Hollow Knight: Silksong structures its epic adventure across multiple distinct acts. The journey begins with "Act 1: Pharloom," where Hornet's primary goal is to reach the mysterious Citadel and uncover the secrets of her capture. Transitioning to the game's next major chapter is a significant milestone that requires conquering formidable bosses, acquiring vital tools, and navigating some of Pharloom's most dangerous territories.
This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on how to complete Act 1 and successfully progress into Act 2, ensuring you are fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
The Path to the Citadel: Key Requirements
Progressing from Act 1 to Act 2 is not a linear path. To unlock the gates to the Citadel of Song, you must fulfill several critical objectives:
Acquire the Drifter's Cloak: This essential movement ability is your key to accessing new zones. You'll need it to break through specific barriers, like the ceiling in the Far Fields' top-right corner to reach the Greymoor area.Defeat Mandatory Bosses: Your path is blocked by powerful guardians. You must defeat Moorwing in Greymoor to advance and later overcome The Weaver in the Shellwood region.Obtain the Needolin: Victory against The Weaver rewards you with this crucial tool. The Needolin is not just a weapon; it is the key to interacting with the ancient mechanisms guarding the Citadel's entrance.Step-by-Step: How to Get to Act 2 in Silksong
Follow these steps precisely to complete Act 1 and trigger the start of Act 2.
1. Reach and Restore Haunted BellhartAfter defeating Moorwing in Greymoor, you will gain access to the town of Haunted Bellhart. This area is plagued by a curse, which you can lift by defeating the boss known as
The Weaver. Her lair is directly above the town but is most easily accessed by navigating through the top-right section of the Shellwood zone.
2. Secure the Needolin AbilityYour reward for defeating The Weaver is the
Needolin. This tool allows Hornet to play resonant melodies that interact with the giant bells scattered throughout Pharloom, solving new puzzles and unlocking paths.
3. Traverse to the Blasted Lands With the Needolin in hand, your next destination is the Bell Beast Station located in the Shellwood zone. From this station, continue traveling to the left to find the entrance to the Blasted Lands.
A Warning on the Blasted Lands: This zone is designed to test your mettle. It features:
- Environmental Hazards: Toxic ground that inflicts two Masks of damage on contact.
- Brutal Platforming: Complex jumping challenges exacerbated by constant, punishing winds.
- A Daunting Boss Run: The path to the zone's boss is one of the longest and most difficult in the game.
Locate the Bench near the area's Bell Beast Station to set your respawn point before pressing onward.
4. Challenge and Defeat The Last Judge
After navigating the harsh landscape of the Blasted Lands, you will arrive at the grand entrance to the Citadel. A sealed gate blocks your path. Useyour Needolin to play a melody, which will resonate with the door'sbells and shatter the seal.
This act summons The Last Judge, the formidable guardian of the gate. This is a demanding boss fightthat will put all your accumulated skills to the test. Emerge victorious to trigger a cinematic cutscene of Hornet finally entering the Citadel. The on-screen text will then confirm your success: "Act 2: Citadel of Song."
Pro Tip:Be extremely cautious immediately after defeating The Last Judge. The boss has a lethal explosion upon death that can still kill Hornet and forceyou to restart the battle if you aren't at a safe distance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you go back to Act 1 areas after starting Act 2?
Yes, absolutely. A new Fast Travel system unlocks upon reaching the Citadel, but you retain access to all previous Bell Beast Stations. These stations remain interconnected, allowing you to travel freelybetween the new regions of Act 2 and the older areas of Act 1 tocomplete side quests, find collectibles, and tackle unfinishedchallenges.
How many Acts are in Silksong?
The game is confirmed to be structured across three main acts. After completing the challenges of Act 2, you will be able to progress to the game's final chapter.
What changes when Act 2 begins?
The primary change is the shift in location and narrative focus to theCitadel itself. You will gain access to new abilities, vendors, and asprawling new network of zones to explore, all while delving deeper into the heart of Pharloom's mystery. The game's difficulty and the scale of its challenges will also ramp up significantly.
By mastering the Needolin, conquering the Blasted Lands, and toppling TheLast Judge, you will successfully close the book on Act 1 and begin thenext thrilling chapter of Hornet's journey.
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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