The only thing that matches the joy I’m feeling every second I spend in Hollow Knight: Silksong is the degree of difficulty that Hornet’s adventure possesses.
I always thought Hollow Knight was demanding, but Team Cherry surpassed themselves by granting us a challenge vividly felt even in the game’s first hours, as they didn’t hold back at all.
Not only did they make everything have more complex movements and do more damage, but they’ve also included many deeply in-depth mechanics that can be overwhelming at first.
However, among these new gameplay options, there’s one in particular I want to emphasize to make beginners’ journey more accessible, which is why I invite you to read this list of the five best early-game tools in Hollow Knight: Silksong.
5
Plasmium Phial
To Endure the Two-Hitters
Effect
Gain one (1) blue mask
How To Attain
Completing the “Alchemist’s Assistant” quest in Wormways
One of the first things you’ll notice in Pharloom is that even the most harmless enemy can deal two masks of damage to you, which is incredibly problematic.
Assuming you get hit twice and heal once, that leaves you with four hits you can withstand against the fiercest enemies, so the blue mask granted by Plasmium Phial can be the difference between victory and defeat.
With the extra health, you can endure one more hit in many circumstances, giving you the seconds you need to defeat that boss blocking your progress or surpass the ambush keeping you from sitting on that coveted bench.
Considering the scarcity of mask fragments in the title’s early hours, Plasmium Phial can be extraordinarily influential, and obtaining it after completing the quest from the NPC at the top of Wormways is really accessible.
4
Flea Brew
Temporary Quick Slash
Effect
Temporarily increases the speed of movement and attacks
How To Attain
Completing “The Lost Fleas” quest in The Marrow
Quick Slash is by far among the best talismans available in Hollow Knight, and Flea Brew is its temporary equivalent in Silksong.
When consumed, you run and attack faster, making gameplay feel more dynamic and allowing you to deal considerable amounts of damage against slow enemies or stunned bosses.
Although the effect doesn’t last long and recharging it costs Rosaries, it’s a particularly recommended tool for those comfortable with the gameplay and not short on cash, as it allows them to exploit its damage even further.
Having increased speed is an ability that proved to be extremely powerful in Hallownest, and believe me when I say this new realm is no exception to that statement.
3
Curveclaw
Nothing Is Really Out of Reach
Effect
Throws an arched sharpbone to hunt flying enemies
How To Attain
Sold by the Mottled Skarr in Hunter’s March for 140 Rosaries
Team Cherry went too far when they introduced dozens of variations of flying enemies that hurl projectiles in all directions and are nearly untargetable, but that’s what the Curveclaw is for.
I’ll admit it’s the trickiest tool to master due to the trajectory this bone tends to follow when thrown, but it’s become the most effective way to take out flying enemies when they’re bothering me too much.
Since each area has its respective set of winged morons that are a bigger nuisance than entire bosses in Hollow Knight, the Curveclaw ended up taking on a lot more relevance and utility than I initially thought it would.
If you find it difficult to use, I recommend practicing with it in a moderately safe environment until you get the hang of it, as the threat reduction is well worth the Rosaries you have to spend with the Mottled Skarr merchant.
2
Flintslate
If The Nail Is Weak, Burn It
Effect
Temporarily imbues each slash with flame
How To Attain
On a table in the east part of the Forge Daughter’s passage on Deep Docks
Since it took me over 10 hours to get my first needle upgrade, I spent much of that time thinking it did very little damage until I got the Flintslate.
Personally, it reminds me a lot of Charcoal Pine Resin from Dark Souls, as it temporarily imbues your weapon with fire damage to make a noticeable difference in damage output.
I’m not sure if I’d go so far as to say I defeated several bosses that were giving me trouble thanks to using the Flintslate, but I do recognize it made my life much easier against those that were tearing me to bits.
Considering its number of uses per recharge allows you to extend its duration during an average boss fight, you basically ensure your needle is always on fire for extra damage without much effort.
1
Threefold Pin
Best Damage Between Slashes
Effect
Throws three pins in a set
How To Attain
Through a breakable wall leading to a secret room, located just within the Craw Lake location in Greymoor
Speaking of struggling to deal enough damage to keep the current boss from having me dedicating dozens of attempts, the Threefold Pin has been my saving grace.
While getting used to the button combinations required to use the tools has been difficult and unintuitive, once I’ve gotten the hang of it, these little daggers thrown together have been game changers.
Using them between each needle slash has allowed me to fly through every screen, regardless of whether it’s against bosses or regular enemies, because the damage they do in tandem is simply out of this world.
If you can get used to the controls and consider yourself skilled enough, I highly recommend using the Threefold Pin, as it has become the most fun, yet most powerful, way to play Hollow Knight: Silksong.
I feel like I’ve given Hornet a tremendous buff, especially since the tool is easy to aim and is useful both from a distance and up close, making it extremely versatile for numerous situations.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Released
September 4, 2025
Developer(s)
Team Cherry
Publisher(s)
Team Cherry
Engine
Unity
Franchise
Hollow Knight
Number of Players
Single-player
Steam Deck Compatibility
Verified
