The sheer joy of playing Hollow Knight: Silksong is only rivaled by the intense challenge presented throughout Hornet’s quest.
While Hollow Knight set a high bar, Team Cherry has truly outdone themselves. Right from the start, the difficulty is noticeable, as they hold nothing back from the player.
Enemies boast intricate attack patterns and pack a serious punch. Moreover, the game introduces a wealth of complex mechanics that may feel like information overload early on.
Among the numerous novel gameplay elements, one stands out as particularly helpful for easing newcomers into the experience. Join me as we explore five essential early-game tools in Hollow Knight: Silksong, designed to smooth your path forward.
5
Plasmium Phial
Staying Alive Against Strong Attacks
|
Effect |
Grants one additional blue health mask |
|---|---|
|
How To Get |
Finish the “Alchemist’s Assistant” quest in Wormways |
A primary challenge in Pharloom is that even weaker enemies can deal a significant two points of damage per hit, causing serious issues for survivability.
Considering the starting health, if you’re hit twice and heal once, you only have four hits worth of health left against powerful enemies. Therefore, the extra protection from Plasmium Phial can be crucial in securing victory.
That extra mask allows you to survive an additional attack in many situations, giving you precious time to defeat the boss or bypass the obstacle preventing you from reaching the next save point.
Given the limited availability of mask fragments in the early game, Plasmium Phial is incredibly impactful, and obtaining it by completing the quest from the NPC in Wormways is relatively simple.
4
Flea Brew
Momentary Speed Boost
|
Effect |
Briefly boosts movement and attack speed |
|---|---|
|
How To Get |
Finish the “The Lost Fleas” quest in The Marrow |
Similar to the powerful Quick Slash charm from Hollow Knight, Flea Brew offers a temporary surge of speed in Silksong.
When active, your movement and attacks become significantly faster, injecting a more dynamic feel to combat and allowing you to dish out substantial damage against slower-moving enemies or stunned bosses.
Although its duration is limited and refills require Rosaries, Flea Brew is a great option for experienced players with enough currency to spare, who want to maximize their offensive capabilities.
Swiftness was a highly valued attribute in Hallownest, and its importance remains unchanged in the new challenges that await.
3
Curveclaw
Attack Enemies from Afar
|
Effect |
Launches a curved projectile to strike flying enemies |
|---|---|
|
How To Get |
Purchase from the Mottled Skarr in Hunter’s March for 140 Rosaries |
The game introduces numerous flying enemy variations, launching projectiles from all directions and becoming hard to hit, but that is exactly what the Curveclaw is meant for.
It’s the most challenging tool to master due to the unique trajectory of the bone when thrown, but it’s the most effective method for taking down annoying aerial foes.
Every area has winged pests that cause even more trouble than some bosses in Hollow Knight, so the Curveclaw has become more essential than anticipated.
Practice in a safe area to master its usage. The reduction in frustration is worth the Rosaries spent with the Mottled Skarr merchant.
2
Flintslate
Flame Enhanced Attacks
|
Effect |
Enchants each attack with temporary fire damage |
|---|---|
|
How To Get |
Found on a table within the Forge Daughter’s passage in Deep Docks |
It took over ten hours to get my first needle upgrade, so Flintslate helped overcome the initial low damage output.
Reminiscent of Charcoal Pine Resin from Dark Souls, it briefly adds fire damage to your attacks, providing a considerable damage boost.
I wouldn’t say Flintslate alone secured victories against tough bosses, but I admit it significantly eased the pressure in difficult encounters.
Given the ability to recharge and extend its use during extended boss fights, Flintslate allows you to easily maintain fire-enhanced attacks for more consistent damage.
1
Threefold Pin
Versatile Damage Tool
|
Effect |
Hurls three pins in quick succession |
|---|---|
|
How To Get |
Hidden behind a breakable wall inside Craw Lake in Greymoor |
Struggling to deal sufficient damage to overcome bosses, the Threefold Pin is a lifesaver.
The button combinations to activate can be tricky to remember, but once mastered, this barrage of throwing daggers becomes a true force multiplier.
Used between needle strikes, these pins tear through enemies, whether facing regular encounters or challenging bosses, the combined damage is incredible.
If you can handle the controls and are comfortable with the game, I highly recommend the Threefold Pin, as it’s the most enjoyable and most effective way to play Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Hornet becomes a formidable combatant, especially considering the ease of aiming and utility at both close and long ranges, making it incredibly versatile in countless scenarios.