How Many Acts Does Silksong Have?

What to know

• Silksong comprises two main Acts, with a secret Act 3 accessible post-game.
• Act 1: Pharloom, spanning underground zones leading to the Citadel.
• Act 2: Citadel of Song, concluding with Grand Mother Silk.
• Act 3: Abyss is optional and requires completing the “Silk and Soul” wish plus side-quest conditions.

Hollow Knight: Silksong is an expansive Metroidvania sequel that plays out across distinct Acts. While the first two Acts constitute the core progression, there’s a challenging hidden third Act—Abyss—for dedicated explorers.

How many acts are there in Silksong

Silksong consists of three acts. These are as follows:

Act 1: Pharloom

This opening Act introduces Hornet’s journey through the strange and twisted landscapes of Pharloom. You traverse zones like Bone Bottom, The Marrow, Deep Docks, and Greymoor, ascending toward the Great Citadel. Completion of the Task “SEEK: The Great Citadel” by defeating the Last Judge (or taking a shortcut via the Phantom using the Simple Key) ends Act 1.

Act 2: Citadel of Song

In Act 2, Hornet explores the Citadel of Song. She ventures through the Underworks, Choral Chambers, and the Songclave, ultimately confronting and defeating Grand Mother Silk. This marks the end of the main storyline unless you’ve unlocked the secret continuation.

Act 3: Abyss (Secret)

There is a third Act—Abyss—but it’s hidden and optional. It is considered secret and must be unlocked through completing special content beyond the main storyline. You’ll unlock it after completing Act 2 and fulfilling extra requirements.

Steps to unlock Act 3: The Abyss

Unlocking Act 3 is no small feat—but it can be done. After completing Act 2’s Citadel arc, you’ll need to tackle the Silk and Soul wish, a secret Wayfarer quest, before facing Grand Mother Silk. Here’s how to do it:

• Complete Act 2: Finish the main storyline of Act 2, which culminates in the confrontation with Grand Mother Silk. This sets the stage for deeper exploration.
• Unlock the Silk and Soul wish: This quest is initially locked and requires completing a series of tasks across Pharloom.
• Speak with the Caretaker: After fulfilling the necessary steps, head to Songclave to meet the Caretaker, who reveals a plan to end Grand Mother Silk’s reign, triggering the path to Act 3.
• Play the Threefold Melody: Once you’ve completed the Silk and Soul wish, Hornet must play the Threefold Melody on the Needolin to officially begin Act 3.

This process opens the Abyss, where you’ll face new melody quests, tougher bosses, and a richer narrative.

Wish list to complete for Silk and Soul

To unlock the Silk and Soul wish, you’ll need to complete a comprehensive list of wishes across Pharloom’s key areas: Songclave, Bonebottom, Bellhart, and The Citadel. These wishes involve tasks like delivery, hunting, gathering, and exploration. Here’s the complete wish list you need to tackle:

• Pharloom’s Crown (Ascend): Ascend to a high point in Pharloom.
• Liquid Lacquer (Delivery): Deliver a specific item to a designated location.
• Queen’s Egg (Delivery): Transport a rare egg to its recipient.
• An Icon of Hope (Donate): Contribute resources to inspire Pharloom’s inhabitants.
• A Lifesaving Bridge (Donate): Help construct a bridge to aid locals.
• Bellhart’s Glory (Donate): Support Bellhart’s restoration efforts.
• Bone Bottom Repairs (Donate): Assist in repairing Bonebottom’s infrastructure.
• Building Up Songclave (Donate): Strengthen Songclave’s community.
• Restoration of Bellhart (Donate): Further Bellhart’s rebuilding efforts.
• Strengthening Songclave (Donate): Bolster Songclave’s defenses.
• Alchemist’s Assistant (Gather): Collect specific materials for an alchemist.
• Berry Picking (Gather): Gather berries from designated areas.
• Great Task (Gather): Collect a large number of resources for a major project.

After completing these wishes, head to Bellhart and speak with Pavo to earn your Bellhome, located at the top of the area. Then, collect at least 25 fleas and work with Fleamaster Mooshka to move the flea caravan three times until it reaches the Putrefied Ducts. Finally, return to Songclave to speak with the Caretaker, who will unlock the Silk and Soul wish.

Completing the Silk and Soul wish

The Silk and Soul wish is the key to Act 3. After unlocking it, you’ll need to:

• Follow the Caretaker’s plan: The Caretaker in Songclave provides details on how to undermine Grand Mother Silk’s control.
• Navigate to The Cradle: On your way, you’ll encounter the Caretaker again, who confirms that “the trap is set,” signaling progress toward Act 3.
• Complete the Song and Silk wish: This specific wish is critical, tying into the Threefold Melody that Hornet must play to enter the Abyss.

These steps ensure you’re ready to transition from Act 2’s climax to the hidden depths of Act 3.

However, some users claim they can access Act 3 without completing every mission and wish.

 Though some players may trigger Silk and Soul slightly earlier, completing the bulk of these quests is necessary.

What to expect in Act 3

The Abyss is a darker, more challenging chapter. Enemies here have increased health and new attack patterns, pushing your combat skills to the limit. You’ll encounter new bosses, optional wishes at the Bellhart Wish Board, and expanded story content that deepens Silksong’s lore. Areas from Act 2 may reappear with changes, adding fresh exploration opportunities.

For completionists, Act 3 is essential for unlocking certain endings, like the “True” ending, though specific triggers for this remain partially unclear.