Why Silksong Hype Has Players Reconsidering Animal Well Animal Well and Hollow Knight: Silksong, two indie Metroidvania games, evoke lasting intrigue and unique emotional responses in players. Plenty of players have a weird relationship with Animal Well. It launched in 2024 as the debut title from Dunkey's Bigmode, the publisher created with a bold promise: only release good games. For a while, it was the indie Metroidvania everyone had to have an opinion about. But then the conversation moved on, as it always does. Now, in 2026, with Hollow Knight: Silksong hype once again turning every corner of the internet into a bug-infested fever dream, a strange side effect has appeared - unfinished Animal Well save files are calling back to their owners. Let's be real - Hollow Knight: Silksong is an absurdly big deal for a game primarily made by four people, priced at twenty bucks, and belonging to the most stereotypically indie genre: the 2D Metroidvania. Every so often one of these explore-em-ups breaks out in a huge way, and the original Hollow Knight did exactly that in 2018, exploding on the Switch a full year after launch. Seven years later, the sequel is following the same outsized footsteps, even though 2024 belonged to Animal Well. The Pressure Behind Animal Well Part of what made Animal Well such a lightning rod was Dunkey's claim that he could pick winners because he plays a ton of games and knows what good looks like. That pitch sounded a little too simple to a lot of people, so the pressure was on. Then the reviews landed, and they were glowing. The game delivered, and Dunkey's talk was backed up. 🧠 When a Game Asks for Space One ordinary player picked up Animal Well on the strength of that chatter, expecting to get lost in its world. Instead, after five or six hours of puttering around, hitting a wall with puzzle after puzzle, getting annoyed, wandering off to explore elsewhere, and running straight into another stumper, they closed the game with the intention of giving their brain some time to process. That happened across several sessions, until eventually the coming back stopped. The experience was decent, but it left the opposite emotional footprint of Hollow Knight. With Hollow Knight, sessions end with excitement to get back and play more. With Animal Well, sessions ended because a little space was needed before the game could be enjoyed again. Why Bouncing Off Is Not a Verdict That same player is currently working through Hollow Knight - a game they initially reacted to exactly the same way, playing for several hours and then neglecting it. Seven years later, though, the experience has changed. Now there is a full-blown compulsion to explore every inch of that bug-riddled world. And thinking back on Animal Well, there are plenty of aspects that still intrigue: the big pixelated animals standing around in certain chambers, the opaque items that were still fun to use, the pure focus on puzzle-solving with combat completely removed, and the blobby main character's ballsy refusal to look remotely interesting. Riding around on a frisbee, for what it's worth, was genuinely great fun. Here are a few Animal Well details that keep nagging: The oversized pixelated animals loitering in hidden chambers, silent and strange. The opaque items that somehow stayed satisfying to use, especially the frisbee. The no-combat puzzle philosophy, a rare move that trades action for pure thought. The stubbornly unremarkable blob protagonist, a design choice that feels like a dare. ️ The Bottomless Well of Secrets Every review hinted that if a player pushed long enough, the game would transform from a straightforward Metroidvania into a bottomless well of secrets. That deeper layer never got reached, and as it stands, Animal Well remains a mildly interesting 2D action-adventure game - and there are plenty of those to go around. But the itch is real. No one wants to be the miner who gives up in frustration right before reaching a cache of diamonds, and there is a sneaking suspicion that leaving Animal Well felt exactly like that. Maybe the game was abandoned one puzzle too early. Getting back to it won't happen immediately. After Hollow Knight, Silksong is obviously next on the docket. But Animal Well's world still has something to offer, and it might make the perfect palette cleanser between Silksong boss attempts. With that kind of lineup on the horizon, plus the lingering pull to give Animal Well another proper shot between Silksong boss attempts, game libraries have a funny way of growing faster than the time available to actually play them. It helps to be selective about what gets bought at full price, especially when a whole backlog of half-finished adventures is already waiting patiently for attention. For anyone juggling a similar mix of sequels, hidden gems, and long-overdue return trips, it pays to keep an eye on the [best game deals]( rather than grabbing everything on a whim. A little patience can make the next journey into the unknown a lot easier on the wallet, leaving more room to take an occasional chance on something delightfully strange. https://dealnesthq.com

Silksong Act 2 Walkthrough: Grand Gate to Grand Mother Silk Hollow Knight: Silksong Act 2 walkthrough guides Hornet from Grand Gate through Cogwork Dancers to collect the Threefold Melody and conquer Pharloom. Once Hornet puts the Last Judge down for a dirt nap at the end of Act 1, the camera swings up to the Citadel like a nosy neighbor craning over a fence. Act 2 of Hollow Knight: Silksong is where the training wheels come off, the map opens up, and players are handed a grappling hook with a cheerful good luck. This walkthrough covers the critical path through Act 2 in the current 2026 version of the game, from unlocking maps and grabbing abilities to collecting every piece of the Threefold Melody and finally facing the silk-spinning nightmare at the top of Pharloom. Act 2, Part 1: Grand Gate, Underworks, and the Beat-Dropping Cogwork Dancers After entering the Citadel, players find a fancy model machine that unlocks the Grand Gate map for a handful of Rosaries. Nothing says ancient kingdom like paying for GPS. Continuing right leads to an elevator that goes up, then throws a tantrum and crashes down into the Underworks. Classic Silksong hospitality. In the Underworks, grab the local map, then climb up and out into the Choral Chambers. Another map machine awaits, because getting lost here is less a possibility and more a lifestyle. Along the way, Lace makes a cameo, but she is not ready to throw hands just yet. Eventually, players reach a bench under a hanging hook that will become important later. For now, rest those legs, then keep moving right past two oversized bruisers and into the Cogwork Dancers boss fight. The Cogwork Dancers are not your average duo. They move and strike to the beat of the music, telegraphing their next direction like dancers who also want to murder you. The catch is that they speed up with each phase, turning a waltz into a panic attack. Do not sleep on this fight. Once they fall, the room rotates to reveal three enormous Ancient Statues, who inform Hornet that she must collect the Threefold Melody and play it before them to ascend to the Crown of Pharloom. No pressure. Act 2, Part 2: Songclave, The Cauldron, and Some Seriously Fancy Movement Tech After the statues finish their dramatic monologue, head to the top-right of the Choral Chambers and ring the Grand Bell. The Caretaker shows up just to complain about it. Leave and come back, and the area transforms into Songclave, a cozy hub with traders and a Wishwall. Before ditching town, grab the White Key all the way to the right. It unlocks the door to Whiteward and eventually leads to one of the most important tools in the game. From the bottom of Choral Chambers, pass through the big wheel gate, use the White Key, and ride down into the depths. Loop around through The Cauldron, dodge some deeply unpleasant malformed enemies, and find a Weaver Statue sitting in lava. Interacting with it grants the Clawline ability, which is essential for finishing the game and opens up new routes all over Pharloom. For players who enjoy not suffering, the Faydown Cloak is technically optional but practically a lifesaver. It grants a double jump, and getting it means scaling Mount Fay through one of the nastiest platforming gauntlets in the game. Reach Mount Fay by heading far left from the Choral Chambers, across a bridge, and into The Slab. Buy the Mount Fay map from Shakra, then prepare for a white-knuckle climb to the peak. The Faydown Cloak is worth every gray hair. Grabbing it before the later gauntlets is the kind of decision that separates a smooth run from a controller-shaped dent in the wall. Act 2, Part 3: Completing the Threefold Melody The Threefold Melody splits into three pieces, and each one comes with its own brand of chaos. Melody Piece Location Main Hurdle Architect's Melody Cogwork Core Cylinder puzzle Vaultkeeper's Melody Whispering Vaults Trobbio and Sacred Cylinder Conductor's Melody High Halls Ten-wave boss gauntlet Architect's Melody Drop into the Cogwork Core from the Cogwork Dancers boss room. Navigate around the central wall without getting turned into bug paste by spinning cogs. After a tricky interior challenge and a clawline shortcut, players reach the top of the Cogwork Core. There, four large cylinders must be rotated until the lines and symbols match up. Once solved, play the Needolin and learn the Architect's Melody while the ancient statues sing backup like a very old choir. Vaultkeeper's Melody Next, head toward the Whispering Vaults. Follow the same lower route through the Cogwork Core, but take the exit below the upper-half door. Hit a lever, pass through a giant wheel gate, and enter the vaults. This place is a maze with boxes that unlock shortcuts. At the bottom-left, players find The Stage, where Trobbio waits to ruin someone's afternoon. Defeat him, drop into the Underworks, loop back up, and grab the Sacred Cylinder. Bring it to Vaultkeeper Cardinius, who plays it on a record player while Hornet joins in on the Needolin. Teamwork makes the dream work. Conductor's Melody This is arguably the hardest melody to claim. From the top-left corner of the Choral Chambers, use the Clawline to grapple upward, then chain movement skills through the High Halls. The Clawline and Drifter's Cloak work together in several sections, including a brutal vertical descent where Hornet must float and grapple like a spider on a caffeine high. At the bottom, rest at the bench, unlock the shortcut, and then enter the Conductor's Melody boss gauntlet. Ten waves of Citadel enemies await. Wave five introduces a large armored boss, and wave ten doubles down with two of them. Do every Needle upgrade, collect extra Masks, and bring powerful Tools like the Sting Shard. The Sting Shard is excellent for chunking down big enemies quickly. After clearing all ten waves, meet Conductor Ballador, play the Needolin alongside him, and complete the Threefold Melody. Act 2, Part 4: The Cradle, Lace Rematch, and Grand Mother Silk With all three melody pieces in hand, return to the Cogwork Dancers boss room and play the complete Threefold Melody in front of the Ancient Statues. They approve, and an elevator opens in the middle of the room. Ride it up to meet a familiar face. Lace returns with faster moves, flashier attacks, and a serious chip on her shoulder. Where she once slashed in place, she now dashes around leaving AoE explosions like party confetti made of pain. She is one of the toughest bosses in Act 2. After she falls, Lace reveals the truth about her nature and tells Hornet to claim her earned audience with the deity above. Climb through The Cradle until reaching a long bridge with a colossal white ball of silk in the background. Approach the silk and press up to challenge the final boss. Hornet whips out her Needle and lets out her iconic battle cry: GURAMA! Grand Mother Silk erupts from the silk ball with six enormous sewing needles floating around her. Touching her body does not cause contact damage, but avoiding her rapid slashes and the needles attacking from every angle is like trying to dodge rain in a thunderstorm. Stay mobile, watch the needle patterns, and punish the openings. Once Grand Mother Silk goes down, a spectacular cutscene shows Hornet destroying the deity and binding her silk into her shell. This completes Act 2 and unlocks the default ending, which appears to place Hornet inside the giant silk ball. Roll credits, but not the whole story. Players can still backtrack into optional zones like the Putrified Ducts and Bilewater. More importantly, there is a secret Act 3 hiding beyond the default ending, with new areas, bosses, and enough extra content to make a completionist weep happy tears. For completionists still chasing every hidden corner of the game, one of the best ways to keep that motivation alive is to catch Silksong and its predecessor Hollow Knight during their frequent discount windows on PC. Nintendo Switch players have to wait for first-party sales, but PC gamers have a far easier time spotting price drops if they know where to look. Keeping tabs on price history for upcoming DLC or even base-game bargains can be a hassle, though. That's where a dedicated [steam sale tracker]( comes in handy—it helps you avoid paying full price for the games that pair perfectly with your Silksong playthrough, so you can spend more time exploring Pharloom and less time refreshing store pages. https://dealnesthq.com

The M81 McLaren Mustang: Ten Built, But Its Legacy Roared Beyond Numbers Rare M81 McLaren Mustang fused McLaren racing pedigree with Fox-body Mustang turbo power, turning a 1980 four-cylinder into a coveted collector icon. When people think of McLaren, their minds usually jump to Formula 1 or mid-engine supercars like the F1 and 720S. But back in 1980, McLaren Engines in Michigan helped Ford build one of the strangest and rarest pony cars ever to wear a Mustang badge. Ford wanted to shake up its performance image as the muscle car era faded, and McLaren lent real racing credibility. The result was the M81 McLaren Mustang, a turbocharged, race-inspired Fox-body that looked ready for an IMSA grid. A Wild Pitch from the Start Ford originally planned to build 250 examples, but the market had other ideas. Only ten M81s ever left the factory, making them unicorns among Fox-body Mustangs. The price tag was the elephant in the room: roughly $25,000 in 1980, or around $75,000 in today's money. Buyers simply refused to pay supercar money for a four-cylinder Mustang, even one touched by McLaren. As of 2026, auction tracking shows the top sale around $75,000 and the most recent transaction near $51,000\u2014numbers that would have been laughable in the early '80s but now prove the car's collector status. McLaren's Engineering Stamp The heart of the M81 was Ford's 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four, but McLaren Engines did far more than add a badge. The motors were torn down and rebuilt with racing precision. Cylinder heads were ported and polished, tolerances were tightened to motorsport standards, and each engine was blueprint-matched. A variable boost controller allowed drivers to adjust boost from the cockpit, which was a big deal in 1980. With boost cranked up, output rose from a modest 132 horsepower in stock form to about 175 horsepower, with 145 lb-ft of torque. Those figures are small by 2026 standards, but for a four-banger of the era, they were impressive. The real appeal was tunability\u2014turn the wick down for reliability or dial it up for fun. IMSA Looks and a Tuned Chassis Visually, the M81 was no ordinary notchback. Hand-built steel fender flares widened the track, while a deep front air dam, side skirts, and integrated brake ducts gave it a serious competition stance. A vented hood, rear spoiler, and blacked-out trim sharpened the look. It rode on lightweight BBS wheels and was painted primarily in Bittersweet Orange, with one black and one white example among the ten. Inside, the racing theme continued with Recaro bucket seats, a roll bar, and a numbered dash plaque. The suspension was heavily reworked with Koni adjustable shocks, stiffer springs, larger sway bars, and components borrowed from police-package Fairmonts. Bigger front discs and reinforced rear drums added stopping power. A bolt-in roll bar improved chassis stiffness, which was sorely needed because Fox bodies of the era had a reputation for flexing in corners. Reviewers noted the M81 turned in sharply and stayed flat in bends, something a stock Mustang of that time could only dream of. Why Ford Pulled the Plug The M81 was meant to be a production car sold through select dealerships. But Ford had launched its own Special Vehicle Operations division, and an outsourced McLaren project threatened to steal SVO's thunder. Internal politics, combined with sticker shock, killed the program after only ten cars. Eight were Bittersweet Orange, one black, one white\u2014each with its own dash plaque. In a nutshell, the M81 was too expensive, too radical, and too politically inconvenient for its time. A Legacy Bigger Than Ten Cars Although the M81 ended after just ten units, its influence didn't stop there. It proved turbocharging could be used for performance, not just fuel economy. That lesson directly shaped the 1984 Mustang SVO, which used an updated 2.3-liter turbo four making 175 to 205 horsepower and sold nearly 10,000 copies. The M81 also kept the flame alive for racing tech in road cars, bridging IMSA styling with factory engineering. Specification Detail Engine 2.3L turbocharged inline-four, McLaren blueprint-matched Power 175 hp (vs 132 hp stock) Torque 145 lb-ft Boost Driver-adjustable variable boost Chassis Fox-body with widened steel flares, Koni shocks, roll bar Production 10 cars (8 orange, 1 black, 1 white) Original price About $25,000 in 1980 Looking back from 2026, the M81 McLaren Mustang is one of the greatest what could have been stories in muscle car history. It was ahead of its time, blending smaller displacement, turbocharging, and real chassis work when most Americans still equated performance with a big V8. Only ten were built, but their story has outgrown their numbers. They remain a proof of concept that corporate courage and motorsport expertise can create something special\u2014even if the market wasn't ready to buy it. For enthusiasts today, the M81 McLaren Mustang represents a nearly mythical collector prize. With just ten examples ever built, each car that surfaces at auction draws intense interest, and values have climbed steadily as collectors chase the rarest Fox-body variants ever produced. Tracking these ultra-low-volume sales requires more than just scrolling through social media posts or old forum threads. Whether you're hunting for a piece of Ford history or simply evaluating the market for any classic or modern muscle car, staying on top of real-time auction results and price trends can save you thousands. That's where [this price tracking tool]( comes in handy, making it easier to spot fair deals and avoid overpaying on vehicles whose values shift quickly and quietly. https://dealnesthq.com

Choral Chambers Guide: Finding the Map and Best Rewards Choral Chambers in Hollow Knight: Silksong offers hostile mazes, rewarding shortcuts, and side quests for determined adventurers. Choral Chambers in Hollow Knight: Silksong is not the cruelest slice of Pharloom, but it has a special talent for making a player feel gloriously lost. One moment they are pogoing off a bell like a tiny, needle-wielding maestro; the next they are staring at the same rectangular room for the fifth time. Is the area actively hostile? Absolutely. Is it also full of rewards, shortcuts, and a few delightful side quests? Equally true. For anyone determined to clear this late-game zone without losing their mind, the first order of business is tracking down the actual map. The Map Hunt: A Bell-Fueled Odyssey Starting from the bench just north of the Underworks is the sanest approach. If that bench has not been unlocked yet, a player should head southwest inside Choral Chambers until they tumble into a large rectangular room with a single downward exit to the west and another exit at the lower right. Taking the latter leads to a short corridor with a bench—sit down, save, and take a deep breath, because the real navigation begins now. From that bench, the route heads west into a large rectangular room. Hug the left wall until a hole in the floor appears. Just to the right of that hole sits a small platform. A few wall jumps later, a corridor opens on the right. The trick here is not to panic as the rooms begin to blur together. After running down the corridor and wall jumping into a higher room, the player passes an alcove decorated with Rosaries on strings. This is not a suggestion to grab everything in sight; it is a welcome sign that the upward climb is still correct. Continue upward, then head immediately right on the next screen. Enemies in the following room can be fought or ignored. At the very end, attacking a lever opens a hole in the floor. Dropping through, continuing right, and curving back up leads to a higher platform. On the left side, another lever opens an exit into the room above. Attack it, jump up, and run right. Then, in the next room, avoid the enemies and slip out the right exit. Now for the fun part: pogo jumping up the bells and platforms. It looks like a musical instrument, and yes, it can absolutely kill. A secluded passage waits on the right, leading to a room full of spinning gears. Platform over them, then drop all the way down the vertical section while avoiding the spikes on the right side. The glide ability earns its keep here. At the bottom, follow the sign toward the Bellway station, pass the Bell Beast, and rest at the bench. A machine at the end of the corridor will happily sell the Choral Chambers map for 70 Rosaries. Why 70 Rosaries? Perhaps because the cartographer knows exactly how desperate lost bugs can get. Choral Chambers’ Greatest Hits: Benches, Side Quests, and Upgrades With the map in hand, the area reveals itself as more than a maze. The most important stop is the Songclave at the northeastern edge. There, a Wishwell offers The Wandering Merchant sidequest, which sends one after the wayward Jubilana. She is tucked away near the bottom-middle of Choral Chambers. From Citadel Spa, head right, drop to the bottom of the room, exit right, then turn around and use the exit just below and to the left. Rescuing her causes Jubilana to set up shop at the Songclave. Her inventory includes the Ascendant's Grip and Spool Extender tools, plus a Mask Shard. If a player then completes The Lost Merchant from the Wishboard, her inventory expands even further. Collectors should also keep an eye out for two lost fleas: one in the northeast part of the room near Jubilana, and another in the northeast corner of the Songclave itself. Though no proper boss battle guards the Choral Chambers, an Arena Battle sits just west of Citadel Spa. Four waves of enemies provide a solid test of Hornet's tools and patience. Location What's Worth Noting Songclave Wishwell, Jubilana's shop, lost flea Near Citadel Spa Arena Battle, Jubilana's hiding spot Bellway station Map vendor, bench West of large vertical room Bench near Cogwork Core Northwest near High Halls Bench Choral Chambers also acts as a hub of exits. It connects directly to The Slab, Cogwork Core, The Cradle, and Memorium. Anyone hoping to avoid a return trip should deal with these routes while the benches are fresh and Rosaries are plentiful. So, is Choral Chambers worth the headache? For map completists, tool collectors, and anyone who simply cannot stand an unexplored corridor, the answer is a resounding yes. It may not be the hardest area in the game, but it certainly knows how to make an entrance—and a very long exit. For those who have yet to dive into Hornet's adventure, the promise of intricate, interconnected spaces like Choral Chambers is exactly the kind of content that makes the wait worthwhile. If you haven't already secured your copy of Hollow Knight: Silksong, keeping an eye on pricing can pay off—especially since launch discounts and seasonal promotions tend to appear without much fanfare. A reliable [steam sale tracker]( can alert you the moment the game drops in price, ensuring you are ready to explore every gear-turning corner and hidden bench without overspending. Armed with a full map, a stocked inventory, and a well-timed purchase, you can focus on what truly matters: uncovering every lost flea, claiming every tool upgrade, and finally watching that last unexplored corridor fade from your cartographer's chart. https://dealnesthq.com

I Waited Until 2026 to Play Hades 2, and It Was Worth It Hades 2 1.0's launch collision with Silent Hill f forced a tough backlog priority call—playing it later proved right. I still remember the exact moment I decided to stop playing Hades 2. It wasn't because I wasn't enjoying it—far from it. Supergiant's first sequel tore through my expectations like a fully upgraded Aspect of Pan. But after roughly 12 hours in early access, I hit a wall: not a difficulty wall, but the inevitable cliff where content would soon end. I've only ever played two games in early access—No Rest for the Wicked and Hades 2—and while I respect developers who use that model, I prefer to invest in a complete product. So I uninstalled, waited, and eventually got a release date that put me in a bind: September 25, 2025, the very same day as Silent Hill f. Now in 2026, looking back, that release date collision taught me a lot about how I prioritize games. I didn't play Hades 2 on day one. I chose Silent Hill f first, then spent weeks lingering in Hollow Knight: Silksong, which had launched earlier that September. Hades 2 sat in my backlog until I finally carved out time in early 2026. And here's the surprising part: it was absolutely the right call. Hades 2 originally entered early access on May 5, 2024. When its 1.0 version arrived on September 25, 2025, that was less than two years later. For anyone familiar with the first Hades, that timeline felt almost brisk. The original Hades entered early access on December 6, 2018, and didn't hit 1.0 until September 17, 2020. By comparison, Hades 2's early access period was shorter, yet its content volume had already eclipsed the entirety of Hades 1. That's a testament to Supergiant's process, but it also meant the 1.0 launch wasn't a gentle nudge—it was a massive content drop arriving on the most crowded day of my 2025 calendar. September 2025 was absurd. In addition to Hollow Knight: Silksong finally emerging from the shadows, Silent Hill f launched on the same day as Hades 2. I was also juggling whether to pick up Ghost of Yotei in early October, while Little Nightmares 3 and Metroid 4: Beyond loomed later in the month. Cronos: The New Dawn was still sitting unplayed. The backlog wasn't just full; it was overflowing. Silent Hill f was the dealbreaker. I've been waiting for a genuinely bold new entry in that franchise for years. The small slice I played of Hades 2 in early access was spectacular, but it wasn't shattering the earth around its IP in the same way Silent Hill f seemed to be doing for Silent Hill. The novelty, the atmosphere, the risk-taking—it all felt like the series had a pulse again after Bloober's Silent Hill 2 remake proved there was still life in it. So when the two games dropped on the same day, my priority was clear. Here's how my September–October 2025 schedule ultimately shook out: Priority Game Why 1 Silent Hill f Same-day launch, franchise-defining risk I couldn't ignore 2 Hollow Knight: Silksong Released weeks earlier; I was still exploring at a snail's pace 3 Hades 2 1.0 Shelved until I could give it full attention 4 Ghost of Yotei Tempting, but optional depending on time 5 Everything else Little Nightmares 3, Metroid 4, Cronos, etc. By November 2025, I had finished Silent Hill f and Silksong. I could have jumped into Hades 2 then, but I didn't. I waited until January 2026, when the holiday noise cleared and I could treat Melinoë's full journey the way it deserved. And wow, did it deliver. Playing Hades 2 in 2026, long after the launch-week discourse, felt like opening a sealed wine bottle. The new weapons, the expanded character tree, the endgame loops that weren't in early access—everything clicked. Supergiant's formula is iterative, and Hades 2 1.0 is the clearest example yet. The early access period wasn't just about bug fixes; it was about building a foundation that could support dozens of hours without losing that magical 'one more run' pull. Would I recommend waiting as long as I did? Not necessarily. If you aren't nursing a Silent Hill f obsession or a Silksong hangover, Hades 2 1.0 is worth playing immediately. But if your September 2025 was as chaotic as mine, delaying it wasn't a sacrifice—it was an act of self-care. I got to play three of my most anticipated games back-to-back-to-back, and each one benefited from the breathing room. Supergiant will likely stick with early access for future projects, whether that's another sequel or a new IP. After seeing how Hades 2 evolved from 2024 to 2026, I won't hesitate to dip into that process again. I'll just be more strategic about what I install and when. Some games are meant to be savored, not sprinted through on launch day. That strategic approach isn't just good for your mental bandwidth—it's easier on your wallet too. Waiting out the launch-week frenzy means you can often find physical copies, discounted keys, or seasonal sale prices that make a sprawling 60-hour roguelike even more tempting. When I finally cleared my backlog this past January, I didn't pay full price for Hades 2 or a couple of the other titles I'd set aside; I took a beat to compare offers and landed somewhere that respected both my time and my budget. If you're planning your own carefully paced gaming calendar this year, keeping an eye on price trends is just as important as tracking release dates. For anyone looking to stretch their playlist beyond the AAA heavy hitters, it's worth checking [where to buy cheap games]( before committing to a full-price pre-order. A little patience can mean the difference between playing five games and playing eight—and that feels like the true "more runs" approach. https://dealnesthq.com

Silksong: Wispfire Lantern Location and Father of the Flame Guide Hollow Knight: Silksong’s Wispfire Lantern offers powerful auto-fireball combat but at the cost of Silk and mobility trade-offs. In Hollow Knight: Silksong, players who enjoy letting their tools do the heavy lifting should keep an eye out for the Wispfire Lantern. This hidden piece of gear is a real game-changer in combat, but getting it is no walk in the park. It sits in a tucked-away area that many players might miss on a first playthrough. Here is a full breakdown of what the Wispfire Lantern does, where to find it, and how to take down the boss that guards it. What Makes the Wispfire Lantern Special The Wispfire Lantern is not your average tool. Once equipped, its passive effect constantly summons fireballs that automatically track nearby enemies. That means Hornet can keep moving and dodging while the lantern chips away at whatever is trying to ruin her day. It is especially handy against swarms of smaller bugs or enemies that like to keep their distance. Of course, every silver lining has a cloud. The big downside is the tool's heavy Silk consumption. Using the Wispfire Lantern means Hornet will have fewer hooks available for exploration. Those grappling hooks are crucial for platforming and reaching hidden ledges, so players have to ask themselves whether the extra firepower is worth the mobility hit. It is a bit of a double-edged sword, and different playstyles will feel that trade-off differently. How to Reach the Wisp Thicket The Wispfire Lantern is tucked away in a small zone called the Wisp Thicket. This little connector area links Underworks with Greymoor, giving Hornet a shortcut that skips the Blasted Steps entirely. That shortcut alone can save a lot of backtracking for anyone who finds it. To get there, players should travel to Greymoor and climb the tower above the Halfway Home Inn. From there, head left into the area filled with balloons between the two towers. It sounds simple enough, but the actual entrance is easy to overlook. At that spot, players need to keep their eyes peeled for a hidden passage in the ceiling. Once inside, there is a small wooden staircase tucked into a corner. The passage is so dark that the staircase is barely visible, so it pays to slow down and look carefully. Missing it is a real pain in the neck, especially after a long trek through Greymoor. Once players make it inside the Wisp Thicket, a bench is immediately available to the right. Sitting down is a smart move because nobody wants to repeat the whole run if Hornet falls during the upcoming fight. Defeating the Father of the Flame After resting, players should keep heading west until they hit a dead end. That is where the Father of the Flame appears. This boss might look intimidating, but its pattern is manageable once players know what to focus on. The Father of the Flame does not move around the arena. Instead, it relies on four Lanterns positioned around it to rain fireballs on Hornet. In the first phase, the goal is to jump and attack those Lanterns. Destroying them stops the boss from summoning more fireballs and brings the first phase to a close. It is a good idea to keep moving and strike between volleys, because standing still is a surefire way to get burned. In the second phase, a large furnace emerges from the boss's chest. This furnace cranks up the number of fireballs the boss can summon, making the arena much more chaotic. The strategy does not change too much, though: players need to attack the furnace on the boss's chest until it is destroyed. Once that furnace goes down, the Father of the Flame is finished, and the Wispfire Lantern is finally up for grabs. Is the Wispfire Lantern Worth It? For players who love passive damage and do not mind trading some mobility, the Wispfire Lantern is worth its weight in gold. It shines in combat-heavy sections where extra fireballs can clear out enemies without Hornet needing to stop and swing her needle every two seconds. On the flip side, anyone who depends heavily on hooks for exploration might find the Silk drain more trouble than it is worth. A quick summary: Pros Cons Automatic homing fireballs Heavy Silk consumption Great for crowd control Fewer hooks for exploration Helps while dodging Requires defeating a boss Saves time in combat Hidden location is easy to miss At the end of the day, the Wispfire Lantern is one of those tools that rewards players who take the time to sniff out hidden corners of the map. The fight against the Father of the Flame can be a bit frantic, but the payoff is a unique passive ability that can change how combat feels. With the right approach, getting this lantern is less of a headache and more of a satisfying detour. For players who enjoy the type of meticulous exploration that uncovers treasures like the Wispfire Lantern, the adventure doesn't have to end when the credits roll. There are plenty of titles on Steam that deliver that same mix of tight combat and rewarding discovery. Before grabbing your next purchase, though, it pays to do a little digging — a reliable [steam deal finder]( can surface discounts you might otherwise overlook, making it easier to fill your wishlist without emptying your wallet. Just like timing your strikes against the Father of the Flame, waiting for the right sale can make all the difference. https://dealnesthq.com

I Claimed the Heart of Might in Silksong: My Coral Tower Route Hollow Knight: Silksong Heart of Might (Encrusted Heart) guide: cross Sands of Karak to Coral Tower and survive its brutal memory arenas. In my 2026 playthrough of Hollow Knight: Silksong, I quickly realized that the Abyss cannot be survived without proper protection. That forced me to hunt down three ancient hearts from mighty warriors. The first one I decided to claim was the Heart of Might, also known as the Encrusted Heart. To get it, I had to cross the scorching Sands of Karak, reach the eastern Coral Tower, and then survive a brutal chain of arena fights inside a memory. Here is exactly how I did it. Reaching Coral Tower from the Sands of Karak I started at the Blasted Steps and kept moving to the right. The environment itself becomes part of the challenge: several hanging branches react when struck, growing just enough for Hornet to use them as platforms. The first major vertical room contains a hidden shortcut that leads directly to the upper level, but it can only be opened from above. If you want to skip some jumps, you can try using Silk Soar from the middle of the eastern vertical room. To open the shortcut properly, though, I dropped all the way to the bottom of that vertical shaft. At the bottom, I hit the branch and quickly platformed upward. The timing can be tight, but each growth gives you just enough height to continue. Once I reached the top, I moved left and destroyed a rock above the bridge. That opened the shortcut back to the entrance, which is incredibly useful if you fall or need to retreat to a bench. Continuing left required a mix of tools. The final branch led me to a wall, where I had Hornet cling and then jump to a higher wall. From there, Clawline carried me safely to the left platform. Inside the building, I found a slumbering warrior surrounded by enemies. Before doing anything else, I turned right and went through a hidden passage to find a bench. That bench is essential because the upcoming sequence is long and merciless. After resting, I approached the warrior and played the Elegy of the Past with the needle. This transported Hornet into Coral Tower's memory, where the true trial begins. What to Do Inside the Coral Tower Memory Once inside Coral Tower, there are no puzzles or collectibles to chase. The entire sequence is a combat gauntlet: multiple arena fights, waves of enemies, and platforming under pressure. I used Silk Soar immediately to reach the top of the first room. Then I went left and jumped up to trigger the first boss fight. This arena is all about endurance, because enemies arrive in waves. A large white jellyfish-like creature will sometimes appear during the fight. Striking it restores silk, which I saved for healing between waves. Having tools like the Cogfly equipped was extremely helpful. They attack enemies automatically, and if laced with venom, they deal extra damage while I focused on staying alive. From there, I went up and turned left into a second arena. Midway through the battle, red spikes began covering parts of the floor. They stayed until near the end, when a larger enemy appeared and broke them. I found it safest to keep moving and not commit to long ground combos. The third arena was the most punishing in my run. Almost immediately, the ground was covered in spikes, leaving no safe space to stand. Hornet had to stick to the walls and attack enemies without falling. This is where the Ascendant's Grip made a huge difference, because it prevents Hornet from sliding down walls. I had already purchased it from the Wandering Merchant after completing her quest. If you do not have it yet, I strongly recommend returning to get it before attempting this gauntlet. After clearing that room, I ran to the top and destroyed a rock, which created a shortcut back to the Coral Tower entrance. It is a welcome safety net if you die later. The fourth fight changed the arena completely. Instead of a wide floor, only three platforms were available. At some point during the fight, one platform broke and then reappeared later. I had to juggle positioning carefully while avoiding enemies. Once that fight ended, I used Silk Soar one last time to fly high into the final arena. Facing the Crust King, Khann At the top, the Crust King Khann waited. This boss likes to jump around frequently and can summon spikes from every corner of the arena. I found that patience was more important than aggression. I waited for his landing animations, landed a few hits, and immediately repositioned when the spikes began forming. Healing was risky, so I only used silk after creating distance. Defeating him rewarded me with the Encrusted Heart, completing the Heart of Might quest. Quick Reference: Abilities and Tools Tool / Ability Why It Helps Silk Soar Reaches high platforms and the final boss arena Clawline Crosses wide gaps on the way to Coral Tower Ascendant's Grip Prevents wall sliding during the spiked third arena Cogfly Automatically attacks enemies, especially with venom Now that I have the Heart of Might, I only need to defeat the other two mighty warriors to continue deeper into the Abyss. If you are stuck on this section, remember to open the shortcut early, use the hidden bench, and bring wall-control tools. Coral Tower is not about clever puzzles; it is a test of combat consistency, patience, and silk management. The climb through Coral Tower may feel overwhelming at first, but every tool you invested in beforehand pays off in these tight, multi-wave encounters. That preparation-first design is what makes Silksong so satisfying, and it rewards players who pause to upgrade, explore optional areas, and return with the right kit. Whether you’re chasing the Abyss ending or simply clearing every quest, taking the time to ready yourself before a challenge can make all the difference between another corpse run and a clean victory. For players who enjoy sinking hours into long, demanding adventures like this one, it always helps to stretch a gaming budget a little further. If you’re thinking about picking up Silksong on another platform or want to stock up on similar titles for your next playthrough, checking current game deals before purchasing is a smart habit. Sites like [DealNest]( round up discounts across games and accessories, so you can spend less time hunting for a price drop and more time back in Pharloom sharpening your silk skills. https://dealnesthq.com

Silksong Tools Tier List: Ranking All 59 Tools in 2026 This Silksong Tools tier list ranks all 59 tools, revealing the best Tools in Silksong from S Tier to A Tier for any build. Silksong’s tool system can feel overwhelming at first, but it is also one of the most flexible parts of Hornet’s journey through Pharloom. There are 59 Tools in Silksong, not including Ancestral Arts and other abilities she picks up along the way. Tools are split into three colors, and those colors give an instant clue about what a Tool is meant to do. Red Tools are active weapons Hornet can throw, blue Tools generally provide buffs and combat bonuses, and yellow Tools lean into quality-of-life and non-combat value. That color language is helpful, but it does not tell the whole story. A red Tool can be a game-changing boss killer, while a blue Tool might quietly carry an entire playstyle. Not all Tools are made equally. Some are useful no matter how someone plays, and others only shine under very specific conditions. This tier list ranks every Tool according to its general usefulness, power level, and benefits versus drawbacks. The best Tools in Silksong tend to fit any build, stay relevant across the entire game, and offer a clear benefit without a painful drawback. Meanwhile, the worst Tools can still be useful when paired with the right Crests or used in a narrow situation. That is why a tier list matters less for labeling tools as bad and more for helping players decide what to equip before a tough boss or a long exploration route. How Tool Colors Shape a Build Each color tells a different part of Hornet’s kit. Red Tools are active weapons. They can be thrown, aimed, and often create follow-up pressure. Blue Tools are more passive, adding combat bonuses like extra damage, improved healing, or defensive utility. 🟡 Yellow Tools usually stay out of combat entirely, focusing on movement, map readability, and resource convenience. Because a player can mix colors, the best setups often combine one red Tool for pressure, a blue Tool for consistency, and a yellow Tool to remove friction from exploration. S Tier Tools in Silksong S Tier Tools are the ones a player can slot into almost any run and forget about. They do not ask for much setup, they do not fall off in the late game, and their downsides are either tiny or easy to manage. These tools define the meta in 2026 because they make difficult fights more consistent without forcing Hornet into one narrow playstyle. A great S Tier red Tool might shred through armored enemies from a safe distance, while an S Tier blue Tool could provide a passive benefit so strong that it changes how aggressively a player can push. A Tier Tools in Silksong A Tier Tools are right behind the top group. They are powerful, reliable, and worth using in most runs, but they usually have a small condition attached. Some require a specific timing window, some consume a little more resources, and some only reach their full potential after the player adjusts their Crest setup. Still, an A Tier Tool is never a bad pick. It just is not as effortless as an S Tier option. B Tier Tools in Silksong B Tier Tools are solid, but they tend to ask for more commitment. A B Tier Tool can feel amazing in a dedicated build, especially when it lines up with a player’s preferred Crests, but it may not be the best use of a Tool slot in a general exploration loadout. Players who enjoy a specific weapon rhythm or boss-killing setup will often get more value from B Tier choices than a tier list suggests. C Tier Tools in Silksong C Tier Tools usually carry a noticeable drawback or simply get outclassed by other options in the same color. They can work, but they often require more effort, more resources, or a very specific fight to feel worthwhile. For players who love experimentation, C Tier can still be fun, but for a first run they are rarely the best choice. Situational and Worst Tools Some Tools sit at the bottom not because they are useless, but because their usefulness is extremely narrow. They might only shine against a particular boss, in a certain biome, or when combined with a specific Crest effect. A player who knows Pharloom well can take one of these low-tier Tools and turn it into a surprising answer for a tricky encounter. However, for general play or blind exploration, they usually are not worth the slot. Quick Tier Snapshot Tier General Feel Best For S Universal power, low downside Almost any build A Strong with a small condition Most playstyles B Solid in a dedicated setup Specific Crest synergy C Clunky or outclassed Experimentation Situational/Worst Very narrow use Specific bosses or setups The Crest Factor No Tool tier should be treated as final because Crests can completely change the math. A C Tier Tool that looks weak on its own can become a monster when a Crest removes its downside or doubles its effect. The reverse is also true: an S Tier Tool might not feel special if a player’s Crest choices pull the build in another direction. The smartest approach is to treat the tier list as a starting point, then test Tools against the bosses and areas that actually cause trouble. After spending time with each Tool and finding the loadout that fits your playstyle, you may want to test those skills in other challenging worlds. 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How to Reach Sinner's Road and Get Its Map in Silksong Conquer Hollow Knight: Silksong's roach-infested Sinner’s Road map with exact wall-jump and pogo routes from Halfway Inn to Shakra. From the moment I first poked around above Halfway Inn, I knew Sinner’s Road would be trouble. The narrow platforms, the grab-happy roaches, and the general gloom all scream one thing: turn back. But if you want that map, you have to keep moving. The route is not as confusing as it looks once you break it down. One missed pogo, though, can send you tumbling into a pool of something you do not want to identify. Here is how I finally made it to Shakra and picked up the Sinner’s Road map. Sinner’s Road sits high above Greymoor. It is not the kind of place you stumble into by accident. You need to find a specific lift, complete a platforming gauntlet, and deal with some really annoying enemies. The area feels desolate in the best worst way possible, with roaches skittering around and maggot-infested pools tucked into the corners. Exploring is tense, and finding the map makes the whole thing much more manageable. Quick checklist before you leave Before you start climbing, make sure you are ready. 🧗 Wall jump is required. Several sections are nearly impossible without it. Double jump via Faydown Cloak speeds up one specific room, but it is optional. ️ Extra masks help. The roaches hit harder than they look. Patience is non-negotiable. Pogo jumps around cages and saw blades punish panic. ️ If you have not reached Greymoor yet, work through Far Fields first. Step 1: Start at Halfway Inn Travel to Greymoor and locate Halfway Inn. The lift you need sits just to the left of the inn. It is easy to miss if you are focused on the building itself, so hug the left side. Ride the lift up to the upper platforms. Once the lift stops, head right. You will see several inflated objects floating near the edge. They look playful. They are not. Pogo off them with controlled inputs. Give yourself a second between bounces. I learned the hard way that trying to chain them too quickly sends Hornet flying in the wrong direction. High above, there is a wall on the right side. Use wall jump to scale it. At the top, look for a cave opening on the right. This cave is your entrance into Sinner’s Road. Once you slip inside, the atmosphere shifts instantly. Surviving the entry stretch Inside Sinner’s Road, keep moving right. The ground is absolutely crawling with roaches. They do not wait for you to get close; they pounce. Hornet can get caught mid-move if you are not careful, and the grab attack eats health fast. My advice is simple. Stay off the floor whenever possible. Climb onto the hanging cages and hop from one to the next. The spacing feels awkward at first, but the rhythm becomes familiar. Trust the cages over the ground. Continue right until you spot a sign marked with the bench symbol. That sign is your cue to climb higher. Use wall climb and enter the next pathway on the right. This leads into a larger room with a vertical challenge. Two ways up in the cage room This room can slow you down if you are not prepared. There are two ways to reach the upper platforms. One is a shortcut, and one is the longer route. Method Requirement Difficulty Wall and double-jump shortcut Faydown Cloak ability Easy Saw-blade pogo route No special ability required Moderate If you have double jump, life is good. Right above the entrance, grab the wall and climb to the hanging cage. From the cage, jump left to gain a little height, then double jump right onto the platform. It sounds precise, but the window is generous. Once you land, breathe. If you do not have double jump, do not worry. Head to the rightmost part of the room. You will see hanging saw blades. These are your pogo points. Bounce from blade to blade until you reach the top. Treat each bounce as its own tiny decision. The moment I started thinking two bounces ahead, I fell. Focus on the current bounce only. Whichever method you choose, drop to the left side once you are high enough. Hit the switch to unlock the gate. If you hear the gate open, you are on the right track. Reaching Shakra and the map Go through the unlocked gate. Beyond it, jump over two hanging cages. Watch your spacing here, because a miss means falling back into roach territory. You will see a doorway marked with the bench symbol. Enter that doorway. After a short platforming section, you will meet Shakra. This merchant sells the Sinner’s Road map. Buy it immediately. Having the map changes everything because the area stops feeling like a maze. You can finally see where the pathways connect and where the dangerous rooms sit. There is also a bench near Shakra. If it is inactive or damaged, you may need to fix it before resting. Either way, this is a major checkpoint. Rest if you can, then plan your next route through Sinner’s Road with the map open instead of guessing. Final tips before you go Roaches are the biggest early threat. Stay high and keep moving. Do not fight fair on the ground. The saw-blade route is entirely doable without double jump, but it wants patience more than skill. If you fall, do not tilt. The route is shorter than it feels. Buying the map first makes every return trip far less stressful. Honestly, reaching Shakra felt like a small festival of relief. And in a place as hostile as Sinner’s Road, any relief is worth chasing. That covers the path to Sinner’s Road and its map. Get the lift, climb the walls, choose your route carefully, and let Shakra sell you the one thing that makes the fog lift. Good luck up there. Getting through a place like Sinner’s Road is a small victory, but it is also a reminder of how much planning can smooth out an otherwise punishing experience. The same logic applies outside the game itself. Before you commit to your next sprawling adventure, it is worth putting a little of that careful strategy into where you buy your titles. A quick [game price comparison]( can save you enough to justify adding that extra DLC you have been eyeing, or to pick up another indie hidden gem on the side. Smart explorers check their route ahead of time; smart players check their storefronts too. So after you finally rest at that bench and let the name of Sinner’s Road fade into just another mark on your map, take a moment to enjoy the win. Then, when the next journey calls, let DealNest help you decide which world is worth entering next. Fewer coins spent getting in means more time spent mastering what waits inside — and that is the kind of advantage every player can appreciate. https://dealnesthq.com

Hollow Knight vs Silksong: My Honest Verdict After Finishing Both Hollow Knight: Silksong vs Hollow Knight comparison: both excel in art and soundtrack, Hollow Knight has more content, and Silksong is harder. I won’t pretend I was calm when Hollow Knight: Silksong finally landed on my PC. After waiting what felt like an eternity, I dove in, and yeah, it rocketed up the Steam charts for a reason. But the question I kept hearing from friends, and the one I kept asking myself, was simple: is it better than Hollow Knight? Now that enough of us have clawed our way through the brutal late-game areas, I can give you my honest, slightly sleep-deprived comparison. Artwork And Soundtrack: Both Let’s get this out of the way. Both games are ridiculously pretty. Hollow Knight’s Hallownest is this melancholic, hand-drawn dreamscape that somehow makes a dying kingdom feel cozy and terrifying at the same time. Silksong’s Pharloom flips that energy upward, with silk-covered verticality, brighter highlights, and Hornet’s red cloak slicing through it all. The animations match the art. Every critter, every massive beast, every little particle feels alive. And the soundtracks? I have lost count of how many times a boss wiped the floor with me while I sat there thinking, 'Well, at least this music is incredible.' In terms of presentation, neither game loses. I’m calling this category a tie. Content: Hollow Knight Silksong has a lot going on. It’s a huge climb through Pharloom, and the map does fill in nicely as you progress. But even after I unlocked every area in Hollow Knight, I felt small. The map screen alone was overwhelming, with all those twisting routes, hidden nooks, and mini-dungeons I hadn’t fully cleared. Then there’s the post-game. I finished the main adventure and thought I was done. I was not done. The free DLCs piled on: Grimm Troupe gave me two brutal new boss fights, Godmaster turned the game into a gauntlet of boss rushes, and Lifeblood and Hidden Dreams added new areas and dream-like opponents. Silksong might get that kind of support later, but right now, Hollow Knight simply has more meat on the bone. Difficulty: Silksong Look, Hollow Knight is hard. I know. But Silksong is a different kind of monster, and I say that with love and a stress ball nearby. The biggest adjustment is Hornet herself. Team Cherry made sure you are not just playing a reskinned Knight. Her hitbox, movement speed, jump, attack range, healing, and skills all feel different. I had to unlearn years of Knight muscle memory, and that alone was a challenge. Then the enemies got involved. Many of Silksong’s enemies retreat while attacking, which drags you into danger. Others have awkward movement patterns and can deflect Hornet’s blows. The platforming sections? Let me just say the red flowers caused me to question whether I had ever played a platformer before. And the bosses? Fast, aggressive, and way too fond of area-of-effect attacks that punish you for feeling confident. Hollow Knight is a tough cookie, but biting into Silksong will guarantee you an appointment with the dentist. 🦷 Controls: Hollow Knight On a technical level, both games are sharp. But feel matters, especially in a soulslike, and Hollow Knight still takes this one for me. The Knight moves like a precise little machine. Every button press gives an immediate response. His short, precise movements are perfect for split-second decisions. When a new encounter pushes me between fight and flight, the Knight accommodates instantly. That precision is balanced by your strongest attacks, which force you to slow down and pick the right moment. It’s a rhythm I grew to love. Silksong’s controls are smooth and suit Hornet’s more organic movement, but the Knight’s almost robotic responsiveness remains my preferred way to play. Story: Silksong I’ll be honest: after the credits rolled in Hollow Knight, I wasn’t entirely sure what had happened. That vagueness is part of the charm, but Silksong pulled me in harder. Hornet is the main reason. I wasn’t playing a nameless, voiceless husk anymore. I was a warrior with personality, history, a code of honor, and a clear goal. That alone makes the story feel fuller. Other characters also have more to say, which enriches Pharloom. This isn’t Hallownest’s dying world; it’s a world under siege by a mysterious force, and Hornet is tied directly to it. The Wishes system—requests from Pharloom’s denizens—adds another layer, revealing bits of lore and clues with every favor. Hollow Knight tells a compelling story through atmosphere and context, but Silksong’s more direct narrative won me over. The Winner: A Draw So, is Silksong better than Hollow Knight? After all that, I honestly can’t pick one. They balance each other out. Category Winner Artwork & Soundtrack Both Content Hollow Knight ️ Difficulty Silksong Controls Hollow Knight Story Silksong Both games are worth playing, and because they’re only loosely connected, you can play them in whichever order you like. They’re both gorgeous, engaging, and satisfying in their own ways. For now, it’s a draw. But if Silksong follows Hollow Knight’s path and gets strong DLC support, I could easily see it overtaking its predecessor. Since both titles offer dozens of hours of unforgettable gameplay, the practical question often shifts to cost—especially if you plan to explore both Hallownest and Pharloom. Retailers run frequent sales, and prices vary widely across platforms, so a little comparison can go a long way. 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Silksong Mask Shard Guide: 20 Locations And Boss Milestone Tips Find all 20 Hollow Knight: Silksong Mask Shard locations to forge extra health Masks and survive brutal boss fights. I’ll be honest: in Hollow Knight: Silksong, nothing calms my nerves like spotting a Mask Shard. These little fragments are basically extra heartbeats for Hornet, and let’s be real—extra heartbeats are exactly what you want when a multi-phase boss is breathing down your neck. Across the whole adventure, there are 20 Mask Shards scattered around the map. Every four shards combine into one full Mask, so you can end up with five additional health segments by the time you’ve truly cleaned house. How Mask Shards Work Collect any four Mask Shards and they combine into a full Mask, adding another piece of vitality to Hornet’s health bar. Since the hardest bosses in Silksong can chew through two health pieces with a single attack, those extra Masks are not just a luxury. They give you more room to learn patterns, make mistakes, and still walk away from a fight. There are enough shards to build five additional Masks in total. That might not sound like a mountain of health, but against a boss like The Last Judge, two extra Masks can be the difference between a close victory and bouncing off the same fight for an hour. Where Mask Shards Hide I’ll be the first to admit I missed a bunch on my first pass. Mask Shards are scattered all over the massive world map, and the game loves to tuck them into places you’d swear you already checked. Some are sitting in dark, secret corners of rooms I had walked through multiple times. Others are locked behind abilities that only show up later, which means you’ll need to backtrack once your movement kit expands. Don’t be afraid to retrace your steps. In my experience, a ledge that looked useless at hour ten can suddenly become a trailhead at hour twenty. Some shards are gated by story progression, so you may not be able to reach them until you’ve moved into an entirely different Act. That’s normal. The game is designed to make you feel clever for returning. Milestone Health Checklist Based on the game’s major milestones, here are the shard counts I recommend having before those big fights: Milestone Recommended Mask Shards Extra Masks Fourth Chorus (Act 1 boss) 4 1 Widow (Act 1 boss) 8 2 The Last Judge (Act 1 boss) 8 2 Act 2 Final Boss 12 3 Cogwork Dancers (Act 2 boss) 12 3 Act 3 Final Boss 20 5 The Last Judge is a particularly nasty gatekeeper at the end of Act 1, so having at least four to eight shards before that fight gives you a much friendlier buffer. By Act 2, you’ll want roughly 12 shards in your pocket, and by the final Act, you should be chasing every last one. Exploration vs. Combat One thing I appreciate is that exploration itself doesn’t demand a specific number of shards. The hazards in areas like Mount Fay are usually tied to your abilities or resistances rather than raw health. You don’t need 12 shards just to survive the freezing weather, though having more health does give you a little extra time to look around before resting. That said, for the toughest encounters, Mask Shards become incredibly important. They turn a brutal learning curve into something you can actually survive long enough to understand. My Practical Advice Honestly, if I could go back to my first run, I’d tell myself this: 🧭 Grab at least 4 shards before Fourth Chorus. ️ Aim for 8 before Widow and The Last Judge. ️ Backtrack after every major movement upgrade. Check dark corners even if a room feels familiar. Shoot for all 20 before the Act 3 finale. Take a breath. Then go hunt them down. At the end of the day, Mask Shards are insurance. The game knows exactly where to hide them, but a little patience—and a lot of backtracking—goes a long way. I’d rather walk into a fight with too much health than just barely enough, and in Silksong, every shard is one step closer to that peace of mind. That same spirit of hunting—scouring every corner, checking every nook—is what makes finding a great deal on your next game feel so rewarding. Just like you’d backtrack for a hidden shard, a few minutes browsing the right marketplace can turn up surprising savings that let you stretch your gaming budget even further. It’s the kind of patience that pays off in both worlds. Whether you’re picking up a fresh adventure to tide you over between Silksong runs or grabbing a gift for a fellow hunter, keeping an eye on places that aggregate the [best game deals]( can save you from overpaying. A quick check before you hit that buy button is a lot like checking behind one more waterfall—you never know when you’ll find exactly what you were hoping for. https://dealnesthq.com

Hollow Knight: Silksong Crowns Xbox Game Pass's Unstoppable 2025 Hot Streak Hollow Knight: Silksong headlines Xbox Game Pass's standout 2025 lineup, earning a 91 OpenCritic score after a seven-year wait. The arrival of Hollow Knight: Silksong on Xbox Game Pass felt less like a routine catalog update and more like a long-awaited coronation in the depths of Pharloom. For subscribers, the moment carried the weight of a seven-year held breath finally released. The value of a subscription service often ebbs and flows, but through 2025, Xbox Game Pass had been moving like a river in full flood, carrying each new release past expectations with an almost gravitational pull. That momentum began at the end of January with Citizen Sleeper 2, a quiet but brilliant narrative sequel that earned glowing reviews. From there, the floodgates opened. Avowed, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Blue Prince, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Abiotic Factor each arrived as day-one additions, turning the service into a rolling showcase of critical and commercial hits. Other recent winners like Gears of War: Reloaded and The Alters kept the streak alive through the middle of the year. Game Pass 2025 Standout What It Brought Citizen Sleeper 2 Emotional sci-fi storytelling Avowed Expansive fantasy role-playing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Striking turn-based adventure Blue Prince Inventive puzzle design Doom: The Dark Ages Brutal, fast-paced shooting Abiotic Factor Co-op survival chaos Gears of War: Reloaded High-impact action The Alters Bold sci-fi decision-making Then came Hollow Knight: Silksong. Available from day one to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers, it was not simply another title; it was the needle finally threading its way through the silk, a project whose long development had become the stuff of genre legend. Critics praised its engrossing atmosphere, precise platforming, and tough battles that demanded every ounce of patience. At the time of its launch, Silksong carried an average review score of 91 on OpenCritic, making it one of the highest-rated releases of the year. The only game ahead of it in the day-one Game Pass class was Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Silksong shared its 91 with Donkey Kong Bananza and Split Fiction, placing it in rarefied company. But the number was not static. Because Team Cherry did not distribute review copies, critics started their journeys at the same moment as everyone else. The score moved like a kite in a shifting wind, briefly rising toward a perfect 100 before settling lower as more voices rolled in. That volatility only added to the drama. For a short window, Silksong stood as the highest-rated game of all time, a title that carried as much irony as honor. Then the average slipped to 98, then 94, then to its early resting point of 91. Even so, the game remained a lock for the upper tier of the year, and its success deepened the perceived value of Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscriptions. For players exploring Pharloom, the world felt both intimate and hostile, a labyrinth stitched together with light and shadow. Each dash through thorny passages and each duel with a towering guardian felt like a conversation between the game and the person holding the controller. That kind of connection is not easily manufactured, which is why Silksong became the crown jewel of an already extraordinary year. As the calendar turns toward 2026, the question is not whether Xbox Game Pass can remain relevant, but whether any future lineup can match a year when the service seemed to operate with the inevitability of a comet that refuses to dim. The library has grown richer, and the bar has risen. Hollow Knight: Silksong did not simply join the catalog; it stitched itself into the fabric of why the subscription mattered in the first place. Of course, the very nature of a subscription library is that it breathes and shifts. Titles rotate, and even a celebrated masterpiece like Silksong will eventually cede the front page to something new. For many players, that quiet moment of farewell is also the moment their attention turns elsewhere — toward the wider ecosystem of PC gaming, where permanent ownership and frequent sales offer a different kind of satisfaction. Keeping track of which prices have genuinely dropped and whether a worthwhile discount is actually on the table can quickly turn into a full-time chore, though. Rather than refreshing store pages by hand, more and more players are turning to a dedicated [steam deal finder]( like the one featured at DealNest, a practical way to surface the best promotions across Steam and keep a healthy backlog without overspending. It is a small companion that quietly complements the binge-driven rhythm of Game Pass — when the subscription catalog moves on, the hunt for hidden gems continues, and the savings only make the discovery feel sweeter. https://dealnesthq.com

I Tamed the Beast: How I Found and Used Hornet's Life-Stealing Crest in Silksong Crest of the Beast in Hollow Knight: Silksong unlocks aggressive, high-risk combat and life-steal for daring players. I had been stuck in a cautious rhythm during my 2026 journey through Hollow Knight: Silksong. My usual setup kept me alive, but it also made every brawl feel slow. Then I read about a tool that would push Hornet into a savage, high-risk, high-reward style: the Crest of the Beast. Instead of polite swordplay, this crest grants feral claw-like attacks, extra damage, and a very tempting life-steal ability in Wild Fury mode. I instantly wanted it, but getting my hands on the crest turned into a tiny expedition through one of the game's most hostile early regions. Why the Crest of the Beast Fits an Aggressive Playstyle The crest is not subtle. It transforms Hornet's standard moveset into something predatory. Your attacks hit harder, and the bind mechanic changes completely. Rather than the usual recovery tool, binding with this crest triggers Wild Fury mode. In that state Hornet gains even more offensive power, and every successful strike can restore health. It is a perfect choice for players who love to stay close to danger instead of retreating. This animalistic combat style also pairs beautifully with Silksong's combat-focused crests system. You are not locked into one identity, so I treated the Crest of the Beast as a situational weapon: a beast-mode switch for fights where aggression matters more than safe positioning. Early Preparation: Getting the Drifter's Cloak Before hunting the crest, I needed the Drifter's Cloak. I got it by finishing the Flexile Spines quest in the Far Fields. That reward unlocked the float ability, which is essential for reaching the crest area. If you skip this step, the route to the Chapel of the Beast becomes impossible in places. Once the cloak was mine, I traveled to Hunter's March. My goal was the bottom-right corner of the region, where a cave mouth sits almost like a hidden invitation. Entering the Chapel of the Beast The cave led me to the Chapel of the Beast entrance, and I immediately felt the area's angry personality. Red orchids, thorns, and air currents filled the space. At first the left gate was closed, so I moved right and used the air current to float to a higher platform. That is where the real platforming test began. I pogoed off the red orchids on the right, floated upward, and then let Hornet descend slowly while avoiding the red thorns on the left. The Drifter's Cloak made this feel less like a leap of faith and more like a controlled glide. Eventually I landed on the other side of the locked gate. A quick switch opened the gate permanently, so I could move left without repeating the whole sequence. That quality-of-life unlock was a relief, because the next room was not peaceful. Facing the Savage Beastfly Just beyond the gate, the Savage Beastfly boss was waiting. This fight felt like the crest's philosophy in enemy form: fast, relentless, and punishing if you hesitate. I kept my aggression short and focused on avoiding its swooping attacks rather than trying to trade hits. After it fell, the path to the left opened into a quiet chamber with a statue. I interacted with the statue, triggered the binding, and finally received the Crest of the Beast. How the Crest Feels in Combat The first thing I noticed was the new claw-like attack moveset. Hornet's strikes felt shorter, sharper, and more brutal. Basic enemies that previously required multiple hits started melting under the increased damage. The real joy came from Wild Fury mode. When I used the bind during combat, I stopped relying on a safe heal and instead leaned into the beast state. Every hit I landed returned a bit of health, which encouraged constant pressure. This fits a simple but dangerous rule: the crest rewards you for staying in the fight. If you are confident enough to keep attacking, the life steal can keep you alive through encounters that would normally force defensive play. The Downsides of the Crest of the Beast It is not a perfect crest. After testing it across several zones, I found two big weaknesses. First, Hornet's downward strike becomes much more angled than normal. In a game full of pogo challenges, that angled strike can make platforming sections feel awkward. The same move that helps in combat can hurt you when you are bouncing off mushrooms, spikes, or enemies over a bottomless drop. Second, the bind change can throw off your instincts. The wild mode does not immediately heal you like a standard bind. If you are used to hitting bind as an emergency heal, you will need to unlearn that habit. Otherwise you may activate Wild Fury at low health and fail to recover because you stopped attacking. The table below shows how I felt about the tradeoff: Situation Crest of the Beast performance Dense enemy rooms Excellent due to damage and life steal Boss fights Great as long as you stay aggressive Precision platforming Risky because the downward strike is angled Emergency healing Weak because bind does not instantly heal When to Use the Crest of the Beast My best recommendation is to switch to the Crest of the Beast right before a fight-heavy section. If a room is packed with enemies or a boss gate is ahead, equipping this crest gives you a serious offensive advantage. Once the battle is over and the path turns into a careful platforming sequence, I switch back to a more balanced tool like the Crest of the Wanderer. That rotation helped me keep the best of both worlds: brutal damage when I needed it, and reliable movement when I did not. The Crest of the Beast became my favorite pocket weapon in Silksong, not my permanent identity. In a game that rewards flexibility, that kind of setup feels very natural. Charm loadouts are such a personal part of the Silksong experience that half the fun is testing new arrangements between every bench. If you are planning a full run with the Crest of the Beast, it helps to know that the game itself is well worth the purchase for anyone who loves this kind of precise combat and movement. Since you will likely spend hours experimenting with these builds, snagging a good deal on the game leaves more room to enjoy every well-crafted zone without stressing over the cost. Before you dive into Hornet's journey and start hunting down your favorite crests, it is worth checking which retailer offers the best rate for your region. You can [compare prices here]( to make sure you get the most value out of your next adventure. https://dealnesthq.com

Silksong Courier's Rasher Guide: Delivering Tipp and Pill's Greasy Nightmare Hollow Knight: Silksong’s Courier's Rasher delivery quest is a notoriously difficult, timed challenge in Pharloom. Let me tell you about the run that nearly made me throw my controller into Pharloom's nearest bottomless pit: delivering the Courier's Rasher from Bellhart to Choral Chambers. As of 2026, this remains one of the most gloriously awful errands in Hollow Knight: Silksong. On paper, it sounds like a charming leg of the Great Taste of Pharloom quest. In practice, it is a timed, no-fast-travel, fragility-filled escort mission for a piece of cooked meat. Hornet can leap over acid pools and duel gods, but apparently one hot breakfast is enough to humble her. Before I started sprinting, I had to actually pick up the rasher. Head to Bellhart and speak with Tipp and Pill on top of Frey's shop. If those two are not there, do not panic; it just means Hornet has not rescued them yet. Finish 'My Missing Courier' and 'My Missing Brother Wayfarer' from Bellhart's Wishwall, then return. Easy enough, right? Well, the moment they hand over that greasy slab, reality sets in. Why This Delivery Is So Cruel Unlike Tipp and Pill's other deliveries, Courier's Rasher comes with a timer. You also cannot use fast travel, and taking heavy damage can ruin the attempt. That combination turns a simple hike into a precision parkour marathon through some of Silksong's angriest real estate. Planning matters more than reflexes here, though reflexes definitely help. The safest route I found runs from Bellhart through Shellwood, up the punishing climbs of Blasted Steps, and finally into Choral Chambers to reach Loyal Mergwin. Even saying 'safest' feels generous. Every road in this region wants to introduce Hornet to a pit or a pointy enemy. Tools and Skills That Saved My Sanity I strongly recommend equipping three tools before leaving: Ascendant's Grip for wall-sticking, because slipping is death. Silkspeed Anklets to boost running speed. Weavelight, because this run burns Silk like a campfire. Also grab the Clawline Skill for quick hook dashes and the Faydown Cloak for double jumps. Opening every shortcut ahead of time is non-negotiable. My sneaky pro tip: open the menu map instead of using the mini-map during the run. The menu map pauses the game, giving you unlimited time to plan your next jump without the timer laughing at you. If you want to clear enemies beforehand, go for it, but do not rest at a bench after doing so unless you enjoy re-clearing everything. The Actual Run, Step By Step From Tipp and Pill, move right to the elevator leading to Bellhart's second floor. Exit toward Shellwood through the first exit on the second floor. In Shellwood, watch for the Gahlia flower enemy above and slash the blocking vines as you climb upward. Then it is mostly leftward running until Blasted Steps. Blasted Steps is where the difficulty spikes harder than a nail bounce on a bell. You cannot simply avoid all threats; Hornet has to push through enemies and cage-jumping puzzles. Climb the first hole, reach the bench area, then use the shortcut platform on the right to skip the lower parkour. Leap from ledge to ledge, use the hanging bell, and when two shielded Judge enemies block the path, either jump-attack the shielded one or leap over them toward the rock on the left for a safer bell route. Keep hopping through cages, targeting bells, and bouncing onto walls. The farther you climb, the closer you get to Grand Gate. Inside Grand Gate, parkour straight up into a shortcut that dumps you directly into Choral Chambers, completely avoiding the Underworks detour. In Choral Chambers, aim for the Ventrica chamber above, but do not enter from the right side. That route is enemy soup with a side of awful platforming. Go left instead, where a hidden shortcut makes life much less miserable. After the Ventrica chamber, push through the exit that leads toward the Slab, keep moving right, and finally reach Loyal Mergwin's chamber. Hand over the rasher, let out the breath you have been holding since Bellhart, and collect your reward before any stray enemy dares interrupt. Final Verdict Courier's Rasher is not the hardest boss in Silksong, but it might be the most nerve-wracking errand. With the right tools, shortcuts opened, and a route that avoids the most hostile detours, the run changes from impossible to merely sweat-inducing. Just remember: the menu map is your best friend, and patience beats panic every time. Much like scouting a route through Bellhart before committing to the run, a little homework goes a long way before you even boot up a new adventure. Hornet's quest tests your reflexes, but the real takeaway is that forethought turns chaos into a manageable path—both in Silksong and in choosing your next gaming investment. Players who appreciate that level of meticulous preparation often find themselves hunting for the next intricate Metroidvania or precision platformer before the credits even finish rolling. When that itch strikes, stretching your coin pouch further lets you take more chances on hidden gems that deliver the same nail-biting payoff. Checking the [DealNest game deals]( is a smart stop along that route, giving you access to solid discounts across a range of titles so your next challenge is ready to go the moment Hornet's journey wraps up. https://dealnesthq.com

Hollow Knight: Silksong: Every Ventrica Station Location and Fast Travel Guide Hollow Knight: Silksong Ventrica stations offer fast travel and efficient Rosary farming in the vast Grand Citadel map. As players explore the Grand Citadel in Hollow Knight: Silksong during 2026, the sheer scale of the place can sneak up on anyone. There are 9 sub-areas in this one map — and that is if players count the Grand Gate — so getting turned around is pretty much par for the course. Luckily, Team Cherry added Ventrica stations, high-speed tubes that launch Hornet across the Citadel in a flash, much like the Bellway Stations players have already used. The catch? Some of these stations are tucked away, and without enough Rosaries on hand it is easy to walk right past them and forget they exist. What Makes Ventrica Stations So Useful Ventrica stations are more than just convenience. They cut down travel time, make Rosary farming routes much faster, and open up shortcuts to merchants and bosses. In a game as sprawling as Silksong, having the right fast-travel point unlocked can be the difference between a smooth run and a long, boring walk. Below is the full rundown of every Ventrica station in the Grand Citadel, along with the best ways to use each one. Terminus Terminus is the central hub of the Ventrica network, and every other station feeds back into it. To be blunt, there is not a ton to do here beyond resting and making the run back to the main Act 2 boss. Still, it is the backbone of fast travel in the Citadel, so players should unlock it as early as possible. Memorium The Memorium station sits in the top-left corner of Memorium. It is not the flashiest fast-travel point, because the area itself is fairly small. Its main uses are rescuing a giant flea, grabbing the Materium device, and heading toward the Putrified Ducts. Players who want to fill out the Hunter’s Journal can also grind enemies nearby without much hassle. High Halls Found just before the Forum Gauntlet fight and close to the Sentinel boss fight, the High Halls station is a real gem for anyone looking to farm Rosaries. Players can rest at the bench here, sprint down the long corridor, and wipe out tall guards along the way. In Act 2 there are five guards, and when paired with Grindle’s Thief’s Mark, a single run can net 275 Rosaries. Rest at Songclave, then rinse and repeat until the wallet is loaded. First Shrine This station is just above Songclave and sees constant use during missions from the Overseer and the Wishboard. It also provides quick access to the Whispering Vaults and Jubilana the merchant, making it a handy pit stop for errands and shopping. Choral Chambers Found in the far west of the Citadel, the Choral Chambers station opens up routes to the top of the Grand Gate, Whiteward, and the rest of the Choral Chambers area. Players attempting the Couriers Rasher delivery will pass through here often, so it is worth memorizing. It is also a solid travel point for one of the main Act 3 bosses. Grand Bellway Grand Bellway is the workhorse of the Ventrica network. Because it sits right next to the Bellway Station and has a bench, it is perfect for both Trobbio fights and serves as a crossroads. From here players can reach the Whispering Vaults, Choral Chambers, the Underworks, or even the Exhaust Organ in Bilewater. If someone only unlocks one extra station beyond Terminus, this should probably be it. Underworks After dropping from Whiteward and grabbing the Clawline ability, the Underworks station is the fastest way back to the surface. It is also the closest fast-travel spot for visiting the Architect, whose shop is just a short stroll to the north-east. Whenever players need new items or upgrades, this station is a huge time-saver. Quick Reference Table Station Location Best Use Terminus Central hub Resting and Act 2 boss runs Memorium Top-left Memorium Materium device, Putrified Ducts, Hunter’s Journal grinding High Halls Before Forum Gauntlet Rosary farming and Sentinel boss access First Shrine Above Songclave Overseer and Wishboard missions, Whispering Vaults, Jubilana Choral Chambers Far west Citadel Grand Gate, Whiteward, Couriers Rasher route Grand Bellway Next to Bellway Station Crossroads, Trobbio fights, Exhaust Organ route Underworks Near Architect Clawline return, item shopping Final Tips for Speedrunners Learning how to get around the Citadel in the shortest amount of time is a major part of Hollow Knight: Silksong, especially for players chasing Speedrun achievements. The Ventrica network is not just about convenience — it is about shaving minutes off every trip. Unlock each station as soon as the Rosaries allow, and if a location feels forgotten, backtrack after unlocking an area ability like the Clawline. A few Rosaries spent on travel now can save a lot of headache later. ️ Mastering the Ventrica network is all about respecting your own time as a player — the less time spent backtracking, the more time you have for boss fights, exploration, and chasing that perfect speedrun. The same mindset applies outside the game too: players who love optimizing routes tend to appreciate getting the best value for their gaming budget. If you are looking to pick up Hollow Knight: Silksong or expand your library after finishing the Citadel, it is worth checking out the [game deals today]( on DealNest. That way, you can spend less time hunting for savings and more time exploring everything Pharloom has to offer. https://dealnesthq.com

I Claimed the Heart of the Woods in Silksong: Here's How Hollow Knight Silksong Heart of the Woods route guide: master spike gauntlets, hidden levers, and boss strategies for the Pollen Heart. After finally pushing into Act 3 of Hollow Knight: Silksong, I made the Heart of the Woods my first target. Even in 2026, with the community having mapped most of Act 3, this route still punishes careless players. The game is clear that the three hearts can be collected in any order, but anyone who has tried will tell you that 'any order' does not mean 'without preparation.' This route is a dense knot of hidden levers, narrow tunnels, spike gauntlets, and two demanding boss encounters. Here is how I finally grabbed the Pollen Heart, including every step that saved my run. I started from the Grand Gate, which is the most reliable access point if you are arriving from the Blasted Steps Bellway or Choral Chambers Station. At the Grand Shrine, I kept getting drawn toward the large glowing entrance, but the correct route is the lower door on the right. Once inside that vertical room, use Silk Soar to climb and then push right through the narrow tunnels. At the end of those tunnels is a lever, and I am embarrassed to admit how much time I wasted backtracking before I pulled it. That lever opens the path forward, so do not miss it. After the lever, glide down and break the obstacle to open a leftward route. Then drop again and slash the veins blocking the way. The path is not obvious, and the game gives you very little visual fanfare. This is where a careful player separates from a frustrated one, because if you miss a vein, you will be stuck wondering why the map will not open up. At the end of that path, turn right into the Underworks. There is a bench behind a gate, and it costs 15 Rosaries to unlock. I almost skipped it because I wanted to push ahead, but that would have been a huge mistake. The upcoming fight against Nyleth is long, and the previous bench is far enough away that a death would feel terrible. Pay the fee, rest, and reset your tools. While resting, I made two loadout choices that carried me through the shrine: Ascendant's Grip and Cogfly. The Grip is not just a nice-to-have; it becomes essential during the second phase of the Nyleth fight when the floor disappears. Cogfly, or any tool that attacks automatically, lets you deal chip damage while you stay mobile. A touch of extra damage can be the difference between a clean kill and a panic-filled last few seconds. From the bench, head left and use Silk Soar to reach the hanging block. Destroy the ropes so the block falls, and a path down appears. This next section is a spike gauntlet, and I died more times than I care to admit by rushing it. Move carefully from platform to platform, and look for the white flowers that give you extra height. Use those to land on the top platform. Slash the veins there, jump up, and then turn left. That is when Shrine Guardian Seth blocks the way. Seth is not a pushover. He throws his shield and teleports to its location, which can catch you off guard if you try to heal at the wrong moment. He also has a nasty area-of-effect attack where yellow particles swirl around him before exploding. The real trouble starts in his second phase, when the same moves come much faster. The key for me was staying just far enough away to react to the teleport, then closing in for a few hits before retreating. Once he goes down, continue left and enter the shrine. Inside, play the Elegy of the Past near the fountain to face Nyleth. The fight has two distinct phases. At first, Hornet can stand on a platform and fight off ranged attacks while evading the AoE explosions. This phase feels manageable if you keep your spacing. But do not get comfortable. In the second phase, the platform disappears entirely, and you can only jump on the wall opposite Nyleth. That is exactly why Ascendant's Grip matters, because it lets you cling and reposition safely. Whenever I saw an opening, I approached and used a careful plunge attack to deal damage. It took several cycles, but eventually Nyleth fell. After the fight, I was transported outside, and the Pollen Heart was waiting for me. That single moment made the entire detour worth it. If you are still hunting the other two hearts, I would honestly recommend starting with this one. It forces you to learn Silksong's vertical movement, automatic tool synergy, and patient boss rhythm, all of which make the rest of Act 3 much less intimidating. Once you have the Pollen Heart in hand, the rest of Act 3 opens up in a way that feels earned. I found myself revisiting earlier areas with the new tool combo, and it completely changed how I approached some familiar fights. For anyone who wants to experience this whole journey on their own schedule, it is always nice to grab the game at a fair price before diving in. I usually check a [game price tracker]( before picking up new releases, and DealNest is where I compare store prices without the headache of jumping between different pages. Whether you are just entering the shrine for the first time or you are already planning your next run, the right price on the game means you can focus on mastering Nyleth instead of worrying about your wallet. With so many tools, upgrades, and secret paths to explore in Silksong, knowing the deal is solid makes the whole detour feel even better. And hey, if you end up stuck on a later boss, at least you will have gotten into the game for less. https://dealnesthq.com

Silksong: How to Get the Curvesickle and Make Flying Enemies Regret Everything Hollow Knight: Silksong's Curvesickle Tool upgrades the Curveclaw with wider arc and reach; unlock it in Act 3 after claiming the Curveclaw. Let’s be honest: few things in Hollow Knight: Silksong sting more than a winged nuisance that dive-bombs from off-screen, lands one hit, and flutters away like it just won a tournament. That’s where the Curvesickle comes in. This guide walks through exactly how to hunt down the Curvesickle Tool, what hoops the game makes players jump through first, and why it is absolutely worth the detour. What Does the Curvesickle Actually Do? The Curvesickle is an upgraded version of the Curveclaw. It gives Hornet a wider attack arc, better reach, and a much more forgiving hitbox against flying enemies. Unlike a lot of late-game gear, it doesn’t ask for a pile of Rosaries or a brutal platforming gauntlet. Anyone who already runs the Curveclaw and is tired of whiffing against fluttering pests will find it to be a straight upgrade. Does that mean it solves every combat problem? Not quite, but it does remove one of the most annoying categories of enemies from the threat list. Step One: Pick Up the Curveclaw Before the Curvesickle can be acquired, players need to own the Curveclaw Tool. This is found in the Hunter’s March area, but getting there is not exactly a casual stroll. From the Marrow, head to the top-right section. A path above the spot where Grindle is freed from his cell leads straight to an Ant Guardian. This boss fight can be brutal, especially without the dash ability. With the dash, however, Hornet can dart in, land a few hits, and back out before the Guardian finishes its wind-up. After the fight, continue right to meet Shakra for the map, then go up to find a Bench. From the Bench, take the passage on the left and look for Mottled Skarr, an NPC who sells a few useful items, including the Curveclaw. But here’s the twist: if players arrive during the second or third act of the game, Mottled Skarr might already be dead. No shop, no purchase, no problem. When that happens, leave the room, head upward, and find another passage on the left. There, a second Ant Guardian waits alongside a flying enemy. Defeat both, head left, and the Curveclaw will be sitting there for free. It’s almost like the game wants players to feel clever for skipping the price tag. Step Two: Reach the Third Act The second requirement is reaching the third act. This is the long part. It involves completing all the wishes, gaining access to Bellhome, and finding all the Fleas. Players who are still deep in exploration should not expect to grab the Curvesickle early; this is a mid-to-late game treat. Once the third act is active, travel to the Far Fields Bellway Station and take the air stream upward. To the right, there’s a room with a target board out front. Inside, four hanging targets swing from the ceiling, and a non-hostile character instantly vanishes the moment Hornet enters. This is where the Curveclaw earns its keep. Equip it and position Hornet so that a single use hits all four targets at the same time. If the positioning is off, the NPC stays hidden and the puzzle feels impossible. But line it up correctly, and the mysterious character appears, asks for the Curveclaw, and makes an offer that sounds like a scam but isn’t. Why hand over a perfectly good tool? Because the game rewards the trade. Give it to him, leave, rest at a bench, and return. The Curvesickle will be lying on the ground, ready for the taking. Worth the Trip? The Curvesickle is one of those rare upgrades that feels generous. No Rosaries are required for the final exchange, and there’s no brutal climbing section after the trade. It simply takes the Curveclaw’s concept and makes it wider, meaner, and far more effective. Feature Curveclaw Curvesickle Attack range Narrow arc Wide arc Cost Purchase or free pickup Free after trading Best against Ground and weak flyers Swarming and fast flyers Platforming required Moderate Minimal The only real cost is time. Players need to reach the third act, solve a target puzzle, and trust a disappearing NPC. But for anyone who has ever screamed at the screen because a flying enemy dodged a fully charged attack, the Curvesickle is a must-have. So go get it, and let the winged pests learn what regret feels like. The Curvesickle is just one example of how digging deeper into a game’s world can completely change how you play. Taking the time to discover hidden trades or secret paths often rewrites what you thought was possible, turning a frustrating encounter into a total breeze. This sense of discovery isn't just satisfying in-game—it also translates to how we shop for the things that make gaming even better. Before dropping real money on a new controller, headset, or even the next title on your wishlist, it's always wise to check multiple sources and [find the best deal]( out there. Securing top-tier gear for less is the ultimate real-world side quest. https://dealnesthq.com

My Courier Nightmares and Triumphs in Hollow Knight: Silksong Hollow Knight Silksong courier quests challenge Hornet’s movement mastery and offer repeatable Rosary farming for Tipp and Pill deliveries. I still remember unlocking Courier Tipp and Courier Pill after the Bellhart Quest Board. I thought I was signing up for a few gentle fetch tasks. Instead, I got a crash course in fear, momentum, and fragile cargo. The delivery quests in Hollow Knight: Silksong are not just side activities. They are a test of how well you understand Hornet's movement. The moment I took my first bundle of supplies, the game removed fast travel and added an item health bar. One hit? Lose a segment. A bad fall? Lose a segment. Slam into a wall without stopping? Lose another. I learned very quickly that fighting was not the answer. There is no easy way to cheat by clearing enemies ahead of time either; the game wants you to move, not fight. The Delivery Economy Most of the deliveries you see from Tipp and Pill are repeatable. They are essentially a non-combat way to farm Rosaries . That sounds nice at first because you can run them as often as you want for spending money. But after my third trip through hostile bug territory with a bundle of supplies, I realized these are far from the most efficient Rosary farm available. Still, they taught me Hornet's faster movement better than most boss fights. The standard supply runs also give you a rough idea of difficulty based on their reward. I started with the easier ones near Bone Bottom and Pilgrim's Rest, using the Drifter's cloak to hug the walls and jet streams. It was not glamorous, but it kept the cargo safe. The One-Time Runs That Matter Beyond the repeatable deliveries, Tipp and Pill offer two serious one-time missions. The first, 'Queen's Egg,' unlocks after you complete any single delivery beforehand. They ask you to carry one Queen Silkeater grub egg to Styx at the far end of the Sinner's Road. I made the mistake of trying this early. The journey was long, but the reward changed my playthrough: 120 Rosaries and a permanent upgrade to my Silkeater farm. After that, every visit to Hornet's well-meaning ally gave me double the usual amount. In the long run, that was more valuable than any single payout. The other one-time mission is tied to 'Great Taste of Pharloom.' This one asks you to bring perishable ingredients to Loyal Mergwin in the Citadel under a set time limit ️. The item itself then leads into the wish for Hornet's second nail upgrade. If you care about combat, you need this run. If you hate timed cargo, you will still do it for that nail. Courier's Rasher Is No Joke The most infamous delivery is 'Courier's Rasher.' I would not wish it on anyone unprepared. Unlike the standard supply quests, this one has a unique time limit. It requires equal parts speed and safety. I tried it before I had the Clawline and Feydown Cloak abilities, and I failed spectacularly. The moment I returned with those two movement tools, the run felt possible, though still brutal. The key for 'Courier's Rasher' is knowing the Choral Chambers layout before you even accept the quest. I ran the route several times without the delivery, just learning the map. That saved me from so many timer-related heartbreaks later. Tools, Movement, and the Routes I Learned to Trust For almost every delivery, my philosophy was: avoid enemies at all costs. For the harder runs, I relied on a few specific tools. Clawline and Feydown Cloak – Essential for 'Courier's Rasher' and any route with long gaps or vertical climbs. Flea Brew offensive tool – Gave Hornet extra speed when I needed to burst past enemies. Silkspeed Anklets – Another speed boost that made a surprising difference on long deliveries. Compass 🧭 – Not optional for me. It helped me check route progression without opening the full map. Wanderer's Crest – If you have memory lockets to spare, the downward pogo from this crest is much more consistent for avoiding both enemies and hazards. Curveclaw – When I did have to fight, ranged damage kept annoying flying enemies from ruining the item health bar. For the Sinner's Road delivery to Styx, stealth was the answer. The Muckmaggots can be almost entirely avoided if you run along paths without them. I also abused area transitions to despawn aggressive flying enemies. It felt like cheating, but the game allowed it, so I called it strategy. For 'Courier's Rasher,' I ran the Choral Chambers route multiple times before the real attempt. I recommend that more than any charm or tool. Knowing where the vertical shortcuts are and which platforms are safe at speed is the real reward. Final Delivery Report Looking back, the courier quests in Silksong are a strange mix of frustration and satisfaction. They are not the most efficient way to farm Rosaries, and some of them will make you question your sanity. But they force you to master Hornet's movement in a way that combat alone never does. The Queen's Egg upgrade alone makes the courier chain worthwhile, and the second nail upgrade from 'Great Taste of Pharloom' is too good to ignore. If you are starting these quests now in 2026, my advice is simple. Do the easy standard deliveries first. Learn to avoid enemies instead of fighting them. Do not touch 'Courier's Rasher' until you have Clawline and Feydown Cloak. And for the love of Pharloom, learn the Choral Chambers before the timer starts. Tipp and Pill may act like friendly couriers, but their requests are a trial by fragile cargo. Whether you are diving into Hornet's adventure for the first time or returning for another punishing playthrough, having the right game at the right price makes the experience all the sweeter. If Silksong is still sitting in your backlog—or if you want to grab a fresh copy for a friend so they can suffer through the courier trials with you—it pays to hunt around for the [best game deals]( before you commit to a full-price purchase. A little patience on the shopping side can free up budget for future titles, letting you focus on mastering those fragile deliveries without any buyer's remorse lingering in the background. https://dealnesthq.com

How I Beat Trobbio in Hollow Knight: Silksong Act 2 Master this Hollow Knight: Silksong Trobbio boss guide for Act 2: read pyrotechnic tells, use pogo and Reaper crest, claim the Claw Mirror. I have been diving back into Hollow Knight: Silksong in 2026, and the Act 2 encounter with Trobbio still feels like a high-stakes stage performance. The fight is not the hardest in the Citadel, but it demands patience, spacing, and a good read on pyrotechnic tells. In this guide, I will share how I located Trobbio's arena, prepared my loadout, avoided his most dangerous attacks, and claimed the Claw Mirror reward without relying on risky maneuvers. Finding Trobbio's Stage and Preparing The first time I reached Trobbio's stage, I entered from the Whispering Vaults at the bottom right of the Citadel. That route is dramatic, but it makes the runback unnecessarily long. Before starting the fight, I explored to the left and unblocked the return passage to the Choral Chambers. From there, I jumped down to the Bench area in the Grand Bellway and rested. This gives you a much shorter return route and also lets you use the Bellway if you need to grab anything else before Act 2. For equipment, I tested a few crests and ended up preferring the Reaper crest. A slow and steady approach works well against Trobbio, because many of his attacks are designed to punish aggressive players. The Reaper crest helped me regenerate Silk more quickly and gave some extra range on my attacks, which made it easier to strike from safer positions. There are no mandatory Tools for this fight, so take whatever you enjoy using most. The key is not your loadout, but your ability to stay calm while the stage itself seems to explode around you. Trobbio's Attack Patterns and How I Avoided Them The tricky part of Trobbio is that his attacks grow more intense as the fight continues, even though the core patterns stay consistent. The move I respect the most is his tornado spin. Whenever Trobbio starts spinning, I immediately leap into the air and use a pogo attack on his head. I usually land one hit and then dash away, because the follow-up can send a tornado out from each side. If I stay above him during that follow-up, I can sometimes squeeze in one or two more hits, but I never get greedy. When Trobbio dips beneath the stage, I follow his movements and try to get a single strike when he emerges. However, if the center of the stage starts trembling, he may throw out exploding projectiles instead of popping up. In that situation, I stick to a pogo if I am attempting any attack near the center. Along other parts of the stage, I can reliably expect Trobbio himself to emerge, which creates a safer opening. While on stage, Trobbio also throws bombs. These are usually easy to avoid once I pay attention to where they land. The explosions can spread in vertical or horizontal lines, so I avoid standing on those lines. I can hit the bombs away with my needle, but I rarely bother because it is not necessary. His firework attack places five fireworks around the stage. These look intimidating, but they are also easy to avoid if I keep an eye on the floor. Later in the fight, Trobbio introduces a series of pyrotechnic blasts from beneath the stage. I simply move or dash away from any spouts I see rumbling. The damage radius is slightly larger than it looks, so I give those blasts extra space. I also learned not to fear contact damage too much. Trobbio's special attacks deal two masks of damage, but running into Trobbio himself only costs one mask. That is important because a single accidental touch is not a run-ending mistake. The real danger is the tornado and the overlapping pyrotechnics, which can snowball into a bad situation quickly. A Safe, Patient Strategy The best way I found to beat Trobbio is to keep my focus on his attacks and only strike when I have a clear opportunity. This is slower than playing aggressively, but it is reliable. I treat the fight like a recital: let Trobbio perform, watch the stage, and answer only when safe. For healing, I wait to see what attack he is doing and then look for a clear window. Healing in the air on either far side of the stage is usually my safest bet. Those corners give me a little distance from the center-stage pyrotechnics and make it easier to react if Trobbio begins his spin. I also try to heal after dodging the tornado follow-up, because that is one of the moments when Trobbio has the longest recovery. Reward: Claw Mirror and Tragedian Achievement After I finally upstaged Trobbio, I received the Claw Mirror. This reward lets Hornet deal damage while Binding to heal, which opens up a more aggressive healing rhythm for later fights. It also creates a more convenient path to parts of the Whispering Vaults and unlocks the Tragedian achievement. The Claw Mirror is not mandatory for Act 2, but it is a nice boon if you enjoy using Bind. Even if Trobbio is not your first objective, the fight is worth doing for the utility and the shorter route. Final Thoughts Trobbio's boss fight is theatrical, but it is not unfair. The stage hazards can feel overwhelming at first, especially when fireworks, bombs, and tornadoes appear close together. Once I slowed down and focused on positioning, the encounter became much more manageable. Use the Grand Bellway Bench to shorten your return, equip the Reaper crest if you want extra Silk regeneration and range, and avoid the tornado above all else. With patience, Hornet can definitely steal the spotlight and walk away with the Claw Mirror. Like the best Hollow Knight fights, Trobbio is a reminder of how rewarding it is when a game respects your patience and rewards your awareness. 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