What to know

  • The Curvesickle is a Red Tool obtained by upgrading the Curveclaw through a side quest in the Far Fields area, requiring progression past a major boss.
  • You'll need the Drifter's Cloak ability and some Geo to complete the exchange with an NPC ant merchant.
  • It rewards players with a boomerang-like attack that deals radial damage, ideal for airborne enemies, and fits into Hornet's silk-based combat system.
  • Upgrading tools like this boosts overall damage output, but remember to manage your Red Tool slots carefully to avoid overload.

As you dive deeper into the haunting world of Pharloom in Hollow Knight: Silksong, tools become essential for Hornet's survival and exploration. The Curvesickle stands out as one of the more versatile Red Tools, offering a satisfying mix of offense and utility that can turn the tide in challenging encounters. Whether you're a seasoned veteran from the original game or just getting your bearings with Hornet's agile moveset, understanding how to acquire and use this tool will help you navigate the kingdom's perils more effectively.

Unlocking the path to the Curvesickle in Far Fields

To even approach the Curvesickle, you first need to make solid progress in the main storyline. Head to the Far Fields region, a sprawling, wind-swept area filled with vertical challenges and aggressive hunter enemies. This zone becomes accessible after defeating the Fourth Chorus boss, a multi-phase fight that tests your dodging and silk-casting skills. Once you've claimed victory, the path opens up, but you'll encounter strong gusts that demand precise platforming.

Before venturing too far, ensure you have the Drifter's Cloak—an early Blue Tool that lets Hornet ride air currents and traverse vertical spaces. You obtain this from a hidden bench in the lower caverns of the starting area, Deepnest-inspired ruins, by solving a simple puzzle involving silk threads. Without it, the air waves in Far Fields will sweep you away, making navigation frustrating. Stock up on Geo too, as merchants in this region charge premium prices for hints and trades.

Step-by-step guide to unlocking Curvesickle

The Curvesickle isn't a direct pickup; it's an upgrade from the Curveclaw, a prerequisite Red Tool. Follow these steps to secure Curveclaw first and then Curvesickle. Here you go:

Locate the ant merchant:

After the Fourth Chorus arena, ride the main air wave upward to a hidden alcove on the right side of the screen. You'll spot a silent ant NPC surrounded by six floating targets—small, glowing orbs that dart around erratically.

Hit the targets:

Use Hornet's basic needle throw or a silk dash to strike all six targets. They move quickly, so time your attacks during their predictable loops. Missing one resets the count, but persistence pays off; it takes about 2-3 minutes with practice.

Trade the Curveclaw:

Once all targets are hit, the ant will offer the Curveclaw in exchange for a small amount of Geo (around 150-200, depending on your upgrades). This tool acts as a basic boomerang projectile: throw it forward, and it arcs back above Hornet, dealing minor damage to grounded and flying foes. Equip it immediately to test its feel—it's lightweight and consumes minimal silk.

Get Curvesickle:

Sit at the nearest bench (just below the alcove) to save your progress. Return to the ant's spot, and you'll find the Curvesickle lying on the ground where the Curveclaw was handed over. This "upgrade" mechanic is a clever touch, freeing up a slot while enhancing your arsenal. Note that if you leave without resting, the exchange might glitch, so always bench first.

This process integrates seamlessly with Far Fields exploration, encouraging you to backtrack and uncover secrets like hidden silk caches along the way.

Curvesickle requirements for full access

Beyond the boss defeat and ability unlock, the Curvesickle demands a bit of preparation to wield effectively. Red Tools like this one require an open slot on your Crest, which you expand by collecting Silk Shards—scattered throughout Pharloom and earned from Wishes (side quests). Start with at least two Red slots by mid-game; you can craft more at tool benches using basic materials like Bone Fragments and Vine Threads.

Stat-wise, focus on boosting Hornet's silk capacity through Needle upgrades. Visit the upgrade station in the central hub (after the first major area) and spend Geo to increase damage output by 20-30% per level. The Curvesickle shines with higher silk regen, so pair it with passive Yellow Tools like the Silkspeed Anklet for faster recovery. If you're struggling with the targets, a temporary buff from Flea Brew (another Red Tool) can extend your attack range.

Environmentally, Far Fields' hazards—spiky winds and patrolling hunters—mean you'll need solid platforming. Practice your down-strike mechanic, which Hornet unlocks early, to clear ground clutter and create safe landing spots.

Curvesickle effects and strategic usage rewards

Once equipped, the Curvesickle transforms your combat options. As a radial sharpbone tool, it launches a curving boomerang that expands into a wide arc on return, hitting multiple enemies and pulling in airborne prey like the region's moth-like foes. It deals moderate damage (base 15-20, scaling with upgrades) and has a low silk cost, making it spammable in boss fights.

Rewards extend beyond the tool itself: completing this exchange unlocks a minor Wish questline with the ant, granting extra Geo and a cosmetic silk pattern for Hornet's cloak. In terms of builds, it's perfect for aggressive playstyles—combine it with the Threefold Pin for triple strikes or the Volt Filament for electrified returns, amplifying crowd control. Data from community runs shows it reduces clear times in Far Fields by up to 15%, especially against groups.

For a quick comparison of similar Red Tools:

Tool Name Cost (Silk) Damage Type Best Against Upgrade Path
Curveclaw Low Linear Boomerang Ground Enemies To Curvesickle
Curvesickle Medium Radial Arc Airborne Groups None (End-form)
Longpin High Piercing Throw Single Bosses N/A

This table highlights why the Curvesickle edges out its predecessor for versatile use.

Integrating the Curvesickle into advanced builds and exploration

As you push further into Pharloom, the Curvesickle proves invaluable for optional challenges. Use it to access high ledges by knocking down dangling vines or to stun mini-bosses during traversal. In the game's 65-tool system, it slots into Red categories for offense, complementing Blue Tools for mobility. Players report it synergizes well with the Multibinder for extended range, turning Hornet into a whirlwind of silk and steel.

If you're aiming for 100% completion, revisit Far Fields post-upgrades—the Curvesickle reveals hidden paths, like a secret chamber with rare Bone Shards. Just watch for the area's double-damage hazards; one mistimed throw can send you tumbling.

You do need Curvesickle in Silksong to progress smoothly!

Mastering the Curvesickle not only arms Hornet with a deadly edge but also deepens your connection to Silksong's intricate world of quests and upgrades. With it in hand, you'll feel more empowered to face Pharloom's trials—keep experimenting with combinations to uncover even more of the kingdom's secrets.