What to know

  • Hollow Knight: Silksong has five distinct endings that add replay value and lore depth.
  • Endings range from straightforward binds to complex wishes involving souls, curses, and hidden items for varied outcomes.
  • Each ending unlocks via specific quest paths and choices.
  • A hidden “Passing of the Age” ending requires completing the “Silk and Soul” wish.

Every journey through Pharloom builds toward a climax, but Silksong doesn’t tie it all up with just one conclusion. Instead, multiple endings shape Hornet’s fate depending on the paths taken, the quests completed, and even the risks embraced. That means no two playthroughs feel exactly the same, and discovering every possible outcome becomes part of the adventure itself.

How the many endings shape the story

Silksong delivers 5 endings, matching the original Hollow Knight's count but twisting them with new mechanics like wishes and soul collection. This setup encourages multiple playthroughs, as each path reveals more about Hornet's fate and Pharloom's lore. What's fresh here shines in the integration of silk-based abilities and curses, making choices feel more personal and impactful than before. Replay to see how one decision ripples through the kingdom's destiny, adding hours of depth for completionists.

Ending name How to unlock Result or tone
Weaver Queen Beat Grand Mother Silk with no side quests Hornet takes Silk’s place; standard campaign ending
Snared Silk Add “Soul Snare” quest steps Emphasis on trapping rather than ruling
Twisted Child Beat Silk while cursed Dark, cursed twist on victory
Sister of the Void Rescue Lace instead of defeating Silk Redemption and liberation
Passing of the Age Complete “Silk and Soul” wish then beat Silk Secret path to Abyss/Act III; narrative expansion

Claiming the Weaver Queen ending, the most straightforward finish

Head to the Citadel's peak and bind Grand Mother Silk after her defeat to secure this standard conclusion. No extra quests demand attention here—just focus on the main path through Pharloom's acts. The scene unfolds with Hornet ascending as a ruler, weaving silk over the land in a bittersweet takeover. This differs from Hollow Knight's base ending by emphasizing redemption, letting players feel the weight of leadership without hidden hoops.

Trapping fate in the Snared Silk ending

Gather the Maiden's Soul, Hermit's Soul, Seeker's Soul, and Snare Setter, then hand them to the Caretaker in Songclave. During the final boss fight, play Needolin instead of binding to spring the trap. Hornet ensnares Grand Mother Silk, freeing Pharloom but at a cost to its citizens. The mechanic highlights Silksong's new wish system, rewarding exploration and puzzle-solving in ways the original never did, which matters for lore fans craving a "true" resolution.

Embracing the curse for Twisted Child

Locate the Twisted Bud in Bilewater, deliver it to Greyroot in Shellwood after the Rite of Rebirth wish, and avoid curing via the Infestation Operation. Defeat Grand Mother Silk while cursed—no healing outside benches. Hornet twists into a stone seal, halting the reign forever in a dark, sacrificial close. This cursed state amps difficulty with limited recovery, setting it apart as a hardcore challenge that tests skill and patience, ideal for veterans seeking bragging rights.

Facing the void in Sister of the Void

Confront and defeat Lost Lace as the true final trial, often after unlocking Act 3 through specific wishes. The void overtakes Pharloom, with Hornet getting pulled in before a shadowy rescue. Darkness claims the kingdom, but survival lingers for Hornet and allies. The unique thing here is the tie to Hollow Knight's Shade Lord, bridging sequels and explaining why this ending unlocks deeper canon insights for longtime players.

Granting wishes for Passing of the Age

Fulfill the Herald's wish by completing tied objectives, like the Silk and Soul path but with a focus on granting peace. The age passes quietly, with Pharloom fading into legend. This subtle close rewards compassionate choices, contrasting aggressive binds and adding emotional layers absent in simpler endings.

A clear path for each kind of player

  • For straightforward story fans: Weaver Queen is your go-to.
  • If you want a thematic nuance: Snared Silk or Twisted Child add tone.
  • With interest in redemption and lore: choose Sister of the Void.
  • Hungering for mystery and a new challenge? Passing of the Age is your final prize.

Silksong presents endings that feel like personal choices—threads you weave by how deeply you explore. Each path changes what Hornet becomes: Queen, captor, cursed, liberator—or something beyond the known ends.