement. Hornet is faster, more agile, and more acrobatic. She can mantle up ledges automatically and moves with a fluid grace that makes combat feel like a deadly dance. Her standard attack is a quick slash with her needle, but her aerial game is where she truly shines. Unlike the Knight’s straight-down pogo bounce, Hornet’s downward attack is a diagonal dive. This takes some getting used to, but it’s essential for bouncing off enemies and environmental hazards to cross gaps and gain height.
Tip 2: Understand the New Healing and Silk System
Healing in Silksong is a whole new ballgame. Gone is the slow, stationary Focus heal from the first game. Instead, Hornet uses a “Bind” mechanic fueled by Silk. As you strike enemies, you’ll fill up the Silk Spool. Once full, you can press the Bind button to instantly heal three masks of health. The best part? You can do it while moving, and even in mid-air. However, there’s a catch: using Bind consumes your entire Silk Spool, and if you get hit during the brief Bind animation, the heal is canceled, and you lose all your Silk.
Tip 3: Get to Grips with Crafting, Tools, and Crests
Silksong introduces a deep new equipment system that replaces the Charms from Hollow Knight. Your loadout is now determined by Crests, which are equippable items that modify Hornet’s abilities and determine what kinds of “Tools” you can use. Tools come in three main colors: Red Tools (active abilities), Blue Tools (passive defensive effects), and Yellow Tools (utility-focused, like the essential Compass). To replenish your Red Tools, you need to collect Shell Shards from defeated enemies.
Tip 4: Don’t Hoard Your Rosaries
Geo is out, Rosaries are in. Rosary Beads are the main currency of Pharloom. Just like in Hollow Knight, if you die, you’ll drop a silk cocoon containing all your Rosaries. You have one chance to retrieve your cash; die again before you do, and it’s gone forever. Because of this, you shouldn’t be afraid to spend your Rosaries. As soon as you find a new shop, buy any available maps, map pins, or Tool upgrades.
Tip 5: It’s Bigger Than You Think: The Scale of Pharloom
Prepare yourself, because Pharloom is massive. Team Cherry has confirmed that Silksong is significantly larger than the original Hollow Knight. The world is populated with over 200 new enemies and more than 40 new bosses. The environments are also designed to be more vertical and sprawling. Don’t feel overwhelmed. The key to exploring a Metroidvania is to pick a direction and see where it leads.
Tip 6: The “Indie Darling” Story: Why Silksong is So Special
As you play, it’s worth remembering the incredible story behind the game. Hollow Knight and Silksong were created by Team Cherry, a core team of just three people in Australia. They funded the original on Kickstarter for just over $57,000 AUD and turned it into a global phenomenon. Despite the massive success, they’ve kept the price of Silksong incredibly low at just $19.99. This consumer-friendly approach is a huge part of why the community is so passionate.
Tip 7: Buy Maps and a Compass Immediately
This might be the most important tip in the entire guide. In the early area, The Marrow, you will meet a cartographer named Shakra. She will sell you a map of the area, a Quill to fill it in, and a Compass Tool. Buy all of them as soon as you can. The world of Pharloom is a labyrinth, and without a map, you will get hopelessly lost. The Compass is a Yellow Tool that you must equip to see your location.
Tip 8: Look for Hidden Walls and Shortcuts
Like its predecessor, Silksong is packed with secrets. Many of these are hidden behind breakable walls, floors, and ceilings. Get in the habit of striking any suspicious-looking walls. If your needle makes a different sound and dust flies off the wall, you’ve found a secret path. Also, keep an eye out for levers, switches, and locked doors. Many areas have shortcuts that loop back to earlier sections. Unlocking these will save you a ton of time on your way back from a failed boss attempt.
Tip 9: Don’t Be Afraid to Look Things Up
Silksong is a challenging game that explains very little. It’s designed to be a journey of discovery. However, there’s no shame in getting stuck. If you’ve been banging your head against a boss for an hour or have no idea where to go next, it’s okay to seek help. Looking up a boss strategy or the location of a key item isn’t cheating; it’s just getting a little nudge in the right direction. The goal is to have fun, and if looking something up helps you do that, then go for it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to play Hollow Knight before Silksong?
No, you don’t need to have played the first game to enjoy Silksong. The story is set in a new kingdom with a new protagonist, so you can jump right in. However, playing Hollow Knight first will give you a deeper appreciation for the world, the lore, and Hornet’s character.
How long does it take to beat Hollow Knight: Silksong?
While it varies by player skill, early estimates suggest that a first playthrough will take most players between 30 to 40 hours to reach the credits. For completionists looking to find every secret, defeat every boss, and complete all the side quests, you can expect to spend well over 60 hours.
Is Silksong harder than Hollow Knight?
Early impressions suggest that yes, Silksong is a more challenging game than its predecessor. Enemies are more aggressive, and bosses have more complex attack patterns. However, Hornet’s increased mobility and faster healing give you more tools to deal with these threats. It’s a tough but fair challenge that rewards skillful play.
