Hollow Knight Silksong Silk Skills: Where to Find Them

When Hollow Knight: Silksong was first announced, one of the mechanics that immediately caught the attention of fans was the introduction of Silk Skills. These are not just minor power-ups but entirely new combat techniques built around Hornet’s unique use of silk. They shape her identity as a fast, agile, and deadly fighter, while also creating a completely different experience compared to the Knight in the original game.

Silk Skills provide Hornet with a variety of ways to deal with threats — from ranged strikes and explosive runes to elegant counters and devastating rush attacks. Each skill can change the flow of battle, encouraging players to experiment and find their own rhythm. In this guide, we’ll go through the Silk system itself, explain how it differs from Soul in the original game, and give detailed instructions on every Silk Skill, including where to find them and how to make the most out of them.

The Silk System Explained

The foundation of Silk Skills lies in Hornet’s Silk mechanic, which acts as her central resource. Unlike the Knight, who relied on Soul harvested from enemies, Hornet spins a spool of silk during combat. The more she attacks, the faster her spool fills up, turning constant aggression into the best way to stay alive.

This mechanic feels different because of its pace and risks. Healing, for example, is no longer a slow and dangerous act as it was for the Knight. Hornet restores health instantly, which keeps the momentum of battles intact. However, the trade-off is that each heal costs more and restores fewer masks, forcing you to carefully consider when to heal and when to keep Silk for offense.

In comparison with the original game, there are three major differences that stand out between Silk and Soul:

• Healing is instant for Hornet, but less efficient.
• Aggression is directly rewarded, while passive defense leaves you without resources.
• Combat becomes faster overall, with Silk constantly pushing you forward.

These differences explain why Silksong plays so aggressively. Silk isn’t just another resource — it defines the entire flow of combat.

What Are Silk Skills?

Silk Skills are special combat techniques that consume Silk. Unlike passive upgrades, they give Hornet entirely new ways to attack or defend. Because of this, they feel more like milestones in your journey rather than simple collectibles.

To better understand their role, it helps to think of Silk Skills as belonging to three categories. Offensive skills like Silkspear or Sharpdart allow you to deal direct damage in creative ways. Defensive techniques such as Cross Stitch reward precise timing and punish reckless enemies. Finally, control-based abilities like Thread Storm and Rune Rage provide breathing room when you are overwhelmed.

This balance between attack, defense, and control is what makes Silk Skills such a core part of Silksong’s combat identity. There are six of them in total, each tied to unique areas, challenges, or encounters throughout Pharloom.

Silk Skills List and How to Find Them

There are a total of six skills in the game, and below we’ll go into detail about each one and explain where to find them.

Silkspear

Hornet hurls her needle forward with amplified force, delivering a precise ranged strike. This ability is particularly effective against flying enemies or bosses with wide melee zones, since it allows you to apply pressure without risking close contact.

To obtain Silkspear, you must travel to the Mosshome region through The Marrow. Along the way, you will encounter the merchant Shakra, who lives in the northwestern part of the area. From there, you can progress deeper into Mosshome, where a shrine containing the skill is hidden. The shrine is located at the top of a large chamber just beyond the Moss Druid’s Cave. However, this path only becomes accessible after certain progress in the main story.

Thread Storm

This technique unleashes a swirling vortex of silk threads that damages every enemy in range. It is particularly useful when Hornet is surrounded, as it can clear space and provide much-needed breathing room.

The skill is located in the Greymoor region, specifically at Craw Lake. Early in the game, this location is inaccessible, but as the story progresses, the path opens. To reach the skill, players must overcome difficult platforming challenges and hostile enemies, eventually arriving at the very top of Craw Lake where the artifact awaits.

Cross Stitch

Cross Stitch allows Hornet to wrap her needle in silk, deflect an enemy’s strike, and instantly counterattack. It rewards precision and is extremely valuable in fights against aggressive bosses who rely on long combos.

The ability is unlocked in the Exhaust Organ area, which can be reached through the Mist. To obtain it, you must first face the unique enemy known as Phantom. This opponent attacks with relentless speed and pressure, forcing you to dodge carefully and wait for the right moment. Defeating Phantom grants access to the Cross Stitch skill, turning enemy aggression into your strongest weapon.

Sharpdart

With Sharpdart, Hornet performs a sudden dash-pierce through her enemies, following up with quick finishing strikes. It is one of the most aggressive Silk Skills and excels at breaking enemy lines while keeping your momentum high.

The skill is located in the Wormways, in the Weavenest Karn area. Acquiring it requires both the Needolin ability and a Simple Key. The key can be purchased from a merchant in Bone Bottom. Once you have it, you must navigate the Wormways, overcome platforming sections that demand precise movement, and unlock a sealed chamber. Inside, you will find the Sharpdart skill.

Rune Rage

This skill surrounds Hornet with magical runes that explode after a short delay, dealing heavy damage to all nearby enemies. It is especially effective in tight arenas where foes cannot escape the blast radius.

Rune Rage is hidden within The Slab. To access it, you must find the Key of Apostate. The chamber where the skill is located is locked, and only this key can open it. Once unlocked, the artifact grants Hornet the ability to unleash explosive runes in battle.

Pale Nails

When activated, Pale Nails summons three spectral nails that hover behind Hornet for a few seconds before homing in on enemies. Each nail deals damage equal to a standard Needle Strike, so if all three strike the same target, the result is devastating burst damage.

The ability is found in The Cradle, specifically in a tall vertical chamber north of its junction with Cog Core. However, reaching the location requires the Silk Soar ability, without which climbing the chamber is impossible. Once you have Silk Soar, you can ascend and obtain the Pale Nails skill.

Tips for Using Silk Skills Effectively

Since Silk Skills consume the same resource used for healing, players must carefully decide when to use them. A good approach is to always keep enough Silk stored for at least one heal while still making room for offense.

Each skill also suits specific types of encounters. For example, Silkspear excels against airborne enemies, while Thread Storm provides crucial control in chaotic fights. Defensive players may prefer Cross Stitch to punish reckless foes, while aggressive players will find Sharpdart perfect for chaining attacks. Combining skills — such as opening with Sharpdart and following with Thread Storm — can completely overwhelm groups of enemies.

Experimenting with these tools is part of what makes Silksong’s combat so rewarding. Learning when and how to spend Silk turns each battle into a balance of survival and style.

Silk Skills form the backbone of combat in Hollow Knight: Silksong. They transform each encounter into a delicate balance of aggression and survival, rewarding players who learn to manage their Silk carefully. Every new skill feels like a milestone, significantly expanding Hornet’s arsenal and allowing for new strategies.

By mastering Silk Skills, players unlock the full potential of Hornet’s fast, elegant, and deadly fighting style. Whether you prefer defensive counters, long-range precision, or explosive bursts of damage, there is a skill that suits your approach. Together, these abilities ensure that Silksong delivers a combat system that is faster, riskier, and ultimately more dynamic than anything seen in the original Hollow Knight.