The Diagonal Dive That Redefines Platforming
In Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hornet’s movement mechanics introduce a fresh take on traversal and combat. One of the most significant changes from the original Hollow Knight is the reworked pogo jump—a technique that’s no longer a simple vertical strike, but a diagonal dive that demands precision, timing, and spatial awareness. Unlike the Knight’s straightforward downward attack, Hornet performs a diagonal needle thrust in the direction she’s facing. This subtle shift transforms how players interact with the environment, especially during platforming sequences and aerial combat. The bounce effect after a successful hit is less pronounced than in the original game, requiring tighter control and more deliberate timing to chain pogo jumps effectively. To execute a pogo in Silksong, players must jump, hold the downward input, and press the attack button mid-air. Hornet will dive diagonally downward, and if she connects with an enemy, object, or bounceable surface, she’ll rebound slightly upward. This rebound is your cue to prepare the next dive, continuing the sequence until you reach your target. Mastering this rhythm is essential. Unlike the rhythmic vertical bounces of the Knight, Hornet’s diagonal dive introduces variability. Sometimes, you’ll need to delay your next attack to align with the next bounceable object. Other times, you’ll need to adjust your facing direction mid-air to maintain control. It’s a dance of timing and positioning that rewards practice and precision.
Why Pogo Jumping Is Essential in Silksong
Pharloom, the mysterious kingdom Hornet explores, is designed withverticality and aerial movement in mind. Many areas are inaccessiblewithout mastering pogo jumps, especially those involving redfruits—platforming elements scattered across the map that act as bouncepads.
These fruits can only be activated by Hornet’s downward diagonalattack. They’re often placed in sequences that require multiple chainedpogos to reach higher platforms, secret areas, or collectibles. Withoutproficiency in this mechanic, players may find themselves locked out ofkey regions or forced to take longer, more dangerous routes.
Beyond traversal, pogo jumping plays a vital role in combat. Hornet’s diagonal dive allows her to strike enemies from above, avoidground-based hazards, and maintain aerial momentum. This is particularly useful against large enemies or bosses with sweeping attacks. Bystaying airborne and chaining pogos, players can deal consistent damagewhile minimizing risk.
Tips for Improving Your Pogo Technique
To truly master the pogo mechanic in Silksong, players should focus on three key areas: timing, positioning, and adaptability.
- Practice in Safe Zones: Find areas with redfruits or stationary enemies and practice chaining pogo jumps. Focus onunderstanding the attack’s angle and hitbox. Learn how far Hornettravels during the dive and how much rebound you get after each hit.
- Adjust Your Timing: Don’t always attack atthe peak of your bounce. Sometimes, delaying your next dive by afraction of a second will help you align better with the next target.This is especially important in sequences with uneven spacing or movingplatforms.
- Use Environmental Cues: Pharloom is filledwith visual hints that suggest pogo usage. Red fruits, floating enemies, and spike-covered surfaces often indicate that a pogo sequence isrequired. Pay attention to enemy placement and object positioning toplan your route.
- Experiment with Crests: Silksong’s crestsystem allows players to modify Hornet’s abilities. Some crests mayalter the behavior of her diagonal dive, shorten the attack range, oradd mobility options like gliding. Experiment with differentcombinations to find what suits your playstyle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced players can struggle with the new pogo mechanic if they rely too heavily on habits from Hollow Knight. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Assuming Vertical Control: Hornet’s dive isdiagonal, not vertical. Trying to replicate the Knight’s pogo rhythmwill lead to missed hits and awkward positioning.
- Overcommitting to Combos: Pogo jumping isuseful, but it’s not always the best option. In tight spaces or againstfast-moving enemies, it may be safer to retreat or use ranged attacks.
- Ignoring Bounce Timing: The rebound after a successful pogo is subtle. If you attack too early or too late, you’llmiss your target and potentially fall into hazards.
- Neglecting Practice: Like any advancedmechanic, pogo jumping requires repetition. Spend time in low-risk areas to build muscle memory and confidence.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Challenge
The pogo mechanic in Hollow Knight: Silksong is more than atraversal tool—it’s a test of timing, control, and adaptability. Byreimagining the classic vertical strike as a diagonal dive, Team Cherryhas added a layer of complexity that deepens the gameplay experience.
Whether you’re scaling the heights of Pharloom or weaving throughenemy attacks, mastering the pogo jump will unlock new paths, revealhidden secrets, and elevate your combat strategy. It’s a skill worthinvesting in, and once you’ve got the rhythm down, you’ll find yourselfbouncing through Silksong’s challenges with grace and precision.
Platform(s): Microsoft Windows PC, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4 PS4, PlayStation 5 PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Developer(s): Team Cherry
Publisher(s): Team Cherry
Release date: 4 September 2025
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