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iris201

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Recent Best Controversial

  • Silksong Guide: How to Reach Weavenest Atla and Find Its Map
    I iris201

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

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

    How to Reach Weavenest Atla in Silksong

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

    Prerequisites for Weavenest Atla 🗺️

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

    Requirement
    Location
    Purpose

    Story progress to Bellhart
    Bellhart
    Unlocks The Threadspun Town objective

    Wall jump ability
    Shellwood
    Allows vertical traversal and route access

    Defeat the Widow
    Shellwood, right side
    Grants the Needolin Skill

    Needolin Skill
    Reward from Widow
    Opens the weaver-shaped door

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

    Step-by-Step Route to Weavenest Atla 🧭

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

    • Travel into Shellwood and obtain the wall jump ability.

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

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

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

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

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

    • Pass through the door to arrive in Weavenest Atla.

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

    Finding the Weavenest Atla Map 📍

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

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

    What to Collect in Weavenest Atla ⚔️

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

    Item or Encounter
    Type
    Why It Matters

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

    Spool Fragment
    Collectible
    Progress toward Silk capacity upgrades

    Mask Shard
    Collectible
    Progress toward additional health

    Boss encounter
    Optional fight
    Challenge and possible rewards

    Rune tablet
    Map unlock
    Reveals the Weavenest Atla map

    Tips for a Smooth Visit 💡

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

    Conclusion 🧵

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

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

    https://dealnesthq.com

    Confessions game

  • My First-Person Feast: Completing Great Taste of Pharloom in Silksong
    I iris201

    My First-Person Feast: Completing Great Taste of Pharloom in Silksong

    Hollow Knight: Silksong’s Great Taste of Pharloom quest blends needle upgrades with epic culinary challenges for Hornet.

    I thought upgrading Hornet's needle in Hollow Knight: Silksong would be as simple as sharpening a pencil. Then I met Loyal Mergwin in the Pharloom Citadel, and he turned a blacksmith's errand into a cross-continental tasting menu. In 2026, after many patches and countless deaths, the Great Taste of Pharloom quest remains one of the most memorable side stories in the game. This is how I, a lone hornet with a needle and a stubborn streak, gathered every ingredient and finally earned the Pale Oil. The quest was less a grocery list and more a chandelier I had to assemble while it was already falling.

    Mossberry Stew: The Easy First Course 🍲

    Mergwin's list begins with Mossberry Stew, and for once, the game offers mercy. I backtracked to Mosshome, the starting area, and spoke to the friendly Druid of the Moss Temple. If you have not completed his berry-picking quest, you may need to do that first. I had already done it, so he handed over the rare ingredient without much fuss. The reward for helping him earlier is a handy defensive tool, which made the backtrack feel less like a chore and more like visiting an old friend who happens to cook with forest magic.

    Vintage Nectar: A Barkeep's Toll 🍷

    Vintage Nectar sits at the Halfway Home in Greymoor, but Creige will not part with it for free. He demands 480 Rosaries, a fee that feels like paying a toll bridge to cross a river of wine. I farmed Rosaries in the Citadel and to the right of Greymoor, then stocked up on equipment and silk. The real trap comes after you pay: when you enter the cellar and try to grab the nectar, waves of Hunter's March enemies ambush you. Their movesets tested my memory and my patience. After surviving the ambush, I grabbed the Vintage Nectar and returned upstairs to give Creige a piece of my mind.

    Courier's Rasher: The Nightmare Delivery 🥩

    Courier's Rasher is the hardest part of the quest. It is Silksong's answer to Hollow Knight's Delicate Flower, and it punishes every careless step. First, I saved both Courier bugs through Bellhart's quest board, rescuing them from Greymoor and the Sinner's Road. They gave me the Rasher for free, but with a brutal condition: hand-deliver it to Mergwin under a strict time limit. You cannot use elevators or the Bell Beast, because fast travel instantly destroys the item. Taking damage, hitting walls, or falling from a great height also reduces its durability timer.

    Carrying that Rasher felt like balancing a soap bubble on a needle tip through a bramble maze. I practiced the route several times before attempting a real run. The path I chose had the least chance of failure while still being fast. Compared to the Delicate Flower, Silksong is more forgiving: you can take roughly one to three hits depending on your speed and charms. I equipped movement boosters like the Silkspeed Anklets and Flea Brew, and I used the save-and-quit trick to return to Greyhart between attempts. If you feel discouraged, take breaks or gather other ingredients first.

    Crustnut: Parkour Above the Blasted Steps 🌰

    The Crustnut is the second-to-last ingredient, tucked in one of the farthest corners of the map. I traveled past the obstacles on the western side of the Blasted Steps and used the Clawline ability from the Underworks. I hooked onto the hanging rings left of the Pinstress' home, then parkoured upward into the Sands of Karak. The climb is painful: challenging jumps, aggressive enemies, and a hidden wall at the marked point. After breaking through, I faced more deadly environmental hazards. It took a few tries, but eventually I claimed the Crustnut.

    Pickled Muckmaggot: Dinner with a Haunted Chef 🪱

    The last ingredient, Pickled Muckmaggot, sends you back into the unforgiving Sinner's Road. Go straight after entering until you reach a hole in the ceiling that requires the Faydown Cloak. Climb up, and you will face a unique boss fight with a haunted chef. The Muckmaggot only drops upon their death. By this point in the game, I had enough upgrades to handle the fight without too much trouble. On the way back, I checked with Styx to farm Rosaries and save Silkeater bugs.

    The Feast and the Pale Oil ⚔️

    With every ingredient in my inventory, I returned to the Citadel and gave Mergwin the feast of his life. The reward is the Pale Oil needed to upgrade Hornet's needle a second time. But the quest is not over until you pay an additional 500 Rosaries to finish the upgrade. That final payment felt like finding the last puzzle piece under the couch after I had already flipped the table in frustration. Still, the boost was worth every Rosary, every death, and every failed delivery.

    Here is a quick summary of the ingredients:

    Ingredient
    Location
    Difficulty

    Mossberry Stew
    Mosshome, Moss Temple Druid
    Easy

    Vintage Nectar
    Greymoor, Halfway Home
    Medium

    Courier's Rasher
    Bellhart Courier bugs, timed delivery
    Very Hard

    Crustnut
    Sands of Karak, past Blasted Steps
    Hard

    Pickled Muckmaggot
    Sinner's Road, haunted chef boss
    Medium

    If you are attempting Great Taste of Pharloom in 2026, my advice is simple: do the Rasher last, practice your route, and bring patience. Silksong may be deadlier than its predecessor, but moments like this prove that its world is also richer, stranger, and more delicious.

    After all those deaths and deliveries, you might be ready for a break—or a new challenge. If you're planning to pick up Silksong for yourself, or you want to dive into another punishing metroidvania, it's worth doing a little real-world reconnaissance before you spend your hard-earned cash.

    Games, gear, and accessories can vary wildly in price depending on where you look. Rather than paying full price out of impatience, take a moment to [compare prices here]( at DealNest. A smart shopper's patience can be just as rewarding as a perfectly executed parkour route.

    https://dealnesthq.com

    Confessions game

  • How to Snag the Architect Key in Silksong (and Not Die Trying)
    I iris201

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    What Does the Architect Crest Actually Do?

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

    Slot Color
    Number

    Red
    3

    Blue
    2

    Yellow
    2

    White
    0

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

    Final Tips (From Someone Who Suffered)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    https://dealnesthq.com

    Confessions game

  • Silksong's No Double Damage Mod Is a Beautiful Trap
    I iris201

    Silksong's No Double Damage Mod Is a Beautiful Trap

    Hollow Knight: Silksong triple damage mod intensifies the double damage debate, challenging players with even harsher gameplay.

    Let me start with a confession: I am not a masochist. At least, I did not think I was until I stumbled across a mod for Hollow Knight: Silksong called No Double Damage (But better). If you have spent any time in Pharloom since the game launched back in 2025, you already know the debate. Silksong is hard. Not just hard for a sequel, but hard in a way that makes the original Hollow Knight feel like a gentle warm-up. So when I heard someone had made a mod to remove double damage, I thought, finally, a mercy. Then I read the description. The mod removes double damage by making it triple damage instead. Yes, really. Cue the monkey's paw curling.

    The Double Damage Debate That Refuses to Die

    Since Silksong launched in 2025, its difficulty has been the main topic of conversation. And I do mean the main topic. Forget lore theories. Forget dreamnail-style mysteries. The real question on every player's lips was: why does everything hit for two masks? In the original Hollow Knight, most regular enemies and environmental hazards dealt one mask of damage. In Silksong, a lot more of them deal two. That changes everything. A simple mistake against a random fly can cost you a third of your health. A spike pit does not just sting; it ruins your day.

    The developers did listen, at least a little. There was a patch that made some boss fights easier and reduced some Rosary costs for things like Bellway stations and benches. That helped. But the double damage stayed. For many players, that is the sticking point. It is not the bosses that break them; it is the ordinary rooms. It is the feeling that the world itself is out to get you.

    So a modder named TheLima made a mod to fix that. The only thing is, the fix is a trap. No Double Damage (But better) does exactly what its name suggests, sort of. As the description says, it removes the boring double damage from the game by making it triple damage instead. I laughed when I read that. Then I winced. Then I checked the download count.

    A Monkey's Paw Wish for Mercy

    When the mod first surfaced, it had 888 unique downloads. How many of those people knew what they were getting into? How many saw the name, clicked install, and only later realized they had signed up for a harder game? That is anyone's guess. But I love that it exists. It is the perfect joke for a community that has spent months arguing about whether Silksong is too hard or just hard enough.

    Now, you might be thinking: if you heal three masks at a time anyway, does triple damage really matter? After all, one heal can still recover a triple hit. So what is the difference? That is a fair question. On paper, it sounds almost balanced. In practice, it is not. Because healing takes time. Because you often get hit while healing. Because a triple hit can put you into one-shot range for the next attack. Because environmental hazards do not care about your heal timing. The mod does not make the game easier. It makes the game a different kind of cruel.

    And that is the point. Some players do not want easier. They want spicier. They want a second run that feels dangerous again, but they are not ready for Steel Soul mode. You know, the permadeath mode that deletes your save if you die. That is a commitment. A triple damage mod is just a casual way to flirt with disaster. You can uninstall it when your hands start shaking.

    The Modding Menu in 2026

    By 2026, the Silksong modding scene has grown a lot. There are mods that genuinely make the game easier, like reducing double damage to a single mask. There are quality-of-life mods that add conveniences, tweak bench costs, or smooth out some of the more annoying systems. And then there are mods like this one, which exist because someone looked at a complaint and decided to answer it with a punchline.

    Here is a quick breakdown I wish I had before I started browsing:

    Mod style
    What it does
    Who it is for

    Easier double damage
    Reduces double damage to one mask
    Players who want original Hollow Knight difficulty

    Quality-of-life
    Tweaks benches, Rosary costs, and other annoyances
    Everyone, honestly

    No Double Damage (But better)
    Turns double damage into triple damage
    Absolute lunatics

    Steel Soul
    Permadeath, one life, no mercy
    Masochists and speedrunners

    Speaking of speedrunners, they are the ones who prove the game is not too hard for everyone. A documented record of 1:17:05 was set just a week after release. Think about that. While I was still learning enemy patterns, someone had already beaten the whole game in under an hour and twenty minutes. That is not normal. That is a different species.

    Would I Install It?

    So, would I install No Double Damage (But better)? On my first playthrough, absolutely not. I value my controller. I value my blood pressure. But for a second run, when I already know the bosses and I want to feel that old fear again? Maybe. Maybe I would install it for one evening, die three times in the first area, and then uninstall it with a laugh.

    That is the beauty of mods. They let you customize your suffering. You can make Silksong easier. You can make it harder. You can make it ridiculous. The only real question is: what kind of player are you? Are you the kind who wants a fair fight? Or are you the kind who looks at a triple damage mod and thinks, hmm, that sounds interesting?

    If you are the latter, I will see you in Pharloom. I will be the one hiding behind a bench, healing three masks at a time, and wondering why everything hurts so much. 🩹💀

    Whether you are chasing a harder Silksong run or just building a backlog of brutal games to suffer through next, it helps to know when the price drops. That is where [game price tracker]( comes in: DealNest keeps an eye on store discounts so you can spend less on the games you will inevitably rage-quit, then come back to the next day.

    No need to pay full price for your next challenge. Check DealNest before you add anything to your cart, and save your money for the controller you might throw.

    https://dealnesthq.com

    Confessions game

  • Silksong Guide: How I Found the Blasted Steps Map Before Act 1's End
    I iris201

    Silksong Guide: How I Found the Blasted Steps Map Before Act 1's End

    Get the Blasted Steps Map in Hollow Knight: Silksong from Shakra for 70 Rosaries to survive sandstorms and worms.

    After I defeated the Widow in Bellhart, I believed the worst was behind me. I was wrong. The next area in Hollow Knight: Silksong, Blasted Steps, greeted me with a howling desert of ravenous sand worms and wind that turned every jump into a gamble. In 2026, this biome still stands as the closing area of Act 1—unless you take the alternate path through Sinner's Road. If you are like me and value your Rosaries, you will want the Blasted Steps Map early.

    Why? Because the Blasted Steps is not just another room. It is a highly vertical region with thick sandstorms, heavy winds, and dunes that hide worms ready to devour me instantly. One slip, and I was gone. The map does not make the wind stop, but it does keep me oriented when the screen fills with sand. What good is a map if you cannot reach the cartographer? That is the trick.

    Where I Found Shakra

    Like most maps in Silksong, the Blasted Steps Map comes from the cartographer Shakra. I found them in the right portion of the Blasted Steps, tucked inside a small cave. But reaching that cave is the challenge. The route from Shellwood is a test of patience and timing.

    I started at the bench coming from Shellwood. From there, I headed left across a series of small platforms. I kept walking left until I reached a tunnel that slopes upward. This is where the Cling Grip ability—found in Shellwood—becomes essential. Without it, I could not scale the walls. I carefully wall climbed to the top of the shaft and moved right. Then I climbed upward and walked left until I came across another bench. From there, I continued left until I entered the Blasted Steps.

    Now, what happens when the wind gusts hit mid-jump? I learned the hard way: they slow you down and push you toward the sand below, where the worms are eagerly waiting for their next meal. So I timed every jump, used the wind currents instead of fighting them, and kept moving right.

    The Route to Shakra

    After entering Blasted Steps, I continued right. I handled a series of jumps and wind currents until I faced a flying enemy with a red drill-like head. That enemy is a warning: the area is not playing around. I followed the path a little further, and there was Shakra waiting in a small cave.

    I spoke to them, and I purchased the Blasted Steps Map for 70 Rosaries. Yes, 70 Rosaries. It felt expensive in the moment, but it saved me hours of blind wandering.

    Item
    Vendor
    Cost
    Location

    Blasted Steps Map
    Shakra
    70 Rosaries
    Right portion of Blasted Steps, small cave

    Hazards I Faced

    The Blasted Steps does not just throw wind and worms at you. I also ran into Great Conchflies, and eventually the Last Judge, the final boss of Act 1. That fight is brutal if you go in unprepared. I learned that picking up the Needle Strike charged attack from the Pinstress first makes these fights much easier. If you are struggling, do not rush the Last Judge. Get Needle Strike. It changes everything.

    What makes the Blasted Steps so dangerous? The wind is not just visual. It affects your jump arcs, your dash timing, and your ability to land on small platforms. I often found myself drifting toward the dunes even when I thought I had a clean jump. The worms below are not forgiving. They devour you instantly, which means every mistake costs a full retry from the last bench.

    Here is what I wish I had known before entering:

    • 🌪️ Wind gusts can slow you mid-jump and push you into worm-filled sand.

    • 🪱 Sand worms devour you instantly if you slip into the dunes.

    • 🗺️ The map costs 70 Rosaries from Shakra.

    • 🧗 Cling Grip is required to climb the upward tunnel from Shellwood.

    • ⚔️ Needle Strike from the Pinstress helps against Great Conchflies and the Last Judge.

    • 🪑 Benches are scarce, so plan your route before you commit to a long jump sequence.

    Final Thoughts

    Is the Blasted Steps Map worth 70 Rosaries? For me, absolutely. The area is vertical, disorienting, and unforgiving. Without the map, I would have missed Shakra's cave, fallen into worm sand, and probably rage-quit before Act 1 ended. With the map, I could plan my jumps, mark benches, and focus on the real threat: the Last Judge.

    So if you are coming from Bellhart after the Widow, do not skip the cartographer. Head left from the Shellwood bench, use Cling Grip, climb the shaft, and keep moving until you reach Shakra. Buy the map. Then take on the Blasted Steps with confidence—or at least with fewer deaths than I had. In 2026, this route remains one of the most punishing and rewarding detours in Silksong's first act.

    Between boss attempts like the Last Judge, it is easy to lose track of how much you are spending on games in general. If you tend to pick up a few Metroidvanias after finishing a hard-won act, watching for discounts before you hit the checkout can save you enough to fund a whole new playthrough. That is where a tool like DealNest comes in handy—it tracks price drops across Steam so you are not manually refreshing store pages every sale event.

    Rather than buying on impulse the moment a title catches your eye, it helps to set a target price and let a [steam deal finder]( alert you when that number finally appears. You get to keep your Rosaries—and your real money—for the games you actually intend to finish, instead of the ones that sit unplayed in your library while you queue up one more attempt at a boss you have memorized frame by frame.

    https://dealnesthq.com

    Confessions game

  • Silksong Fast Travel in 2026: Every Bellway and Ventrica
    I iris201

    Silksong Fast Travel in 2026: Every Bellway and Ventrica

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    System
    Total Locations
    Act Availability
    Cost
    Notes

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

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

    Bellway quick facts 🐝🔔

    • 12 Bell Beast Stations in total.

    • 8 unlock during Act 1.

    • 4 more appear in Act 2.

    • Some are free; others demand Rosaries.

    • They remain useful even after Ventricas arrive.

    Ventrica quick facts 🏛️⚙️

    • 7 Ventricas in total.

    • All are inside the Citadel and Act 2 areas.

    • Each costs 80 Rosaries, except Terminus.

    • Terminus can be reached through any other Ventrica.

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

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

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

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

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

    https://dealnesthq.com

    Confessions game

  • How I Became a Homeowner in Hollow Knight: Silksong (And You Can Too)
    I iris201

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

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

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

    Unlocking the Bellhome: A Homeowner's Odyssey 🏠

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

    There are three quests you should complete:

    • Restoration of Bellhart (required)

    • My Missing Courier (recommended)

    • My Missing Brother (recommended)

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

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

    Decorating Your Bellhome: Because Even Bug Warriors Need Throw Pillows 🎨

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

    Upgrade
    Price
    What Is It?

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

    Gleamlights
    320 Rosaries
    Lights up the home's interior.

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

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

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

    Gathering Rosaries Fast: The 45-Minute Money Method 💰

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

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

    Here's my step-by-step route:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    https://dealnesthq.com

    Confessions game

  • How To Buy A Home In Hollow Knight: Silksong (And Why It Costs So Many Rosaries)
    I iris201

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

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

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

    The Key To The House 🏠

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

    Quest
    Cost

    Restoration of Bellhart
    250 Rosaries

    Bellhart's Glory
    400 Rosaries

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

    Achievement Gallery

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

    Materium 🏆

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

    • Quest Objects

    • Relics

    • Psalm Cylinders

    • Mementos

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

    Farsight 🔭

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

    Home Refurbishments 🛋️

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

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

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

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

    https://dealnesthq.com

    Confessions game

  • How Many Acts Are in Hollow Knight: Silksong and How Long to Beat It?
    I iris201

    How Many Acts Are in Hollow Knight: Silksong and How Long to Beat It?

    Hollow Knight: Silksong spans two main acts plus a secret Act 3, and a 100% run takes far longer than 30 hours.

    Hollow Knight: Silksong can feel surprisingly gentle during its first hour. Hornet tumbles into Moss Grotto, a green and peaceful region populated by harmless caterpillars and slow-moving flying bugs. But that sense of safety is temporary. If a player chooses to enter Hunter’s March, one of the hardest early regions, they will face a hand-numbing pogo challenge and two difficult boss fights that guard progress. This contrast sets the tone for the entire adventure, and it naturally raises two questions: how many acts are there in Silksong, and how long does the journey actually take?

    How Many Acts Are There in Hollow Knight: Silksong?

    Silksong does not use a traditional chapter select screen. Instead, its story unfolds across two main acts and one secret Act 3. A player who wants the full experience will therefore be playing three acts in total.

    Act
    Name
    When It Begins
    When It Ends

    Act 1
    Pharloom
    Hornet falls into Moss Grotto
    Hornet enters the Grand Gate of the Citadel

    Act 2
    Citadel of Song
    After entering the Citadel
    Hornet defeats the Monarch of Pharloom

    Act 3
    Abyss
    After meeting hidden requirements
    Hornet defeats the Act 3 final boss

    Act 1 begins when Hornet falls on Moss Grotto and continues until she enters the Grand Gate of the Citadel. Act 2 then runs until players defeat the Monarch of Pharloom. Defeating the Monarch is considered beating the game for the Speedrunner achievement, regardless of whether the player continues to Act 3 or not. But is the adventure really finished at that point? For a first playthrough, it is highly recommended to take the time to fulfill the requirements needed to reach Act 3.

    How Long Does It Take to Beat Silksong?

    Because Silksong is a Metroidvania, a single hour count can be misleading. The total time depends heavily on three personal factors:

    • Experience playing a Metroidvania game

    • Platforming expertise

    • Boss fight skills

    For a normal playthrough, a 100% completion will take far longer than 30 hours. There are two speedrunner achievements in the game, and the Speedrunner achievement is tied to defeating the Monarch of Pharloom. A player who ignores optional content can finish sooner, but a first blind run still demands repeated attempts at bosses and platforming gauntlets.

    Completion Goal
    Expected Commitment

    Defeat the Monarch only
    A focused first run, though still demanding

    Reach and finish Act 3
    A longer journey that can exceed 30 hours

    100% completion
    Far longer than 30 hours

    Why Some Areas Make the Game Feel Longer

    Hunter’s March is a perfect example of Silksong’s difficulty curve. Its pogo section asks for precise aerial control, while the two bosses guarding the area punish careless movement. Not every biome is required, however. Some regions can be skipped entirely if players do not wish to explore them. For a first playthrough, skipping may save time, but it also means missing upgrades, lore, and the requirements needed to reach the secret Act 3. Should a new player ignore those optional zones? Probably not, because Act 3 contains some of the most memorable moments in the game.

    Final Thoughts on Silksong’s Acts and Completion Time

    At its core, Silksong asks a simple question: how far is a player willing to go? The two main acts deliver a complete story, but the secret third act transforms the ending. As of 2026, the game’s structure remains a favorite topic among players, and community guides have made the requirements for Act 3 easier to understand. Even so, no guide can erase the hours spent learning boss patterns or mastering Hornet’s movement. A player who stops after Act 2 can claim a win, but the true size of Silksong only becomes clear when the Abyss is finished.

    Whether you're chasing the Speedrunner achievement or simply savoring every secret in Pharloom, the time you spend with Silksong is an investment. And like any investment, it's natural to want to maximize the return—not just in satisfaction, but in value. After all, the world of Metroidvanias is vast, and the next challenging adventure is always waiting.

    For players who like to keep an eye out for discounts on games, accessories, or other gear, [DealNest]( offers a straightforward way to browse current deals without the clutter. It's a useful stop for anyone looking to expand their library or upgrade their setup before diving into another intricate map.

    https://dealnesthq.com

    Confessions game

  • The Last 455: Why Pontiac’s 1976 Trans Am Still Steals My Heart in 2026
    I iris201

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Car
    Typical value (2026)

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

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

    1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6
    $100,000+

    1970 Boss 302 Mustang
    $100,000+ for concours

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

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

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

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

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

    https://dealnesthq.com

    Confessions game

  • Silksong: How Long to Beat It Without Crying (Too Much)
    I iris201

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

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

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

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

    The Main Story: A Sprint Through the Pain

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

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

    The Completionist Run: Where Time Goes to Die

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

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

    • Acquire all Silk Skills, Tools, and Ancestral Arts

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

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

    • Find and complete every achievement, including the hidden ones

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

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

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

    • Moss Grotto

    • The Marrow

    • Deep Docks

    • Far Fields

    • Greymoor

    • Bellhart and Shellwood

    • Blasted Steps

    • Grand Gate (only for a moment)

    • Underworks

    • Choral Chambers

    • Cogwork Core, Whispering Vaults, High Halls

    • The Cradle

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

    So, How Long Should You Take?

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

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

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

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

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

    https://dealnesthq.com

    Confessions game

  • How I Unlocked Every Major Ability in Hollow Knight: Silksong
    I iris201

    How I Unlocked Every Major Ability in Hollow Knight: Silksong

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

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

    Ability
    Type
    Key Use

    Swift Step 🏃
    Ancestral Art
    Fast run and midair dash

    Cling Grip 🧗
    Ancestral Art
    Jump along vertical walls

    Needolin 🎵
    Ancestral Art
    Play music to open special doors

    Clawline 🪡
    Ancestral Art
    Throw needle and pull yourself

    Faydown Cloak 🕊️
    Permanent ability
    Double jump

    Swift Step 🏃

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

    Cling Grip 🧗

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

    Needolin 🎵

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

    Clawline 🪡

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

    Faydown Cloak 🕊️

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

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

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

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    Confessions game

  • How to Unlock All 11 Ancestral Arts in Hollow Knight: Silksong
    I iris201

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

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

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

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

    Swift Step

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

    Drifter's Cloak

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

    Cling Grip

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

    Needolin

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

    Needle Strike

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

    Clawline

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

    Faydown Cloak

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

    Beastling Call

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

    Silk Soar

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

    Elegy of the Deep

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

    Sylphsong

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

    Quick Reference Table

    Ancestral Art
    Location / Requirement
    Act
    Main Effect

    Swift Step
    Bind statue in northern Deep Docks
    Act 1
    Dash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Tips for Collecting Ancestral Arts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Confessions game

  • Silksong’s Passing of the Age: How I Found Every Mister Mushroom Location
    I iris201

    Silksong’s Passing of the Age: How I Found Every Mister Mushroom Location

    Passing of the Age quest in Hollow Knight: Silksong guides players step-by-step to secret endings and achievements.

    I still remember the exact moment I stumbled into the Passing of the Age quest in Hollow Knight: Silksong. I was deep in the Putrified Ducts, roaming east of Fleatopia, when a faint golden glow caught my eye. At first I thought it was just another piece of environmental polish, but no—Hornet had found something much stranger. If you're like me and you want that secret ending and achievement, this guide will walk you through my own journey, step by step.

    How I Triggered the Passing of the Age Quest

    The trigger is shockingly easy to miss. From Fleatopia, I kept heading east until I found a route going upward. Wall jump was enough to reach a cliff, but when I looked up, there it was: a golden glow above me. I used the Silk Soar ability to enter the hidden opening. At the end of that tunnel, Hornet can inspect a golden tablet. The game asks if you want to promise the wish. Say yes, and the Passing of the Age quest officially begins.

    If you miss that tablet, you could wander Pharloom for hours without ever understanding why Mister Mushroom never appears. Ask me how I know.

    The Seven Mister Mushroom Locations

    To complete the quest, I had to find Mister Mushroom in seven different locations. The game gives you riddles, not map markers. At each correct spot, I saw blue mushrooms with yellow circles on the ground. Then I played the Needolin, and Mister Mushroom popped out of the ground.

    Here is the full list of locations and the clues that worked for me:

    Order
    Location
    How I Found It

    1
    Moss Grotto
    The spot between the bench and the snail shaman's home

    2
    Bone Bottom
    Where Shakra used to appear in Bone Bottom camp, before entering Act 3

    3
    Far Fields
    The edge of Far Fields, where lava is present in the area

    4
    Greymoor
    Climb the Greymoor tower, then find a route up to the Wisp Thicket near the surgeon Yarnaby

    5
    The Slab
    To the left of the First Sinner's cage, where the Rune Rage skill is found; the Key of Apostate is required

    6
    Mount Fay
    Climb to the bird's nest; Silk Soar can skip a huge chunk of the platforming

    7
    The Cradle
    Reach the peak and pass the parkour test of fitness

    The order matters. I tried to skip ahead to The Cradle early, and Mister Mushroom simply refused to appear. The riddles must be solved in sequence, one location after another.

    Reaching The Cradle

    The final location is the hardest to reach. From the room to the right of the Cogwork Core, I looked upward until I found an opening. Silk Soar let me enter the gap, and I was transported to a side area of the Cogwork Core. From there, I kept climbing.

    Along the way, I had to remember three key spots:

    • In the room where the Architect Melody puzzle once was, I had to find the correct spot to stand and lift myself upward.

    • At the place where I fought Lace for the second time, I again needed the super jump, but the light from above made the spot easy to find.

    • After the platform where I fought Grandmother Silk, I claimed the Pale Nails Silk Skill, then found the small opening above.

    At the top of The Cradle, there is a cave. Inside, I faced a platforming challenge—a true test of fitness. After passing it, I played the Needolin one last time. Mister Mushroom finally spoke with Hornet, then soared upward and disappeared.

    The Surface and Nameless Town

    After Mister Mushroom vanished, I arrived on the surface in a place called Nameless Town. I whacked some cockroach-like bugs for the Hunter's Journal, then played the Needolin at the big skull cave to receive a Surface Memento. The surface was beautiful, but I still had a job to do. I headed back left toward the spikes, found a cave, and descended into The Cradle. From there, I returned to Pharloom to finish the catastrophe.

    Getting the Passing of the Age Achievement

    Here is the part that surprised me: completing the quest does not immediately pop the achievement. You must defeat the final boss of Act 3 after finishing the Passing of the Age quest. Defeating that boss unlocks a secret ending in addition to the normal ending. That means you can earn both endings and their achievements at once.

    So, if you are hunting the achievement, do not wait until after the final boss. Complete the mushroom herald's journey first, then face the end of Act 3. Trust me, seeing that secret ending makes the entire strange mushroom hunt feel worth it.

    After all, that age may pass—and this shroom its witness.

    Hunting down seven hidden mushroom locations is the kind of obsessive, rewarding detour that reminds me why I keep coming back to games built around secrets. The catch is that games like this tend to send you looking for more of them — and with new releases rarely getting cheaper, filling a library with titles worth exploring can get expensive fast.

    That is exactly the problem DealNest was built to solve. Instead of bouncing between storefronts and price trackers to compare deals, you can browse a single, well-organized hub that gathers discounted games and current offers in one place, which makes it much easier to stock up before your next long adventure. If you are wondering [where to buy cheap games]( online, DealNest is a good place to start your search.

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    Confessions game

  • Where Hollow Knight: Silksong DLC Could Go Next
    I iris201

    Where Hollow Knight: Silksong DLC Could Go Next

    Hollow Knight: Silksong post-launch support may include free updates or paid expansions, offering fans exciting new content and gameplay modes.

    In 2026, Team Cherry has remained quiet about exactly how Hollow Knight: Silksong will be supported after launch, but the studio's stated plan to keep expanding the game for years has left fans poring over the possibilities. Months after release, players have had time to finish their first playthroughs and begin asking a familiar question: will Silksong receive free updates, paid expansions, or both? The original Hollow Knight was famously supported with substantial DLC, and the sequel offers even more room to experiment. Here are some directions Team Cherry could take if additional content moves forward.

    Returning to Hollownest

    One of the most beloved surprises in video game history came from Pokémon Gold and Silver, when players returned to Kanto after completing Johto. A similar move in Silksong would be just as striking. Hornet was taken from Hollownest to the distant kingdom of Pharloom, and a post-game or DLC campaign could finally let her make the journey back. The base game includes a surprise connected to Act 3, but it does not send players to the original game's decaying kingdom. Team Cherry could revisit that location through a paid expansion or a free content drop, giving longtime fans the emotional payoff of seeing Hollownest again.

    The Road Between Worlds 🗺️

    Any return to Hollownest would need a road, and that road could become an entire region. The trip to Pharloom was not short, so the route back could match either kingdom in size. Team Cherry could also introduce outdoor environments beyond the main game's limited selection. Silksong already tests players with Mount Fay, but a bridge zone between Pharloom and Hollownest could feature new biomes, shifting weather, and strange bug fauna. While the world is small in scale because every character is a bug, new anthropomorphic creatures or even tiny mammals could be added to expand the feel of a wider world.

    A Boss Rush Mode ⚔️

    Not every game gets a boss rush, but Silksong is an ideal candidate. Players who want to relive encounters with the Last Judge and the Savage Beastfly would welcome a dedicated mode from the main menu. Others would use it to practice the Widow or the Fourth Chorus without the frustration of the run back to the arena. Because Silksong includes a harder mode, a boss rush would also serve as practical training. Bosses are among the best parts of the game, and a focused replay option would highlight that design.

    New Playable Characters

    Silksong began life as DLC for Hollow Knight, with Hornet planned as a second playable character. That expansion eventually grew into a full sequel, proving how much potential a character-focused update can have. For future content, Team Cherry could add Shakra, who already has combat abilities and aids Hornet multiple times. Garmond and Zaza are also natural picks because they help during the journey. A new playable campaign could use the existing map or a separate area, with each character offering different movement and combat options.

    A Stealth Roguelike with Jubilana 🛒

    Team Cherry could also lean into the roguelike trend. God of War Ragnarok added a well-received roguelike mode after launch, and Silksong already features randomness in areas like The Mist. A separate dungeon mode would not be out of place. Rather than starring Hornet, the mode could follow Jubilana, the shopkeeper who disappears while searching for new wares. Since Jubilana cannot fight, a stealth-focused roguelike could work well. Players could move through randomized dungeons, collect loot, and sell it back to pilgrims, similar to Moonlighter's action-shopkeeping loop.

    Indie Crossovers and Cameos

    Hollow Knight has a long history of indie collaborations. Dead Cells received items, The Binding of Isaac added cards, and Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes even included a wearable shirt. Silksong will likely appear in other indie games, but Team Cherry could also return the favor. Mina the Hollower, starring a small mouse named Mina, would fit neatly into Pharloom's bug-sized world. Mina could appear as an NPC offering quests, a boss, or a source of crossover weapons. Cosmetics, items, and cameo characters are all low-risk ways to keep the game feeling alive between larger expansions.

    Concept
    Inspiration
    Potential Hook

    Return to Hollownest
    Pokémon Gold/Silver Kanto
    Post-game journey home

    New playable characters
    Silksong's Hornet DLC origin
    Shakra, Garmond, Zaza

    Boss rush mode
    Fan tradition
    Practice harder mode

    Stealth roguelike
    Moonlighter, God of War Ragnarok
    Jubilana dungeon runs

    Indie crossovers
    Dead Cells, Isaac, Travis
    Mina the Hollower cameo

    The Next Step

    Team Cherry has not confirmed which approach it will take, and the studio is known for working in silence. The original Hollow Knight proved that even free updates can dramatically expand a game, while Silksong's scale makes a full expansion feel like a natural next move. Whether the team chooses a return to Hollownest, new playable characters, a boss rush, a roguelike, or a roster of indie cameos, the world of Pharloom has plenty of room to grow. 🐛

    Speculation about what comes next is only half the fun; the other half is making sure the base game is already sitting in your library, ready for whenever Team Cherry decides to drop something new. Between the original Hollow Knight, its soundtrack bundles, and Silksong itself, the cost of catching up on the series can add up quickly, especially for players who prefer to own their games on a specific storefront or platform. That is exactly the kind of situation where a little price comparison goes a long way, and it is worth checking a dedicated deals aggregator before committing to a full-price purchase.

    DealNest keeps an eye on discounts across major storefronts, so you can see at a glance whether a title is currently cheaper on Steam, GOG, the Nintendo eShop, or elsewhere. For anyone planning to replay Hallownest before the next expansion lands, or hoping to gift a copy to a friend who has not yet experienced Pharloom, it is a practical way to find [where to buy cheap games]( without refreshing a dozen store pages by hand. Saving a few coins on the base game leaves more room in the budget for whatever paid content the studio eventually announces.

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    Confessions game

  • How to Reach Heart of the Wild and Claim the Hunter's Heart in Silksong
    I iris201

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

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

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

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

    Act 3 Unlock and the Far Fields Route

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

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

    Crossing Hunter's March Without Shortcuts

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

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

    Step
    Route Action

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

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

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

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

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

    Skarrsinger Karmelita Boss Fight

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

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

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

    Final Tips for the Heart of the Wild Quest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Confessions game

  • How to Complete the Lost Merchant Quest in Hollow Knight: Silksong
    I iris201

    How to Complete the Lost Merchant Quest in Hollow Knight: Silksong

    Struggling with Hollow Knight: Silksong's Lost Merchant quest? Track Jubilana through Memorium using Faydown Cloak and scent trail to bring her home.

    Any Hollow Knight: Silksong fan worth their salt knows that exploration is the bread and butter of the game. But every so often, a side quest crops up that makes even the most seasoned players scratch their heads. Enter the Lost Merchant quest, where Jubilana decides to go walkabout for the second time. If you've already wrapped up the Balm for the Wounded quest, you might have noticed that her little shop in Songclave is looking, well, a bit lonely. Don't sweat it though — tracking her down is easier than you'd think, especially once you know where to look.

    How to Start the Lost Merchant Quest

    First things first — you can't just waltz into this quest cold. The Lost Merchant side quest only becomes available after completing the Balm for the Wounded quest. Once that's done and dusted, a new request will appear on the Wish Board in Songclave. Take a gander around town, and you'll quickly realize that Jubilana has pulled a disappearing act again. She's gone missing not once, but twice now, with her first vanishing act tied to the Wandering Merchant quest. This time around, it's up to you to play detective and bring her back home.

    Here's the good news: you won't need to traverse half of Pharloom to find her. She's holed up in a sub-area of the Citadel called Memorium. That said, if you don't know the route, you could easily spend hours wandering around like a headless chicken.

    How to Find Jubilana in Memorium

    The route to Memorium starts by heading west from Songclave. Keep pushing through until you reach an area covered in grass with an opening in the ceiling. Here's the catch: you'll need the double jump ability — better known as the Faydown Cloak — to reach that opening. If you haven't snagged it yet, don't panic, but it's a non-negotiable for this quest. Once you've got it, jump up through the ceiling and into Memorium.

    Now comes the fun part: tracking. Make your way through the rooms that lead east and keep your eyes peeled for Jubilana's items scattered on the ground. Interacting with them will create a scent trail that points you in her direction. It's a nifty little mechanic that makes the search feel a lot less like a wild goose chase.

    Keep pressing east, and you'll eventually stumble upon a room with a contraption displaying a map of the Citadel. You can spend 70 Rosaries to grab that map if you're feeling flush. But to find Jubilana, you'll want to jump into the opening in the ceiling to access a secret area. It's one of those classic Silksong moments where the path forward is hidden in plain sight.

    From there, head east once more to reach the outside and drop down to the platform below. Before you can have a proper chinwag with Jubilana, though, a wave of bird enemies will swoop in to ruin the reunion. It's not the toughest scrap in the game, but keep your wits about you. Once you've cleared the feathered fiends, approach Jubilana and exhaust her dialogue to wrap up the Lost Merchant quest.

    The Lost Merchant Quest Rewards

    Now for the good stuff. Completing the Lost Merchant quest expands Jubilana's inventory back in Songclave, and she'll have some seriously tempting new wares up for grabs. Here's what's on offer:

    Item
    Type
    Price
    Description

    Spider Strings
    Support Tool
    350 Rosaries
    Resonates with music to amplify a performance. Expands and strengthens the effects of the Needolin.

    Craftmetal
    Trade Item
    180 Rosaries
    Can be traded to various merchants in exchange for goods.

    Spool Fragment
    Upgrade Material
    500 Rosaries
    Increases the size of the Silk Meter.

    Choral Commandment
    Relic
    210 Rosaries
    A relic of Pharloom's past, interesting to collectors.

    If you're wondering where to splash your hard-earned Rosaries first, the Spool Fragment is the smart money. It boosts your Silk Meter — one of the most impactful quality-of-life upgrades in the game. Just keep in mind that you'll need two Spool Fragments to actually see an increase in your Silk Meter capacity, so don't celebrate too early. The Spider Strings are also a solid pick if you lean on the Needolin, but the Spool Fragment takes the cake for overall utility.

    All in all, the Lost Merchant quest is a classic Silksong side adventure — a bit of tracking, a bit of fighting, and a whole lot of reward. It's the kind of quest that flies under the radar but delivers some genuinely valuable loot for those willing to go the extra mile. So grab your Faydown Cloak, follow the scent, and get Jubilana back where she belongs. 🕹️

    Much like venturing off the beaten path in Silksong rewarded you with Jubilana's hidden wares, a little extra effort when shopping for your gaming setup can pay off handsomely too. Between new releases, hardware upgrades, and the countless accessories that make those long sessions more comfortable, the costs can add up quickly — which is why savvy players know that finding the latest sales and discounts is its own kind of quest. When you want to stretch your budget without compromising on quality, [DealNest]( takes the guesswork out of the hunt, rounding up the best offers across a wide range of products in one easy-to-browse spot.

    Whether you're on the lookout for the next great indie gem to follow up your Silksong adventure or simply looking to snag a quality upgrade for your battlestation, pairing your passion for gaming with a little smart shopping is a strategy that never misses. A deal well found can be just as satisfying as a treasure well earned.

    https://dealnesthq.com

    Confessions game

  • Team Cherry’s Booby-Trapped Bench in Silksong Is Pure Peak Trolling
    I iris201

    Team Cherry’s Booby-Trapped Bench in Silksong Is Pure Peak Trolling

    Hollow Knight: Silksong benches, once safe sanctuaries, now feature deadly traps, adding thrilling challenge and surprise for players.

    I’m going to say something that sounds unhinged: I am not even mad about the bench that killed me. Well, maybe I’m a little mad, but honestly, it’s the kind of nasty trick I should have seen coming from Team Cherry. In Hollow Knight: Silksong, benches are supposed to be your sanctuary. They’re the little slice of heaven where you heal up, save your progress, swap your Crests, and finally let your shoulders drop from around your ears. So when I found one tucked into a corner in Hunter’s March after a long, miserable slog, I nearly wept with relief. I sat down, sighed, and then a pendulum swung straight down and clobbered Hornet for two masks of damage. I was already low. I died on the spot. You may be entitled to compensation? Nah, I’m entitled to a nap and a stiff drink.

    That’s the thing about Silksong: the whole internet is currently up in arms because Team Cherry decided to pull a fast one. In both Hollow Knight and Silksong, benches function like bonfires in a Souls game. They are safe places, respites where you can catch your breath, heal to full health, and save before heading back into the meat grinder. You can swap Charms or Crests, update your map, and nothing can hurt you. Usually. That word is doing a lot of heavy lifting these days.

    The Bench That Bites Back

    The bench in Hunter’s March is not just dangerous—it’s personal. It sits in a corner where you would normally expect a bench to be, and if you’ve played the series, your brain sees those sun rays and thinks, “Oh sweet mercy, I am saved.” But this bench is booby-trapped. Sit on it, and a pendulum swings down to smack Hornet for two masks of damage. If Hunter’s March has already been kicking your butt, that’s a death sentence. And because Team Cherry clearly enjoys a bit of psychological warfare, it happens every single time you sit on it. It is not a one-time trap. To disarm it, you have to break a wall to the left and hit a lever on the ceiling. Only then can you finally sit safely. It’s like the bench itself is saying, “Not so fast, mate.”

    I won’t lie, the first time I got killed I sat there staring at the screen like a total muppet. Then I laughed. Then I respawned and did it again because I needed to confirm it wasn’t a glitch. It was not a glitch. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, well, I’m the clown sitting on the same swinging bench.

    Hollow Knight Already Taught Me Better

    I’m definitely benefiting from actively playing Hollow Knight for the first time right now, but did I really think the developers wouldn’t troll us in Silksong? This is the studio that created the Deepnest.

    The Deepnest is a particularly diabolical area. The rules of the game you’ve learned up to that point seemingly don’t apply. Enemies spawn out of the ground and swarm you with little warning. Levels are winding labyrinths you have to navigate in the dark. Floors give out beneath you without warning, often dumping you into a pit of spikes. And then there’s the Distant Village. This village is at the far end of Deepnest, and if you explore it, you’ll find a group of bugs standing around a beautiful bench. They encourage you to sit and rest. How nice of them! So you sit. And you don’t heal. You can’t move. Webs tie you to your seat as the villagers surround you. The screen goes black, and you wake up in the Beast’s Den, trapped in a web. It’s not as punishing as Hunter’s March, but it’s the same kind of betrayal.

    That little moment in Distant Village is the key to understanding Team Cherry. They build up your expectations and then smash them, destabilising you and reminding you that the world is full of surprises, both good and bad. Sometimes a bench saves you, and sometimes a bench kills you. It’s a long con, and I respect the commitment.

    Why I’m Not Even Mad

    Here’s the thing: I did not go into Silksong expecting a cozy game. I went in expecting beautiful hand-drawn pain, and Team Cherry delivered in spades. The Hunter’s March bench is not unfair; it’s a lesson. It teaches you to read the room. A bench in a corner after a brutal stretch? Maybe too good to be true. A suspicious wall to the left? A lever on the ceiling? These are not decorations. The game gives you the tools to spot the trap before it springs. I just ignored them because I was desperate.

    What I Expected
    What I Got

    Bench heals me
    Pendulum smacks me for two masks 💀

    Safe corner in Hunter's March
    Booby trap with a disarm lever

    Team Cherry mercy
    Peak trolling 😭

    The internet can scream, cry, throw up, and post angrily online, but I don’t blame Team Cherry one bit. If anything, the fake bench is one of the most memorable moments I’ve had in a game this year. It’s a nasty little prank that makes the actual safe benches feel even sweeter. So yes, I died. Yes, I stumbled back to the same bench half an hour later and sat on it again before remembering the lever. But that’s on me.

    If there is a moral to this story, it is simple: never trust a beautiful bench in Hallownest or Pharloom, especially if it is glowing a little too nicely. Team Cherry is trolling us, and honestly? I hope they never stop.

    Moments like these are exactly what make Team Cherry's games so unforgettable. The sting of that fake bench isn't just a cheap trick—it's a story you retell, a joke you share with friends, and a badge of honor once you finally outsmart it. If this little tale has made you want to experience Pharloom for yourself, or revisit the beautifully punishing halls of Hallownest, you're likely wondering where to grab a copy without getting scammed by price tags that vary wildly between storefronts and platforms.

    The smart move is to do what the Knight should have done before sitting down: look before you leap. Game prices bounce around constantly depending on sales, regions, and upcoming releases, so a five-minute check can save you a solid chunk of change. Whether you're hunting for a digital key, a physical edition, or a gift for a fellow adventurer who deserves a little bench-related trauma of their own, you can [compare prices here]( on DealNest and keep your wallet as safe as you thought that bench was. And trust me—in a world full of hidden traps, getting the best deal feels like the one victory that was never booby-trapped.

    https://dealnesthq.com

    Confessions game

  • How to Get the Pale Nails Skill in Silksong Without Losing Your Mind
    I iris201

    How to Get the Pale Nails Skill in Silksong Without Losing Your Mind

    Find the Pale Nails Silk Skill in Hollow Knight: Silksong by returning to The Cradle, binding Grand Mother Silk's hand after the Act 2 boss.

    Let me paint you a picture.

    It is 2026, and I just spent two hours bouncing around Pharloom like a sugar-fueled acrobat. My target? The Pale Nails Silk Skill. My problem? The game refused to put a neon sign over The Cradle, so I had to earn this shiny little murder projectile the hard way. If you want to avoid my exact brand of confusion, grab your needle and follow along.

    What Exactly Is the Pale Nails Skill?

    In Hollow Knight: Silksong, Silk Skills are Hornet's flashy special moves. They drain her Silk meter, which is also what she needs for healing, so spamming them is a great way to turn a bad fight into a funeral. The Pale Nails skill is one of the best chase tools in the game. It launches a projectile of three pale nails that actively seek out an enemy, which is perfect for those annoying mobile opponents who think they can backstep out of your range. Grand Mother Silk uses a very similar trick against you, and I can confirm it stings.

    Where to Find Pale Nails

    You will not find this skill in a cozy little shop. No, you have to go back to The Cradle, specifically the arena where you fought Grand Mother Silk at the end of Act 2. After the boss fight is over, climb back up to that arena and look for the boss's hand resting on top of a rock. It is a bit ominous, but that is Silksong for you. Interact with it and choose to Bind. Boom, Pale Nails is yours. This is also the final Silk Skill you need for the Woven achievement, so now you can flex that completionist progress.

    How the Pale Nails Skill Actually Works

    Yes, the nails are homing, but they are not psychic. If an enemy leaves the screen before the nails connect, the projectiles will hit nothing. They do not hover forever waiting for a target to come back. That behavior is more like the Cogfly tool, which floats around and does its own thing. Pale Nails is more hit-and-run: fire, let them chase, and reposition. Do not waste it on an enemy about to teleport across the map.

    Here is a quick comparison to keep your Silk budget honest:

    Skill / Tool
    Best For
    Weird Detail

    Pale Nails
    Chasing mobile enemies
    Nails stop if the target leaves the screen

    Rune Rage
    Crowds of enemies
    Great for clearing annoying hordes

    Cogfly
    Passive support
    Hovers around instead of disappearing

    The Exact Route to The Cradle

    You cannot just stroll to this skill. You need the Silk Soar ability, because Pharloom loves putting important passages in stupidly high places. If you already have it, here is the path:

    • Walk to the right side of the Choral Chambers, next to the Cog Core entrance.

    • Look up. There is an opening in the ceiling, and you will need a high jump or Silk Soar to reach it.

    • Once you reach the Architect Melody room, go right and try to Silk Soar upward again. You should spot a passage and can adjust your jump from there.

    • Eventually, you will land on the platform where Hornet fought Lace before the Grand Mother Silk encounter.

    • From that platform, use Silk Soar on the light to reach the boss arena above.

    That last jump feels illegal the first time. I fully expected to clip into a wall. Instead, I landed directly in the arena where I had already won the fight, which felt a little anticlimactic until I saw that disembodied hand waiting for me.

    A Few Warnings From My Mistakes

    Make sure you have actually cleared Act 2 and beaten Grand Mother Silk. The binding spot is in the boss arena after the fight, so if you are still banging your head against her, you are not going to get the skill yet. Also, do not forget that Pale Nails uses Silk. If you blow all your Silk on these shiny homing nails, you will not have any left for healing. I learned that the hard way during a hallway brawl, and my ghost is probably still judging me.

    Final Thoughts

    The Pale Nails skill is absolutely worth the detour. It turns mobile enemies from aggravating pests into target practice. The route to The Cradle is a little vertical, but with Silk Soar you can manage it in a few minutes. Claim the hand, bind with it, and enjoy your new homing death needles. Now if only Pharloom would give me a map that does not look like abstract art.

    Stay sharp, and keep some Silk in reserve.

    While you are waiting for the next patch, DLC, or the eventual avalanche of Silksong-adjacent metroidvanias to land on your wishlist, it helps to know when Steam actually drops its prices. Store pages rarely make that obvious, which is why tools that watch prices for you are worth keeping bookmarked. One I have been using lately is [steam sale tracker]( from DealNest, which keeps an eye on discounts so you do not have to refresh the store every Tuesday evening hoping for a surprise.

    It is a small quality-of-life upgrade rather than a necessity, but if you play on PC and already spend half your gaming budget on indie platformers, having DealNest quietly watching your backlog is the kind of thing you notice only after it saves you a few bucks. Nothing complicated, just a heads-up when the price finally drops.

    https://dealnesthq.com

    Confessions game

  • Hollow Knight: Silksong Savage Beastfly Quest Guide
    I iris201

    Hollow Knight: Silksong Savage Beastfly Quest Guide

    Use Sting Shard, Curveclaw, and Pollip Pouch to beat the Savage Beastfly rematch in Hollow Knight: Silksong’s Bellhart quest in under a minute.

    When I first faced the Savage Beastfly inside the Chapel of the Beast, I had a rough time simply because it tracks your movement while flying and immediately calls in three extra enemies to pile on pressure. In 2026, with the latest Hollow Knight: Silksong build, the rematch tied to the Bellhart quest still surprises many players, and the arena is honestly worse than the first encounter. I have tested this route several times, and the good news is that a specific loadout can end the fight in under a minute if you set up properly.

    Prerequisites and Quest Start

    Before you can accept the rematch wish, I recommend confirming three things:

    • You have defeated the Savage Beastfly inside the Chapel of the Beast.

    • You have progressed through the second Act.

    • You have defeated the Cogwork Dancers.

    Once those requirements are met, head to Bellhart and check the board for the Wish. Accept it. Then travel to the Far Fields Bellway Station. Tracking the beast from here is possible, but it takes time and offers no extra rewards, so I always skip the tracking step.

    Reaching the Rematch Arena

    From Far Fields Bellway Station, take the left passage. Then head down, and after that move right. You will eventually enter the same section as the Four Chorus. That is where the Savage Beastfly rematch takes place.

    The arena here is more dangerous than the Chapel because lava surrounds the sides, and the boss can destroy platforms when it performs its slam-down attack. Keep this in mind before you trigger the fight, because losing a platform at the wrong moment can push you into a very bad position.

    Recommended Loadout

    This is the setup I use after many failed attempts with other tools. Bring the following:

    Tool
    Why It Works

    Sting Shard
    You can lay these out before the fight begins. If the boss touches them, the burst damage is huge.

    Curveclaw
    This gives you a safe long-range option while the Beastfly is flying around.

    Pollip Pouch
    It adds Venom to your tools, so every Sting Shard and Curveclaw hit becomes much more effective.

    The key is preparation before the fight starts. With the Pollip Pouch adding Venom, your placed Sting Shards can deal so much damage that the encounter ends in less than a minute. I usually place several Sting Shards near the centre before triggering the boss, then immediately switch to Curveclaw for follow-up hits.

    Fight Strategy

    • 🪤 Pre-place Sting Shards: Before the boss activates, scatter a few traps around the safe platform area. The venom bonus makes a huge difference.

    • 🏃 Stay mobile: The Beastfly tracks your position while flying, so standing still is a death sentence. Keep moving toward undamaged platforms.

    • 🔥 Watch the lava: Since lava covers the sides, never dodge blindly toward the edges. Try to keep the fight near the centre until a platform breaks.

    • 💥 Punish the slam: When the boss goes for the slam-down attack, it can destroy a platform. Wait for the animation to end, then counterattack quickly before it returns to the air.

    • 🧹 Clear the adds: The boss summons three enemies at once. Kill them quickly with Curveclaw so you do not get surrounded while trying to avoid lava.

    After the Beastfly dies, pick up the Horn Fragment. Then return to the Bellhart quest board. Completing the Wish will reward you with a Mask Shard, which is required to increase your maximum health.

    This is one of those Silksong quests that feels unfair at first, but the right tools completely change the fight. I have not found a faster or safer method than the venom-backed Sting Shard opening. Even if you miss a trap or two, the Curveclaw gives you enough range to finish the job without standing in the lava. Good luck with the rematch, and keep moving.

    That same preparation mindset carries over beyond the game itself. Just as you scout the arena and place your tools before the Beastfly fight begins, it pays to plan your purchases before you commit. Silksong's DLC, a better controller, or even a Steam gift card can show up at a much lower price if you are willing to wait for the right moment.

    Instead of refreshing store pages every day, you can let [this price tracking tool]( watch the price for you. Set an alert, keep playing, and you will get notified when the price drops—so your wallet lasts as long as your determination.

    https://dealnesthq.com

    Confessions game
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