Hollow Knight: Silksong Guides
Hornet's run through Pharloom, one boss at a time. Sharp fight plans, honest difficulty notes, and the skips and shortcuts the game quietly allows.
Boss Guides
Early Bosses at a Glance
| Boss | Where | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Moss Mother | Moss Grotto | The first fight — a gentle lesson in Silksong's faster rhythm |
| Bell Beast | Deep Docks | Beating it unlocks fast travel between bells — a priority for any route |
| Lace | Deep Docks | Your first true duelist: fast stabs and dashes that punish panic healing |
| Moorwing | Greymoor | The infamous early wall — a relentless flyer, and famously skippable |
| Last Judge | Blasted Steps | The gatekeeper of the Grand Gate into the Citadel — Act 1's exam |
Stuck on the flyer? Jump to the Moorwing guide for the fight plan and both skip routes.
About Our Silksong Coverage
Silksong is faster and meaner than Hollow Knight: Hornet dashes harder, heals differently, and the early game hands you fewer safety nets. Our guides focus on what changes per fight — where to stand, when the punish window opens, and what to spend your rosaries on between attempts.
If you're new to the series entirely, our Hollow Knight hub covers the original game, including Nightmare King Grimm for when you want the hardest test Hallownest offers. Or browse the full guide list for everything else we cover.
Silksong FAQs
Is Silksong connected to Hollow Knight?
Yes — you play as Hornet, the princess-protector of Hallownest from the first game, in a new kingdom called Pharloom. The stories connect, but Silksong stands on its own: you don't need to finish Hollow Knight to play it.
How many bosses are in Silksong?
Around 48, counting repeat and variant encounters. Early fights like Moss Mother ease you in, but the pace ramps hard — Moorwing in Greymoor is where many players hit their first real wall.
Can I skip bosses in Silksong?
A few of them, yes. The most famous example is Moorwing: you can route around its arena via the Flea Caravan or the Wormways and continue toward Bellhart without ever landing the killing blow.
What should I play first — Hollow Knight or Silksong?
Either works. Silksong is faster and more aggressive; Hollow Knight is slower and more methodical. If you plan to play both, most players recommend Hollow Knight first for the story connections, but it's not required.