Silksong Mask Shard Guide: 20 Locations And Boss Milestone Tips

Find all 20 Hollow Knight: Silksong Mask Shard locations to forge extra health Masks and survive brutal boss fights.

I’ll be honest: in Hollow Knight: Silksong, nothing calms my nerves like spotting a Mask Shard. These little fragments are basically extra heartbeats for Hornet, and let’s be real—extra heartbeats are exactly what you want when a multi-phase boss is breathing down your neck. Across the whole adventure, there are 20 Mask Shards scattered around the map. Every four shards combine into one full Mask, so you can end up with five additional health segments by the time you’ve truly cleaned house.

How Mask Shards Work

Collect any four Mask Shards and they combine into a full Mask, adding another piece of vitality to Hornet’s health bar. Since the hardest bosses in Silksong can chew through two health pieces with a single attack, those extra Masks are not just a luxury. They give you more room to learn patterns, make mistakes, and still walk away from a fight.

There are enough shards to build five additional Masks in total. That might not sound like a mountain of health, but against a boss like The Last Judge, two extra Masks can be the difference between a close victory and bouncing off the same fight for an hour.

Where Mask Shards Hide

I’ll be the first to admit I missed a bunch on my first pass. Mask Shards are scattered all over the massive world map, and the game loves to tuck them into places you’d swear you already checked. Some are sitting in dark, secret corners of rooms I had walked through multiple times. Others are locked behind abilities that only show up later, which means you’ll need to backtrack once your movement kit expands.

Don’t be afraid to retrace your steps. In my experience, a ledge that looked useless at hour ten can suddenly become a trailhead at hour twenty. Some shards are gated by story progression, so you may not be able to reach them until you’ve moved into an entirely different Act. That’s normal. The game is designed to make you feel clever for returning.

Milestone Health Checklist

Based on the game’s major milestones, here are the shard counts I recommend having before those big fights:

Milestone
Recommended Mask Shards
Extra Masks

Fourth Chorus (Act 1 boss)
4
1

Widow (Act 1 boss)
8
2

The Last Judge (Act 1 boss)
8
2

Act 2 Final Boss
12
3

Cogwork Dancers (Act 2 boss)
12
3

Act 3 Final Boss
20
5

The Last Judge is a particularly nasty gatekeeper at the end of Act 1, so having at least four to eight shards before that fight gives you a much friendlier buffer. By Act 2, you’ll want roughly 12 shards in your pocket, and by the final Act, you should be chasing every last one.

Exploration vs. Combat

One thing I appreciate is that exploration itself doesn’t demand a specific number of shards. The hazards in areas like Mount Fay are usually tied to your abilities or resistances rather than raw health. You don’t need 12 shards just to survive the freezing weather, though having more health does give you a little extra time to look around before resting.

That said, for the toughest encounters, Mask Shards become incredibly important. They turn a brutal learning curve into something you can actually survive long enough to understand.

My Practical Advice

Honestly, if I could go back to my first run, I’d tell myself this:

• 🧭 Grab at least 4 shards before Fourth Chorus.

• ️ Aim for 8 before Widow and The Last Judge.

• ️ Backtrack after every major movement upgrade.

• Check dark corners even if a room feels familiar.

• Shoot for all 20 before the Act 3 finale.

Take a breath. Then go hunt them down.

At the end of the day, Mask Shards are insurance. The game knows exactly where to hide them, but a little patience—and a lot of backtracking—goes a long way. I’d rather walk into a fight with too much health than just barely enough, and in Silksong, every shard is one step closer to that peace of mind.

That same spirit of hunting—scouring every corner, checking every nook—is what makes finding a great deal on your next game feel so rewarding. Just like you’d backtrack for a hidden shard, a few minutes browsing the right marketplace can turn up surprising savings that let you stretch your gaming budget even further. It’s the kind of patience that pays off in both worlds.

Whether you’re picking up a fresh adventure to tide you over between Silksong runs or grabbing a gift for a fellow hunter, keeping an eye on places that aggregate the [best game deals]( can save you from overpaying. A quick check before you hit that buy button is a lot like checking behind one more waterfall—you never know when you’ll find exactly what you were hoping for.

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I Claimed the Heart of Might in Silksong: My Coral Tower Route

Hollow Knight: Silksong Heart of Might (Encrusted Heart) guide: cross Sands of Karak to Coral Tower and survive its brutal memory arenas.

In my 2026 playthrough of Hollow Knight: Silksong, I quickly realized that the Abyss cannot be survived without proper protection. That forced me to hunt down three ancient hearts from mighty warriors. The first one I decided to claim was the Heart of Might, also known as the Encrusted Heart. To get it, I had to cross the scorching Sands of Karak, reach the eastern Coral Tower, and then survive a brutal chain of arena fights inside a memory. Here is exactly how I did it.

Reaching Coral Tower from the Sands of Karak

I started at the Blasted Steps and kept moving to the right. The environment itself becomes part of the challenge: several hanging branches react when struck, growing just enough for Hornet to use them as platforms. The first major vertical room contains a hidden shortcut that leads directly to the upper level, but it can only be opened from above. If you want to skip some jumps, you can try using Silk Soar from the middle of the eastern vertical room. To open the shortcut properly, though, I dropped all the way to the bottom of that vertical shaft.

At the bottom, I hit the branch and quickly platformed upward. The timing can be tight, but each growth gives you just enough height to continue. Once I reached the top, I moved left and destroyed a rock above the bridge. That opened the shortcut back to the entrance, which is incredibly useful if you fall or need to retreat to a bench.

Continuing left required a mix of tools. The final branch led me to a wall, where I had Hornet cling and then jump to a higher wall. From there, Clawline carried me safely to the left platform.

Inside the building, I found a slumbering warrior surrounded by enemies. Before doing anything else, I turned right and went through a hidden passage to find a bench. That bench is essential because the upcoming sequence is long and merciless. After resting, I approached the warrior and played the Elegy of the Past with the needle. This transported Hornet into Coral Tower's memory, where the true trial begins.

What to Do Inside the Coral Tower Memory

Once inside Coral Tower, there are no puzzles or collectibles to chase. The entire sequence is a combat gauntlet: multiple arena fights, waves of enemies, and platforming under pressure. I used Silk Soar immediately to reach the top of the first room.

Then I went left and jumped up to trigger the first boss fight. This arena is all about endurance, because enemies arrive in waves. A large white jellyfish-like creature will sometimes appear during the fight. Striking it restores silk, which I saved for healing between waves. Having tools like the Cogfly equipped was extremely helpful. They attack enemies automatically, and if laced with venom, they deal extra damage while I focused on staying alive.

From there, I went up and turned left into a second arena. Midway through the battle, red spikes began covering parts of the floor. They stayed until near the end, when a larger enemy appeared and broke them. I found it safest to keep moving and not commit to long ground combos.

The third arena was the most punishing in my run. Almost immediately, the ground was covered in spikes, leaving no safe space to stand. Hornet had to stick to the walls and attack enemies without falling. This is where the Ascendant's Grip made a huge difference, because it prevents Hornet from sliding down walls. I had already purchased it from the Wandering Merchant after completing her quest. If you do not have it yet, I strongly recommend returning to get it before attempting this gauntlet.

After clearing that room, I ran to the top and destroyed a rock, which created a shortcut back to the Coral Tower entrance. It is a welcome safety net if you die later.

The fourth fight changed the arena completely. Instead of a wide floor, only three platforms were available. At some point during the fight, one platform broke and then reappeared later. I had to juggle positioning carefully while avoiding enemies. Once that fight ended, I used Silk Soar one last time to fly high into the final arena.

Facing the Crust King, Khann

At the top, the Crust King Khann waited. This boss likes to jump around frequently and can summon spikes from every corner of the arena. I found that patience was more important than aggression. I waited for his landing animations, landed a few hits, and immediately repositioned when the spikes began forming. Healing was risky, so I only used silk after creating distance. Defeating him rewarded me with the Encrusted Heart, completing the Heart of Might quest.

Quick Reference: Abilities and Tools

Tool / Ability
Why It Helps

Silk Soar
Reaches high platforms and the final boss arena

Clawline
Crosses wide gaps on the way to Coral Tower

Ascendant's Grip
Prevents wall sliding during the spiked third arena

Cogfly
Automatically attacks enemies, especially with venom

Now that I have the Heart of Might, I only need to defeat the other two mighty warriors to continue deeper into the Abyss. If you are stuck on this section, remember to open the shortcut early, use the hidden bench, and bring wall-control tools. Coral Tower is not about clever puzzles; it is a test of combat consistency, patience, and silk management.

The climb through Coral Tower may feel overwhelming at first, but every tool you invested in beforehand pays off in these tight, multi-wave encounters. That preparation-first design is what makes Silksong so satisfying, and it rewards players who pause to upgrade, explore optional areas, and return with the right kit. Whether you’re chasing the Abyss ending or simply clearing every quest, taking the time to ready yourself before a challenge can make all the difference between another corpse run and a clean victory.

For players who enjoy sinking hours into long, demanding adventures like this one, it always helps to stretch a gaming budget a little further. If you’re thinking about picking up Silksong on another platform or want to stock up on similar titles for your next playthrough, checking current game deals before purchasing is a smart habit. Sites like [DealNest]( round up discounts across games and accessories, so you can spend less time hunting for a price drop and more time back in Pharloom sharpening your silk skills.

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Hollow Knight: Silksong: Every Ventrica Station Location and Fast Travel Guide

Hollow Knight: Silksong Ventrica stations offer fast travel and efficient Rosary farming in the vast Grand Citadel map.

As players explore the Grand Citadel in Hollow Knight: Silksong during 2026, the sheer scale of the place can sneak up on anyone. There are 9 sub-areas in this one map — and that is if players count the Grand Gate — so getting turned around is pretty much par for the course. Luckily, Team Cherry added Ventrica stations, high-speed tubes that launch Hornet across the Citadel in a flash, much like the Bellway Stations players have already used. The catch? Some of these stations are tucked away, and without enough Rosaries on hand it is easy to walk right past them and forget they exist.

What Makes Ventrica Stations So Useful

Ventrica stations are more than just convenience. They cut down travel time, make Rosary farming routes much faster, and open up shortcuts to merchants and bosses. In a game as sprawling as Silksong, having the right fast-travel point unlocked can be the difference between a smooth run and a long, boring walk.

Below is the full rundown of every Ventrica station in the Grand Citadel, along with the best ways to use each one.

Terminus

Terminus is the central hub of the Ventrica network, and every other station feeds back into it. To be blunt, there is not a ton to do here beyond resting and making the run back to the main Act 2 boss. Still, it is the backbone of fast travel in the Citadel, so players should unlock it as early as possible.

Memorium

The Memorium station sits in the top-left corner of Memorium. It is not the flashiest fast-travel point, because the area itself is fairly small. Its main uses are rescuing a giant flea, grabbing the Materium device, and heading toward the Putrified Ducts. Players who want to fill out the Hunter’s Journal can also grind enemies nearby without much hassle.

High Halls

Found just before the Forum Gauntlet fight and close to the Sentinel boss fight, the High Halls station is a real gem for anyone looking to farm Rosaries. Players can rest at the bench here, sprint down the long corridor, and wipe out tall guards along the way. In Act 2 there are five guards, and when paired with Grindle’s Thief’s Mark, a single run can net 275 Rosaries. Rest at Songclave, then rinse and repeat until the wallet is loaded.

First Shrine

This station is just above Songclave and sees constant use during missions from the Overseer and the Wishboard. It also provides quick access to the Whispering Vaults and Jubilana the merchant, making it a handy pit stop for errands and shopping.

Choral Chambers

Found in the far west of the Citadel, the Choral Chambers station opens up routes to the top of the Grand Gate, Whiteward, and the rest of the Choral Chambers area. Players attempting the Couriers Rasher delivery will pass through here often, so it is worth memorizing. It is also a solid travel point for one of the main Act 3 bosses.

Grand Bellway

Grand Bellway is the workhorse of the Ventrica network. Because it sits right next to the Bellway Station and has a bench, it is perfect for both Trobbio fights and serves as a crossroads. From here players can reach the Whispering Vaults, Choral Chambers, the Underworks, or even the Exhaust Organ in Bilewater. If someone only unlocks one extra station beyond Terminus, this should probably be it.

Underworks

After dropping from Whiteward and grabbing the Clawline ability, the Underworks station is the fastest way back to the surface. It is also the closest fast-travel spot for visiting the Architect, whose shop is just a short stroll to the north-east. Whenever players need new items or upgrades, this station is a huge time-saver.

Quick Reference Table

Station
Location
Best Use

Terminus
Central hub
Resting and Act 2 boss runs

Memorium
Top-left Memorium
Materium device, Putrified Ducts, Hunter’s Journal grinding

High Halls
Before Forum Gauntlet
Rosary farming and Sentinel boss access

First Shrine
Above Songclave
Overseer and Wishboard missions, Whispering Vaults, Jubilana

Choral Chambers
Far west Citadel
Grand Gate, Whiteward, Couriers Rasher route

Grand Bellway
Next to Bellway Station
Crossroads, Trobbio fights, Exhaust Organ route

Underworks
Near Architect
Clawline return, item shopping

Final Tips for Speedrunners

Learning how to get around the Citadel in the shortest amount of time is a major part of Hollow Knight: Silksong, especially for players chasing Speedrun achievements. The Ventrica network is not just about convenience — it is about shaving minutes off every trip. Unlock each station as soon as the Rosaries allow, and if a location feels forgotten, backtrack after unlocking an area ability like the Clawline. A few Rosaries spent on travel now can save a lot of headache later. ️

Mastering the Ventrica network is all about respecting your own time as a player — the less time spent backtracking, the more time you have for boss fights, exploration, and chasing that perfect speedrun. The same mindset applies outside the game too: players who love optimizing routes tend to appreciate getting the best value for their gaming budget.

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After Hollow Knight: Silksong, Here Are 8 Games That Scratch the Same Itch

Looking for games like Hollow Knight: Silksong, these challenging Metroidvania action-platformers deliver precise combat and haunting exploration.

Like so many players, I spent an agonizingly long time waiting for Hollow Knight: Silksong. Now that it’s finally here in 2026, I can say the wait was worth it. The movement feels faster, the combat is sharper, and somehow it’s even more punishing than the first game—and I love every second of it. But after rolling credits, I found myself asking: what do I even play next? Going back to the original Hollow Knight felt safe, but I wanted something similar yet new. So I put together a list of games that have helped me fill that Hornet-shaped void.

What makes a game feel like Silksong? For me, it’s precise movement, tough but fair bosses, a haunting atmosphere, and that constant itch to explore every corner of a map. So here are the games I keep returning to when I need that same rush.

Animal Well — Survive Using Your Head

Animal Well is not about combat—it’s about wits. You play as a nameless blob exploring a massive, interconnected labyrinth full of secrets and hostile animals. Instead of fighting your way through, you use tools to outsmart enemies and solve layer after layer of puzzles. I’ll admit, it took me a few tries to get hooked, but once the puzzle logic clicked, I couldn’t put it down. If Silksong’s tricky platforming burned you out, this is the mental challenge that still feels rewarding.

Rain World — Curiosity Killed the Slugcat

Rain World originally came from a Kickstarter, just like the first Hollow Knight, and it shares that grim, dangerous streak. You’re a Slugcat dropped into a ruined civilization, and you must find food and shelter while larger predators hunt you. What blows me away is how fluid the world feels: the pixel art seems alive, and the movement has a slippery, weighty quality that makes every jump tense. It’s a survival platformer that never lets you feel safe, and I mean that as a compliment.

Lies of P — A Challenge with No Strings Attached

Need a 3D break from Silksong? Lies of P puts you in the puppet shoes of Pinocchio, but forget the singing cricket. This is a twisted city overrun by murderous mechanical puppets, and you survive through precise blocking, parrying, and dodging. If Soulslikes usually feel too dense, Lies of P stands out because its disturbing fairytale world actually made me care about why I was fighting. It’s tough, but the challenge feels earned.

Cuphead — The Challenging Cartoon Adventure

Don’t let Cuphead’s jazzy soundtrack and cute 1930s cartoon looks fool you. This run-and-gun boss rush is brutally difficult. Instead of a nail or blade, you fire energy shots by snapping your fingers, and the game turns that simple idea into a flying gunship of chaos. Somehow, even when I died dozens of times, I never wanted to quit. And because Cuphead supports online multiplayer, I could call in a friend when a boss got too nasty.

Dark Souls: Remastered — The Pioneer of the Soulslike Genre

Would Hollow Knight even exist without Dark Souls? Maybe, but it wouldn’t feel the same. Dark Souls defined the loop of dying, learning, and trying again that Hollow Knight and Silksong lean on. The Remaster gave it a 60 FPS boost and higher detail, plus the Artorias of the Abyss DLC. But the difficulty remains untouched. So unless you’re a speedrunner, be prepared to die a lot—just like my first weekend with Silksong.

Dead Cells — Make Each Run Count

Here’s a roguelike twist for players who want a bigger challenge. In Dead Cells, death is permanent: your weapons, gold, and items from that run are gone. But the upgrades to your health, gold reserves, runes, and blueprints remain, so you’re always progressing in some way. The levels are procedurally generated, which means no two runs feel the same. That unpredictability kept me coming back just to see what weird build I could create next.

Hades — Welcome to The Underworld

Not every great Metroidvania-adjacent game needs to be a pure Metroidvania. Hades balances satisfying, fast-paced combat with a fully voice-acted story drawn from Greek mythology. You fight through the Underworld as Zagreus, gather gear, and build relationships with a cast of entertaining gods and shades. Even if the isometric view isn’t usually your thing, the dungeon layouts and smooth action make it work. It’s one of those rare games where I actually looked forward to dying just to hear more dialogue.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps — A Metroidvania Masterpiece

Like Silksong, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a sequel that surpasses the original. It delivers gorgeous visuals, a moving story, and a soundtrack that still gives me chills. Movement, melee, and magic all blend together for tight platforming and combat. What surprised me most is how emotional the story gets—maybe the only thing harder than the gameplay is not crying by the end. If you want a Metroidvania masterpiece after Silksong, this is the one.

Final thoughts

Was there ever really a way to replace Hollow Knight: Silksong? Probably not. But these eight games each capture something I love about Hornet’s adventure: the precision, the atmosphere, the challenge, or the sheer thrill of exploring an unknown world. Whether you want 2D or 3D, roguelike or pure Metroidvania, one of these should give you that next great adventure.

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Choral Chambers Guide: Finding the Map and Best Rewards

Choral Chambers in Hollow Knight: Silksong offers hostile mazes, rewarding shortcuts, and side quests for determined adventurers.

Choral Chambers in Hollow Knight: Silksong is not the cruelest slice of Pharloom, but it has a special talent for making a player feel gloriously lost. One moment they are pogoing off a bell like a tiny, needle-wielding maestro; the next they are staring at the same rectangular room for the fifth time. Is the area actively hostile? Absolutely. Is it also full of rewards, shortcuts, and a few delightful side quests? Equally true. For anyone determined to clear this late-game zone without losing their mind, the first order of business is tracking down the actual map.

The Map Hunt: A Bell-Fueled Odyssey

Starting from the bench just north of the Underworks is the sanest approach. If that bench has not been unlocked yet, a player should head southwest inside Choral Chambers until they tumble into a large rectangular room with a single downward exit to the west and another exit at the lower right. Taking the latter leads to a short corridor with a bench—sit down, save, and take a deep breath, because the real navigation begins now.

From that bench, the route heads west into a large rectangular room. Hug the left wall until a hole in the floor appears. Just to the right of that hole sits a small platform. A few wall jumps later, a corridor opens on the right. The trick here is not to panic as the rooms begin to blur together.

After running down the corridor and wall jumping into a higher room, the player passes an alcove decorated with Rosaries on strings. This is not a suggestion to grab everything in sight; it is a welcome sign that the upward climb is still correct. Continue upward, then head immediately right on the next screen.

Enemies in the following room can be fought or ignored. At the very end, attacking a lever opens a hole in the floor. Dropping through, continuing right, and curving back up leads to a higher platform. On the left side, another lever opens an exit into the room above. Attack it, jump up, and run right. Then, in the next room, avoid the enemies and slip out the right exit.

Now for the fun part: pogo jumping up the bells and platforms. It looks like a musical instrument, and yes, it can absolutely kill. A secluded passage waits on the right, leading to a room full of spinning gears. Platform over them, then drop all the way down the vertical section while avoiding the spikes on the right side. The glide ability earns its keep here. At the bottom, follow the sign toward the Bellway station, pass the Bell Beast, and rest at the bench. A machine at the end of the corridor will happily sell the Choral Chambers map for 70 Rosaries.

Why 70 Rosaries? Perhaps because the cartographer knows exactly how desperate lost bugs can get.

Choral Chambers’ Greatest Hits: Benches, Side Quests, and Upgrades

With the map in hand, the area reveals itself as more than a maze. The most important stop is the Songclave at the northeastern edge. There, a Wishwell offers The Wandering Merchant sidequest, which sends one after the wayward Jubilana. She is tucked away near the bottom-middle of Choral Chambers. From Citadel Spa, head right, drop to the bottom of the room, exit right, then turn around and use the exit just below and to the left. Rescuing her causes Jubilana to set up shop at the Songclave.

Her inventory includes the Ascendant's Grip and Spool Extender tools, plus a Mask Shard. If a player then completes The Lost Merchant from the Wishboard, her inventory expands even further. Collectors should also keep an eye out for two lost fleas: one in the northeast part of the room near Jubilana, and another in the northeast corner of the Songclave itself.

Though no proper boss battle guards the Choral Chambers, an Arena Battle sits just west of Citadel Spa. Four waves of enemies provide a solid test of Hornet's tools and patience.

Location
What's Worth Noting

Songclave
Wishwell, Jubilana's shop, lost flea

Near Citadel Spa
Arena Battle, Jubilana's hiding spot

Bellway station
Map vendor, bench

West of large vertical room
Bench near Cogwork Core

Northwest near High Halls
Bench

Choral Chambers also acts as a hub of exits. It connects directly to The Slab, Cogwork Core, The Cradle, and Memorium. Anyone hoping to avoid a return trip should deal with these routes while the benches are fresh and Rosaries are plentiful.

So, is Choral Chambers worth the headache? For map completists, tool collectors, and anyone who simply cannot stand an unexplored corridor, the answer is a resounding yes. It may not be the hardest area in the game, but it certainly knows how to make an entrance—and a very long exit.

For those who have yet to dive into Hornet's adventure, the promise of intricate, interconnected spaces like Choral Chambers is exactly the kind of content that makes the wait worthwhile. If you haven't already secured your copy of Hollow Knight: Silksong, keeping an eye on pricing can pay off—especially since launch discounts and seasonal promotions tend to appear without much fanfare. A reliable [steam sale tracker]( can alert you the moment the game drops in price, ensuring you are ready to explore every gear-turning corner and hidden bench without overspending.

Armed with a full map, a stocked inventory, and a well-timed purchase, you can focus on what truly matters: uncovering every lost flea, claiming every tool upgrade, and finally watching that last unexplored corridor fade from your cartographer's chart.

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I Waited Until 2026 to Play Hades 2, and It Was Worth It

Hades 2 1.0's launch collision with Silent Hill f forced a tough backlog priority call—playing it later proved right.

I still remember the exact moment I decided to stop playing Hades 2. It wasn't because I wasn't enjoying it—far from it. Supergiant's first sequel tore through my expectations like a fully upgraded Aspect of Pan. But after roughly 12 hours in early access, I hit a wall: not a difficulty wall, but the inevitable cliff where content would soon end. I've only ever played two games in early access—No Rest for the Wicked and Hades 2—and while I respect developers who use that model, I prefer to invest in a complete product. So I uninstalled, waited, and eventually got a release date that put me in a bind: September 25, 2025, the very same day as Silent Hill f.

Now in 2026, looking back, that release date collision taught me a lot about how I prioritize games. I didn't play Hades 2 on day one. I chose Silent Hill f first, then spent weeks lingering in Hollow Knight: Silksong, which had launched earlier that September. Hades 2 sat in my backlog until I finally carved out time in early 2026. And here's the surprising part: it was absolutely the right call.

Hades 2 originally entered early access on May 5, 2024. When its 1.0 version arrived on September 25, 2025, that was less than two years later. For anyone familiar with the first Hades, that timeline felt almost brisk. The original Hades entered early access on December 6, 2018, and didn't hit 1.0 until September 17, 2020. By comparison, Hades 2's early access period was shorter, yet its content volume had already eclipsed the entirety of Hades 1. That's a testament to Supergiant's process, but it also meant the 1.0 launch wasn't a gentle nudge—it was a massive content drop arriving on the most crowded day of my 2025 calendar.

September 2025 was absurd. In addition to Hollow Knight: Silksong finally emerging from the shadows, Silent Hill f launched on the same day as Hades 2. I was also juggling whether to pick up Ghost of Yotei in early October, while Little Nightmares 3 and Metroid 4: Beyond loomed later in the month. Cronos: The New Dawn was still sitting unplayed. The backlog wasn't just full; it was overflowing.

Silent Hill f was the dealbreaker. I've been waiting for a genuinely bold new entry in that franchise for years. The small slice I played of Hades 2 in early access was spectacular, but it wasn't shattering the earth around its IP in the same way Silent Hill f seemed to be doing for Silent Hill. The novelty, the atmosphere, the risk-taking—it all felt like the series had a pulse again after Bloober's Silent Hill 2 remake proved there was still life in it. So when the two games dropped on the same day, my priority was clear.

Here's how my September–October 2025 schedule ultimately shook out:

Priority
Game
Why

1
Silent Hill f
Same-day launch, franchise-defining risk I couldn't ignore

2
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Released weeks earlier; I was still exploring at a snail's pace

3
Hades 2 1.0
Shelved until I could give it full attention

4
Ghost of Yotei
Tempting, but optional depending on time

5
Everything else
Little Nightmares 3, Metroid 4, Cronos, etc.

By November 2025, I had finished Silent Hill f and Silksong. I could have jumped into Hades 2 then, but I didn't. I waited until January 2026, when the holiday noise cleared and I could treat Melinoë's full journey the way it deserved. And wow, did it deliver.

Playing Hades 2 in 2026, long after the launch-week discourse, felt like opening a sealed wine bottle. The new weapons, the expanded character tree, the endgame loops that weren't in early access—everything clicked. Supergiant's formula is iterative, and Hades 2 1.0 is the clearest example yet. The early access period wasn't just about bug fixes; it was about building a foundation that could support dozens of hours without losing that magical 'one more run' pull.

Would I recommend waiting as long as I did? Not necessarily. If you aren't nursing a Silent Hill f obsession or a Silksong hangover, Hades 2 1.0 is worth playing immediately. But if your September 2025 was as chaotic as mine, delaying it wasn't a sacrifice—it was an act of self-care. I got to play three of my most anticipated games back-to-back-to-back, and each one benefited from the breathing room.

Supergiant will likely stick with early access for future projects, whether that's another sequel or a new IP. After seeing how Hades 2 evolved from 2024 to 2026, I won't hesitate to dip into that process again. I'll just be more strategic about what I install and when. Some games are meant to be savored, not sprinted through on launch day.

That strategic approach isn't just good for your mental bandwidth—it's easier on your wallet too. Waiting out the launch-week frenzy means you can often find physical copies, discounted keys, or seasonal sale prices that make a sprawling 60-hour roguelike even more tempting. When I finally cleared my backlog this past January, I didn't pay full price for Hades 2 or a couple of the other titles I'd set aside; I took a beat to compare offers and landed somewhere that respected both my time and my budget.

If you're planning your own carefully paced gaming calendar this year, keeping an eye on price trends is just as important as tracking release dates. For anyone looking to stretch their playlist beyond the AAA heavy hitters, it's worth checking [where to buy cheap games]( before committing to a full-price pre-order. A little patience can mean the difference between playing five games and playing eight—and that feels like the true "more runs" approach.

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Silksong: Wispfire Lantern Location and Father of the Flame Guide

Hollow Knight: Silksong’s Wispfire Lantern offers powerful auto-fireball combat but at the cost of Silk and mobility trade-offs.

In Hollow Knight: Silksong, players who enjoy letting their tools do the heavy lifting should keep an eye out for the Wispfire Lantern. This hidden piece of gear is a real game-changer in combat, but getting it is no walk in the park. It sits in a tucked-away area that many players might miss on a first playthrough. Here is a full breakdown of what the Wispfire Lantern does, where to find it, and how to take down the boss that guards it.

What Makes the Wispfire Lantern Special

The Wispfire Lantern is not your average tool. Once equipped, its passive effect constantly summons fireballs that automatically track nearby enemies. That means Hornet can keep moving and dodging while the lantern chips away at whatever is trying to ruin her day. It is especially handy against swarms of smaller bugs or enemies that like to keep their distance.

Of course, every silver lining has a cloud. The big downside is the tool's heavy Silk consumption. Using the Wispfire Lantern means Hornet will have fewer hooks available for exploration. Those grappling hooks are crucial for platforming and reaching hidden ledges, so players have to ask themselves whether the extra firepower is worth the mobility hit. It is a bit of a double-edged sword, and different playstyles will feel that trade-off differently.

How to Reach the Wisp Thicket

The Wispfire Lantern is tucked away in a small zone called the Wisp Thicket. This little connector area links Underworks with Greymoor, giving Hornet a shortcut that skips the Blasted Steps entirely. That shortcut alone can save a lot of backtracking for anyone who finds it.

To get there, players should travel to Greymoor and climb the tower above the Halfway Home Inn. From there, head left into the area filled with balloons between the two towers. It sounds simple enough, but the actual entrance is easy to overlook.

At that spot, players need to keep their eyes peeled for a hidden passage in the ceiling. Once inside, there is a small wooden staircase tucked into a corner. The passage is so dark that the staircase is barely visible, so it pays to slow down and look carefully. Missing it is a real pain in the neck, especially after a long trek through Greymoor.

Once players make it inside the Wisp Thicket, a bench is immediately available to the right. Sitting down is a smart move because nobody wants to repeat the whole run if Hornet falls during the upcoming fight.

Defeating the Father of the Flame

After resting, players should keep heading west until they hit a dead end. That is where the Father of the Flame appears. This boss might look intimidating, but its pattern is manageable once players know what to focus on.

The Father of the Flame does not move around the arena. Instead, it relies on four Lanterns positioned around it to rain fireballs on Hornet. In the first phase, the goal is to jump and attack those Lanterns. Destroying them stops the boss from summoning more fireballs and brings the first phase to a close. It is a good idea to keep moving and strike between volleys, because standing still is a surefire way to get burned.

In the second phase, a large furnace emerges from the boss's chest. This furnace cranks up the number of fireballs the boss can summon, making the arena much more chaotic. The strategy does not change too much, though: players need to attack the furnace on the boss's chest until it is destroyed. Once that furnace goes down, the Father of the Flame is finished, and the Wispfire Lantern is finally up for grabs.

Is the Wispfire Lantern Worth It?

For players who love passive damage and do not mind trading some mobility, the Wispfire Lantern is worth its weight in gold. It shines in combat-heavy sections where extra fireballs can clear out enemies without Hornet needing to stop and swing her needle every two seconds. On the flip side, anyone who depends heavily on hooks for exploration might find the Silk drain more trouble than it is worth.

A quick summary:

Pros
Cons

Automatic homing fireballs
Heavy Silk consumption

Great for crowd control
Fewer hooks for exploration

Helps while dodging
Requires defeating a boss

Saves time in combat
Hidden location is easy to miss

At the end of the day, the Wispfire Lantern is one of those tools that rewards players who take the time to sniff out hidden corners of the map. The fight against the Father of the Flame can be a bit frantic, but the payoff is a unique passive ability that can change how combat feels. With the right approach, getting this lantern is less of a headache and more of a satisfying detour.

For players who enjoy the type of meticulous exploration that uncovers treasures like the Wispfire Lantern, the adventure doesn't have to end when the credits roll. There are plenty of titles on Steam that deliver that same mix of tight combat and rewarding discovery. Before grabbing your next purchase, though, it pays to do a little digging — a reliable [steam deal finder]( can surface discounts you might otherwise overlook, making it easier to fill your wishlist without emptying your wallet. Just like timing your strikes against the Father of the Flame, waiting for the right sale can make all the difference.

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Silksong Courier's Rasher Guide: Delivering Tipp and Pill's Greasy Nightmare

Hollow Knight: Silksong’s Courier's Rasher delivery quest is a notoriously difficult, timed challenge in Pharloom.

Let me tell you about the run that nearly made me throw my controller into Pharloom's nearest bottomless pit: delivering the Courier's Rasher from Bellhart to Choral Chambers. As of 2026, this remains one of the most gloriously awful errands in Hollow Knight: Silksong. On paper, it sounds like a charming leg of the Great Taste of Pharloom quest. In practice, it is a timed, no-fast-travel, fragility-filled escort mission for a piece of cooked meat. Hornet can leap over acid pools and duel gods, but apparently one hot breakfast is enough to humble her.

Before I started sprinting, I had to actually pick up the rasher. Head to Bellhart and speak with Tipp and Pill on top of Frey's shop. If those two are not there, do not panic; it just means Hornet has not rescued them yet. Finish 'My Missing Courier' and 'My Missing Brother Wayfarer' from Bellhart's Wishwall, then return. Easy enough, right? Well, the moment they hand over that greasy slab, reality sets in.

Why This Delivery Is So Cruel

Unlike Tipp and Pill's other deliveries, Courier's Rasher comes with a timer. You also cannot use fast travel, and taking heavy damage can ruin the attempt. That combination turns a simple hike into a precision parkour marathon through some of Silksong's angriest real estate. Planning matters more than reflexes here, though reflexes definitely help.

The safest route I found runs from Bellhart through Shellwood, up the punishing climbs of Blasted Steps, and finally into Choral Chambers to reach Loyal Mergwin. Even saying 'safest' feels generous. Every road in this region wants to introduce Hornet to a pit or a pointy enemy.

Tools and Skills That Saved My Sanity

I strongly recommend equipping three tools before leaving:

• Ascendant's Grip for wall-sticking, because slipping is death.

• Silkspeed Anklets to boost running speed.

• Weavelight, because this run burns Silk like a campfire.

Also grab the Clawline Skill for quick hook dashes and the Faydown Cloak for double jumps. Opening every shortcut ahead of time is non-negotiable. My sneaky pro tip: open the menu map instead of using the mini-map during the run. The menu map pauses the game, giving you unlimited time to plan your next jump without the timer laughing at you. If you want to clear enemies beforehand, go for it, but do not rest at a bench after doing so unless you enjoy re-clearing everything.

The Actual Run, Step By Step

From Tipp and Pill, move right to the elevator leading to Bellhart's second floor. Exit toward Shellwood through the first exit on the second floor. In Shellwood, watch for the Gahlia flower enemy above and slash the blocking vines as you climb upward. Then it is mostly leftward running until Blasted Steps.

Blasted Steps is where the difficulty spikes harder than a nail bounce on a bell. You cannot simply avoid all threats; Hornet has to push through enemies and cage-jumping puzzles. Climb the first hole, reach the bench area, then use the shortcut platform on the right to skip the lower parkour. Leap from ledge to ledge, use the hanging bell, and when two shielded Judge enemies block the path, either jump-attack the shielded one or leap over them toward the rock on the left for a safer bell route.

Keep hopping through cages, targeting bells, and bouncing onto walls. The farther you climb, the closer you get to Grand Gate. Inside Grand Gate, parkour straight up into a shortcut that dumps you directly into Choral Chambers, completely avoiding the Underworks detour. In Choral Chambers, aim for the Ventrica chamber above, but do not enter from the right side. That route is enemy soup with a side of awful platforming. Go left instead, where a hidden shortcut makes life much less miserable.

After the Ventrica chamber, push through the exit that leads toward the Slab, keep moving right, and finally reach Loyal Mergwin's chamber. Hand over the rasher, let out the breath you have been holding since Bellhart, and collect your reward before any stray enemy dares interrupt.

Final Verdict

Courier's Rasher is not the hardest boss in Silksong, but it might be the most nerve-wracking errand. With the right tools, shortcuts opened, and a route that avoids the most hostile detours, the run changes from impossible to merely sweat-inducing. Just remember: the menu map is your best friend, and patience beats panic every time.

Much like scouting a route through Bellhart before committing to the run, a little homework goes a long way before you even boot up a new adventure. Hornet's quest tests your reflexes, but the real takeaway is that forethought turns chaos into a manageable path—both in Silksong and in choosing your next gaming investment. Players who appreciate that level of meticulous preparation often find themselves hunting for the next intricate Metroidvania or precision platformer before the credits even finish rolling.

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Hollow Knight: Silksong Crowns Xbox Game Pass's Unstoppable 2025 Hot Streak

Hollow Knight: Silksong headlines Xbox Game Pass's standout 2025 lineup, earning a 91 OpenCritic score after a seven-year wait.

The arrival of Hollow Knight: Silksong on Xbox Game Pass felt less like a routine catalog update and more like a long-awaited coronation in the depths of Pharloom. For subscribers, the moment carried the weight of a seven-year held breath finally released. The value of a subscription service often ebbs and flows, but through 2025, Xbox Game Pass had been moving like a river in full flood, carrying each new release past expectations with an almost gravitational pull.

That momentum began at the end of January with Citizen Sleeper 2, a quiet but brilliant narrative sequel that earned glowing reviews. From there, the floodgates opened. Avowed, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Blue Prince, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Abiotic Factor each arrived as day-one additions, turning the service into a rolling showcase of critical and commercial hits. Other recent winners like Gears of War: Reloaded and The Alters kept the streak alive through the middle of the year.

Game Pass 2025 Standout
What It Brought

Citizen Sleeper 2
Emotional sci-fi storytelling

Avowed
Expansive fantasy role-playing

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Striking turn-based adventure

Blue Prince
Inventive puzzle design

Doom: The Dark Ages
Brutal, fast-paced shooting

Abiotic Factor
Co-op survival chaos

Gears of War: Reloaded
High-impact action

The Alters
Bold sci-fi decision-making

Then came Hollow Knight: Silksong. Available from day one to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers, it was not simply another title; it was the needle finally threading its way through the silk, a project whose long development had become the stuff of genre legend. Critics praised its engrossing atmosphere, precise platforming, and tough battles that demanded every ounce of patience.

At the time of its launch, Silksong carried an average review score of 91 on OpenCritic, making it one of the highest-rated releases of the year. The only game ahead of it in the day-one Game Pass class was Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Silksong shared its 91 with Donkey Kong Bananza and Split Fiction, placing it in rarefied company. But the number was not static. Because Team Cherry did not distribute review copies, critics started their journeys at the same moment as everyone else. The score moved like a kite in a shifting wind, briefly rising toward a perfect 100 before settling lower as more voices rolled in.

That volatility only added to the drama. For a short window, Silksong stood as the highest-rated game of all time, a title that carried as much irony as honor. Then the average slipped to 98, then 94, then to its early resting point of 91. Even so, the game remained a lock for the upper tier of the year, and its success deepened the perceived value of Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscriptions.

For players exploring Pharloom, the world felt both intimate and hostile, a labyrinth stitched together with light and shadow. Each dash through thorny passages and each duel with a towering guardian felt like a conversation between the game and the person holding the controller. That kind of connection is not easily manufactured, which is why Silksong became the crown jewel of an already extraordinary year.

As the calendar turns toward 2026, the question is not whether Xbox Game Pass can remain relevant, but whether any future lineup can match a year when the service seemed to operate with the inevitability of a comet that refuses to dim. The library has grown richer, and the bar has risen. Hollow Knight: Silksong did not simply join the catalog; it stitched itself into the fabric of why the subscription mattered in the first place.

Of course, the very nature of a subscription library is that it breathes and shifts. Titles rotate, and even a celebrated masterpiece like Silksong will eventually cede the front page to something new. For many players, that quiet moment of farewell is also the moment their attention turns elsewhere — toward the wider ecosystem of PC gaming, where permanent ownership and frequent sales offer a different kind of satisfaction.

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Hollow Knight vs Silksong: My Honest Verdict After Finishing Both

Hollow Knight: Silksong vs Hollow Knight comparison: both excel in art and soundtrack, Hollow Knight has more content, and Silksong is harder.

I won’t pretend I was calm when Hollow Knight: Silksong finally landed on my PC. After waiting what felt like an eternity, I dove in, and yeah, it rocketed up the Steam charts for a reason. But the question I kept hearing from friends, and the one I kept asking myself, was simple: is it better than Hollow Knight? Now that enough of us have clawed our way through the brutal late-game areas, I can give you my honest, slightly sleep-deprived comparison.

Artwork And Soundtrack: Both

Let’s get this out of the way. Both games are ridiculously pretty. Hollow Knight’s Hallownest is this melancholic, hand-drawn dreamscape that somehow makes a dying kingdom feel cozy and terrifying at the same time. Silksong’s Pharloom flips that energy upward, with silk-covered verticality, brighter highlights, and Hornet’s red cloak slicing through it all.

The animations match the art. Every critter, every massive beast, every little particle feels alive. And the soundtracks? I have lost count of how many times a boss wiped the floor with me while I sat there thinking, 'Well, at least this music is incredible.' In terms of presentation, neither game loses. I’m calling this category a tie.

Content: Hollow Knight

Silksong has a lot going on. It’s a huge climb through Pharloom, and the map does fill in nicely as you progress. But even after I unlocked every area in Hollow Knight, I felt small. The map screen alone was overwhelming, with all those twisting routes, hidden nooks, and mini-dungeons I hadn’t fully cleared.

Then there’s the post-game. I finished the main adventure and thought I was done. I was not done. The free DLCs piled on: Grimm Troupe gave me two brutal new boss fights, Godmaster turned the game into a gauntlet of boss rushes, and Lifeblood and Hidden Dreams added new areas and dream-like opponents. Silksong might get that kind of support later, but right now, Hollow Knight simply has more meat on the bone.

Difficulty: Silksong

Look, Hollow Knight is hard. I know. But Silksong is a different kind of monster, and I say that with love and a stress ball nearby.

The biggest adjustment is Hornet herself. Team Cherry made sure you are not just playing a reskinned Knight. Her hitbox, movement speed, jump, attack range, healing, and skills all feel different. I had to unlearn years of Knight muscle memory, and that alone was a challenge.

Then the enemies got involved. Many of Silksong’s enemies retreat while attacking, which drags you into danger. Others have awkward movement patterns and can deflect Hornet’s blows. The platforming sections? Let me just say the red flowers caused me to question whether I had ever played a platformer before. And the bosses? Fast, aggressive, and way too fond of area-of-effect attacks that punish you for feeling confident.

Hollow Knight is a tough cookie, but biting into Silksong will guarantee you an appointment with the dentist. 🦷

Controls: Hollow Knight

On a technical level, both games are sharp. But feel matters, especially in a soulslike, and Hollow Knight still takes this one for me.

The Knight moves like a precise little machine. Every button press gives an immediate response. His short, precise movements are perfect for split-second decisions. When a new encounter pushes me between fight and flight, the Knight accommodates instantly.

That precision is balanced by your strongest attacks, which force you to slow down and pick the right moment. It’s a rhythm I grew to love. Silksong’s controls are smooth and suit Hornet’s more organic movement, but the Knight’s almost robotic responsiveness remains my preferred way to play.

Story: Silksong

I’ll be honest: after the credits rolled in Hollow Knight, I wasn’t entirely sure what had happened. That vagueness is part of the charm, but Silksong pulled me in harder.

Hornet is the main reason. I wasn’t playing a nameless, voiceless husk anymore. I was a warrior with personality, history, a code of honor, and a clear goal. That alone makes the story feel fuller.

Other characters also have more to say, which enriches Pharloom. This isn’t Hallownest’s dying world; it’s a world under siege by a mysterious force, and Hornet is tied directly to it. The Wishes system—requests from Pharloom’s denizens—adds another layer, revealing bits of lore and clues with every favor.

Hollow Knight tells a compelling story through atmosphere and context, but Silksong’s more direct narrative won me over.

The Winner: A Draw

So, is Silksong better than Hollow Knight? After all that, I honestly can’t pick one. They balance each other out.

Category
Winner

Artwork & Soundtrack
Both

Content
Hollow Knight ️

Difficulty
Silksong

Controls
Hollow Knight

Story
Silksong

Both games are worth playing, and because they’re only loosely connected, you can play them in whichever order you like. They’re both gorgeous, engaging, and satisfying in their own ways. For now, it’s a draw. But if Silksong follows Hollow Knight’s path and gets strong DLC support, I could easily see it overtaking its predecessor.

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How I Beat Trobbio in Hollow Knight: Silksong Act 2

Master this Hollow Knight: Silksong Trobbio boss guide for Act 2: read pyrotechnic tells, use pogo and Reaper crest, claim the Claw Mirror.

I have been diving back into Hollow Knight: Silksong in 2026, and the Act 2 encounter with Trobbio still feels like a high-stakes stage performance. The fight is not the hardest in the Citadel, but it demands patience, spacing, and a good read on pyrotechnic tells. In this guide, I will share how I located Trobbio's arena, prepared my loadout, avoided his most dangerous attacks, and claimed the Claw Mirror reward without relying on risky maneuvers.

Finding Trobbio's Stage and Preparing

The first time I reached Trobbio's stage, I entered from the Whispering Vaults at the bottom right of the Citadel. That route is dramatic, but it makes the runback unnecessarily long. Before starting the fight, I explored to the left and unblocked the return passage to the Choral Chambers. From there, I jumped down to the Bench area in the Grand Bellway and rested. This gives you a much shorter return route and also lets you use the Bellway if you need to grab anything else before Act 2.

For equipment, I tested a few crests and ended up preferring the Reaper crest. A slow and steady approach works well against Trobbio, because many of his attacks are designed to punish aggressive players. The Reaper crest helped me regenerate Silk more quickly and gave some extra range on my attacks, which made it easier to strike from safer positions. There are no mandatory Tools for this fight, so take whatever you enjoy using most. The key is not your loadout, but your ability to stay calm while the stage itself seems to explode around you.

Trobbio's Attack Patterns and How I Avoided Them

The tricky part of Trobbio is that his attacks grow more intense as the fight continues, even though the core patterns stay consistent. The move I respect the most is his tornado spin. Whenever Trobbio starts spinning, I immediately leap into the air and use a pogo attack on his head. I usually land one hit and then dash away, because the follow-up can send a tornado out from each side. If I stay above him during that follow-up, I can sometimes squeeze in one or two more hits, but I never get greedy.

When Trobbio dips beneath the stage, I follow his movements and try to get a single strike when he emerges. However, if the center of the stage starts trembling, he may throw out exploding projectiles instead of popping up. In that situation, I stick to a pogo if I am attempting any attack near the center. Along other parts of the stage, I can reliably expect Trobbio himself to emerge, which creates a safer opening.

While on stage, Trobbio also throws bombs. These are usually easy to avoid once I pay attention to where they land. The explosions can spread in vertical or horizontal lines, so I avoid standing on those lines. I can hit the bombs away with my needle, but I rarely bother because it is not necessary. His firework attack places five fireworks around the stage. These look intimidating, but they are also easy to avoid if I keep an eye on the floor. Later in the fight, Trobbio introduces a series of pyrotechnic blasts from beneath the stage. I simply move or dash away from any spouts I see rumbling. The damage radius is slightly larger than it looks, so I give those blasts extra space.

I also learned not to fear contact damage too much. Trobbio's special attacks deal two masks of damage, but running into Trobbio himself only costs one mask. That is important because a single accidental touch is not a run-ending mistake. The real danger is the tornado and the overlapping pyrotechnics, which can snowball into a bad situation quickly.

A Safe, Patient Strategy

The best way I found to beat Trobbio is to keep my focus on his attacks and only strike when I have a clear opportunity. This is slower than playing aggressively, but it is reliable. I treat the fight like a recital: let Trobbio perform, watch the stage, and answer only when safe.

For healing, I wait to see what attack he is doing and then look for a clear window. Healing in the air on either far side of the stage is usually my safest bet. Those corners give me a little distance from the center-stage pyrotechnics and make it easier to react if Trobbio begins his spin. I also try to heal after dodging the tornado follow-up, because that is one of the moments when Trobbio has the longest recovery.

Reward: Claw Mirror and Tragedian Achievement

After I finally upstaged Trobbio, I received the Claw Mirror. This reward lets Hornet deal damage while Binding to heal, which opens up a more aggressive healing rhythm for later fights. It also creates a more convenient path to parts of the Whispering Vaults and unlocks the Tragedian achievement. The Claw Mirror is not mandatory for Act 2, but it is a nice boon if you enjoy using Bind. Even if Trobbio is not your first objective, the fight is worth doing for the utility and the shorter route.

Final Thoughts

Trobbio's boss fight is theatrical, but it is not unfair. The stage hazards can feel overwhelming at first, especially when fireworks, bombs, and tornadoes appear close together. Once I slowed down and focused on positioning, the encounter became much more manageable. Use the Grand Bellway Bench to shorten your return, equip the Reaper crest if you want extra Silk regeneration and range, and avoid the tornado above all else. With patience, Hornet can definitely steal the spotlight and walk away with the Claw Mirror.

Like the best Hollow Knight fights, Trobbio is a reminder of how rewarding it is when a game respects your patience and rewards your awareness. That same sense of discovery is what keeps me hunting for other titles with polished, intense encounters and memorable boss design.

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My Courier Nightmares and Triumphs in Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight Silksong courier quests challenge Hornet’s movement mastery and offer repeatable Rosary farming for Tipp and Pill deliveries.

I still remember unlocking Courier Tipp and Courier Pill after the Bellhart Quest Board. I thought I was signing up for a few gentle fetch tasks. Instead, I got a crash course in fear, momentum, and fragile cargo.

The delivery quests in Hollow Knight: Silksong are not just side activities. They are a test of how well you understand Hornet's movement. The moment I took my first bundle of supplies, the game removed fast travel and added an item health bar. One hit? Lose a segment. A bad fall? Lose a segment. Slam into a wall without stopping? Lose another. I learned very quickly that fighting was not the answer. There is no easy way to cheat by clearing enemies ahead of time either; the game wants you to move, not fight.

The Delivery Economy

Most of the deliveries you see from Tipp and Pill are repeatable. They are essentially a non-combat way to farm Rosaries . That sounds nice at first because you can run them as often as you want for spending money. But after my third trip through hostile bug territory with a bundle of supplies, I realized these are far from the most efficient Rosary farm available. Still, they taught me Hornet's faster movement better than most boss fights.

The standard supply runs also give you a rough idea of difficulty based on their reward. I started with the easier ones near Bone Bottom and Pilgrim's Rest, using the Drifter's cloak to hug the walls and jet streams. It was not glamorous, but it kept the cargo safe.

The One-Time Runs That Matter

Beyond the repeatable deliveries, Tipp and Pill offer two serious one-time missions. The first, 'Queen's Egg,' unlocks after you complete any single delivery beforehand. They ask you to carry one Queen Silkeater grub egg to Styx at the far end of the Sinner's Road. I made the mistake of trying this early. The journey was long, but the reward changed my playthrough: 120 Rosaries and a permanent upgrade to my Silkeater farm. After that, every visit to Hornet's well-meaning ally gave me double the usual amount. In the long run, that was more valuable than any single payout.

The other one-time mission is tied to 'Great Taste of Pharloom.' This one asks you to bring perishable ingredients to Loyal Mergwin in the Citadel under a set time limit ️. The item itself then leads into the wish for Hornet's second nail upgrade. If you care about combat, you need this run. If you hate timed cargo, you will still do it for that nail.

Courier's Rasher Is No Joke

The most infamous delivery is 'Courier's Rasher.' I would not wish it on anyone unprepared. Unlike the standard supply quests, this one has a unique time limit. It requires equal parts speed and safety. I tried it before I had the Clawline and Feydown Cloak abilities, and I failed spectacularly. The moment I returned with those two movement tools, the run felt possible, though still brutal.

The key for 'Courier's Rasher' is knowing the Choral Chambers layout before you even accept the quest. I ran the route several times without the delivery, just learning the map. That saved me from so many timer-related heartbreaks later.

Tools, Movement, and the Routes I Learned to Trust

For almost every delivery, my philosophy was: avoid enemies at all costs. For the harder runs, I relied on a few specific tools.

• Clawline and Feydown Cloak – Essential for 'Courier's Rasher' and any route with long gaps or vertical climbs.

• Flea Brew offensive tool – Gave Hornet extra speed when I needed to burst past enemies.

• Silkspeed Anklets – Another speed boost that made a surprising difference on long deliveries.

• Compass 🧭 – Not optional for me. It helped me check route progression without opening the full map.

• Wanderer's Crest – If you have memory lockets to spare, the downward pogo from this crest is much more consistent for avoiding both enemies and hazards.

• Curveclaw – When I did have to fight, ranged damage kept annoying flying enemies from ruining the item health bar.

For the Sinner's Road delivery to Styx, stealth was the answer. The Muckmaggots can be almost entirely avoided if you run along paths without them. I also abused area transitions to despawn aggressive flying enemies. It felt like cheating, but the game allowed it, so I called it strategy.

For 'Courier's Rasher,' I ran the Choral Chambers route multiple times before the real attempt. I recommend that more than any charm or tool. Knowing where the vertical shortcuts are and which platforms are safe at speed is the real reward.

Final Delivery Report

Looking back, the courier quests in Silksong are a strange mix of frustration and satisfaction. They are not the most efficient way to farm Rosaries, and some of them will make you question your sanity. But they force you to master Hornet's movement in a way that combat alone never does. The Queen's Egg upgrade alone makes the courier chain worthwhile, and the second nail upgrade from 'Great Taste of Pharloom' is too good to ignore.

If you are starting these quests now in 2026, my advice is simple. Do the easy standard deliveries first. Learn to avoid enemies instead of fighting them. Do not touch 'Courier's Rasher' until you have Clawline and Feydown Cloak. And for the love of Pharloom, learn the Choral Chambers before the timer starts. Tipp and Pill may act like friendly couriers, but their requests are a trial by fragile cargo.

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How to Reach Sinner's Road and Get Its Map in Silksong

Conquer Hollow Knight: Silksong's roach-infested Sinner’s Road map with exact wall-jump and pogo routes from Halfway Inn to Shakra.

From the moment I first poked around above Halfway Inn, I knew Sinner’s Road would be trouble. The narrow platforms, the grab-happy roaches, and the general gloom all scream one thing: turn back. But if you want that map, you have to keep moving. The route is not as confusing as it looks once you break it down. One missed pogo, though, can send you tumbling into a pool of something you do not want to identify. Here is how I finally made it to Shakra and picked up the Sinner’s Road map.

Sinner’s Road sits high above Greymoor. It is not the kind of place you stumble into by accident. You need to find a specific lift, complete a platforming gauntlet, and deal with some really annoying enemies. The area feels desolate in the best worst way possible, with roaches skittering around and maggot-infested pools tucked into the corners. Exploring is tense, and finding the map makes the whole thing much more manageable.

Quick checklist before you leave

Before you start climbing, make sure you are ready.

• 🧗 Wall jump is required. Several sections are nearly impossible without it.

• Double jump via Faydown Cloak speeds up one specific room, but it is optional.

• ️ Extra masks help. The roaches hit harder than they look.

• Patience is non-negotiable. Pogo jumps around cages and saw blades punish panic.

• ️ If you have not reached Greymoor yet, work through Far Fields first.

Step 1: Start at Halfway Inn

Travel to Greymoor and locate Halfway Inn. The lift you need sits just to the left of the inn. It is easy to miss if you are focused on the building itself, so hug the left side. Ride the lift up to the upper platforms.

Once the lift stops, head right. You will see several inflated objects floating near the edge. They look playful. They are not. Pogo off them with controlled inputs. Give yourself a second between bounces. I learned the hard way that trying to chain them too quickly sends Hornet flying in the wrong direction.

High above, there is a wall on the right side. Use wall jump to scale it. At the top, look for a cave opening on the right. This cave is your entrance into Sinner’s Road. Once you slip inside, the atmosphere shifts instantly.

Surviving the entry stretch

Inside Sinner’s Road, keep moving right. The ground is absolutely crawling with roaches. They do not wait for you to get close; they pounce. Hornet can get caught mid-move if you are not careful, and the grab attack eats health fast. My advice is simple. Stay off the floor whenever possible. Climb onto the hanging cages and hop from one to the next. The spacing feels awkward at first, but the rhythm becomes familiar. Trust the cages over the ground.

Continue right until you spot a sign marked with the bench symbol. That sign is your cue to climb higher. Use wall climb and enter the next pathway on the right. This leads into a larger room with a vertical challenge.

Two ways up in the cage room

This room can slow you down if you are not prepared. There are two ways to reach the upper platforms. One is a shortcut, and one is the longer route.

Method
Requirement
Difficulty

Wall and double-jump shortcut
Faydown Cloak ability
Easy

Saw-blade pogo route
No special ability required
Moderate

If you have double jump, life is good. Right above the entrance, grab the wall and climb to the hanging cage. From the cage, jump left to gain a little height, then double jump right onto the platform. It sounds precise, but the window is generous. Once you land, breathe.

If you do not have double jump, do not worry. Head to the rightmost part of the room. You will see hanging saw blades. These are your pogo points. Bounce from blade to blade until you reach the top. Treat each bounce as its own tiny decision. The moment I started thinking two bounces ahead, I fell. Focus on the current bounce only.

Whichever method you choose, drop to the left side once you are high enough. Hit the switch to unlock the gate. If you hear the gate open, you are on the right track.

Reaching Shakra and the map

Go through the unlocked gate. Beyond it, jump over two hanging cages. Watch your spacing here, because a miss means falling back into roach territory. You will see a doorway marked with the bench symbol. Enter that doorway.

After a short platforming section, you will meet Shakra. This merchant sells the Sinner’s Road map. Buy it immediately. Having the map changes everything because the area stops feeling like a maze. You can finally see where the pathways connect and where the dangerous rooms sit.

There is also a bench near Shakra. If it is inactive or damaged, you may need to fix it before resting. Either way, this is a major checkpoint. Rest if you can, then plan your next route through Sinner’s Road with the map open instead of guessing.

Final tips before you go

Roaches are the biggest early threat. Stay high and keep moving. Do not fight fair on the ground. The saw-blade route is entirely doable without double jump, but it wants patience more than skill. If you fall, do not tilt. The route is shorter than it feels. Buying the map first makes every return trip far less stressful. Honestly, reaching Shakra felt like a small festival of relief. And in a place as hostile as Sinner’s Road, any relief is worth chasing.

That covers the path to Sinner’s Road and its map. Get the lift, climb the walls, choose your route carefully, and let Shakra sell you the one thing that makes the fog lift. Good luck up there.

Getting through a place like Sinner’s Road is a small victory, but it is also a reminder of how much planning can smooth out an otherwise punishing experience. The same logic applies outside the game itself. Before you commit to your next sprawling adventure, it is worth putting a little of that careful strategy into where you buy your titles. A quick [game price comparison]( can save you enough to justify adding that extra DLC you have been eyeing, or to pick up another indie hidden gem on the side. Smart explorers check their route ahead of time; smart players check their storefronts too.

So after you finally rest at that bench and let the name of Sinner’s Road fade into just another mark on your map, take a moment to enjoy the win. Then, when the next journey calls, let DealNest help you decide which world is worth entering next. Fewer coins spent getting in means more time spent mastering what waits inside — and that is the kind of advantage every player can appreciate.

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I Claimed the Heart of the Woods in Silksong: Here's How

Hollow Knight Silksong Heart of the Woods route guide: master spike gauntlets, hidden levers, and boss strategies for the Pollen Heart.

After finally pushing into Act 3 of Hollow Knight: Silksong, I made the Heart of the Woods my first target. Even in 2026, with the community having mapped most of Act 3, this route still punishes careless players. The game is clear that the three hearts can be collected in any order, but anyone who has tried will tell you that 'any order' does not mean 'without preparation.' This route is a dense knot of hidden levers, narrow tunnels, spike gauntlets, and two demanding boss encounters. Here is how I finally grabbed the Pollen Heart, including every step that saved my run.

I started from the Grand Gate, which is the most reliable access point if you are arriving from the Blasted Steps Bellway or Choral Chambers Station. At the Grand Shrine, I kept getting drawn toward the large glowing entrance, but the correct route is the lower door on the right. Once inside that vertical room, use Silk Soar to climb and then push right through the narrow tunnels. At the end of those tunnels is a lever, and I am embarrassed to admit how much time I wasted backtracking before I pulled it. That lever opens the path forward, so do not miss it.

After the lever, glide down and break the obstacle to open a leftward route. Then drop again and slash the veins blocking the way. The path is not obvious, and the game gives you very little visual fanfare. This is where a careful player separates from a frustrated one, because if you miss a vein, you will be stuck wondering why the map will not open up.

At the end of that path, turn right into the Underworks. There is a bench behind a gate, and it costs 15 Rosaries to unlock. I almost skipped it because I wanted to push ahead, but that would have been a huge mistake. The upcoming fight against Nyleth is long, and the previous bench is far enough away that a death would feel terrible. Pay the fee, rest, and reset your tools. While resting, I made two loadout choices that carried me through the shrine: Ascendant's Grip and Cogfly. The Grip is not just a nice-to-have; it becomes essential during the second phase of the Nyleth fight when the floor disappears. Cogfly, or any tool that attacks automatically, lets you deal chip damage while you stay mobile. A touch of extra damage can be the difference between a clean kill and a panic-filled last few seconds.

From the bench, head left and use Silk Soar to reach the hanging block. Destroy the ropes so the block falls, and a path down appears. This next section is a spike gauntlet, and I died more times than I care to admit by rushing it. Move carefully from platform to platform, and look for the white flowers that give you extra height. Use those to land on the top platform. Slash the veins there, jump up, and then turn left. That is when Shrine Guardian Seth blocks the way.

Seth is not a pushover. He throws his shield and teleports to its location, which can catch you off guard if you try to heal at the wrong moment. He also has a nasty area-of-effect attack where yellow particles swirl around him before exploding. The real trouble starts in his second phase, when the same moves come much faster. The key for me was staying just far enough away to react to the teleport, then closing in for a few hits before retreating. Once he goes down, continue left and enter the shrine.

Inside, play the Elegy of the Past near the fountain to face Nyleth. The fight has two distinct phases. At first, Hornet can stand on a platform and fight off ranged attacks while evading the AoE explosions. This phase feels manageable if you keep your spacing. But do not get comfortable. In the second phase, the platform disappears entirely, and you can only jump on the wall opposite Nyleth. That is exactly why Ascendant's Grip matters, because it lets you cling and reposition safely. Whenever I saw an opening, I approached and used a careful plunge attack to deal damage. It took several cycles, but eventually Nyleth fell.

After the fight, I was transported outside, and the Pollen Heart was waiting for me. That single moment made the entire detour worth it. If you are still hunting the other two hearts, I would honestly recommend starting with this one. It forces you to learn Silksong's vertical movement, automatic tool synergy, and patient boss rhythm, all of which make the rest of Act 3 much less intimidating.

Once you have the Pollen Heart in hand, the rest of Act 3 opens up in a way that feels earned. I found myself revisiting earlier areas with the new tool combo, and it completely changed how I approached some familiar fights. For anyone who wants to experience this whole journey on their own schedule, it is always nice to grab the game at a fair price before diving in. I usually check a [game price tracker]( before picking up new releases, and DealNest is where I compare store prices without the headache of jumping between different pages.

Whether you are just entering the shrine for the first time or you are already planning your next run, the right price on the game means you can focus on mastering Nyleth instead of worrying about your wallet. With so many tools, upgrades, and secret paths to explore in Silksong, knowing the deal is solid makes the whole detour feel even better. And hey, if you end up stuck on a later boss, at least you will have gotten into the game for less.

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All 18 Spool Fragment Locations in Hollow Knight: Silksong (2026 Guide)

Find all 18 Hollow Knight: Silksong Spool Fragment locations across Pharloom to unlock the Extended achievement—from Bone Bottom to Bellhart vendors.

Hornet’s quest to carry more silk in Hollow Knight: Silksong is less about needlework and more about hoovering up every shiny Spool Fragment hidden across Pharloom. There are 18 of these little upgrades, and grabbing all of them isn’t just satisfying for pack rats—it unlocks the Extended achievement. Players who ignore them will spend the late game with a very modest silk pouch, which is basically like bringing a teaspoon to a soup festival.

The hunt spans cramped chutes, locked gates, suspicious vendors, and one particularly unhinged elevator. Since the 2026 completionist scene has already mapped every corner of Pharloom, this guide lays out each fragment with just enough sass to keep the pain tolerable.

🦴 Bone Bottom and the Marrow Wall

The first fragment waits in an alcove above Bone Bottom. Players should trace a path that briefly skims the left side of the Marrow before smashing a wall at the marked spot. It’s a gentle introductory hide-and-seek, assuming a wall doesn’t count as a hiding spot.

️ Weavenest Alta

After unlocking Needolin, players can open the locked gate on the right side of Mosso Grotto. Weavenest Alta sits beyond that gate, and the route to the fragment is a silk-spun reminder that ability gating waits for no one.

Deep Docks

Deep Docks offers two fragments. The first sits at the top of a room with a floor made of embers, which sounds more like a hazard warning than a landmark. Follow the route to reach it.

The second requires one of Pharloom's Simple Keys. Unlock the door in Deep Docks, traverse the area beyond, and the fragment appears along the route. Compared with the ember floor, this one is practically a shopping trip—except the door insists on a key.

️ Greymoor

A high alcove in Greymoor holds the next fragment, and reaching it is a straightforward climb for anyone who remembered to look up. The route makes it painless.

Bellhart and Blasted Steps (The Rosary Economy)

Not every fragment is found in the wild—some are bought. In Bellhart, players must complete the My Missing Courier Wish from the Wish Board, then pay Frey the vendor 270 Rosaries for a fragment.

In the Blasted Steps, Grindle sells one for 680 Rosaries, which is roughly the in-game equivalent of highway robbery. But the Extended achievement doesn’t care about financial fairness.

Grand Gate, Lost Fleas, and Scale Rooms

After finding 14 Lost Fleas, players can speak with Flea Master Mooshka to earn a fragment. The Flea Caravan should be hanging around between the Blasted Steps and Grand Gate at this point. Then, climbing to the top of the Grand Gate’s scale room yields another fragment. It’s a two-for-one district for anyone with a fondness for fleas and heights.

Choral Chambers / Songclave

The Lost Merchant Wish, completed in Songclave, unlocks the chance to buy a fragment from Jubilana for 500 Rosaries. Separately, the Balm for the Wounded Wish from the Songclave Wish Board rewards a fragment outright. The NPCs here are generous, provided players enjoy running errands first.

️ Cogwork Core and The Slab

A fragment sits in the bottom-right corner of Cogwork Core, nestled among the machinery. Another fragment is technically on the right edge of Mount Fay but is accessed by following a route through the Slab. It’s one of those “location vs. access route” debates that mapmakers love and players endure.

Underworks and Whiteward Elevator Chaos

The Underworks contains two fragments. The first is in a room just beneath the area's elevator. The second sits on the right side, but the route is a long detour through Cogwork Core and the Whispering Vaults. Starting from Songclave, players follow the path until an alcove at the bottom of the final chute. At least the scenery is consistent: tunnels, cogs, more tunnels.

Whiteward's fragment, however, is a masterclass in elevator trolling. It's at the bottom of the elevator chute, and the only way down is to outsmart the elevator itself. The sequence goes: ride the elevator to the bottom, take the long way back to the top without using it, stand on the button to summon the elevator, quickly fall into the chute and slip onto the midpoint path as the elevator passes, then fall to the bottom to claim the fragment. It sounds like an escape room designed by a vengeful architect.

Memorium and High Halls

Once double jump is available, players can reach the Memorium area and follow the route to grab a fragment. Finally, starting from the bench in the top-left corner of the Choral Chambers, a path leads to the 18th fragment at the top of High Halls. That bench-to-summit stroll is a gentle way to end a hunt that has involved fleas, wish errands, deadly embers, and one extremely passive-aggressive elevator.

️ Quick Reference Table

Location
Requirement / Method

1
Bone Bottom
Smash a wall after passing the left side of the Marrow

2
Weavenest Alta
Use Needolin to unlock the Mosso Grotto gate, then follow the route

3
Deep Docks
Climb to the top of a room with an ember floor

4
Deep Docks
Open the Simple Key door and traverse the area beyond

5
Greymoor
Reach a high alcove

6
Bellhart
Complete My Missing Courier Wish, then buy from Frey for 270 Rosaries

7
Blasted Steps
Buy from Grindle for 680 Rosaries

8
Grand Gate area
Find 14 Lost Fleas, then speak with Flea Master Mooshka

9
Grand Gate
Climb to the top of the scale room

10
Songclave / Choral Chambers
Complete Lost Merchant Wish, then buy from Jubilana for 500 Rosaries

11
Songclave / Choral Chambers
Complete Balm for the Wounded Wish

12
Cogwork Core
Head to the bottom-right corner

13
The Slab / Mount Fay
Follow the Slab route to the right edge of Mount Fay

14
Underworks
Room just beneath the area elevator

15
Underworks
Long route via Cogwork Core and Whispering Vaults to an alcove at the bottom of the final chute

16
Whiteward
Outsmart the elevator: ride, detour, trigger, slip to midpoint, fall to bottom

17
Memorium
Use double jump, then follow the route

18
High Halls
Start at the top-left Choral Chambers bench and follow the path

Collecting all 18 not only maxes out Hornet's silk capacity, it also pops the Extended achievement. The real reward, however, is never having to revisit Whiteward's elevator experiment—until the next playthrough, naturally.

For completionists who have now secured every fragment and maxed out Hornet's silk capacity, the hunt itself often sparks an appetite for more games in the same vein. Metroidvanias with this level of intricate world design are rare, and tracking down the next great adventure can be just as tricky as finding a hidden alcove in the Underworks. Whether you're eyeing a new release that builds on this genre's best ideas or waiting for a classic to go on sale, knowing the right moment to buy can save you a bundle in the long run.

That's where checking a [game price tracker]( comes in handy. Much like mapping out a route through Choral Chambers, a little strategic planning before a purchase can help you secure the best price across multiple storefronts, so your wallet stays as intact as your save file. After all, the only thing more satisfying than a 100% completion screen is knowing you didn't overpay to get there.

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How I Got Hollow Knight: Silksong's Cursed Ending While Bearing the Twisted Bud Curse

Our Hollow Knight: Silksong Cursed ending guide reveals the Rite of Rebirth steps and Act 2 restrictions required to unlock this dark secret.

Now that Silksong is out and I've had time to dig into it, I finally went after the Cursed ending. I had no idea what I was about to unlock, but after seeing a normal playthrough I decided to chase an obscure secret. It sounded exactly like the kind of weird, specific ending I wanted to see for myself. There is one brutal rule: if you have already entered Act 3, there is no way to get this ending without starting another save file. I was still in Act 2 and had not finished the Rite of Rebirth, so I had a chance.

The Setup I Almost Messed Up

Before I even began the Rite of Rebirth, I made sure I had these done. I would strongly advise doing all of this before you accept the curse, because after that you cannot heal, cannot change crests, and lose your tools.

• Open the Bellway in the Citadel.

• Open the Ventrica Station to the Bellway.

• Obtain the Three-Part Melody to unlock the elevator.

• Finish the second fight with Lace to unlock the final boss route.

• Open the shortcut in the Cradle that leads to the Terminus.

• Have at least seven masks total; I went in with eight, which felt just barely enough.

Whispering Vaults and a Long Descent

I started the Rite of Rebirth by heading into the Whispering Vaults. Below the Vaultkeeper's room there is a large area with shifting boxes on the right. I climbed the top right wall, found an open vault door, and stepped inside. The platforming wasn't too bad at first: wall jump up, head right, grapple a ring to open the floor. Then it turned into a downward gauntlet with Path of Pain-esque gears, spike dodging, and careful floating. Eventually I fell into Bilewater.

The murky maggot mixture was exactly as unpleasant as it sounds. I swam right beneath the cavern walls, jumped up, dropped into another hole, and ended up in even more worm water. I moved left, slipped under some platforms, and pushed through a mess of twisty, gnarly vines. Exploding critters and spike jumps tried to end me there, but I made it through.

At the end of that tunnel I found a Twisted Bud in a strange cradle. It went into my inventory and cried every time I opened it. I wanted it out, so I headed down to Shellwood.

Accepting the Curse

I had already finished the Rite of the Pollip quest, so I grabbed my poison pouch and returned to the hut where Greyroot was. The Twisted Bud bore a keen resemblance to what Greyroot had going on, so its involvement wasn't surprising. I interacted with Greyroot, accepted the Rite of Rebirth, and the crying parasite was placed inside Hornet. That cursed me.

I broke out of the trapped room and immediately noticed the restrictions: no tools, no crest changes, and no healing. I did not finish the quest to remove the curse yet. Instead, I climbed all the way back up to the Citadel.

Fighting Grand Mother Silk with No Healing

This was the hardest part. I fought Grand Mother Silk with no healing and no tools. I had eight masks, which let me survive maybe three or four hits. My best tool was the dive kick. It hits twice when it connects and launches me high enough to dodge her needle projectiles.

I had to play extremely patiently. Every time she committed to an attack, I went for upward slashes. The moment I saw a claw strike coming across the screen, I backed off. I only dealt damage when it was completely safe.

Phase 2 didn't change the strategy much, but the lack of healing made stage hazards terrifying. Spikes and boulders could finish me if I stood in the wrong place. Pogoing off Grand Mother Silk's body became my best escape tool. The upward force plus Hornet's wings and cape let me dodge attacks and drift into a safer zone for a moment. After dozens of careful strikes, she went down. The binding cutscene was different: Hornet released the parasite from her body.

The Cursed Ending

Then it happened. As I bound to Grand Mother Silk, the parasite made its presence known. It seemed to absorb both Hornet and the higher being at once. Their bodies took on that same wooden-like appearance I had seen on Greyroot earlier. The parasite spread its roots through the entire kingdom and took over every living being within it.

That was the Cursed ending. I didn't just bear a curse to get there. I cursed the entire world.

Experiencing that dark conclusion made me want to see every other ending Silksong has to offer, but unlocking them all takes serious time and patience. Between the grueling boss fights and the cryptic quest lines that branch into different outcomes, there's a lot of replay value hiding beneath the surface. For players who want to dive into the full range of Hollow Knight adventures or pick up similar metroidvania gems without stretching their budget, keeping an eye on game deals today can make building that collection much easier.

Whether you're chasing alternative endings, hunting down every collectible, or simply exploring new indie titles that scratch the same itch, being smart about when you buy is part of the fun. I've learned that waiting for the right moment to grab a game can open doors to experiences I might have otherwise missed. If you are looking to expand your library without overspending, checking out [game deals today]( might just lead you to your next obsession.

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Forget Silksong: These Retro Torture Devices Make It Look Like a Spa Day

Hollow Knight: Silksong's brutal difficulty pales next to retro gaming classics like The Lion King and Ghosts 'N Goblins, where unfair design ruled.

In 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally clawed its way out of development purgatory, only to be met with a chorus of anguished howls about its difficulty. Three hits to death from the very first screen, enemies packing double damage as standard, and boss patterns that demand the reaction time of a caffeinated mantis shrimp—yes, it is brutal. But here is the uncomfortable truth: Silksong's pain is a paper cut next to the industrial meat grinder of retro gaming. Anyone who thinks Silksong is hard has clearly never spent a Saturday afternoon being eviscerated by a Disney lion cub.

Completing The Lion King On SNES: I Just Can't Wait To Be... Obliterated

Nothing about the box art for The Lion King on Super Nintendo screams “soul-crushing gauntlet.” A cute cartoon cub, sweeping savanna vistas, songs about growing up—it looks like a warm hug for children. In reality, it was a precision platformer wearing the skin of a family film. Disney and Westwood deliberately cranked up the difficulty during the rental era so that players could not breeze through it over a weekend. This was not game design; it was corporate hostage-taking disguised as entertainment.

Before reaching anything resembling a checkpoint, players had to work out the controls with zero explanation. Key mechanics were discovered through trial, error, and the sudden death of Simba. Even after mastering the controls, the game still dealt unfair deaths like a croupier dealing cards from a rigged deck. Falls through platforms that absolutely looked solid, leaps that required pixel-perfect timing, and roars that did nothing to enemies—it was all part of the package. Many a player has wandered away from this game muttering about giraffes and waterfalls, their childhood shattered like a cracked CRT screen.

Playing Ghosts 'N Goblins On NES Without Losing Your Armor: My Experience Was Pants, Arthur's Pants

The NES original of Ghosts 'N Goblins did not care about fairness. It cared about making sure Arthur spent most of his afterlife sprinting around in his underwear. The two-hit system is legendary: the first hit strips Arthur of his armor, leaving him in nothing but a pair of red underpants; the second hit reduces him to a small pile of bones. The game is so relentless that players rarely remember what Arthur's armor looked like, but can sketch every crease in his skivvies from memory.

Enemy spawns were randomized, meaning a demon could materialize directly onto Arthur's helmetless head with no warning. Background objects occasionally obscured the very hazards that were about to end the run. Bosses required rote memorization of attack patterns, level layouts, and spawn timings. Even then, luck remained the final arbiter—like trying to cross a minefield while blindfolded and juggling live grenades. Anyone who has finished this without save states deserves a medal, a therapy session, or both.

Working Out That The Spectrum Version Of Gauntlet Doesn't End: Why Do Only NES Players Get An Ending?

The Sinclair ZX Spectrum was a distinctly British console, complete with rubber keys and a tape deck that took roughly seven business days to load a game. Among its many oddities was a port of Gauntlet that promised adventure but delivered an infinite limbo. Players knew the arcade original was endless, and they had heard that the NES version offered a proper ending after level 100. So naturally, Spectrum owners assumed their version would eventually conclude as well.

It did not. After level 100, the game simply shuffled previous levels, mirror-flipped them, and served them up in random order. There was no on-screen level indicator, no congratulatory message, no final boss—just an endless corridor of recycled dungeons. Discovering this was not a failure of skill but a failure of expectations, like climbing a mountain only to find the summit is actually a treadmill set to maximum incline. The hardest part of Gauntlet on Spectrum was not the ghosts or the traps; it was accepting that the game would never, ever let the player go.

Getting A Popular Game To Work At Launch: The Secret First Boss

Even the most hardened retro warriors agree on one thing: the true final boss of gaming has never been a demon king, a rogue AI, or a giant ape. It is the Launch Day Boss. This multi-stage monstrosity requires cunning, patience, and a luck stat that would make a gacha puller weep. The RNG begins the moment a player attempts to secure a game code without the storefront collapsing into a heap of error messages.

Pre-orders help, functioning as a kind of cheat code for the first phase. But unless a player possesses the sacred relic of a pre-launch download, the next stage is pure agony. Thousands of people try to download the same game at the exact same moment, turning the process into a slowness effect that can stretch for hours. The storefront crashes, the payment processor hiccups, and the server queue becomes a waiting room for a doctor who will never call your name.

Then comes the final stage: connection. Most modern games demand an internet connection, and server capacity is finite. MMOs, battle royales, and even single-player titles with always-online check-ins are vulnerable to the dreaded server error ability. This move negates all player abilities and leaves them staring at a login screen like a knight whose sword has just been replaced with a wet noodle. Beating the Launch Day Boss is harder than anything in Silksong—it is a battle against infrastructure, entropy, and the collective impatience of the entire gaming population.

The Verdict

Silksong may demand precision, adaptability, and a tolerance for repeated failure. But it does not force players to fight randomized spawns in their underwear, to accept an endless treadmill of mirrored levels, or to defeat a hidden boss made entirely of server errors and download queues. Those who gripe about Silksong's difficulty should be forced to play The Lion King on SNES for one hour as a corrective measure. They would return with a new appreciation for fair, modern game design—and perhaps a mild fear of cartoon lions.

Perhaps the wisest strategy is not to buy into the hype cycle at all. Avoiding the Launch Day Boss is simple: don't show up for the fight. Instead of paying a premium to be an unpaid beta tester, the seasoned player knows that patience is the ultimate level-up mechanic. Leting the hype die down, letting the first few patches smooth out the rough edges, and waiting until the price drops to a fraction of the original cost opens the door to a smarter, calmer gaming experience. The victory screen tastes much sweeter when it isn't stained with buyer's remorse.

That is why a smart player's real endgame involves tracking the perfect moment to strike. Rather than refreshing storefronts like a slot machine addict, they scan the marketplace for signs of a price drop. Using a dedicated [steam sale tracker]( allows gamers to monitor the peaks and troughs of a game's price history, ensuring they never pay full price for a title that will be discounted before the next major patch. After that, buying the game becomes a matter of clean, instant gratification without repeated server failure. That sounds like a much nicer difficulty curve. The outcome is being able to play an excellent game on their own terms, with none of the stress of release day chaos. Just compare this to your own experience of hunting for a bargain, and you will see how it offers a far better level of gameplay. And it is for that reason that this feels like completing a secret quest for the first time. Going from fighting enemies for the best price to playing games at your own pace is a smooth transition. The real reward is a library of games calmly waiting to be played.

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I Stumbled Into Silksong's Secret Plasmium Phial Trick That Makes Hornet Nearly Unkillable

Hollow Knight: Silksong and Plasmium Phial offer a brutal challenge; mastering Lifeblood Hearts transforms survival in Pharloom.

Let me set the record straight: I did not discover this. I am just the traveller who spent a dozen hours in Pharloom getting carved into ribbons by common mobs because Hornet's health bar refuses to cooperate. In 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong has already earned a reputation as a brutal sequel, much harder than anyone expected. Diagonal-bounce platforming feels like trying to fold a fitted sheet while juggling, and the bosses make the Lost Kin look like a friendly tutorial. Then I saw WikiWitIT's video about the Plasmium Phial, and my entire approach changed.

The Phial That Looked Like a Novelty

The Plasmium Phial is rewarded after you finish a side quest called Alchemist's Assistant for Alchemist Zylotol in Wormways. You collect three pieces of Plasmium and receive the tool. On the surface, it lets Hornet stack Lifeblood Hearts, which are bonus health slots that last until you rest at a Bench or lose them by getting hit. My first impression was not generous. Compared to tools that deal damage or open paths, a health-stacking phial felt about as exciting as a sundial in a lightless cave. But Silksong punishes health management far more than Hollow Knight ever did. Regular enemies frequently deal double damage, so every extra Lifeblood Heart feels like a small miracle.

The Bench Trap and the Architect's Crest

The catch is that resting at a Bench refills your tools, but it also strips away the Lifeblood Hearts you stacked. At first, the phial seems capped by the bench cycle. You stack a few hearts, use the phial's charges, sit down, lose them all. It felt like trying to carry moonlight in a basket. Then WikiWitIT showed the workaround. Find and equip the Architect's Crest, a trinket that lets you replenish tools without using a Bench. From there, keep stacking Lifeblood Hearts. Do it enough, and you trigger a hidden state that nobody had documented until now.

What the Hidden Overdose State Feels Like

Once the secret effect kicks in, Hornet's ordinary health is effectively replaced by Lifeblood Hearts. The bar no longer behaves like a finite resource. Instead, it trickles back over time, as if the hearts are refilling themselves from some unseen reservoir. In combat, this feels less like standard Silksong survival and more like fighting with a suit of armor that quietly sews its own wounds. I took a triple-damage swipe from a heavily armored sentinel, waited a few seconds, and watched the red edge creep back. That was the moment I understood the hype.

Here is the short version for anyone who wants to replicate it:

• Complete the side quest Alchemist's Assistant for Alchemist Zylotol in Wormways.

• Collect three Plasmium to earn the Plasmium Phial.

• Find and equip the Architect's Crest so you can refill tools without resting at a Bench.

• Keep stacking Lifeblood Hearts past the normal limit.

• Trigger the hidden effect and enjoy passive health regeneration.

Situation
Normal Plasmium Phial
Overdosed with Architect's Crest

Health type
Temporary Lifeblood Hearts
Lifeblood Hearts replace main health

Regeneration
None, only refill at Bench
Passive regeneration over time

Survivability
Helps, but fragile
Dramatically harder to kill

Known duration
Until rest or hit
Unconfirmed, possibly story-gated

Right now, no one has pinned down exactly how long the passive regeneration lasts, or whether there is a hidden cost. Some players suspect the effect may fade when you reach certain story thresholds or after a fixed number of hits, but nothing is confirmed. Abusing the Plasmium Phial like this does not seem to disable achievements or soft-lock a save, but treat it as an exploit-adjacent trick until Team Cherry decides whether to patch it.

For anyone still getting shredded by double-damage mobs, the sequence is simple: finish Alchemist's Assistant, grab the Plasmium Phial, find the Architect's Crest, and stack Lifeblood Hearts until the game stops counting. It changes Hornet from a fragile needle-dancer into something much closer to unkillable. Just be ready for the conversation to shift again when the inevitable balance patch arrives.

If you are planning to test this hidden Lifeblood state before Team Cherry rolls out a fix, it is worth keeping tabs on the broader Silksong conversation. Patch notes and community discoveries land fast, and a trick like this one can vanish overnight. Between hunting for secrets like these, many players are also using the downtime to stock up on other metroidvania titles that scratch the same itch, and keeping an eye on [DealNest game deals]( is a reliable way to catch discounts on similar action-adventure games without missing a beat.

Whether you are chasing undocumented exploits or simply want a fuller library for your next playthrough, a little preparation goes a long way. Bookmark the page and check back whenever you need a break from grinding Lifeblood Hearts, so you are always first in line when the next hidden mechanic surfaces.

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Every Mask Shard Location I Found in Hollow Knight Silksong

Find all 20 Hollow Knight: Silksong Mask Shard locations to boost Hornet's max HP to 10 and unlock the Masked achievement.

Let’s be real for a second: I’ve lost count of how many times I got absolutely flattened in Hollow Knight: Silksong because I skipped a few upgrades. If you’re like me and you don’t want to spend the entire game rolling back to a bench with one sliver of health, you need to grab those Mask Shards. They’re basically little pieces of Hornet’s life bar, and collecting enough of them gradually boosts your maximum HP. After a lot of exploring, backtracking, and a few rage moments, I can safely say there are 20 Mask Shards scattered across Pharloom. Once you’ve got them all, you’ll unlock the Masked achievement and push Hornet up to a cozy 10 HP.

So here’s my complete rundown of every Mask Shard location I managed to track down, including the tricky hidden ones and the quest rewards that are super easy to miss.

The Early Game Shards (Don’t Skip These)

I really can’t stress enough how important it is to grab the early shards. When you’re still running around with basic gear, a little extra health makes boss fights way less painful.

1. Bone Bottom

Right after Hornet leaves Moss Grotto, there’s a merchant camping out at Bone Bottom. This is probably the easiest shard in the game, but it’s not free. You’ll need to hand over 300 Rosaries. It feels like a lot early on, but trust me, it’s worth every single bead.

2. Deep Docks

Head to the border between The Marrow and Deep Docks, just north of the Bellway fast travel point. It’s tucked away near the water, so keep your eyes peeled for a small alcove.

3. Far Fields

You can’t get this one right away, which annoyed me at first. You’ll need to finish the Flexile Spines quest to grab the Drifter’s Cloak. Once you have that, start from the Seamstress’ Balloon and glide using the wind currents. You’ll notice exploding rocks near some platforms — blast them with your attacks to create more updrafts. Eventually, you’ll reach a hidden passage on the left. Inside, keep hitting those combustible rocks until the ceiling one drops and exposes a shard underneath the floor.

Mid-Game Shards (You’ll Need Some Tools)

Once you’ve got a few abilities unlocked, the world really opens up. Here are the shards that require a bit more platforming skill or a specific tool.

4. Wormways

From the Wormways Simple Key door, drop down into the water and look to your right. There’s a breakable wall hiding a shard. Just smash it open.

5. Shellwood

South of the Cling Grip skill pickup, there’s a passage heading east. It’s a platforming gauntlet, but at the end of the room, you’ll be rewarded with a Mask Shard.

6. Songclave (Choral Chambers)

This one is technically a purchase. After you save Jubilana during The Wandering Merchant quest, she’ll sell you a shard for 750 Rosary Beads. Make sure you don’t spend all your beads on silk upgrades first.

7. Whispering Vault

Honestly, this one took me forever to find. If you remember how you discovered the Whispering Vault map, this shard uses the same trick. Go south of the bench and start smacking the ceiling until a pole ladder drops down. Climb up, break the box blocking the way, and then use the box to climb even higher. The shard is waiting on the upper left.

8. Cogwork Core

This is tied to the Threefold Melody quest. From where you accept the task, drop down through the floor passage and keep descending until you see an opening to the west. Follow it, and you’ll get locked into an arena battle. Survive the fight, and the hall that unlocks afterward has your shard at the top.

Shards From Quests And Special Areas

Some of these are easy to miss if you don’t know where to look, especially the ones tied to the Bellhart Wishwall hunts.

9. Savage Beastfly Quest

Use the Wishwall to promise the Wish on Bellhart. You’ll be sent to slay the Savage Beastfly, which is waiting for you in the same spot where you fought the Fourth Chorus boss. Beat it, and you’ll get a shard.

10. Far Fields Skull Cave

You’ll need the Clawline skill for this. From the Seamstress, head east until you spot an unexplored area to the north. Use your Act 2 ability to reach the skull cave and grab the shard inside.

11. Weavenest Atla

This one’s a bit involved. After being warped to the lower side of Weavenest Atla, you’ll need to wall jump and double jump to reach a path going right. At the bottom, find a breakable wall on the right. Inside, there’s a chamber with a Marrow theme parkour challenge. Finish it for the shard.

12. Bilewater

This one is straightforward if you use the map. Look for the word “Bilewater” on the map, then find the vertical room right above it. There’s a long hall heading east, and the shard is at the end.

13. The Slab

You’ll need the Key of Apostate first. Once you have it, use it to unlock the door on the upper side of the prison area. The shard is inside.

14. Mount Fay

After you pick up the Double Jump skill, revisit the bench on the southwestern side. There’s a broken tower to the left. Climb inside to collect the shard.

15. Wisp Thicket

This one requires finding the hidden route from Greymoor. Once inside, head right to the bench, climb up, and find another route to the right. You’ll need to swim through some nasty maggot water until you reach a spot to jump. Bounce between the walls, and the shard is on the left.

The Secret Act 3 Shards (The Trickiest Ones)

Things get serious once you unlock the secret Act 3. There are five shards hidden behind this point, and honestly, they’re the ones I see people miss the most.

16. Brightvein

First, you need to find the secret room called Brightvein in Mount Fay. Use Silk Soar to reach a ceiling opening, then destroy the ice blocking your path to the right. Inside Brightvein, complete the platforming test to claim the shard at the top.

17. Sprintmaster Swift Reward

Accept the Sprintmaster Swift’s Fastest in Pharloom quest, then track down his location on the eastern edge of Far Fields. He’ll hand over a shard, but only after you beat him in a race three times. It’s not too bad if you’ve upgraded your movement speed.

18. Dark Hearts Quest

This is another Wishwall deal. Complete the Dark Hearts quest from Bellhart Wishwall, and the 18th shard is yours.

19. The Hidden Hunter

This is the third Hunt mission tied to the Wishwall. It’s easy to overlook because you need to actively seek out the quest. Complete The Hidden Hunter quest, and you’ll earn another shard.

20. Blasted Steps

This final one takes you back to where Hornet almost leaves Pharloom. Instead of trying to exit the kingdom, use Silk Soar to reveal a hidden room above. At the very top of that room, you’ll find the last Mask Shard.

Wrapping Up My Hunt

Collecting all 20 Mask Shards is a marathon, not a sprint. Some of them you’ll naturally stumble into, but the rest require hunting down specific abilities, finishing side quests, or just smacking every suspicious ceiling you find. The ones locked behind Act 3 are particularly easy to forget, so make sure you double-check places like Brightvein and Blasted Steps before you declare your run complete.

Figuring out where all the Mask Shards are isn’t just about bulking up Hornet’s health bar — it’s also about seeing more of what Pharloom has to offer. The hidden rooms, the platforming challenges, and the weird little interactions along the way made the hunt feel worth it. Plus, that Masked achievement popping up at the end is a nice way to remind yourself that you’ve officially cleared one of the game’s biggest collection goals.

Happy hunting, and try not to lose too many Rosaries along the way.

While you're busy chasing down those last few shards, it's also worth keeping an eye on your gaming budget. Silksong is the kind of game you can sink dozens of hours into, and whether you grabbed it at launch or are waiting for a discount before diving in, using [this price tracking tool]( for your next purchase is a smart habit to build.

DealNest can help you spot price drops and snag the best deals across your favorite stores, so you can spend less time hunting for bargains and more time exploring Pharloom. Once your Mask Shard hunt is complete and the Masked achievement finally unlocks, it's a great moment to check what's on sale and start planning your next gaming journey.

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Indie Game Sequels That Broke The Mold In 2026

Indie game sequels and prequels redefine gaming, with Blue Prince and Hollow Knight: Silksong leading 2026’s standout releases.

Indie game sequels occupy a strange corner of gaming. They pop up less often than triple-A franchises because independent studios usually prefer chasing a brand-new fever dream rather than revisiting an old one. Yet when an indie sequel does land, it often humiliates the original like a speedrunner demolishing a tutorial level. As 2026 keeps rolling, the conversation is still dominated by two very different beasts: Blue Prince and its puzzle-box charm, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, the sequel that spent years turning anticipation into an art form.

The rule of thumb here is wonderfully forgiving. Sequels, prequels, and even remakes all count if they add enough. That generous definition allows some truly spectacular glow-ups to enter the list.

️ Amnesia: The Bunker

The Amnesia franchise had a bumpy relationship with follow-ups. A Machine for Pigs disappointed, and Rebirth was a step forward without fully sticking the landing. Then Amnesia: The Bunker arrived and reminded everyone why the original was so terrifying.

Set in a World War I bunker, this one drops players into a survival horror pressure cooker. Generators tick down, supplies run dry, and a relentless monster turns every corridor into a panic attack. Because so much is randomized, no two runs feel identical. It is brutally hardcore, which means it is not for everyone, but that is exactly what indie horror should do. Compared with mainstream horror giants that try to welcome every possible player, The Bunker feels wonderfully hostile.

️ Trials HD

Trials might be the most underrated platforming series in existence. Its roots are humble: free Java and Flash games that asked players to balance a dirt bike over increasingly sadistic obstacles. Then Trials HD landed on Xbox 360 in 2009 and became a breakout hit for one simple reason: analog controls.

Older games used a keyboard, which meant players got full throttle or nothing. Trials HD let riders ease the trigger anywhere from one to ninety-nine percent, turning clumsy digital inputs into a gloriously precise balancing act. The tracks were superb, the replay value was endless, and the game became one of Xbox Live Arcade's highest sellers. It was so good that Ubisoft swooped in and acquired developer RedLynx just before Trials Evolution launched. A tiny browser-game studio suddenly became a major player.

🥩 Super Meat Boy

Before Super Meat Boy became a legend, the original Meat Boy was a Newgrounds Flash game testing the patience of anyone with a keyboard. The Xbox 360 sequel turned that simple concept into a massive, 300-plus-level platformer that demands pixel-perfect precision.

Playing as a literal block of meat means the movement is slippery in ways that initially feel like a prank. But once players nail the momentum, it becomes smooth, tight, and deeply satisfying. The content is ridiculous for an Xbox Live Arcade title: bonus characters, level variants, secret worlds, and an entire extra side area called Teh Internets. It is not a game for the faint of heart, but it remains one of the best platformers ever made.

Ion Fury

Indie prequels are rare, but Ion Fury made a strong case that more studios should try them. Its predecessor, Bombshell, was one of 2016's most poorly reviewed games. Ion Fury took that disaster and rebuilt the series as an old-school first-person shooter, channeling classics like Duke Nukem 3D and Shadow Warrior.

The levels are interconnected in ways that recall Half-Life, and the enemies are a joy to blast into scrap. Some players might argue the weapon roster could use more punch, but the glow-up from Bombshell to Ion Fury is still staggering. Turning a dud into one of the best retro shooters around is no small feat.

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair

The original Yooka-Laylee promised a revival of Nintendo 64 collect-a-thons but failed to capture the magic of Banjo-Kazooie. Expectations for a 2D sequel were low. Then Playtonic delivered something shockingly good.

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair nailed its platforming fundamentals. The real genius is the final level gimmick: players can attempt the Impossible Lair at any time, but completing main levels adds extra hits. Skilled players can even beat the game early, which is a beautifully confident design choice. It became one of the most underrated platformers of 2019 and a must-play for anyone who loves 2D movement done right.

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

A remake can be a sequel if it adds enough, and The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth added mountains. The 2011 original was already a top-tier roguelike, but its PC controller implementation was so rough that players still tell campfire stories about it. Rebirth fixed those issues and expanded the game into something monstrously replayable.

With its strange Newgrounds-flavored art and endless item combinations, Rebirth is often called the best roguelike ever made. The expansions only deepened the rabbit hole. Every run feels like opening a cursed toy chest and discovering something new, broken, or deeply unsettling.

️ Hollow Knight: Silksong

The wait became a meme, but Silksong finally arrived and somehow exceeded expectations. It takes the original Hollow Knight and improves nearly every aspect: movement, soundtrack, combat, and the sheer density of secrets. For a twenty-dollar game, the amount of content is almost rude. There is a secret area that players can completely miss unless they clear all the wishes, which is exactly the kind of hidden reward fans adore.

Available on Xbox Game Pass, Silksong is an easy recommendation. It may have shattered player-count records and broken industry rules, but the list does not crown it number one. There is another game sitting on a different level entirely.

Baldur's Gate 3

Every decade or so, a game arrives and rearranges the furniture of the entire industry. Baldur's Gate 3 is that game. Larian Studios is not indie in the bedroom-coder sense, but it remains independent of major publishers. The studio bet everything on Divinity: Original Sin and would have gone bankrupt if that gamble had failed.

The result is one of the best RPGs ever made: endless player choice, superb writing, immense content, and a combat system that some players find a bit too safe for a D&D adaptation. Even with that criticism, the rest of the game is essentially flawless. It showed the industry how a quality RPG should be built and will influence games for years to come. It is the best game of the decade so far, and the greatest indie game of all time.

Sequel
What It Improved
Vibe

Amnesia: The Bunker
Survival horror tension
Relentlessly terrifying

Trials HD
Analog precision
Frustrating but addictive

Super Meat Boy
Scale and controls
Brutally smooth

Ion Fury
Genre redemption
Old-school loud

Impossible Lair
Level design
Shockingly clever

Isaac: Rebirth
Content and polish
Endlessly cursed

Silksong
Everything
Hyped and delivered

Baldur's Gate 3
RPG greatness
Industry-changing

What makes this list so remarkable is that most of these titles cost far less than the typical AAA release, yet they deliver some of the most memorable experiences gaming has seen in years. For players who want to chase down these hidden gems — or revisit the classics mentioned here — keeping an eye on price tags is part of the fun.

If you are looking to expand your library without stretching your budget, knowing [where to buy cheap games]( can make all the difference. DealNest is a handy place to start when you want to spot discounts and grab quality indie titles for less.

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