What to know

  • The Blasted Steps Mask Shard requires abilities like Double Jump and Clawline to access.
  • It is found at the bottom left corner of the Blasted Steps area.
  • Mask Shards increase your maximum health and are crucial for survivability.
  • This shard is part of a total of 20 Mask Shards spread across Pharloom.

Mask shards in Silksong are crucial for boosting Hornet’s survivability, and the one hidden in the Blasted Steps is among the trickiest to obtain. Unlike shards found early in the game, this one requires multiple advanced traversal abilities and precise platforming. The following guide explains how to prepare, where to start, and the exact steps to secure this shard.

Preparing for the shard

Before attempting this section, ensure Hornet has:

Requirement Purpose
Clawline (grappling hook) Needed to swing across gaps and pull toward grapple points.
Faydown Cloak (double jump) Lets you chain jumps to reach higher ledges.
Wall climb / cling grip Essential for recovering from missed grapples and scaling walls.
Silk Soar (optional/Act 3 ability) Some sources suggest it may be required, but others claim it isn’t strictly necessary.

It’s also recommended to rest at a nearby bench before starting, as the hazards here can force repeated attempts.

How to reach the Blasted Steps mask shard (Route explained)

Step 1

Head into the Blasted Steps from the Shellwood or nearby regions. Move westward until reaching the southwestern edge of the map.

Step 2

Look for a vertical rock structure marked with metallic beams or columns. This area signals you are close to the shard’s location.

Step 3

Use the Clawline to swing across wide gaps and reach distant ledges that cannot be cleared with normal jumps.

Step 4

Combine the double jump with grappling to ascend toward floating platforms. The shard’s area requires chaining these moves together efficiently.

Step 5

Carefully navigate through falling boulders and spike traps. Watch the timing of falling hazards and wait for safe openings before progressing.

Step 6

Keep climbing using walls and grapples until you reach the upper left chamber of this section.

Step 7

Inside, collect the mask shard to increase your progress toward a new mask of health.

Why you shall collect Mask Shards in Silksong

Mask Shards serve as health upgrades for Hornet. Each Mask Shard collected contributes to increasing the total health, providing better survivability against enemies and environmental hazards. There are 20 Mask Shards total, and collecting all unlocks the "Masked" achievement.

This Mask Shard is essential as it provides a tangible health upgrade during mid to late-game progression. It symbolizes the player's growth in ability and exploration prowess and is part of the critical path toward becoming fully equipped to face later challenges in Silksong.