Hollow Knight: Silksong Wailing Mother Quest Guide: Track and Defeat the Broodmother

Wailing Mother quest guide for Hollow Knight Silksong: track the Broodmother, get her eye, and finish this Grand Hunt.

Wishwall quests in Hollow Knight: Silksong have given players a reason to revisit Pharloom's safe areas long after the main path has moved on. Among these requests, the Wailing Mother quest stands out as a Grand Hunt that blends investigation, platforming, and a tense boss encounter. Assigned to the Songclave safe area in Choral Chambers, this wish sends Hornet into the Slab to silence a monstrous presence known only as the Wailing Creature. By the end of the hunt, that creature reveals itself as the Broodmother, and her eye becomes the proof needed to complete the quest. For players exploring Silksong in 2026, this guide covers every step, from unlocking the wish to turning in the final item.

️ Quest Overview

Detail
Information

Quest Name
Wailing Mother

Quest Type
Grand Hunt

Quest Board
Songclave Wishwall in Choral Chambers

Objective
Track and slay the Wailing Creature, later known as Broodmother

Key Item
Broodmother's Eye

Turn-In Location
Songclave's Wishwall

Main Reward
Quest completion and Wishwall progress

The Wailing Mother is not a simple bounty. It asks Hornet to follow a trail of slime through one of Silksong's most oppressive regions, then survive a boss fight against a creature that overwhelms the arena with summoned flies. The quest adds depth to Pharloom's lore while giving players a challenging Grand Hunt that feels distinct from standard exploration.

Prerequisites and Wishwall Unlock

Before the Wailing Mother wish appears on the Songclave Wishwall, Hornet must complete several earlier requests. The first batch of wishes on that board, including Balm for the Wounded, must be finished. Players also need to advance far enough in the Act 2 main story. Without that progress, the Grand Hunt remains locked, and the Wishwall will not offer the Wailing Mother quest.

This structure encourages players to engage with the Wishwall system gradually. Each completed wish builds trust with Songclave and opens new opportunities. The Wailing Mother is one of the more substantial rewards for that ongoing commitment.

🧭 Reaching the Slab

Once the quest is active, Hornet must travel to the Slab. There are two reliable routes, and both use the Ventrica network and Bellway system.

• Route One: First Shrine's Ventrica

Enter the First Shrine's Ventrica and teleport into the Choral Chambers. From there, climb a few floors until reaching the gate that leads outside the Choral Chambers and into the Slab.

• Route Two: Grand Bellway's Ventrica

Use the First Shrine's Ventrica to teleport to the Grand Bellway's Ventrica. From that point, use the Bellway to teleport directly to the Slab, then climb from the bottom to the top.

Both paths work, but the second route can save time if the Bellway is already unlocked. The Slab is vertical and dangerous, so players should prepare for platforming, enemy encounters, and a fair amount of climbing.

Tracking the Wailing Creature

After getting the Wailing Mother quest, Hornet needs to track and slay the Wailing Creature in the Slab. The creature is later identified as the Broodmother, and she is located northwest of the Slab, almost on the highest floor. To find her, players should look for slime trails scattered all over the Slab area. These trails are the key to navigation, especially because the prison's layout can be disorienting.

The slime marks a path rather than a single room. Hornet will need to move upward through the Slab, checking side passages and upper platforms. Rushing can lead to missed turns or unnecessary damage. Taking time to scan for slime makes the hunt smoother and preserves resources for the boss.

️ Inside the Broodmother's Chamber

When Hornet reaches the Wailing Mother quest chamber, a crack in the wall behind her becomes the true entrance. Interacting with it lets her enter the hole and progress through a linear path. Along the way, a couple of fly enemies such as Guardfly and Wardfly attempt to block progress. These foes are not the main threat, but they can drain health before the boss if players are careless.

After the fly enemies are dealt with, the Broodmother makes her appearance. The transition is sudden, and the arena leaves little room for mistakes. Players should enter the fight with full health and a clear plan.

️ Boss Fight: Broodmother

The Broodmother fight is a test of crowd control and patience. She summons a lot of flies during combat, and if those summons are ignored, the arena becomes overwhelming quickly. Hornet should take out the flies as they appear, then look for openings to strike the Broodmother.

Helpful tactics include:

• 🪰 Prioritize adds. Clear the summoned flies before focusing on the boss.

• ️ Avoid her attacks. Do not trade hits. Silk is better spent on healing or safe damage.

• Wait for the right moment. Strike after her attacks end, not during them.

• 🧵 Use Hornet's mobility. Dash and air movement can create space when the arena gets crowded.

• ️ Retreat to heal. If the fly swarm grows too large, create distance and recover before re-engaging.

Defeating the Broodmother is not about raw speed. It is about controlling the room. Once the adds are managed, the boss becomes far more predictable, and Hornet can chip away at her health safely.

Reward and Turn-In

After slaying the Broodmother, Hornet receives the Broodmother's Eye. This item is the proof required by the Wishwall. To finish the quest, return to Songclave's Wishwall and deliver the eye. Turning in the Broodmother's Eye completes the Wailing Mother quest in Hollow Knight: Silksong.

Completing this Grand Hunt contributes to Wishwall progression and reinforces the connection between Hornet and Pharloom's survivors. It also rewards players who explore the Slab thoroughly and pay attention to environmental clues. For anyone working through Silksong's side content in 2026, the Wailing Mother quest is a memorable challenge that is worth seeing through to the end.

Between Grand Hunts, many Silksong players shift focus to the wider gaming landscape — wishlisting upcoming titles, comparing editions, or hunting for a controller sturdy enough to survive a boss marathon. Prices fluctuate constantly across storefronts and regions, and keeping track of them by hand quickly turns into a chore that nobody asked for.

That is where [this price tracking tool]( earns its keep. DealNest watches listings for the games and gear you actually care about and lets you know when something genuinely drops in price, so you can stop refreshing store pages and second-guessing whether today's discount is the real one. It is a small quality-of-life upgrade for anyone who would rather spend their time playing than bargain hunting.

https://dealnesthq.com

Silksong Fast Travel in 2026: Every Bellway and Ventrica

Silksong fast travel guide: unlock all Bellways and Ventricas, 12 Bell Beast Stations and 7 Citadel routes.

Hornet’s legs were never meant for endless walking. In the opening hours of Silksong, she dragged herself through Bone Bottom, her needle clicking against damp stone, until a low bell hummed somewhere below. That bell was the first Bellway—a fast travel system that would soon turn her grueling pilgrimage into a series of convenient hops. And let’s be honest, nobody wants to sprint across half a kingdom just to buy a new pin.

At the beginning, Hornet must get around the world with nothing but her spindly black legs until she discovers the Bellways. These stations allow instant travel between all unlocked fast travel locations. In Silksong, Bell Beast Stations and Ventricas are the primary forms of fast travel that players can engage with. The Bellways come first, opening relatively early, and they quickly become the backbone of any long exploration run.

To unlock the first route, players discover the Bellway in Bone Bottom, then free and subdue the Bell Beast in The Marrow. The creature—ancient, weary, and more than a little dramatic—bows its head once defeated, and from that moment on, its bells answer Hornet’s call. It is a strange partnership, but a practical one.

In total, there are 12 Bellways to discover in Silksong, including eight during Act 1 and four more in Act 2. Some are unlocked for free, but you may have to pay Rosaries for others. You know the drill: pay up, or walk. A few Bellway locations cannot be discovered until you reach Act 2, yet they still connect back to Act 1 areas, letting Hornet revisit prior zones more conveniently. That backward compatibility matters, because Pharloom has a habit of hiding secrets in places you thought you had finished with.

When Act 2 arrives, the Citadel introduces a new flavor of fast travel: Ventricas. These seven stations are found exclusively within the Citadel and Act 2 areas. You do not lose access to the Bellways—both fast travel systems co-exist and provide travel to different parts of the map. Each Ventrica costs 80 Rosaries to unlock upon discovery, except for the Terminus Ventrica, which can be accessed by any other Ventrica you discover. Well, mostly. The Terminus is the generous exception.

So, what does the full fast travel network look like in 2026? Here is a quick breakdown:

System
Total Locations
Act Availability
Cost
Notes

Bellway (Bell Beast Station)
12
8 in Act 1, 4 in Act 2
Varies; some free, some Rosaries
Connects back to earlier zones

Ventrica
7
Act 2 Citadel only
80 Rosaries each
Terminus Ventrica is the exception

Bellway quick facts

• 12 Bell Beast Stations in total.

• 8 unlock during Act 1.

• 4 more appear in Act 2.

• Some are free; others demand Rosaries.

• They remain useful even after Ventricas arrive.

Ventrica quick facts ️️

• 7 Ventricas in total.

• All are inside the Citadel and Act 2 areas.

• Each costs 80 Rosaries, except Terminus.

• Terminus can be reached through any other Ventrica.

• Bellways and Ventricas co-exist, so Hornet never loses her old routes.

The Bell Beast snores at its stations, patient and slightly smug. The Ventricas hum their metallic tunes, waiting for a handful of Rosaries. Hornet, meanwhile, learns to weave through Pharloom like a needle through silk. The map stops feeling like a maze and starts feeling like a network—one bell at a time. ...

In the end, whether you are replaying Silksong in 2026 or diving in for the first time, knowing every Bellway and Ventrica location saves hours of backtracking. The game gives you two fast travel languages: the warm, beastly bells of the Bellways and the cold, mechanical pulse of the Ventricas. Hornet speaks both fluently. And really, that is what makes the journey bearable—and occasionally even pleasant.

That same instinct for trimming wasted effort carries over outside the game, too. Anyone who has waited months for a sale on a game, a controller, or a console knows the feeling: hopping between storefronts, comparing prices, and second-guessing whether today is the day to buy. It is the real-world version of backtracking through a zone you have already cleared. Using [this price tracking tool]( from DealNest turns that chore into a single route—watch the items you want, get notified when the number drops, and spend your attention on playing rather than refreshing tabs.

Efficiency, whether in Pharloom or in a shopping cart, is really just about knowing the fastest way to the thing you actually want. Hornet would approve.

https://dealnesthq.com

Silksong Gave Me the Itch: 8 3D Games I’m Playing in 2026

Hollow Knight: Silksong fans seeking Metroidvania and Soulslike adventures will love these unique, action-packed game recommendations.

Hello, my name is a person who has spent an unreasonable amount of time staring at a bug with a needle. It is 2026, and Hollow Knight: Silksong is no longer the shiny new obsession — it is the comfortable old obsession I refuse to put down. Team Cherry's sequel tore through review charts, message boards, and sales charts when it arrived, and for a glorious stretch of September, it felt like every player on Earth was collectively lost in Pharloom. But zeitgeists end. So what is a bug-loving, parry-hungry, map-obsessed player supposed to do when the credits roll and the community slowly logs off?

I could replay Silksong. I have. Twice. But I also want polygons. Is that so wrong? I love 2D Metroidvanias, but sometimes I want to see a weird creature's antennae in glorious 3D. So I went looking for games that scratch the same itch: Soulslike punishment, Metroidvania exploration, action-adventure wonder, and, ideally, a protagonist that is not a standard human with a sword. Here are the ones I recommend in 2026, whether you are mourning Silksong or just need a new labyrinth to get lost in.

Metroid Prime: The Original Bug Hunt

Metroid Prime is one of the best Metroid games of all time, and the Switch remaster made it easier than ever to revisit. The Metroid series is a classic Metroidvania franchise — the genre name did not come from nowhere — and Hollow Knight owes it a huge debt. Like most Metroid entries, Samus is given a vague objective, and she accomplishes it without much complaint. Players travel through sprawling dungeons, unlock powers, fight insect monsters, and generally feel tiny on an unsettling alien planet. If you love Hornet's acrobatics, Samus's morph ball and scan visor will feel like a family reunion.

Another Crab's Treasure: Shells, Souls, and Sea Sickness

Another Crab's Treasure is a Soulslike with a cute edge. It takes place underwater and stars a crustacean. A hermit crab named Kril loses its shell and tries to get it back, but unfortunately, most of the seabed has gone wild with some sort of violent disease. You fight enemies, earn points toward a skill tree, unlock new ways to get around, and — most importantly — find new shells. From pop cans to old tennis balls, Kril can equip them all to gain new benefits while exploring a crumbling undersea kingdom. It is adorable, brutal, and exactly the kind of weird animal protagonist Silksong fans appreciate.

Tunic: A Cute Puzzle Box With Teeth

Tunic is a perfect little top-down adventure for fans who miss older Zelda games and want to get lost in a strange new world. Not just the in-game world, either — the meta-narrative will suck you in. You will have to decipher hidden meanings within the lore to progress past certain parts and unlock new content. It is a big-brain type of experience. Even though it seems like a cute Zelda homage on the surface, there is a lot more to it, and giving specifics would spoil things. Let us just say Hollow Knight: Silksong fans will like the map layout.

Bloodborne: The Gothic Nightmare Sibling

The Hollow Knight franchise undoubtedly pays homage to the Soulslike genre and FromSoftware, who helped create the genre's identity. Among their many games, Silksong players will probably like Bloodborne the most. Bloodborne's gothic city is interconnected through gates and waterways, and depending on the choices made, the world can change, revealing new terrors and hidden pathways. Plus, there is a pivotal moment that is not unlike what happens to Hornet in Silksong regarding The Slab. Saying anything more about either would be a spoiler, but let us just say Bloodborne is a challenging action RPG wrapped in a haunting horror shell.

Cocoon: A Bug, a Ball, and a Big Brain

Cocoon is a top-down puzzle game without much context to its story. Players control a bug-like creature that is attuned to a strange ball. You use that ball to solve physics-based and multidimensional puzzles as you move through a labyrinthine dungeon. While there is not much in the way of combat — although there are boss battles — Silksong fans will appreciate the atmosphere and the bug protagonist. It is different, but it invokes the same vibes of exploring a foreign land without much help.

Hell is Us: No Map, No Mercy, No Markers

Hell is Us was released alongside Hollow Knight: Silksong, and it unfortunately is not getting as much attention, even though the two share a lot in common. Unlike most games out there, Hell is Us does not use quest markers or contain a visually accurate map. Players instead have to navigate this post-apocalyptic world by reading notes and paying attention to context clues, like what playing old-school adventure games was like. It is like the original The Legend of Zelda on the NES with some light Soulslike and Metroidvania elements, and it is perfect for players who wish to get lost in a strange world.

Crypt Custodian: Janitor Cat in the Afterlife

Crypt Custodian takes place in the afterlife, wherein an ordinary house cat becomes a more anthropomorphic creature. After causing some damage to some godly structures, players are then punished and forced to become a janitor. However, that is not where this Zelda-like adventure ends. In this game, brooms are as strong as swords, and players will learn to wield them well. While not fully 3D, the animations help the art pop out more, and overall, it is a game that Hollow Knight: Silksong fans will enjoy.

The Plucky Squire: Out of the Book, Into the Desk

The Plucky Squire is the best of both worlds, with stellar hand-drawn animations and stunning 3D visuals. The narrative is about a character from a book who soon gains the power to leave his story. As the titular hero, players will have to climb around a child's desk and interact with the real world to progress back into the storybook world. It is another example of an action-adventure game, but one with an interesting puzzle structure. It also often tips the genre on its head with oddball gameplay surprises, from a boxing game to a turn-based RPG.

Quick Comparison Table

Game
Why Silksong Fans Will Like It
Creature Factor

Metroid Prime
Alien dungeons, insect monsters, power unlocks
Samus and bugs

Another Crab's Treasure
Soulslike combat, shell swapping, underwater decay
Hermit crab

Tunic
Zelda-like exploration, meta puzzles, map secrets
Small hero

Bloodborne
Gothic interconnected world, brutal action, hidden paths
Beastly horrors

Cocoon
Bug protagonist, physics puzzles, eerie atmosphere
Bug-like creature

Hell is Us
No quest markers, note reading, lost-world exploration
Post-apocalyptic weirdness

Crypt Custodian
Broom combat, afterlife cleaning, Zelda-like adventure
Cat turned janitor

The Plucky Squire
Hand-drawn 2D and 3D, genre-bending surprises
Storybook hero

Final Thoughts: The Itch Never Really Dies

So, what do you do when the Silksong zeitgeist fades? You find another strange world, another impossible boss, another map that makes you mutter, 'wait, where am I?' The games above are not all identical to Silksong — some are 3D, some are top-down, some are puzzle boxes — but they share the same DNA: exploration, challenge, atmosphere, and a love of the weird. In 2026, the backlog is endless, and the community is still here. So pick a shell, sharpen a needle, or grab a broom. The next obsession is only a few deaths away.

Of course, part of the fun of chasing down these hidden gems is the hunt itself — tracking down a copy, waiting for the right moment, and making sure you're not overpaying for a game you might have skipped two years ago. Between sprawling backlogs and constant sales across Steam, console storefronts, and key resellers, it's easy to lose track of what a title is actually worth right now.

That's where a little bit of comparison shopping saves both time and money. Sites like [game price comparison]( let you check current listings across multiple stores in one place, so you can grab that next obsession without paying full price — leaving more room in the budget for the one after it.

https://dealnesthq.com

Where to Find the Grand Gate Map in Hollow Knight: Silksong

Grand Gate Map in Hollow Knight: Silksong guides players through Citadel’s vertical pathways, benches, and hidden challenges efficiently.

Hornet’s journey in Hollow Knight: Silksong reaches a significant turning point after the Blasted Steps and the Last Judge fall behind her. The Grand Gate is not just a colossal architectural barrier; it is the threshold into the Choral Chambers and the official entry point to Act II. For players stepping into this towering section of the Citadel, securing the Grand Gate Map early can make the difference between a confident descent and a disoriented scramble through mechanical depths.

Immediate Map Purchase After the Last Judge

Unlike many earlier areas in Silksong where tracking down Shakra is a requirement before any map is available, the Grand Gate offers an immediate purchase. After the Last Judge is defeated, the path forward leads directly into the Grand Gate. From the site of the battle, Hornet should continue moving to the right until a pressure-sensitive platform appears.

Standing on that platform opens a door to the right. Passing through brings the player face-to-face with the monumental gate itself. Just inside, a machine displaying a model of the Citadel can be inspected. This is where the Grand Gate Map can be purchased for 40 Rosaries. The process is straightforward: interact with the machine, insert the Rosaries, and the map is added to the inventory.

So what makes this purchase worth the 40 Rosaries? The Grand Gate Map provides immediate orientation within the Citadel’s layered pathways, benches, and hidden challenges. Without it, players may still find their way, but they lose the ability to plan routes through one of the game’s most vertical and mechanically complex regions.

Step-by-Step Route to the Grand Gate Map

Step
Action

1
Defeat the Last Judge at the Blasted Steps

2
Move right from the battle site

3
Step onto the pressure-sensitive platform to open a door

4
Enter the Grand Gate and inspect the machine with the Citadel model

5
Purchase the Grand Gate Map for 40 Rosaries

Descending Into the Underworks

With the Grand Gate Map in hand, players can safely push deeper into the Citadel. Continuing to the right after the purchase leads to an elevator. Activating the switch drops the lift downward, but the descent is far from smooth. The elevator jolts a couple of times and requires repeated hits on the switch. Eventually, the mechanism breaks, sending Hornet falling into the Underworks.

The Underworks is a dangerous mechanical area located below the Citadel. It is filled with hazards that punish hesitation, but the map reference from the Grand Gate can help players recognize key landmarks even as the environment shifts from ornate citadel halls to grinding industrial depths.

Unlocking the Clawline in The Cauldron

Deep within the Underworks, players will eventually reach a new area called The Cauldron. This is where Hornet can unlock the Clawline, a grappling hook-like power that is widely considered an absolute must-have for exploring the rest of the game. The Clawline opens access to new shortcuts and allows traversal through areas that are otherwise unreachable.

Does the Grand Gate Map directly reveal The Cauldron’s location? Not always. However, having the map earlier means players can recognize the transition points and avoid unnecessary backtracking as they navigate the Underworks toward this essential ability.

For those pushing through Act II, the sequence is clear: defeat the Last Judge, enter the Grand Gate, buy the map for 40 Rosaries, ride the breaking elevator, survive the Underworks, and claim the Clawline. Each step builds on the last, and the Grand Gate Map is the first key to keeping that journey from becoming a blind drop into the Citadel’s depths.

When you’re between runs and thinking about which games to tackle next, it helps to keep an eye on prices rather than paying full fare for every title that catches your eye. DealNest offers a straightforward [steam deal finder]( that surfaces current discounts and historical lows, making it easier to decide whether to buy now or wait for a deeper sale.

That’s especially useful for metroidvania fans who want to compare deals on Silksong, similar indie action-platformers, or DLC and soundtracks without bouncing between store pages. If you’d rather spend your budget on more adventures than on full-price impulse buys, DealNest is worth a look before your next purchase.

https://dealnesthq.com

How to Snag the Architect Key in Silksong (and Not Die Trying)

Get the Silksong Architect Crest: find the Architect Key, White Key, and Clawline in Act 2, then solve the lever puzzle in the Chapel.

So, you've made it to Act 2 of Silksong, and you've heard whispers about a fancy new Crest that lets you craft tools mid-combat like some kind of silk-powered MacGyver. That's the Architect Crest, and to get it, you first need the Architect Key. I spent an embarrassing amount of time wandering the Underworks, getting dunked in lava, and arguing with a lever, so you don't have to. Here's my step-by-step guide, peppered with my own tears and occasional triumph.

Step 1: Get the White Key (Because Everything Needs a Key)

After you leave the Underworks and reach the Coral Chambers in Act 2, your first order of business is finding the White Key. This shiny little rectangle unlocks the elevator that takes you down into Whiteward and eventually to the eastern section of the Underworks. Where is it? Top right of the Citadel, inside the Songclave. I know, I know—the Citadel is huge. Just hug the right wall and pray. Once you grab it, haul yourself back and make your way to the Underworks. You'll eventually hit a bench where you can hear some NPC yapping away. That's your target, but you can't reach him yet. Of course you can't. Why would anything be simple?

Step 2: Detour for the Clawline Ability (Because You're Not Spider-Man Yet)

Frustrated? Good. Now go left from the bench, then down to the bottom where the lava is. Yes, actual lava. Head right and prepare for a platforming section that made me question my reflexes, my controller, and my life choices. This hellish gauntlet leads to the central part of Eastern Underworks, where you'll find the Clawline ability. Grab it, and suddenly you can grapple like a silken Indiana Jones.

Step 3: Return to the Bench and Harpoon Your Way to the NPC

With Clawline in hand, head back up to the bench. Jump up and look for a grapple point. Harpoon it and swing your way into the NPC's room. Inside, you'll meet the Twelfth Architect—a charming fellow who sells various Tools and, more importantly, the Architect Key for 110 Rosaries. Yes, 110. I hope you've been hoarding your Rosaries like a dragon. If not, go farm some enemies and come back. He'll wait. He's very patient.

Step 4: The Lever Puzzle (or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Hit Everything)

With the key in your pocket, head right of the NPC. There's a lever—hit it. A door opens. Go up and turn left to find a second lever. Hit that too. Now you're in an area above the Twelfth Architect. Jump and dash to the left side, and hit the third lever. Congratulations, you've activated a passage that leads to a locked gate bearing the Architect's symbol. Use your key, and step into the Chapel of the Architect. Unlike other chapels that throw bosses or enemy waves at you, this one is blissfully empty. No enemies. Just you, your key, and a shiny new Crest. Walk over and claim the Architect Crest using your Bind.

What Does the Architect Crest Actually Do?

The Architect Crest has a unique slot layout: 3 Red, 2 Blue, 2 Yellow, and 0 White. Here's a quick table for you visual learners:

Slot Color
Number

Red
3

Blue
2

Yellow
2

White
0

Press up + Circle/B on your controller to spend Silk and craft new tools on the fly. It's like having a tiny workshop in your pocket. The normal and charged attacks are also different—they look like screws that can shred foes. I'm not kidding. Hornet literally attacks with spinning screws. It's absurd and I love it.

Final Tips (From Someone Who Suffered)

• ️ Don't forget the White Key. You'll feel silly.

• The lava platforming section is brutal. Take breaks. Hydrate.

• Save up 110 Rosaries before visiting the Twelfth Architect. He doesn't haggle.

• The Architect Crest is fantastic for tool-focused builds. Experiment!

• The levers are not hidden, but they are easy to miss if you're panicking. Breathe.

And that's it! Now go forth and craft tools mid-air like the chaotic silk warrior you were meant to be. If you see me in the Underworks, still stuck on that lava jump, please don't laugh. Too loudly.

If all that Rosary grinding left you thinking about how to stretch a budget, you're not alone—Hornet's economy is harsh, but at least real-world spending doesn't require farming enemies in the Underworks. For anyone who'd rather put that hoarding instinct to better use on actual purchases, DealNest is a handy spot to keep an eye on, especially if you're building out a library of games to play once you finally put Silksong down (assuming that day ever comes).

They track [PC game discounts]( across a range of storefronts, which is a lot less tedious than refreshing store pages one by one. Worth a look between boss attempts—just don't blame me if you end up with a backlog longer than your list of unfinished Crests.

https://dealnesthq.com

Silksong Guide: How to Reach Weavenest Atla and Find Its Map

Silksong's Weavenest Atla guide reveals how to unlock the hidden area using Needolin Skill and wall jump in Moss Grotto.

How to Reach Weavenest Atla in Silksong

Weavenest Atla is a hidden area in Hollow Knight: Silksong that many players see within the first hour of play, yet cannot enter until the end of Act 1. Its entrance is a large weaver-shaped door in Moss Grotto, visible from the early game but sealed by a missing ability. This guide explains the prerequisites, the exact route, and the location of the area map, along with the major rewards waiting inside. As of 2026, the process remains tied to story progression, the Needolin Skill, and a few precise movements through Bellhart, Shellwood, and Bone Bottom.

Prerequisites for Weavenest Atla ️

Before the door opens, players must advance the main story until they reach Bellhart. At that point, a new objective appears: The Threadspun Town. This objective sends the player into Shellwood to acquire the wall jump ability. After gaining wall jump, they must continue right and defeat the Widow. The reward for defeating the Widow is the Needolin Skill, which is the key to opening Weavenest Atla. Without Needolin, the weaver-shaped door remains inert, no matter how many times the player interacts with it.

Requirement
Location
Purpose

Story progress to Bellhart
Bellhart
Unlocks The Threadspun Town objective

Wall jump ability
Shellwood
Allows vertical traversal and route access

Defeat the Widow
Shellwood, right side
Grants the Needolin Skill

Needolin Skill
Reward from Widow
Opens the weaver-shaped door

Bellway fast travel
Any Bellway Station
Speeds up return to Bone Bottom

Step-by-Step Route to Weavenest Atla 🧭

• Progress the main story until Bellhart is reached and The Threadspun Town objective appears.

• Travel into Shellwood and obtain the wall jump ability.

• Head right through Shellwood and defeat the Widow to earn the Needolin Skill.

• Go to the nearest Bellway Station and fast travel to Bone Bottom.

• From Bone Bottom, head left and down into Moss Grotto.

• Inside Moss Grotto, move right until a large weaver-shaped door comes into view.

• Stand next to the door and press Triangle or Y on a controller, or D on a keyboard.

• Pass through the door to arrive in Weavenest Atla.

The door itself is impossible to miss for observant players. It has a distinctive weaver motif and sits in a part of Moss Grotto that many people explore early. The trick is not finding the door but returning with the correct skill. Once Needolin is active, the interaction prompt appears and the path opens.

Finding the Weavenest Atla Map

The map for Weavenest Atla is close to the entrance, but it is easy to overlook. After entering the area, the player should keep going straight and then head right. They will find two glowing cylinders. Striking these cylinders activates a mechanism in the room behind them. That mechanism jets the player down to the bottom of the area. However, before taking that downward route, the player should interact with the rune tablet nearby. This rune tablet reveals the map for Weavenest Atla.

Mapping the area early is useful because Weavenest Atla contains several optional collectibles and a boss encounter. The layout is smaller than many other regions in Silksong, but its compact design hides multiple points of interest. A Spool Fragment, a Mask Shard, a boss in one corner, and an NPC who upgrades the Hunter's Crest are all located within this secluded nest.

What to Collect in Weavenest Atla ️

Weavenest Atla may be small, but it is dense with rewards. The most important find is the NPC who upgrades the Hunter's Crest. This upgrade can change the player's combat approach and make certain fights more manageable. The area also holds a Spool Fragment, which contributes to Silk-related upgrades, and a Mask Shard, which increases survivability. A boss waits in one corner for players who want an extra challenge. Because the area is optional in terms of exploration, it is possible to miss these rewards entirely if the player rushes through.

Item or Encounter
Type
Why It Matters

Hunter's Crest upgrade
NPC service
Alters combat style and crest performance

Spool Fragment
Collectible
Progress toward Silk capacity upgrades

Mask Shard
Collectible
Progress toward additional health

Boss encounter
Optional fight
Challenge and possible rewards

Rune tablet
Map unlock
Reveals the Weavenest Atla map

Tips for a Smooth Visit

Players should make sure they have rested at a bench and are prepared for combat before entering. Although the route to Weavenest Atla is not long, the boss in the corner can punish an unprepared traveler. It is also wise to activate the map before dropping down via the cylinder mechanism, because the lower section can be disorienting on a first visit. If the interaction prompt at the weaver-shaped door does not appear, the player has not yet obtained Needolin. In that case, they should return to the Threadspun Town objective and confirm that the Widow has been defeated.

Conclusion 🧵

Weavenest Atla is a memorable example of Silksong's layered exploration. The entrance is visible early, but the area stays locked until the player follows the main story to Bellhart, explores Shellwood, defeats the Widow, and earns the Needolin Skill. From Bone Bottom, the journey through Moss Grotto is short, and the weaver-shaped door opens with a simple button press. Inside, the map is found by hitting two glowing cylinders and using the nearby rune tablet. With the map in hand, players can safely pursue the Spool Fragment, Mask Shard, optional boss, and the NPC who upgrades the Hunter's Crest. For anyone aiming to complete Silksong's secrets in 2026, Weavenest Atla is an essential detour that rewards patience and preparation.

After wrapping up everything Weavenest Atla hides, you might find yourself wanting to track down other deals in the metroidvania genre or even gift a copy of Silksong to a friend. That's where a site like DealNest comes in—it gathers offers in one place so you can quickly [check game prices]( across different platforms. It's a handy tool for any hunter who prefers spending time exploring rather than comparison shopping.

https://dealnesthq.com

The Last 455: Why Pontiac’s 1976 Trans Am Still Steals My Heart in 2026

The 1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 HO is an affordable muscle car icon—Pontiac's last big-block V8.

I still remember the first time I heard a 1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 HO wake up. It was not a polite little starter motor whine. It was a deep, rattling, carb-fed growl that made the windows in my garage buzz. That was five years ago, and now in 2026, that memory still gives me goosebumps. Because here is the crazy part: this final big-block Pontiac is still shockingly affordable. While Hemi Mopars and LS6 Chevelles have become auction royalty, the last 455-powered Trans Am remains the blue-collar hero of the muscle car world.

By 1976, Detroit was not exactly having a party. Emissions regulations, rising insurance premiums, and the oil crisis had forced the Motor City to retreat with its tail between its legs. Horsepower ratings fell, compression ratios dropped, and even the mighty muscle car brands had to rethink everything. But Pontiac had one last card to play: the 455-cubic-inch High Output V8. It was not the fire-breathing monster of the early 1970s—factory numbers said 200 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque—but it still had enough twist to shove you back in the seat and make the rear tires beg for mercy. It came almost exclusively with a Super T10 four-speed manual, and the iconic Screaming Chicken hood decal was the chef’s kiss on top.

Let me tell you, the 455 HO did not just start. It awakened. It shuddered, snorted, and then settled into a lumpy idle that felt like the car was breathing. Contemporary reviews called it crude, and in 2026 that is probably true. But crude is exactly what I want from a muscle car. Small-displacement engines can be fast, but they cannot replicate that feeling. The 455 was Pontiac’s final big-block in the Firebird, and it carried a symbolic weight that no spec sheet can capture. It was the last time buyers could get Pontiac’s biggest engine before downsizing took over. In hindsight, it was the closing chapter of an American tradition.

Production numbers make it even more special. Pontiac built 46,701 Trans Ams in 1976, but only 7,528 were ordered with the 455. The T-top versions are rarer still, and the 50th Anniversary Special Edition came with that now-iconic black-and-gold Smokey and the Bandit paint job, unique stripes, and honeycomb wheels. I am not gonna lie: every time I see one, I get a little weak in the knees. It is a rolling time capsule from a world that no longer exists.

But the real story for me is the price. In 2026, Hagerty still values a good-condition 1976 Trans Am 455 HO around the low $30,000s. That is less than a new Volkswagen Golf GTI, which in 2025 started just over $31,000 and has half the displacement, no V8 soundtrack, and none of the retro cool. Let that sink in. You can buy a genuine big-block piece of Pontiac history for the price of a loaded compact hatchback. Here is how it stacks up against other legends:

Car
Typical value (2026)

1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 HO
$30,000–$40,000

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 426 HEMI
$200,000–$300,000

1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6
$100,000+

1970 Boss 302 Mustang
$100,000+ for concours

That table is why I call the 455 Trans Am the most undervalued collector car of the 1970s. It is not a garage queen. It is a driver. Pontiac tuned the chassis and gave it a wider stance, so it actually handles with more confidence than many of its rivals. You can take it on a weekend cruise, let the shaker scoop suck in air, and feel the torque push you down the road. It is practical enough for modern traffic, as long as you are willing to feed that big V8. And honestly? That is the point.

Pontiac itself is gone. General Motors phased out the brand after the 2008 financial crisis, and by 2010 it was over. In 2026, Pontiac has been dead for more than a decade and a half. That fact makes the 1976 Trans Am 455 HO even more precious. It is not just a cool car. It is the last of its kind: the final Pontiac to feature the 455 cubic inch V8, a big middle finger to a changing industry, and a reminder that the market does not always reward nostalgia in predictable ways.

So if you have been dreaming of a big-block muscle car but thought you needed six figures, wake up. The 1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 HO is still out there, still affordable, and still ready to rumble. Do not let it sit in an air-conditioned garage. Drive it. Let it shake the parking lot. Let it remind you what American muscle was all about. That is what I plan to do in 2026, and I cannot wait.

If you are ready to stop daydreaming and start hunting for a car like this, the search itself can be half the adventure — and half the frustration. Classifieds are scattered across a dozen sites, prices swing wildly depending on region and condition, and by the time you spot a clean 455 HO, someone else has already called dibs. That is exactly the kind of gap [DealNest]( was built to close, pulling deal listings into one place so you spend less time refreshing browser tabs and more time figuring out whether that black-and-gold survivor in the photos is the one worth driving three states to see.

Whether you are chasing a Trans Am or just keeping an eye on where the affordable end of the muscle car market is heading, having a single hub for listings and pricing signals makes the whole process feel less like a gamble. The cars are still out there. The trick is knowing where to look before someone else does.

https://dealnesthq.com

Silksong Gave Me the Itch: 8 3D Games I’m Playing in 2026

Hollow Knight: Silksong fans seeking Metroidvania and Soulslike adventures will love these unique, action-packed game recommendations.

Hello, my name is a person who has spent an unreasonable amount of time staring at a bug with a needle. It is 2026, and Hollow Knight: Silksong is no longer the shiny new obsession — it is the comfortable old obsession I refuse to put down. Team Cherry's sequel tore through review charts, message boards, and sales charts when it arrived, and for a glorious stretch of September, it felt like every player on Earth was collectively lost in Pharloom. But zeitgeists end. So what is a bug-loving, parry-hungry, map-obsessed player supposed to do when the credits roll and the community slowly logs off?

I could replay Silksong. I have. Twice. But I also want polygons. Is that so wrong? I love 2D Metroidvanias, but sometimes I want to see a weird creature's antennae in glorious 3D. So I went looking for games that scratch the same itch: Soulslike punishment, Metroidvania exploration, action-adventure wonder, and, ideally, a protagonist that is not a standard human with a sword. Here are the ones I recommend in 2026, whether you are mourning Silksong or just need a new labyrinth to get lost in.

Metroid Prime: The Original Bug Hunt

Metroid Prime is one of the best Metroid games of all time, and the Switch remaster made it easier than ever to revisit. The Metroid series is a classic Metroidvania franchise — the genre name did not come from nowhere — and Hollow Knight owes it a huge debt. Like most Metroid entries, Samus is given a vague objective, and she accomplishes it without much complaint. Players travel through sprawling dungeons, unlock powers, fight insect monsters, and generally feel tiny on an unsettling alien planet. If you love Hornet's acrobatics, Samus's morph ball and scan visor will feel like a family reunion.

Another Crab's Treasure: Shells, Souls, and Sea Sickness

Another Crab's Treasure is a Soulslike with a cute edge. It takes place underwater and stars a crustacean. A hermit crab named Kril loses its shell and tries to get it back, but unfortunately, most of the seabed has gone wild with some sort of violent disease. You fight enemies, earn points toward a skill tree, unlock new ways to get around, and — most importantly — find new shells. From pop cans to old tennis balls, Kril can equip them all to gain new benefits while exploring a crumbling undersea kingdom. It is adorable, brutal, and exactly the kind of weird animal protagonist Silksong fans appreciate.

Tunic: A Cute Puzzle Box With Teeth

Tunic is a perfect little top-down adventure for fans who miss older Zelda games and want to get lost in a strange new world. Not just the in-game world, either — the meta-narrative will suck you in. You will have to decipher hidden meanings within the lore to progress past certain parts and unlock new content. It is a big-brain type of experience. Even though it seems like a cute Zelda homage on the surface, there is a lot more to it, and giving specifics would spoil things. Let us just say Hollow Knight: Silksong fans will like the map layout.

Bloodborne: The Gothic Nightmare Sibling

The Hollow Knight franchise undoubtedly pays homage to the Soulslike genre and FromSoftware, who helped create the genre's identity. Among their many games, Silksong players will probably like Bloodborne the most. Bloodborne's gothic city is interconnected through gates and waterways, and depending on the choices made, the world can change, revealing new terrors and hidden pathways. Plus, there is a pivotal moment that is not unlike what happens to Hornet in Silksong regarding The Slab. Saying anything more about either would be a spoiler, but let us just say Bloodborne is a challenging action RPG wrapped in a haunting horror shell.

Cocoon: A Bug, a Ball, and a Big Brain

Cocoon is a top-down puzzle game without much context to its story. Players control a bug-like creature that is attuned to a strange ball. You use that ball to solve physics-based and multidimensional puzzles as you move through a labyrinthine dungeon. While there is not much in the way of combat — although there are boss battles — Silksong fans will appreciate the atmosphere and the bug protagonist. It is different, but it invokes the same vibes of exploring a foreign land without much help.

Hell is Us: No Map, No Mercy, No Markers

Hell is Us was released alongside Hollow Knight: Silksong, and it unfortunately is not getting as much attention, even though the two share a lot in common. Unlike most games out there, Hell is Us does not use quest markers or contain a visually accurate map. Players instead have to navigate this post-apocalyptic world by reading notes and paying attention to context clues, like what playing old-school adventure games was like. It is like the original The Legend of Zelda on the NES with some light Soulslike and Metroidvania elements, and it is perfect for players who wish to get lost in a strange world.

Crypt Custodian: Janitor Cat in the Afterlife

Crypt Custodian takes place in the afterlife, wherein an ordinary house cat becomes a more anthropomorphic creature. After causing some damage to some godly structures, players are then punished and forced to become a janitor. However, that is not where this Zelda-like adventure ends. In this game, brooms are as strong as swords, and players will learn to wield them well. While not fully 3D, the animations help the art pop out more, and overall, it is a game that Hollow Knight: Silksong fans will enjoy.

The Plucky Squire: Out of the Book, Into the Desk

The Plucky Squire is the best of both worlds, with stellar hand-drawn animations and stunning 3D visuals. The narrative is about a character from a book who soon gains the power to leave his story. As the titular hero, players will have to climb around a child's desk and interact with the real world to progress back into the storybook world. It is another example of an action-adventure game, but one with an interesting puzzle structure. It also often tips the genre on its head with oddball gameplay surprises, from a boxing game to a turn-based RPG.

Quick Comparison Table

Game
Why Silksong Fans Will Like It
Creature Factor

Metroid Prime
Alien dungeons, insect monsters, power unlocks
Samus and bugs

Another Crab's Treasure
Soulslike combat, shell swapping, underwater decay
Hermit crab

Tunic
Zelda-like exploration, meta puzzles, map secrets
Small hero

Bloodborne
Gothic interconnected world, brutal action, hidden paths
Beastly horrors

Cocoon
Bug protagonist, physics puzzles, eerie atmosphere
Bug-like creature

Hell is Us
No quest markers, note reading, lost-world exploration
Post-apocalyptic weirdness

Crypt Custodian
Broom combat, afterlife cleaning, Zelda-like adventure
Cat turned janitor

The Plucky Squire
Hand-drawn 2D and 3D, genre-bending surprises
Storybook hero

Final Thoughts: The Itch Never Really Dies

So, what do you do when the Silksong zeitgeist fades? You find another strange world, another impossible boss, another map that makes you mutter, 'wait, where am I?' The games above are not all identical to Silksong — some are 3D, some are top-down, some are puzzle boxes — but they share the same DNA: exploration, challenge, atmosphere, and a love of the weird. In 2026, the backlog is endless, and the community is still here. So pick a shell, sharpen a needle, or grab a broom. The next obsession is only a few deaths away.

Of course, part of the fun of chasing down these hidden gems is the hunt itself — tracking down a copy, waiting for the right moment, and making sure you're not overpaying for a game you might have skipped two years ago. Between sprawling backlogs and constant sales across Steam, console storefronts, and key resellers, it's easy to lose track of what a title is actually worth right now.

That's where a little bit of comparison shopping saves both time and money. Sites like [game price comparison]( let you check current listings across multiple stores in one place, so you can grab that next obsession without paying full price — leaving more room in the budget for the one after it.

https://dealnesthq.com

Silksong Guide: How to Reach Weavenest Atla and Find Its Map

Silksong's Weavenest Atla guide reveals how to unlock the hidden area using Needolin Skill and wall jump in Moss Grotto.

How to Reach Weavenest Atla in Silksong

Weavenest Atla is a hidden area in Hollow Knight: Silksong that many players see within the first hour of play, yet cannot enter until the end of Act 1. Its entrance is a large weaver-shaped door in Moss Grotto, visible from the early game but sealed by a missing ability. This guide explains the prerequisites, the exact route, and the location of the area map, along with the major rewards waiting inside. As of 2026, the process remains tied to story progression, the Needolin Skill, and a few precise movements through Bellhart, Shellwood, and Bone Bottom.

Prerequisites for Weavenest Atla ️

Before the door opens, players must advance the main story until they reach Bellhart. At that point, a new objective appears: The Threadspun Town. This objective sends the player into Shellwood to acquire the wall jump ability. After gaining wall jump, they must continue right and defeat the Widow. The reward for defeating the Widow is the Needolin Skill, which is the key to opening Weavenest Atla. Without Needolin, the weaver-shaped door remains inert, no matter how many times the player interacts with it.

Requirement
Location
Purpose

Story progress to Bellhart
Bellhart
Unlocks The Threadspun Town objective

Wall jump ability
Shellwood
Allows vertical traversal and route access

Defeat the Widow
Shellwood, right side
Grants the Needolin Skill

Needolin Skill
Reward from Widow
Opens the weaver-shaped door

Bellway fast travel
Any Bellway Station
Speeds up return to Bone Bottom

Step-by-Step Route to Weavenest Atla 🧭

• Progress the main story until Bellhart is reached and The Threadspun Town objective appears.

• Travel into Shellwood and obtain the wall jump ability.

• Head right through Shellwood and defeat the Widow to earn the Needolin Skill.

• Go to the nearest Bellway Station and fast travel to Bone Bottom.

• From Bone Bottom, head left and down into Moss Grotto.

• Inside Moss Grotto, move right until a large weaver-shaped door comes into view.

• Stand next to the door and press Triangle or Y on a controller, or D on a keyboard.

• Pass through the door to arrive in Weavenest Atla.

The door itself is impossible to miss for observant players. It has a distinctive weaver motif and sits in a part of Moss Grotto that many people explore early. The trick is not finding the door but returning with the correct skill. Once Needolin is active, the interaction prompt appears and the path opens.

Finding the Weavenest Atla Map

The map for Weavenest Atla is close to the entrance, but it is easy to overlook. After entering the area, the player should keep going straight and then head right. They will find two glowing cylinders. Striking these cylinders activates a mechanism in the room behind them. That mechanism jets the player down to the bottom of the area. However, before taking that downward route, the player should interact with the rune tablet nearby. This rune tablet reveals the map for Weavenest Atla.

Mapping the area early is useful because Weavenest Atla contains several optional collectibles and a boss encounter. The layout is smaller than many other regions in Silksong, but its compact design hides multiple points of interest. A Spool Fragment, a Mask Shard, a boss in one corner, and an NPC who upgrades the Hunter's Crest are all located within this secluded nest.

What to Collect in Weavenest Atla ️

Weavenest Atla may be small, but it is dense with rewards. The most important find is the NPC who upgrades the Hunter's Crest. This upgrade can change the player's combat approach and make certain fights more manageable. The area also holds a Spool Fragment, which contributes to Silk-related upgrades, and a Mask Shard, which increases survivability. A boss waits in one corner for players who want an extra challenge. Because the area is optional in terms of exploration, it is possible to miss these rewards entirely if the player rushes through.

Item or Encounter
Type
Why It Matters

Hunter's Crest upgrade
NPC service
Alters combat style and crest performance

Spool Fragment
Collectible
Progress toward Silk capacity upgrades

Mask Shard
Collectible
Progress toward additional health

Boss encounter
Optional fight
Challenge and possible rewards

Rune tablet
Map unlock
Reveals the Weavenest Atla map

Tips for a Smooth Visit

Players should make sure they have rested at a bench and are prepared for combat before entering. Although the route to Weavenest Atla is not long, the boss in the corner can punish an unprepared traveler. It is also wise to activate the map before dropping down via the cylinder mechanism, because the lower section can be disorienting on a first visit. If the interaction prompt at the weaver-shaped door does not appear, the player has not yet obtained Needolin. In that case, they should return to the Threadspun Town objective and confirm that the Widow has been defeated.

Conclusion 🧵

Weavenest Atla is a memorable example of Silksong's layered exploration. The entrance is visible early, but the area stays locked until the player follows the main story to Bellhart, explores Shellwood, defeats the Widow, and earns the Needolin Skill. From Bone Bottom, the journey through Moss Grotto is short, and the weaver-shaped door opens with a simple button press. Inside, the map is found by hitting two glowing cylinders and using the nearby rune tablet. With the map in hand, players can safely pursue the Spool Fragment, Mask Shard, optional boss, and the NPC who upgrades the Hunter's Crest. For anyone aiming to complete Silksong's secrets in 2026, Weavenest Atla is an essential detour that rewards patience and preparation.

After wrapping up everything Weavenest Atla hides, you might find yourself wanting to track down other deals in the metroidvania genre or even gift a copy of Silksong to a friend. That's where a site like DealNest comes in—it gathers offers in one place so you can quickly [check game prices]( across different platforms. It's a handy tool for any hunter who prefers spending time exploring rather than comparison shopping.

https://dealnesthq.com

How I Became a Homeowner in Hollow Knight: Silksong (And You Can Too)

Pharloom Bellhome offers bug warriors a cozy, customizable sanctuary; unlock your dream abode with quests and Rosaries in Bellhart.

Listen, I've spent countless hours in Pharloom, dodging spiked balls and getting my silk handed to me by giant bugs. But nothing—and I mean nothing—prepared me for the sheer domestic bliss of owning a Bellhome. It's like finding a warm cup of tea in a hurricane of hostility. So here's my tale of how I became the proud owner of a cozy bell-shaped abode, and how you can too without losing your mind or your Rosaries.

Unlocking the Bellhome: A Homeowner's Odyssey

First things first: you can't just waltz into Bellhart and claim a home. You've got to earn it. Think of it as the world's most dangerous homeowners association. To even start, you need to defeat Widow and complete the Threadspun Town task. That opens up Bellhart, and from there, you'll want to keep exploring Pharloom and returning to the Wish board like a moth to a very quest-heavy flame.

There are three quests you should complete:

• Restoration of Bellhart (required)

• My Missing Courier (recommended)

• My Missing Brother (recommended)

Donating 250 Rosaries kicks off the town's reconstruction. While that's happening, finish those two courier quests—they unlock a courier service that will become your best friend for the Rosary grind ahead. As you build up the town and save its patrons, talk to Pavo. Always make sure he has nothing new to say. Eventually, once you've found more benches and explored more map areas, the construction finishes. If you've been diligent with the Wishes, your next chat with Pavo rewards you with the Bellhome Key.

Your Bellhome is on the third level of the town, above the Pinmaster and Relic Seeker. Use the key, step inside, and bask in the glow of the Resident trophy/achievement. For now, it's just a bed. But oh, the decorating possibilities!

Decorating Your Bellhome: Because Even Bug Warriors Need Throw Pillows

Once you have the key, head to Frey at the Bellhart general goods store. She sells all the decorations, except the Spa, which requires you to buy two other upgrades first. These items are expensive and serve little practical purpose beyond making your home look fabulous. Here's the full list:

Upgrade
Price
What Is It?

Desk
380 Rosaries
Allows you to read Relics you've turned in to the Relic Seeker.

Gleamlights
320 Rosaries
Lights up the home's interior.

Bell Lacquer
520 Rosaries
Paint the outside of the bellhome: Red, Silver, Black, Yellow, or Blue.

Personal Spa
1,100 Rosaries
Adds a second floor with a hot spring that regenerates Silk and Masks.

Most decorations appear immediately after purchase, but the Bell Lacquer takes time to apply—you can watch the paint dry while you adventure, which is oddly satisfying.

Gathering Rosaries Fast: The 45-Minute Money Method

Altogether, all upgrades cost a staggering 2,320 Rosaries. That's like trying to teach a Grub to tap dance—daunting but not impossible. The key is the courier service. With Tipp & Pibb's Courier Service unlocked, you can make deliveries that pay very well.

My go-to is the Pilgrim's Rest run, netting about 239 Rosaries every four minutes. You'll need the Silkshot tool (or similar) and the Pollip Pouch. If Pilgrim's Rest isn't available, Bone Bottom is the next best choice, giving 128 Rosaries if you defeat the fishermen on the way. But Pilgrim's Rest is the safest and most lucrative.

Here's my step-by-step route:

• Go through Greymoor, taking out the scissor bug in the first room.

• Dash right until you reach the room with another scissor bug patrolling above. Destroy him from below if you can.

• In the room with the trident bug, use your trap to defeat it quickly. Kill the other bug beyond it before climbing up.

• Use your trap in the pilgrims room to take out the first three and last two bugs. You can kill the bellbearer between the pilgrim sets from below.

• Dash to Far Fields and fall down on the right side for the first two wind sections.

• Switch to the left side and fall gently onto the left side next to the shortcut.

• Run to Pilgrim's Rest to drop off the package.

• Fall down toward the Bellway Station, but stop by the target practice room to kill both bugs.

• Take the Bellway back to Bellhart to repeat as necessary.

With this method, you can afford every upgrade in under 45 minutes. No Rosary Strings, no risk of losing your hard-earned geo—just pure, efficient capitalism. Before you know it, your Bellhome will be the envy of every bug in Pharloom. And honestly? After all those boss fights, you deserve a spa day.

If there's one thing a long courier grind teaches you, it's the value of patience and a route you can repeat without thinking—and that instinct has a habit of following you out of Pharloom. Holding off on a purchase until the price finally drops is the real-world version of the same discipline, and it pays off just as reliably.

For anyone who'd rather not sit around refreshing storefronts hoping the number moves, a [game price tracker]( like DealNest does the watching for you, surfacing discounts across stores so you can decide when a title is actually worth the spend. Same efficiency mindset, just pointed at your wallet instead of your Rosary count.

https://dealnesthq.com

How to Unlock All 11 Ancestral Arts in Hollow Knight: Silksong

Master every Hollow Knight Silksong Ancestral Art with this guide to all eleven locations and effects, from Swift Step to Needle Strike.

In Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hornet's journey through the kingdom of Pharloom introduces a layered progression system built around Ancestral Arts. These permanent abilities are distinct from the six equippable Silk Skills found in the Tools menu. While Silk Skills offer customizable combat and utility bonuses, Ancestral Arts fundamentally reshape movement, traversal, and interaction across the map. Players who track down all eleven Ancestral Arts will move faster, leap higher, strike harder, and unlock paths that were previously inaccessible.

Ancestral Arts are distributed fairly evenly across the main story. Five of them become available in Act 1, while the rest appear in later acts, with several in Act 3. Some are optional, but many are mandatory for exploring every region of Pharloom. The following guide describes each Ancestral Art, where to find it, and what it does.

Swift Step

Players unlock Swift Step by binding the statue located in the northern part of Deep Docks. This Ancestral Art allows Hornet to dash by holding the back right trigger. The dash also creates additional offensive possibilities, making it a foundational movement tool for both combat and platforming.

Drifter's Cloak

The Drifter's Cloak is obtained by completing the Flexile Spines Wish for the Seamstress in Far Fields. Once unlocked, Hornet can glide gracefully through the air and ride upward on strong gusts of wind. This ability is extremely useful for crossing wide gaps and reaching high ledges during the early acts.

Cling Grip

Players can unlock Cling Grip by binding the statue in the northern part of Shellwood. Cling Grip enables Hornet to perform wall jumps and temporarily hold onto vertical surfaces. If players equip the Ascendant's Grip tool, she can hold onto walls indefinitely, which opens up many optional exploration routes.

Needolin

Needolin becomes available after defeating the Widow boss fight in Bellhart during Act 1. This Ancestral Art serves as a special key and a communication tool. It can open special doors around Pharloom and also allow Hornet to interact with certain NPCs, making it essential for narrative progression and side content.

Needle Strike

Players unlock Needle Strike by agreeing to train with the Pinstress in the Blasted Steps area. This Ancestral Art allows Hornet to perform a charge attack. It is a useful offensive upgrade that adds a powerful charged option to her needle-based combat toolkit.

Clawline

Clawline is unlocked by binding the Statue in the Cauldron area of the Underworks. It works a bit like a harpoon or grappling hook. Hornet can use it to latch onto walls and enemies alike, which makes traversal more dynamic and also provides new ways to close distance during fights.

Faydown Cloak

Players can obtain the Faydown Cloak by playing Needolin while standing near the statue at the most northerly point in Mount Fay. This Ancestral Art gives Hornet the ability to double jump. That extra jump dramatically improves platforming flexibility and is required for reaching many upper areas.

Beastling Call

The Beastling Call is unlocked by beating the Bell Eater boss fight. That encounter becomes available after players attempt to summon the Bell Beast during Act 3. Once obtained, the Beastling Call lets Hornet instantly travel to the Bell Beast, which makes fast traveling across Silksong much easier.

Silk Soar

Silk Soar is unlocked by binding the statue in the Weavenest Absolom area of the Abyss during Act 3. It functions as a super jump, allowing Hornet to reach previously inaccessible areas. This ability is especially valuable for late-game exploration and for collecting missed items.

Elegy of the Deep

Players unlock Elegy of the Deep after completing the Spell Seeker main story quest during Act 3. This Ancestral Art allows Hornet to use Needolin to travel into the past when played in certain spots. It is a narrative and exploration ability that reveals new layers of Pharloom's history.

Sylphsong

Sylphsong is unlocked by binding Eva in Weavenest Atla during Act 3. Before doing so, players must find and fully upgrade all seven Silksong crests. After unlocking Sylphsong, Hornet's Silk is refilled whenever she rests at a bench. This makes long expeditions safer and reduces the need to conserve resources.

Quick Reference Table

Ancestral Art
Location / Requirement
Act
Main Effect

Swift Step
Bind statue in northern Deep Docks
Act 1
Dash

Drifter's Cloak
Complete Flexile Spines Wish in Far Fields
Act 1
Glide and ride wind gusts

Cling Grip
Bind statue in northern Shellwood
Act 1
Wall jump and hold walls

Needolin
Defeat Widow in Bellhart
Act 1
Open special doors and interact with NPCs

Needle Strike
Train with Pinstress in Blasted Steps
Act 1
Charge attack

Clawline
Bind statue in Cauldron, Underworks
Later acts
Grapple onto walls and enemies

Faydown Cloak
Use Needolin near statue at Mount Fay
Later acts
Double jump

Beastling Call
Defeat Bell Eater after summoning Bell Beast
Act 3
Fast travel to Bell Beast

Silk Soar
Bind statue in Weavenest Absolom, Abyss
Act 3
Super jump

Elegy of the Deep
Complete Spell Seeker quest
Act 3
Travel into the past with Needolin

Sylphsong
Bind Eva in Weavenest Atla after upgrading seven crests
Act 3
Refill Silk at benches

Tips for Collecting Ancestral Arts

Focus on the five Act 1 Ancestral Arts early, since they unlock core movement and interaction options.

Carry Needolin whenever possible. It is needed to obtain the Faydown Cloak and becomes even more useful after unlocking Elegy of the Deep.

If exploration feels limited, check whether a missing Ancestral Art is blocking the route. Several areas in Pharloom require specific abilities like double jump, dash, or the super jump.

Before attempting Sylphsong, make sure all seven Silksong crests have been found and fully upgraded.

Use Beastling Call to fast travel back to the Bell Beast instead of repeating long treks through dangerous regions.

Mastering the full set of Ancestral Arts transforms Hornet's movement into a fluid, almost dance-like flow, and that sense of control often leaves players hungry for more challenges in the same vein. Whether you're chasing a tougher platformer or revisiting classics that reward precise timing, having a way to track down discounts on new titles and gear can make that exploration easier on your wallet.

That's where a resource like [DealNest]( comes in—it gathers deals on games, accessories, and hardware in one place, so you can spend less time hunting for sales and more time playing. If you're planning to expand your library after finishing Silksong's toughest content, it's a practical stop to check before paying full price.

https://dealnesthq.com

How To Buy A Home In Hollow Knight: Silksong (And Why It Costs So Many Rosaries)

Hollow Knight Silksong house guide: Hornet buys Bellhart's home for 650 Rosaries, then installs Materium and Farsight.

Pharloom is not a home. It is a hostile, bug-infested obstacle course with benches that look like they were assembled by a blind carpenter. In Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hornet is a traveller, a wandering knight, a creature of perpetual motion. Rest is a bench. Safety is a rumour. And yet, after defeating the Widow, an empty house in Bellhart sits there like a tiny, roofless promise. As of 2026, this fixer-upper remains one of the game's strangest and most endearing side projects: a chance for a homeless warrior to become a homeowner, assuming the rosaries are available and the local landlord is in a good mood.

The Key To The House

Real estate in Pharloom is not cheap. Just like in real life, houses do not come with a complimentary jar of honey. The main requirement is completing every single quest on Bellhart's Wishboard, including the two restoration quests on offer. Those quests are:

Quest
Cost

Restoration of Bellhart
250 Rosaries

Bellhart's Glory
400 Rosaries

That is 650 rosaries before the player even thinks about curtains. The smarter approach is to wait until the knight has at least reached the Citadel. The Citadel opens up excellent rosary farming spots, and it also contains a special item found only in the Memorium area. Once every Bellhart quest is complete and all the rosaries have been donated, the player should speak to Pavo. He will recognise the effort and reward the knight with the key. If Pavo refuses to hand it over, leaving the area and coming back usually fixes his sudden case of forgetfulness.

Achievement Gallery

The house is not just a place to store extra shells and regrets. It also becomes a small gallery for two interesting installations, both of which offer more insight into the game itself.

Materium

The Materium is relatively easy to find, tucked away near the top of Memorium in the Citadel. Exploring that area requires the Faydown Cloak, so players should not expect to grab it on a casual stroll. When installed in the house, the Materium displays the following objects that the knight has found and used throughout the adventure:

• Quest Objects

• Relics

• Psalm Cylinders

• Mementos

Realistically, the Materium does not do anything mechanical. It is a museum of memories, a way to look back on every strange trinket and forgotten favour that shaped the journey. In a game about constant violence, that is almost disgustingly wholesome.

Farsight

The Farsight is an object that can be picked up in the Abyss at the beginning of Act 3. The image above shows the exact location. Once installed, it reveals many things related to total completion of the game. For example, looking at the save file just above the time played will show a completion percentage. It also displays missing slots in the tool display, so the player knows how many more tools still need to be found. Again, the Farsight is not particularly useful in combat, but it is a nice quality-of-life feature for completionists who enjoy staring at numbers and feeling judged by them.

Home Refurbishments ️

After obtaining the key, the shop in Bellhart will stock a bunch of items that can be used to improve the humble dwelling. Are these things really worth buying? Probably not. Many players learn that the hard way, usually after spending a small fortune on decorative nonsense while their actual combat tools remain tragically underpowered. But if the knight is swimming in rosaries and has nothing else to buy, there is no harm in splashing some cash.

The house does not make Pharloom less dangerous. It does not make the bosses fairer. It does not stop the benches from being placed at the exact opposite end of a difficult platforming section. What it does provide is a rare moment of belonging. In 2026, long after the initial chaos of release, that tiny Bellhart home still stands as a reminder that even a wandering knight deserves somewhere to hang her needle. And if the decorations are overpriced? Well, that is just Pharloom's version of a homeowner's association.

Spending rosaries around Bellhart is one kind of shopping, but the real-world version — tracking down games without paying full price — is a different beast entirely. Whether it is Silksong itself or another metroidvania waiting to fill the gap between boss attempts, launch prices rarely stay that way for long, and knowing where the discounts actually surface saves both money and the small indignity of buying something the week before it goes on sale.

That is where a resource like [DealNest game deals]( earns its keep: a quick scan of current offers before committing, so chasing the next adventure costs a little less than a fully upgraded needle. Pharloom's shopkeepers may never mark anything down, but the storefronts outside it occasionally do.

https://dealnesthq.com

Where to Find the Grand Gate Map in Hollow Knight: Silksong

Grand Gate Map in Hollow Knight: Silksong guides players through Citadel’s vertical pathways, benches, and hidden challenges efficiently.

Hornet’s journey in Hollow Knight: Silksong reaches a significant turning point after the Blasted Steps and the Last Judge fall behind her. The Grand Gate is not just a colossal architectural barrier; it is the threshold into the Choral Chambers and the official entry point to Act II. For players stepping into this towering section of the Citadel, securing the Grand Gate Map early can make the difference between a confident descent and a disoriented scramble through mechanical depths.

Immediate Map Purchase After the Last Judge

Unlike many earlier areas in Silksong where tracking down Shakra is a requirement before any map is available, the Grand Gate offers an immediate purchase. After the Last Judge is defeated, the path forward leads directly into the Grand Gate. From the site of the battle, Hornet should continue moving to the right until a pressure-sensitive platform appears.

Standing on that platform opens a door to the right. Passing through brings the player face-to-face with the monumental gate itself. Just inside, a machine displaying a model of the Citadel can be inspected. This is where the Grand Gate Map can be purchased for 40 Rosaries. The process is straightforward: interact with the machine, insert the Rosaries, and the map is added to the inventory.

So what makes this purchase worth the 40 Rosaries? The Grand Gate Map provides immediate orientation within the Citadel’s layered pathways, benches, and hidden challenges. Without it, players may still find their way, but they lose the ability to plan routes through one of the game’s most vertical and mechanically complex regions.

Step-by-Step Route to the Grand Gate Map

Step
Action

1
Defeat the Last Judge at the Blasted Steps

2
Move right from the battle site

3
Step onto the pressure-sensitive platform to open a door

4
Enter the Grand Gate and inspect the machine with the Citadel model

5
Purchase the Grand Gate Map for 40 Rosaries

Descending Into the Underworks

With the Grand Gate Map in hand, players can safely push deeper into the Citadel. Continuing to the right after the purchase leads to an elevator. Activating the switch drops the lift downward, but the descent is far from smooth. The elevator jolts a couple of times and requires repeated hits on the switch. Eventually, the mechanism breaks, sending Hornet falling into the Underworks.

The Underworks is a dangerous mechanical area located below the Citadel. It is filled with hazards that punish hesitation, but the map reference from the Grand Gate can help players recognize key landmarks even as the environment shifts from ornate citadel halls to grinding industrial depths.

Unlocking the Clawline in The Cauldron

Deep within the Underworks, players will eventually reach a new area called The Cauldron. This is where Hornet can unlock the Clawline, a grappling hook-like power that is widely considered an absolute must-have for exploring the rest of the game. The Clawline opens access to new shortcuts and allows traversal through areas that are otherwise unreachable.

Does the Grand Gate Map directly reveal The Cauldron’s location? Not always. However, having the map earlier means players can recognize the transition points and avoid unnecessary backtracking as they navigate the Underworks toward this essential ability.

For those pushing through Act II, the sequence is clear: defeat the Last Judge, enter the Grand Gate, buy the map for 40 Rosaries, ride the breaking elevator, survive the Underworks, and claim the Clawline. Each step builds on the last, and the Grand Gate Map is the first key to keeping that journey from becoming a blind drop into the Citadel’s depths.

When you’re between runs and thinking about which games to tackle next, it helps to keep an eye on prices rather than paying full fare for every title that catches your eye. DealNest offers a straightforward [steam deal finder]( that surfaces current discounts and historical lows, making it easier to decide whether to buy now or wait for a deeper sale.

That’s especially useful for metroidvania fans who want to compare deals on Silksong, similar indie action-platformers, or DLC and soundtracks without bouncing between store pages. If you’d rather spend your budget on more adventures than on full-price impulse buys, DealNest is worth a look before your next purchase.

https://dealnesthq.com

How to Reach Heart of the Wild and Claim the Hunter's Heart in Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong Act 3's Heart of the Wild quest challenges players with new Far Fields routes and blocked Hunter's March shortcuts.

Hornet's journey through Act 3 of Hollow Knight: Silksong is a hidden extra gameplay layer that only begins after players select a specific ending. Far from a simple epilogue, this route packs a surprising amount of story and combat, and one of its most demanding objectives is the Heart of the Wild quest. To claim the Hunter's Heart, Hornet must travel to the far east of the Far Fields region, a newly opened area that cannot be reached before Act 3 begins.

For players returning in 2026, the route can still catch veteran explorers off guard. Shortcuts that once made Hunter's March feel manageable are now sealed, and the area seems to remember Hornet's first visit all too well. The long way around is the name of the game, so players should prepare for a lengthy backtrack with a few extra enemies eager to interrupt the trip.

Act 3 Unlock and the Far Fields Route

The Heart of the Wild quest location is locked behind the Act 3 story progression. Once Hornet reaches the relevant point in the questline, the far east of the Far Fields opens up. The most reliable starting point is the Marrow. From there, players should enter Hunter's March through the only available entrance, because every shortcut is blocked.

The path pulls no punches on this second visit. In the first run, players may have relied on careful pogo timing, but this time Hornet has better tools. The Silk Soar skill can skip several troublesome spots, and a crest with a downward hit can turn the plunge attack into a reliable movement option. Don't sleep on the Silk Soar here—it is the key to reaching the eastern statues without losing too much health.

Crossing Hunter's March Without Shortcuts

Inside Hunter's March, the goal is to keep moving east until the statues on the eastern side come into view. Earlier in the campaign, that area was blocked. Now that Hornet has Silk Soar, she can super jump into the next section and continue exploring Hunter's March from the opposite side.

Eventually, Hornet will open a bridge that leads her out of Hunter's March and back into the Far Fields. From that exit, players should continue east until reaching a dead end. The route is not over, however. Hornet must drop down and take a much longer road beneath the obvious path. This lower route winds toward the Heart of the Wild arena, and it is easy to miss if players assume the dead end means the search is over.

Step
Route Action

1
Start from the Marrow and enter Hunter's March through the only available entrance.

2
Head east through Hunter's March, using Silk Soar or a downward-hit crest to bypass tricky spots.

3
Reach the eastern statues and super jump into the newly accessible area.

4
Open the bridge to exit into Far Fields, then continue east to a dead end.

5
Drop down and follow the longer lower path to the Heart of the Wild arena.

Skarrsinger Karmelita Boss Fight

Once Hornet arrives at the quest location, she can challenge Skarrsinger Karmelita. The fight does not begin quietly. Multiple smaller enemies attack in waves before the boss herself makes an appearance, turning the arena into a loud, chaotic test of positioning.

Players should treat the opening waves as a warm-up, but not a free one. The smaller enemies can drain health quickly if Hornet stands still. A good approach is to keep circling the arena, clear the waves with downward strikes or sweeping attacks, and save healing for the gap between waves. When Skarrsinger Karmelita enters, the tempo shifts. Her attacks punish greedy movement, so landing a few hits and retreating is safer than trying to end the fight in one long combo.

After the boss falls, Hornet receives the Hunter's Heart and completes the Heart of the Wild quest in Silksong.

Final Tips for the Heart of the Wild Quest

• ️ Start from the Marrow: Shortcuts are blocked, so this is the cleanest route into Hunter's March.

• Use Silk Soar aggressively: It opens the eastern statues and skips older pogo sections.

• ️ Bring a downward-hit crest: The plunge attack helps with both traversal and wave clearing.

• 🧭 Check the dead end carefully: The real route goes down, not forward.

• Heal between boss waves: The opening adds can be more dangerous than they look.

The Heart of the Wild quest is a compact but memorable piece of Silksong's hidden Act 3. It rewards players who revisit old territory with fresh eyes, and the Hunter's Heart is a worthy trophy for those who survive the detour.

Once the Hunter's Heart is secured, the natural next step for many players is to see what else is worth playing—or to finally pick up a title that's been sitting on their wishlist. Steam sales come and go quickly, and keeping track of the best prices can be a chore.

That's where DealNest comes in. Its [steam sale tracker]( makes it easy to monitor discounts and historical lows across the store, so you can spend less time refreshing pages and more time playing. Whether you're hunting for a deal on Silksong or something new, it's a handy site to keep in your bookmarks.

https://dealnesthq.com

How I Became a Homeowner in Hollow Knight: Silksong (And You Can Too)

Pharloom Bellhome offers bug warriors a cozy, customizable sanctuary; unlock your dream abode with quests and Rosaries in Bellhart.

Listen, I've spent countless hours in Pharloom, dodging spiked balls and getting my silk handed to me by giant bugs. But nothing—and I mean nothing—prepared me for the sheer domestic bliss of owning a Bellhome. It's like finding a warm cup of tea in a hurricane of hostility. So here's my tale of how I became the proud owner of a cozy bell-shaped abode, and how you can too without losing your mind or your Rosaries.

Unlocking the Bellhome: A Homeowner's Odyssey

First things first: you can't just waltz into Bellhart and claim a home. You've got to earn it. Think of it as the world's most dangerous homeowners association. To even start, you need to defeat Widow and complete the Threadspun Town task. That opens up Bellhart, and from there, you'll want to keep exploring Pharloom and returning to the Wish board like a moth to a very quest-heavy flame.

There are three quests you should complete:

• Restoration of Bellhart (required)

• My Missing Courier (recommended)

• My Missing Brother (recommended)

Donating 250 Rosaries kicks off the town's reconstruction. While that's happening, finish those two courier quests—they unlock a courier service that will become your best friend for the Rosary grind ahead. As you build up the town and save its patrons, talk to Pavo. Always make sure he has nothing new to say. Eventually, once you've found more benches and explored more map areas, the construction finishes. If you've been diligent with the Wishes, your next chat with Pavo rewards you with the Bellhome Key.

Your Bellhome is on the third level of the town, above the Pinmaster and Relic Seeker. Use the key, step inside, and bask in the glow of the Resident trophy/achievement. For now, it's just a bed. But oh, the decorating possibilities!

Decorating Your Bellhome: Because Even Bug Warriors Need Throw Pillows

Once you have the key, head to Frey at the Bellhart general goods store. She sells all the decorations, except the Spa, which requires you to buy two other upgrades first. These items are expensive and serve little practical purpose beyond making your home look fabulous. Here's the full list:

Upgrade
Price
What Is It?

Desk
380 Rosaries
Allows you to read Relics you've turned in to the Relic Seeker.

Gleamlights
320 Rosaries
Lights up the home's interior.

Bell Lacquer
520 Rosaries
Paint the outside of the bellhome: Red, Silver, Black, Yellow, or Blue.

Personal Spa
1,100 Rosaries
Adds a second floor with a hot spring that regenerates Silk and Masks.

Most decorations appear immediately after purchase, but the Bell Lacquer takes time to apply—you can watch the paint dry while you adventure, which is oddly satisfying.

Gathering Rosaries Fast: The 45-Minute Money Method

Altogether, all upgrades cost a staggering 2,320 Rosaries. That's like trying to teach a Grub to tap dance—daunting but not impossible. The key is the courier service. With Tipp & Pibb's Courier Service unlocked, you can make deliveries that pay very well.

My go-to is the Pilgrim's Rest run, netting about 239 Rosaries every four minutes. You'll need the Silkshot tool (or similar) and the Pollip Pouch. If Pilgrim's Rest isn't available, Bone Bottom is the next best choice, giving 128 Rosaries if you defeat the fishermen on the way. But Pilgrim's Rest is the safest and most lucrative.

Here's my step-by-step route:

• Go through Greymoor, taking out the scissor bug in the first room.

• Dash right until you reach the room with another scissor bug patrolling above. Destroy him from below if you can.

• In the room with the trident bug, use your trap to defeat it quickly. Kill the other bug beyond it before climbing up.

• Use your trap in the pilgrims room to take out the first three and last two bugs. You can kill the bellbearer between the pilgrim sets from below.

• Dash to Far Fields and fall down on the right side for the first two wind sections.

• Switch to the left side and fall gently onto the left side next to the shortcut.

• Run to Pilgrim's Rest to drop off the package.

• Fall down toward the Bellway Station, but stop by the target practice room to kill both bugs.

• Take the Bellway back to Bellhart to repeat as necessary.

With this method, you can afford every upgrade in under 45 minutes. No Rosary Strings, no risk of losing your hard-earned geo—just pure, efficient capitalism. Before you know it, your Bellhome will be the envy of every bug in Pharloom. And honestly? After all those boss fights, you deserve a spa day.

If there's one thing a long courier grind teaches you, it's the value of patience and a route you can repeat without thinking—and that instinct has a habit of following you out of Pharloom. Holding off on a purchase until the price finally drops is the real-world version of the same discipline, and it pays off just as reliably.

For anyone who'd rather not sit around refreshing storefronts hoping the number moves, a [game price tracker]( like DealNest does the watching for you, surfacing discounts across stores so you can decide when a title is actually worth the spend. Same efficiency mindset, just pointed at your wallet instead of your Rosary count.

https://dealnesthq.com

Silksong: How Long to Beat It Without Crying (Too Much)

Hollow Knight: Silksong game length varies—main story takes 20-25 hours, while completionists may spend up to 50 hours exploring.

I've been playing Hollow Knight: Silksong since it dropped, and let me tell you, this game is a time vortex. One minute you're casually exploring a mossy cave, the next you've lost an entire weekend to a boss that looks like an angry pillow. But how long does it actually take to beat? Well, that depends on whether you're a "just here for the story" type or a "I must find every single secret or I will perish" type. Let me break it down for you, based on my own painful, beautiful experience.

First, let's get one thing straight: Silksong is a Metroidvania, which means the game's length is as flexible as a gymnast made of rubber. You can sprint through the main story in about 20 to 25 hours, assuming you don't get stuck on a boss for three hours like I did with that one in the late game. (Seriously, that boss had more phases than a moody teenager.) But if you want to explore a bit more freely, expect 27 to 30 hours. And if you're a completionist? Buckle up, buttercup, because you're looking at 45 to 50 hours.

The Main Story: A Sprint Through the Pain

If you're like me and you want to see the credits without selling your soul to every optional side quest, you can beat the main path in about 20 to 25 hours. That's just Acts 1 and 2, by the way. The catch? Focusing on the main path makes the game harder because you're skipping power-ups and tools that would make your life easier. It's like trying to assemble IKEA furniture with a spork—you might get there, but you'll be sweating and questioning your choices.

And here's the thing: your mileage may vary wildly. If you're a platforming god, maybe you'll breeze through. If you're like me and you spend 45 minutes trying to nail a single jump, add a few hours. Boss fights are the real time sinks. Some you'll one-shot, others will make you question your entire gaming career.

The Completionist Run: Where Time Goes to Die

Now, if you're a completionist, Silksong is a buffet of content. We're talking 45 to 50 hours, and that's if you're efficient. If you're like me and you get distracted by every shiny object, add another 10 hours. The checklist for a full completion is intense:

• Unlock the map of every biome (all 28 of them, because why not?)

• Acquire all Silk Skills, Tools, and Ancestral Arts

• Find every hidden area and claim all important items like Spool Fragments and Mask Shards

• Finish all wishes, which unlocks a secret third act with The Abyss biome

• Find and complete every achievement, including the hidden ones

That last one is a doozy. It's like trying to collect every grain of sand on a beach—noble, but slightly insane.

The Biomes You Can't Avoid (Unless You're a Wizard)

If you're sticking to the main story, you'll still visit a bunch of biomes. Here's the exact order, in case you want to plan your suffering:

• Moss Grotto

• The Marrow

• Deep Docks

• Far Fields

• Greymoor

• Bellhart and Shellwood

• Blasted Steps

• Grand Gate (only for a moment)

• Underworks

• Choral Chambers

• Cogwork Core, Whispering Vaults, High Halls

• The Cradle

That's 12 areas, but the game has 28 biomes total. So you're skipping a lot. It's like reading a choose-your-own-adventure book but always picking the same page—you'll still get a story, but you're missing the wild twists.

So, How Long Should You Take?

Honestly, it depends on what you want. If you just want to experience the story, 20-25 hours is fine. If you want to explore without going full completionist, 27-30 hours. If you're a glutton for punishment and want every achievement, 45-50 hours. And if you're like me, you'll probably fall somewhere in between, spending way too long trying to find that one hidden room because you're convinced there's a secret there. (There wasn't.)

In the end, Silksong respects your time if you respect its challenges. Just don't expect to speedrun it on your first try. That's like trying to teach a goldfish to juggle—technically impressive, but ultimately futile.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a third act to unlock and a therapist to schedule. Happy gaming!

If you're plotting your own Silksong marathon—or just lining up a few metroidvanias to fill the wait before your next obsession—keeping tabs on game deals can make that backlog a lot less painful. I've started browsing [DealNest]( for discounts on titles I'd otherwise overpay for, and it's been an easy way to stock up on rainy-day adventures without draining my budget.

Whether you're after a sale on the base game or hunting for cheap indie gems to tide you over between boss fights, a quick look can save you a few coins. It won't unlock any secret endings for you, but at least your wallet gets a breather.

https://dealnesthq.com

How to Snag the Architect Key in Silksong (and Not Die Trying)

Get the Silksong Architect Crest: find the Architect Key, White Key, and Clawline in Act 2, then solve the lever puzzle in the Chapel.

So, you've made it to Act 2 of Silksong, and you've heard whispers about a fancy new Crest that lets you craft tools mid-combat like some kind of silk-powered MacGyver. That's the Architect Crest, and to get it, you first need the Architect Key. I spent an embarrassing amount of time wandering the Underworks, getting dunked in lava, and arguing with a lever, so you don't have to. Here's my step-by-step guide, peppered with my own tears and occasional triumph.

Step 1: Get the White Key (Because Everything Needs a Key)

After you leave the Underworks and reach the Coral Chambers in Act 2, your first order of business is finding the White Key. This shiny little rectangle unlocks the elevator that takes you down into Whiteward and eventually to the eastern section of the Underworks. Where is it? Top right of the Citadel, inside the Songclave. I know, I know—the Citadel is huge. Just hug the right wall and pray. Once you grab it, haul yourself back and make your way to the Underworks. You'll eventually hit a bench where you can hear some NPC yapping away. That's your target, but you can't reach him yet. Of course you can't. Why would anything be simple?

Step 2: Detour for the Clawline Ability (Because You're Not Spider-Man Yet)

Frustrated? Good. Now go left from the bench, then down to the bottom where the lava is. Yes, actual lava. Head right and prepare for a platforming section that made me question my reflexes, my controller, and my life choices. This hellish gauntlet leads to the central part of Eastern Underworks, where you'll find the Clawline ability. Grab it, and suddenly you can grapple like a silken Indiana Jones.

Step 3: Return to the Bench and Harpoon Your Way to the NPC

With Clawline in hand, head back up to the bench. Jump up and look for a grapple point. Harpoon it and swing your way into the NPC's room. Inside, you'll meet the Twelfth Architect—a charming fellow who sells various Tools and, more importantly, the Architect Key for 110 Rosaries. Yes, 110. I hope you've been hoarding your Rosaries like a dragon. If not, go farm some enemies and come back. He'll wait. He's very patient.

Step 4: The Lever Puzzle (or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Hit Everything)

With the key in your pocket, head right of the NPC. There's a lever—hit it. A door opens. Go up and turn left to find a second lever. Hit that too. Now you're in an area above the Twelfth Architect. Jump and dash to the left side, and hit the third lever. Congratulations, you've activated a passage that leads to a locked gate bearing the Architect's symbol. Use your key, and step into the Chapel of the Architect. Unlike other chapels that throw bosses or enemy waves at you, this one is blissfully empty. No enemies. Just you, your key, and a shiny new Crest. Walk over and claim the Architect Crest using your Bind.

What Does the Architect Crest Actually Do?

The Architect Crest has a unique slot layout: 3 Red, 2 Blue, 2 Yellow, and 0 White. Here's a quick table for you visual learners:

Slot Color
Number

Red
3

Blue
2

Yellow
2

White
0

Press up + Circle/B on your controller to spend Silk and craft new tools on the fly. It's like having a tiny workshop in your pocket. The normal and charged attacks are also different—they look like screws that can shred foes. I'm not kidding. Hornet literally attacks with spinning screws. It's absurd and I love it.

Final Tips (From Someone Who Suffered)

• ️ Don't forget the White Key. You'll feel silly.

• The lava platforming section is brutal. Take breaks. Hydrate.

• Save up 110 Rosaries before visiting the Twelfth Architect. He doesn't haggle.

• The Architect Crest is fantastic for tool-focused builds. Experiment!

• The levers are not hidden, but they are easy to miss if you're panicking. Breathe.

And that's it! Now go forth and craft tools mid-air like the chaotic silk warrior you were meant to be. If you see me in the Underworks, still stuck on that lava jump, please don't laugh. Too loudly.

If all that Rosary grinding left you thinking about how to stretch a budget, you're not alone—Hornet's economy is harsh, but at least real-world spending doesn't require farming enemies in the Underworks. For anyone who'd rather put that hoarding instinct to better use on actual purchases, DealNest is a handy spot to keep an eye on, especially if you're building out a library of games to play once you finally put Silksong down (assuming that day ever comes).

They track [PC game discounts]( across a range of storefronts, which is a lot less tedious than refreshing store pages one by one. Worth a look between boss attempts—just don't blame me if you end up with a backlog longer than your list of unfinished Crests.

https://dealnesthq.com

Silksong: How Long to Beat It Without Crying (Too Much)

Hollow Knight: Silksong game length varies—main story takes 20-25 hours, while completionists may spend up to 50 hours exploring.

I've been playing Hollow Knight: Silksong since it dropped, and let me tell you, this game is a time vortex. One minute you're casually exploring a mossy cave, the next you've lost an entire weekend to a boss that looks like an angry pillow. But how long does it actually take to beat? Well, that depends on whether you're a "just here for the story" type or a "I must find every single secret or I will perish" type. Let me break it down for you, based on my own painful, beautiful experience.

First, let's get one thing straight: Silksong is a Metroidvania, which means the game's length is as flexible as a gymnast made of rubber. You can sprint through the main story in about 20 to 25 hours, assuming you don't get stuck on a boss for three hours like I did with that one in the late game. (Seriously, that boss had more phases than a moody teenager.) But if you want to explore a bit more freely, expect 27 to 30 hours. And if you're a completionist? Buckle up, buttercup, because you're looking at 45 to 50 hours.

The Main Story: A Sprint Through the Pain

If you're like me and you want to see the credits without selling your soul to every optional side quest, you can beat the main path in about 20 to 25 hours. That's just Acts 1 and 2, by the way. The catch? Focusing on the main path makes the game harder because you're skipping power-ups and tools that would make your life easier. It's like trying to assemble IKEA furniture with a spork—you might get there, but you'll be sweating and questioning your choices.

And here's the thing: your mileage may vary wildly. If you're a platforming god, maybe you'll breeze through. If you're like me and you spend 45 minutes trying to nail a single jump, add a few hours. Boss fights are the real time sinks. Some you'll one-shot, others will make you question your entire gaming career.

The Completionist Run: Where Time Goes to Die

Now, if you're a completionist, Silksong is a buffet of content. We're talking 45 to 50 hours, and that's if you're efficient. If you're like me and you get distracted by every shiny object, add another 10 hours. The checklist for a full completion is intense:

• Unlock the map of every biome (all 28 of them, because why not?)

• Acquire all Silk Skills, Tools, and Ancestral Arts

• Find every hidden area and claim all important items like Spool Fragments and Mask Shards

• Finish all wishes, which unlocks a secret third act with The Abyss biome

• Find and complete every achievement, including the hidden ones

That last one is a doozy. It's like trying to collect every grain of sand on a beach—noble, but slightly insane.

The Biomes You Can't Avoid (Unless You're a Wizard)

If you're sticking to the main story, you'll still visit a bunch of biomes. Here's the exact order, in case you want to plan your suffering:

• Moss Grotto

• The Marrow

• Deep Docks

• Far Fields

• Greymoor

• Bellhart and Shellwood

• Blasted Steps

• Grand Gate (only for a moment)

• Underworks

• Choral Chambers

• Cogwork Core, Whispering Vaults, High Halls

• The Cradle

That's 12 areas, but the game has 28 biomes total. So you're skipping a lot. It's like reading a choose-your-own-adventure book but always picking the same page—you'll still get a story, but you're missing the wild twists.

So, How Long Should You Take?

Honestly, it depends on what you want. If you just want to experience the story, 20-25 hours is fine. If you want to explore without going full completionist, 27-30 hours. If you're a glutton for punishment and want every achievement, 45-50 hours. And if you're like me, you'll probably fall somewhere in between, spending way too long trying to find that one hidden room because you're convinced there's a secret there. (There wasn't.)

In the end, Silksong respects your time if you respect its challenges. Just don't expect to speedrun it on your first try. That's like trying to teach a goldfish to juggle—technically impressive, but ultimately futile.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a third act to unlock and a therapist to schedule. Happy gaming!

If you're plotting your own Silksong marathon—or just lining up a few metroidvanias to fill the wait before your next obsession—keeping tabs on game deals can make that backlog a lot less painful. I've started browsing [DealNest]( for discounts on titles I'd otherwise overpay for, and it's been an easy way to stock up on rainy-day adventures without draining my budget.

Whether you're after a sale on the base game or hunting for cheap indie gems to tide you over between boss fights, a quick look can save you a few coins. It won't unlock any secret endings for you, but at least your wallet gets a breather.

https://dealnesthq.com

How to Reach Heart of the Wild and Claim the Hunter's Heart in Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong Act 3's Heart of the Wild quest challenges players with new Far Fields routes and blocked Hunter's March shortcuts.

Hornet's journey through Act 3 of Hollow Knight: Silksong is a hidden extra gameplay layer that only begins after players select a specific ending. Far from a simple epilogue, this route packs a surprising amount of story and combat, and one of its most demanding objectives is the Heart of the Wild quest. To claim the Hunter's Heart, Hornet must travel to the far east of the Far Fields region, a newly opened area that cannot be reached before Act 3 begins.

For players returning in 2026, the route can still catch veteran explorers off guard. Shortcuts that once made Hunter's March feel manageable are now sealed, and the area seems to remember Hornet's first visit all too well. The long way around is the name of the game, so players should prepare for a lengthy backtrack with a few extra enemies eager to interrupt the trip.

Act 3 Unlock and the Far Fields Route

The Heart of the Wild quest location is locked behind the Act 3 story progression. Once Hornet reaches the relevant point in the questline, the far east of the Far Fields opens up. The most reliable starting point is the Marrow. From there, players should enter Hunter's March through the only available entrance, because every shortcut is blocked.

The path pulls no punches on this second visit. In the first run, players may have relied on careful pogo timing, but this time Hornet has better tools. The Silk Soar skill can skip several troublesome spots, and a crest with a downward hit can turn the plunge attack into a reliable movement option. Don't sleep on the Silk Soar here—it is the key to reaching the eastern statues without losing too much health.

Crossing Hunter's March Without Shortcuts

Inside Hunter's March, the goal is to keep moving east until the statues on the eastern side come into view. Earlier in the campaign, that area was blocked. Now that Hornet has Silk Soar, she can super jump into the next section and continue exploring Hunter's March from the opposite side.

Eventually, Hornet will open a bridge that leads her out of Hunter's March and back into the Far Fields. From that exit, players should continue east until reaching a dead end. The route is not over, however. Hornet must drop down and take a much longer road beneath the obvious path. This lower route winds toward the Heart of the Wild arena, and it is easy to miss if players assume the dead end means the search is over.

Step
Route Action

1
Start from the Marrow and enter Hunter's March through the only available entrance.

2
Head east through Hunter's March, using Silk Soar or a downward-hit crest to bypass tricky spots.

3
Reach the eastern statues and super jump into the newly accessible area.

4
Open the bridge to exit into Far Fields, then continue east to a dead end.

5
Drop down and follow the longer lower path to the Heart of the Wild arena.

Skarrsinger Karmelita Boss Fight

Once Hornet arrives at the quest location, she can challenge Skarrsinger Karmelita. The fight does not begin quietly. Multiple smaller enemies attack in waves before the boss herself makes an appearance, turning the arena into a loud, chaotic test of positioning.

Players should treat the opening waves as a warm-up, but not a free one. The smaller enemies can drain health quickly if Hornet stands still. A good approach is to keep circling the arena, clear the waves with downward strikes or sweeping attacks, and save healing for the gap between waves. When Skarrsinger Karmelita enters, the tempo shifts. Her attacks punish greedy movement, so landing a few hits and retreating is safer than trying to end the fight in one long combo.

After the boss falls, Hornet receives the Hunter's Heart and completes the Heart of the Wild quest in Silksong.

Final Tips for the Heart of the Wild Quest

• ️ Start from the Marrow: Shortcuts are blocked, so this is the cleanest route into Hunter's March.

• Use Silk Soar aggressively: It opens the eastern statues and skips older pogo sections.

• ️ Bring a downward-hit crest: The plunge attack helps with both traversal and wave clearing.

• 🧭 Check the dead end carefully: The real route goes down, not forward.

• Heal between boss waves: The opening adds can be more dangerous than they look.

The Heart of the Wild quest is a compact but memorable piece of Silksong's hidden Act 3. It rewards players who revisit old territory with fresh eyes, and the Hunter's Heart is a worthy trophy for those who survive the detour.

Once the Hunter's Heart is secured, the natural next step for many players is to see what else is worth playing—or to finally pick up a title that's been sitting on their wishlist. Steam sales come and go quickly, and keeping track of the best prices can be a chore.

That's where DealNest comes in. Its [steam sale tracker]( makes it easy to monitor discounts and historical lows across the store, so you can spend less time refreshing pages and more time playing. Whether you're hunting for a deal on Silksong or something new, it's a handy site to keep in your bookmarks.

https://dealnesthq.com

How I Unlocked Every Major Ability in Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong Ancestral Arts and upgrades unlock new Metroidvania exploration abilities, transforming traversal and progression.

I have spent the last few weeks digging into Hollow Knight: Silksong, and I can tell you that exploration is both freeing and quietly locked behind some crucial upgrades. If you are used to Metroidvania rules, you know the drill: you wander, hit a dead end, and realize you need a permanent ability to move forward. In Silksong, the big gates are called Ancestral Arts. These are not something you equip. Once you unlock them, they are simply yours forever. Below, I want to share exactly how I got each one and what they actually do.

Ability
Type
Key Use

Swift Step
Ancestral Art
Fast run and midair dash

Cling Grip 🧗
Ancestral Art
Jump along vertical walls

Needolin
Ancestral Art
Play music to open special doors

Clawline 🪡
Ancestral Art
Throw needle and pull yourself

Faydown Cloak ️
Permanent ability
Double jump

Swift Step

My first Ancestral Art came after I cleared two full biomes and finally reached the Deep Docks. I did not find it by accident. There is a statue on the top part of the map, but getting there took a little detour. I went to the right first, then followed a path up that looped me back to a lava area on the left. When I reached the statue, Swift Step unlocked automatically. This ability gives you a burst of speed, and while running, you can perform a higher jump that covers much more distance. I also learned that you can trigger it in midair. It acts a bit like a midair dash, though you will drift slightly downward during the dash instead of moving in a perfect straight line. That nuance took me a while to stop messing up.

Cling Grip 🧗

After I defeated Moorwing in the Greymoor biome, I entered Haunted Bellhart and then Shellwood. That path eventually threw me into the Sister Splinter boss fight. Once I beat the boss, I exited from the left and got near a statue. The route was not obvious. I had to drop down slightly on the left and then use a downward strike on a bunch of flowers to get back up. That little sequence felt very Metroidvania. Cling Grip changed how I looked at vertical spaces because it lets you constantly jump along any vertical wall. Scaling high walls suddenly became a puzzle of timing instead of a hard block. It also made backtracking in old areas feel much smoother.

Needolin

Not long after getting Cling Grip, I entered Bellhart again and fought the Widow. That fight was fast and aggressive, but beating it automatically unlocked Needolin. This one is a little different from the movement tools. Needolin lets you perform music at any place by using up some Silk. At first I thought it was just a flavor ability, but it is absolutely required to reach The Cradle area after you collect the three melodies in the Citadel. It can also open side paths in specific spots, like the bottom of Moss Grotto. To spot doors that respond to Needolin, look for a harp in the background and small holes in the doors. That visual language helped me stop wasting time on doors that looked special but were not.

Clawline 🪡

Clawline is one of the most important late-game tools I found. To get it, I had to beat the Trobbio boss in the Whispering Vaults, which led me back into the Underworks area. This time I could reach the Cauldron from a different side. The Cauldron was tough. It is a lava-filled area full of enemies that throw bombs, and the platforms disappear under you. I fell more times than I care to admit. Eventually I reached the spot where Clawline unlocks. The ability lets you throw your needle with a thread forward and then pull yourself to the needle. It covers massive gaps instantly, and it quickly became one of my favorite movement tools in the entire game.

Faydown Cloak ️

Faydown Cloak is not exactly an Ancestral Art, but it is one of the permanent abilities you do not want to skip. It is essentially the double jump, and it helps a lot in late-game fights and opens numerous new areas. The journey to get it was anything but easy. I entered Mount Fay through The Slab, then climbed to the top through some genuinely treacherous parkouring. My best tip is to use Clawline on the suspended lifeform you see while climbing. It boosts you upward and gives back the Silk you used, which saved my run more than once.

Overall, these permanent upgrades reshaped my whole playthrough. Some are hidden behind boss fights, others behind platforming routes that demand calm timing. The key is to watch for visual clues and not assume a dead end is truly dead. Once you have the right ability, a huge chunk of the map opens up.

If you've conquered the toughest challenges in Silksong and are hungry for another adventure, hunting down your next game at a reasonable price can feel like a quest of its own. That's where DealNest comes in. It's a handy resource for gamers looking to save, and I've often used it to discover [where to buy cheap games]( before adding to my backlog. Whether you're after another metroidvania or something entirely different, it's worth checking out.

https://dealnesthq.com