What to know

  • Act 3 in Hollow Knight: Silksong unlocks only after you complete Act 2.
  • Gather at least 25 fleas and move the flea caravan to Putrefied Ducts.
  • To access Act 3 (the Abyss), you must also finish all available Wishes, including “Song and Silk.”
  • Act 3 begins once Hornet plays the Threefold Melody on the Needolin.

After Act 2’s Citadel arc, Hornet moves deeper into Pharloom toward the Abyss. The game signals this shift with new melody quests, climactic boss fights, and the final set of Wishes. Here’s what you need to know about reaching Act 3.

Act 3, known as the Abyss, is a secret act that adds significant story content and challenging bosses. Unlike the first two acts, it’s not part of the main progression and requires specific steps to unlock. Here’s how you can access this hidden chapter and what to expect along the way.

Understanding the Structure of Silksong’s Acts

Silksong is divided into multiple acts, each marked by a title card. Act 1, titled “Pharloom,” involves ascending to the Great Citadel. Act 2 culminates in a confrontation with Grand Mother Silk, where players typically see the credits roll. However, Act 3 is an optional extension that deepens the story and offers additional challenges. It’s tied to the Silk and Soul wish, a secret Wayfarer quest that you must complete before facing the final boss of Act 2.

Steps to Unlock the Silk and Soul wish

To access Act 3, you need to complete the Silk and Soul wish, which involves a series of tasks across Pharloom. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Complete all wishes in key areas

You must finish every wish listed on the wishboards in Songclave, Bonebottom, Bellhart, and The Citadel. These wishes include a mix of tasks like delivery, hunting, gathering, and exploration. Examples include:

  • Pharloom’s Crown (Ascend): Ascend to the kingdom’s peak.
  • Liquid Lacquer (Delivery): Deliver specific items.
  • Savage Beastfly (Grand Hunt): Defeat a powerful enemy.
  • Architect’s Melody (Learn): Learn a specific skill or song.

Completing these wishes is essential, as they unlock the dialogue needed to progress toward Silk and Soul. You don’t need to achieve 100% completion of all side content, but you’ll need to tackle a significant portion of these tasks.

Step 2: Speak with Pavo in Bellhart

After completing the wishes, head to Bellhart and talk to Pavo. He will grant you access to Bellhome, located at the top of the Bellhart area. This is a crucial step, as Bellhome serves as a hub for furthering the Silk and Soul questline.

Step 3: Collect 25 fleas and move the flea caravan

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Throughout Pharloom, you’ll encounter lost fleas as part of the “The Lost Fleas” side quest. You need to collect at least 25 of these fleas. Once you’ve gathered enough, ensure that Fleamaster Mooshka moves the flea caravan three times until it reaches the Putrefied Ducts area. This relocation is necessary to set up the final steps of the wish.

Step 4: Speak to the Caretaker in Songclave

With the wishes completed, Bellhome accessed, and the flea caravan in Putrefied Ducts, return to Songclave and speak with the Caretaker. He will reveal his plan to end Grand Mother Silk’s reign and initiate the Silk and Soul wish. This wish requires you to collect four specific items:

  • Maiden’s Soul: Obtained by talking to the Chapel Maid early in the game, after the Moss Grotto tutorial.
  • Hermit’s Soul: Found by interacting with the Bell Hermit in Bellhart.
  • Seeker’s Soul: Acquired through exploration in a specific area (details may vary based on your progression).
  • Snare Setter: Located in a challenging section of Pharloom, often tied to a specific quest or area.

That's all.

How to go about Act 3

Once you’ve completed the Silk and Soul wish, you must approach the final boss fight with Grand Mother Silk in Act 2. During this fight, you’ll have the option to use the Needolin instead of the Bind ability. Choosing Needolin triggers the transition to Act 3, the Abyss, where new story content and bosses await. Be prepared, as this act is significantly more challenging and requires mastery of Hornet’s abilities, such as her needle, cloak upgrades, and tools.

Keep these things in mind for Act 3 in Silksong

Unlocking Act 3 requires extensive exploration and completion of side content, which can take dozens of hours depending on your skill level and familiarity with the game.

The Abyss introduces tougher bosses and complex platforming sections, so ensure you’ve upgraded Hornet’s tools, crests, and needle. Act 3 is critical for unlocking certain endings, such as the “Sister of the Void,” which ties Silksong to the original Hollow Knight. For example, after defeating Grand Mother Silk in Act 3 and reloading your save, you can find the Diving Bell Key to access the Abyss and face Lost Lace, the true final boss.

If you defeat Grand Mother Silk without completing Silk and Soul, you’ll miss Act 3 in that playthrough unless you reload a save or start anew.

Tips for success in Act 3

  • Track your wishes: Keep a mental or written note of completed wishes to avoid missing any in Songclave, Bonebottom, Bellhart, or The Citadel.
  • Explore thoroughly: Fleas and key items are often hidden in optional areas, so revisit earlier zones with new abilities like the dash or double jump.
  • Upgrade strategically: Prioritize needle upgrades and cloak enhancements to handle Act 3’s demanding combat and platforming.
  • Save frequently: Use benches to rest and save your progress, especially before major boss fights or after completing significant tasks.

Deciding if Act 3 is Right for You?

Reaching Act 3 in Hollow Knight: Silksong is a rewarding but demanding endeavor. It’s ideal for players who love diving deep into the game’s lore, tackling tough bosses, and exploring every corner of Pharloom. If you’re aiming for the true ending or want to experience all Silksong has to offer, the effort to unlock the Silk and Soul wish is well worth it. However, if you’re focused on a quicker playthrough, you might choose to wrap up after Act 2. Either way, the journey to the Abyss offers some of the game’s most memorable moments.