Your Guide to Pilby in Hollow Knight: Silksong

What to know

• Pilby is a non-playable character (NPC) in Hollow Knight: Silksong, acting as a guide and companion.
• They provide quest guidance, lore insights, and hints for navigating Pharloom’s complex world.
• Pilby’s interactions are tied to specific locations, often near benches or key areas.
• Their dialogue evolves as you progress, offering emotional depth and story context.

In Hollow Knight: Silksong, you step into the agile shoes of Hornet, exploring the haunting kingdom of Pharloom. Among the many new faces you’ll meet, Pilby stands out as a memorable NPC who aids your journey. This guide dives into everything you need to know about Pilby, from their role in the story to how they help you navigate the challenges of Silksong.

Who is Pilby?

Pilby is a unique character introduced in Hollow Knight: Silksong, distinct from the cast of the original Hollow Knight. Described as a small, bug-like creature with a nervous but endearing personality, Pilby serves as a guide for Hornet as she traverses the unfamiliar kingdom of Pharloom. Unlike some NPCs who focus solely on quests or trading, Pilby’s role is more dynamic, blending lore, emotional support, and practical advice. Their design and dialogue reflect Team Cherry’s signature style, making them both quirky and relatable.

Where to find Pilby

Pilby appears in multiple locations across Pharloom, often tied to key progression points or safe havens like benches. Based on available information, here’s where you’re likely to encounter them:

• Moss Grotto: Pilby first appears early in Act 1, near the tutorial area, offering initial guidance on movement and combat mechanics.
• The Marrow/Mosshome: As you progress into these areas, Pilby provides hints about upcoming challenges, such as the Bell Beast boss fight.

• Deep Docks and Greymoor: Pilby’s presence in these mid-game areas ties into side quests like “The Lost Fleas” and exploration tips for hidden collectibles.
• Bellhart: In this bustling hub, Pilby offers insights into the area’s lore and the “Bellhart’s Glory” wish, a key side quest.

Pilby’s appearances are not random; they’re scripted to align with your progression, ensuring you receive timely advice. Keep an eye out near benches or rest points, as Pilby often lingers there to share dialogue or quests.

Pilby’s role in gameplay

Pilby’s primary function is to guide you through Pharloom’s intricate world. Unlike the original Hollow Knight, where exploration was often solitary, Silksong introduces NPCs like Pilby to make the journey feel more collaborative. Here’s how Pilby impacts your gameplay:

• Quest Guidance: Pilby often points you toward main and side quests, such as “The Lost Fleas” or “Berry Picking.” Their hints help you prioritize tasks without feeling overwhelmed by Pharloom’s vast map.

• Lore and Story: Pilby’s dialogue sheds light on Pharloom’s history, from its silk-haunted culture to the significance of the Citadel. Their evolving conversations add emotional weight to Hornet’s pilgrimage.
• Exploration Tips: Pilby highlights hidden paths, collectibles like Shell Shards or Rosaries, and strategies for navigating tricky platforming sections.
• Emotional Support: Pilby’s nervous yet optimistic demeanor makes them a grounding presence, offering encouragement after tough boss fights or deaths.

Key interactions with Pilby

Pilby’s interactions are tied to specific moments in the game, often triggered by reaching new areas or completing objectives. Here’s a breakdown of notable encounters based on available sources:

Pilby’s dialogue evolves as you progress, so revisiting them in earlier areas can yield new insights or rewards. For example, after defeating the Bell Beast, Pilby might comment on your growing strength, subtly hinting at upcoming challenges like the Cogwork Dancers.

Pilby’s impact on the story

Hollow Knight: Silksong’s narrative centers on Hornet’s deadly pilgrimage to the Citadel, a journey steeped in mystery and danger. Pilby serves as a narrative anchor, helping you piece together Pharloom’s lore. Their dialogue often references the kingdom’s silk-and-song motif, hinting at the role of wishes and the cultural significance of areas like Bellhart or Shellwood. While Pilby isn’t a central figure like Hornet, their presence adds warmth and context, making Pharloom feel alive and interconnected.

For instance, Pilby’s comments in Greymoor about the “haunting expanse” tie into the area’s eerie atmosphere and the “Flexile Spines” quest, encouraging you to explore its hidden corners. Their nervous excitement also contrasts with Hornet’s stoic determination, creating a dynamic that enriches the story.

Tips for maximizing Pilby’s help

To make the most of Pilby’s guidance, keep these strategies in mind:

• Check Benches Regularly: Pilby often appears near rest points, so rest at benches to trigger their dialogue.
• Complete Suggested Quests: Pilby’s hints often lead to rewarding side quests, like “Berry Picking” or “The Lost Fleas,” which yield Rosaries or Tools.
• Listen for Collectible Clues: Pilby frequently mentions nearby Shell Shards, Spool Fragments, or Mask Shards, which are crucial for upgrades.
• Revisit Pilby: Their dialogue updates as you progress, so backtrack to earlier areas for new tips or lore.

Pilby's limitations and caveats

While Pilby is a valuable companion, there are a few things to note:

• Not Always Present: Pilby doesn’t appear in every area, such as Far Fields or Wormways, so you’ll need to rely on other NPCs or exploration in those regions.
• No Combat Role: Unlike the Bell Beast, which becomes an ally after defeat, Pilby is purely a guide and doesn’t assist in battles.
• Work-in-Progress Guides: As of September 2025, some guides (e.g., Game8, IGN) note that Pilby’s full role may not be fully documented, as the game’s secrets are still being uncovered.

Do not ignore the fact how much Pilby can help ya!

Pilby is a delightful addition to Hollow Knight: Silksong, offering a mix of practical help and emotional depth that enhances your journey through Pharloom. Whether you’re a seasoned Hollow Knight veteran or a newcomer, their hints make the game’s vast world more approachable without spoiling its challenge. By engaging with Pilby’s dialogue and following their quest suggestions, you’ll uncover more of Pharloom’s secrets while enjoying a richer narrative experience. Keep an ear out for their nervous chatter—it might just lead you to your next big discovery.