At the very beginning of Silksong, players learn that there are multiple acts in the game as the text "Act 1: Pharloom" appears on-screen. In Silksong, Act 1 essentially lasts until Hornet achieves her goal at the start of the game: to reach the Citadel and find out why she was being brought there, and who captured her.

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Hollow Knight: Silksong - Interactive Map (Pharloom)

Our interactive map for Pharloom in Hollow Knight: Silksong. All the skills, tools, benches, and more found in the game.

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To get to Act 2, Silksong players must make it past several mandatory bosses, acquire necessary skills, and progress through numerous sprawling zones. Follow this guide to learn exactly what you must do to progress to Act 2 in Silksong and what you should know before you decide to leave Act 1.

How to Get to Act 2 in Silksong

Silksong Unlock Act 2 Get To Citadel Guide Last Judge Blasted Steps Boss Runback Route

To complete Act 1 and progress into Act 2, Silksong players must make it to the Blasted Lands and defeat The Last Judge at the entrance to the Citadel. To get to the Blasted Lands, Silksong players must:

  1. Get to Haunted Bellhart after defeating Moorwing in Greymoor. To get to Greymoor, you must use the Drifter's Cloak to break through the ceiling in the far top-right corner of the Far Fields.
  2. Restore Haunted Bellhart by defeating the Weaver, whose boss room is directly above the town, but can only be accessed from the top-right corner of the Shellwood zone.
  3. Defeating the Weaver grants Hornet the Needolin ability, which is required to enter the Citadel. Then, go to the Bell Beast Station in Shellwood and continue to the left to find the entrance to the Blasted Lands.

The Blasted Lands are an incredibly unforgiving zone with harsh winds, hazardous ground that deals two Masks of damage, and tough platforming puzzles. Make your way to the Bench next to the Bell Beast Station highlighted on the map above, then make your way to the far top-right corner.

After traversing one of the most challenging boss runback routes in the game, you will finally arrive at the Citadel. Talk to the Pilgrims inside the entrance hall to learn that you must play music to break open the seal on the gate – play your Needolin, and the bells on the door will ring out.

Silksong Unlock Act 2 Get To Citadel Guide Last Judge

After a few moments, The Last Judge will appear. Defeat this boss, then continue through the gate to see a cutscene of Hornet entering the Citadel and a preview of some areas on the path ahead. Finally, the text "Act 2: Citadel of Song" will appear, indicating the end of Act 1 and the beginning of Hornet's journey into the Citadel.

When Does Act 2 Begin in Silksong?

Silksong Unlock Act 2 Get To Citadel Guide Hornet Cutscene Face

Act 2 begins as soon as you defeat The Last Judge. The cutscene should play after the boss goes down, but be careful – The Last Judge explodes on death, which can kill Hornet and reset the fight.

Can You Return To Act 1 Areas In Act 2?

Silksong Unlock Act 2 Get To Citadel Guide Citadel of Song

After reaching the Citadel, a new Fast Travel system will unlock for travel throughout Act 2 areas. However, you can still access Bell Beast Stations – like the one in The Slab, which connects to the Choral Chambers. Bell Beast Stations will still connect Hornet back to Act 1 areas while she is in Act 2 (and beyond).

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Hollow Knight: Silksong
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Released
September 4, 2025
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Developer(s)
Team Cherry
Engine
Unity
Number of Players
Single-player
PC Release Date
September 4, 2025
Genre(s)
Metroidvania, Action, Adventure, Soulslike