What to know
- Hornet’s acrobatics transform progression via new movement and silk mechanics.
- Early mapping tools (Compass, Quill) are essential for navigating Pharloom.
- Quest types (Gather, Hunt, Donate, Wayfarer, Grand Hunt) offer powerful rewards.
- Core upgrades include Silk healing, tools, crests, and NPC-driven progression.
A shimmering path lies ahead in Hollow Knight: Silksong—a vertical, Metroidvania-style adventure released on September 4, 2025, across PC, Switch (including Switch 2), Xbox, and PlayStation platforms, with day-one availability on Game Pass. Its polished design, over 200 enemies, 40+ bosses, and rich soundtrack mark it as a significant leap forward. Hornet’s agility transforms every climb, dash, and combat encounter into a graceful, flowing dance. The silk-based combat system, quest mechanics, and tools expand gameplay far beyond the original’s world. Let’s climb through Pharloom step-by-step.
Step-by-step through Pharloom’s ascent
- Start in The Marrow—buy all Shakra’s map tools.
- Master silk combat and healing—learn Silk economy.
- Initiate quests (Gather, Wayfarer, Hunt) as soon as NPCs show up.
- Engage main story and Grand Hunts to unlock major areas and gear.
- Upgrade needle, collect crests, and expand tools—bench frequently.
- Embrace ultrawide vistas and soundtrack, and leverage crafting for sustained gear growth.
How Hornet’s agility reshapes progression
Hornet moves differently—acrobatic, faster, taller—which forced Team Cherry to rebuild environments, pacing, and enemy placement from the ground up. Large, vertical zones support mantling, needle-based acrobatics, and dash strategies. These changes make traversal and combat feel fluid rather than methodical. Expect fewer ethereal elements and more tactile, trap-laden challenges. This impacts how progression unfolds—exploration demands mobility mastery early on.
Secure your bearings early: Mapping tools first
Exploration in Pharloom relies on the map system—no auto-mapping is available. So, early investment in mapping tools is highly recommended:
- Compass (shows current location)
- Quill (marks explored paths)
- Map fragments (for each region), via Shakra in The Marrow
Altogether, they cost about 320 rosaries, but they’re a quality-of-life must to stay oriented, prevent wandering in circles, and feel confident exploring.
Thriving in the Silk system
Silk replaces the original’s Soul mechanic. It is generated through combat and used for healing (Binding) and powerful abilities (Needle Throw, Storm, Charge Stab).
| Action | Silk cost | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Binding (heal) | High | Restores ~3-4 HP, interruptible |
| Needle Throw + Pull | Low | Movement and ranged attack |
| Storm (AoE) | Medium | Area damage |
| Charge Stab | Medium | High single-target damage |
Adopting aggressive chains turns Silk generation into profit, enabling frequent heals and special moves. A smart Silk economy is key to progression in Silksong.
Quest Progression: Unlock tools, lore, and bonuses
Silksong's quest system unfolds through five quest types, each delivering unique benefits:
| Quest type | Focus | Typical reward |
|---|---|---|
| Gather | Collect items | Tools (e.g., Druid’s Eye) |
| Wayfarer | Exploration tasks | Flea Brew, helpful items |
| Hunt | Enemy defeat | Rosary Necklace (Silk regen) |
| Grand Hunt | Boss/strong enemies | Heavy Rosary Necklace, powerful gear |
| Donate | NPC aid | Infrastructure (bridges, shops) |
| Main story | Narrative progression | Access to new areas and abilities |
Starting quests often requires interacting with NPCs in Marrow, Bonebottom, Mosshome, where Wishwalls help you track progress on the map. Completing quests yields practical and strategic upgrades—like enhanced Silk regen, tools, vision, and traversal paths.
Tools, Crests, and Needle upgrades
Hornet arms herself not with charms but with a variety of Tools (sub-weapons and passive items), Crests (equippable abilities), and Needle upgrades.
- Tools offer mobility and combat abilities (e.g., Needle Throw, Druid’s Eye).
- Crests slot into your setup to modify stats or moves.
- Needle upgrades increase damage or change attack properties.
Tracking down these upgrades often ties into boss fights, quests, and exploration—prioritize bench-accessed upgrades to stay ahead.
What’s new—and what it means for progression
- Ultrawide support (up to 21:9) enhances view in sprawling environments.
- Double-size soundtrack (53 tracks) adds atmosphere to each area.
- Over 100 benches, expanding fast-travel points and frequent save/rest opportunities.
- Crafting via Shell Shards, and new currencies—Rosaries (with string to avoid loss), Shell Shards for crafting/repair.
These features deliver a richer, smoother exploration experience. More benches ease backtracking; crafting and fixed purchases reduce punishing costs; and visibility and mood tie the world together.
Progression through Pharloom transforms every discovery into a rhythm of motion, quest, and reward. Hornet’s agile toolkit, combined with mapping, quests, and silk-fueled combat, guides a progression that’s fluid, rewarding, and immersive. Each chapter in your ascent holds new skills, items, and secrets to weave into your path upward.
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