After more than six years of teasers, delays, and half-joking April Fool's theories, Hollow Knight: Silksong finally arrived, and its release landed like a key turning in a lock that had rusted shut. For one longtime player, every session with Team Cherry's sequel is a joyride—beautiful, brutal, and occasionally humbling—but the real surprise is what it did to their patience for other long-awaited sequels. If Silksong can emerge from the void, then perhaps the next Mass Effect can too.
![[Image: 6ad2bd0577396a88a6bfff88uNJTDDKg07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad2bd0577396a88a6bfff88uNJTDDKg07)
A Sequel That Refused to Stay Silent
Silksong was announced with a trailer over six years before it launched, then faded behind the curtain while Team Cherry kept working. Many fans assumed it had become an elaborate prank or a casualty of impossible expectations. Instead, the studio was simply having too much fun developing it—a better fate than a rough development cycle. When the game finally materialized, it proved that a long silence does not always mean a project is dead. Sometimes it means the creators are polishing something until it gleams.
![[Image: 6a272216e1133dcc66451c5dGrVE1V7y07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6a272216e1133dcc66451c5dGrVE1V7y07)
The Elephant in the Gaming Room
That lesson matters because another sequel has been waiting in the dark. The Elder Scrolls 6 is the obvious elephant in the room, the one Todd Howard acknowledged years ago. Many players have learned to put it out of their minds until official news arrives. But there is a different sequel that has burned in the hearts of Mass Effect fans for even longer: the next Mass Effect game.
The next Mass Effect was teased more than five years ago, and Mass Effect 3 launched more than a decade before that. Mass Effect: Andromeda arrived in 2017, but it was a side story, not a continuation of the original trilogy. The next Mass Effect appears to be different. With Liara T'Soni positioned as its face, the project seems poised to pick up after Mass Effect 3 rather than after Andromeda. Whether it is called Mass Effect 4, Mass Effect 5, or simply Mass Effect, the distinction matters less than the promise: a return to the story that began with Commander Shepard and ended with a galaxy-changing choice.
![[Image: 6ad2bd0acf2d594a58d0aaa3vu7xLcke07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad2bd0acf2d594a58d0aaa3vu7xLcke07)
The Canon Problem and the Cost of Hope
Continuing that story has always meant confronting the canonization problem. Mass Effect 3 offered multiple endings, and choosing one as official would make other players' decisions feel trivial. For years, that dilemma seemed like a locked door. Now, however, many fans have stopped caring about the lock. They want more Mass Effect, not more Andromeda, and Liara is one of the most beloved characters in the franchise. Seeing her headline the next chapter is enough to keep excitement alive.
The only problem is that excitement has been idling in a garage for years. The next Mass Effect has reportedly spent around five years in development, much of it in pre-production. BioWare and EA have also weathered layoffs and internal turbulence, which has made the road bumpier than anyone wanted. The wait for the next Mass Effect has become a sealed letter in a drawer: the ink still wet with possibility, but the address fading.
![[Image: 6ad2bd0c3fdfd84652712b08K8WmDr1Q07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad2bd0c3fdfd84652712b08K8WmDr1Q07)
Why Silksong Changes the Mood
Silksong's release works like a thawing river, cracking the ice of cynicism that had frozen around other delayed sequels. Hollow Knight launched in 2017, and its sequel took over eight years to arrive. By comparison, it has been roughly the same amount of time since Mass Effect: Andromeda. That symmetry does not guarantee anything, but it does offer a strange comfort. A game is not canceled just because it is quiet.
Game
Last Major Entry
Approximate Wait by 2026
Status
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hollow Knight (2017)
8+ years
✅ Released in 2025
Next Mass Effect
Mass Effect 3 (2012)
13+ years
?️ In pre-production
Mass Effect: Andromeda
Mass Effect 3 (2012)
8+ years since Andromeda
Spin-off, not a direct continuation
Hope, in this case, is like a garden on a comet—beautiful, improbable, and impossible to schedule. Yet Silksong proves that improbable gardens can bloom. Team Cherry's sequel is not just a product; it is a signal that patience can be rewarded when a team is allowed to build something with care. If the next Mass Effect receives even half that devotion, the result could be extraordinary.
![[Image: 6ad2bd0e9f88ee54dffcdace9ENRsg9d07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad2bd0e9f88ee54dffcdace9ENRsg9d07)
A Reason to Keep Waiting
As of 2026, the next Mass Effect still has not shown enough to calm every fear. BioWare's recent history has been rocky, and the industry's layoffs have made long development cycles even more precarious. But Hollow Knight: Silksong's arrival is a reminder that no game should be written off until it is officially canceled. It took over eight years after Hollow Knight for its sequel to materialize. The next Mass Effect has now been in that same waiting zone, and that at least gives fans a reason to keep looking toward the stars.
The galaxy may still be silent, but silence is not the same as emptiness. With Liara waiting in the wings and a legacy stretching back to Mass Effect 3, the next Mass Effect remains one of the most tantalizing possibilities in gaming. Silksong finally crossed the finish line. Perhaps Mass Effect will too.
In the meantime, waiting does not have to mean staring at an empty release calendar. Long gaps between sequels are a good excuse to revisit the games that made the wait worthwhile in the first place — replaying the original Mass Effect trilogy, finally finishing that RPG sitting in the backlog, or trying something new from a genre you have never touched. A slow year is often the best time to catch up, especially when older titles and hidden gems can be picked up for far less than a full-price release.
For players who would rather spend the wait exploring than refreshing rumor threads, sites like DealNest track PC game discounts across storefronts, making it easier to find a deal on something worth playing while the galaxy stays quiet. Whether you are rebuilding your Shepard or discovering a new world entirely, a cheaper way in makes the long haul a little more bearable.
A Sequel That Refused to Stay Silent
Silksong was announced with a trailer over six years before it launched, then faded behind the curtain while Team Cherry kept working. Many fans assumed it had become an elaborate prank or a casualty of impossible expectations. Instead, the studio was simply having too much fun developing it—a better fate than a rough development cycle. When the game finally materialized, it proved that a long silence does not always mean a project is dead. Sometimes it means the creators are polishing something until it gleams.
The Elephant in the Gaming Room
That lesson matters because another sequel has been waiting in the dark. The Elder Scrolls 6 is the obvious elephant in the room, the one Todd Howard acknowledged years ago. Many players have learned to put it out of their minds until official news arrives. But there is a different sequel that has burned in the hearts of Mass Effect fans for even longer: the next Mass Effect game.
The next Mass Effect was teased more than five years ago, and Mass Effect 3 launched more than a decade before that. Mass Effect: Andromeda arrived in 2017, but it was a side story, not a continuation of the original trilogy. The next Mass Effect appears to be different. With Liara T'Soni positioned as its face, the project seems poised to pick up after Mass Effect 3 rather than after Andromeda. Whether it is called Mass Effect 4, Mass Effect 5, or simply Mass Effect, the distinction matters less than the promise: a return to the story that began with Commander Shepard and ended with a galaxy-changing choice.
The Canon Problem and the Cost of Hope
Continuing that story has always meant confronting the canonization problem. Mass Effect 3 offered multiple endings, and choosing one as official would make other players' decisions feel trivial. For years, that dilemma seemed like a locked door. Now, however, many fans have stopped caring about the lock. They want more Mass Effect, not more Andromeda, and Liara is one of the most beloved characters in the franchise. Seeing her headline the next chapter is enough to keep excitement alive.
The only problem is that excitement has been idling in a garage for years. The next Mass Effect has reportedly spent around five years in development, much of it in pre-production. BioWare and EA have also weathered layoffs and internal turbulence, which has made the road bumpier than anyone wanted. The wait for the next Mass Effect has become a sealed letter in a drawer: the ink still wet with possibility, but the address fading.
Why Silksong Changes the Mood
Silksong's release works like a thawing river, cracking the ice of cynicism that had frozen around other delayed sequels. Hollow Knight launched in 2017, and its sequel took over eight years to arrive. By comparison, it has been roughly the same amount of time since Mass Effect: Andromeda. That symmetry does not guarantee anything, but it does offer a strange comfort. A game is not canceled just because it is quiet.
Game
Last Major Entry
Approximate Wait by 2026
Status
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hollow Knight (2017)
8+ years
✅ Released in 2025
Next Mass Effect
Mass Effect 3 (2012)
13+ years
?️ In pre-production
Mass Effect: Andromeda
Mass Effect 3 (2012)
8+ years since Andromeda
Spin-off, not a direct continuation
Hope, in this case, is like a garden on a comet—beautiful, improbable, and impossible to schedule. Yet Silksong proves that improbable gardens can bloom. Team Cherry's sequel is not just a product; it is a signal that patience can be rewarded when a team is allowed to build something with care. If the next Mass Effect receives even half that devotion, the result could be extraordinary.
A Reason to Keep Waiting
As of 2026, the next Mass Effect still has not shown enough to calm every fear. BioWare's recent history has been rocky, and the industry's layoffs have made long development cycles even more precarious. But Hollow Knight: Silksong's arrival is a reminder that no game should be written off until it is officially canceled. It took over eight years after Hollow Knight for its sequel to materialize. The next Mass Effect has now been in that same waiting zone, and that at least gives fans a reason to keep looking toward the stars.
The galaxy may still be silent, but silence is not the same as emptiness. With Liara waiting in the wings and a legacy stretching back to Mass Effect 3, the next Mass Effect remains one of the most tantalizing possibilities in gaming. Silksong finally crossed the finish line. Perhaps Mass Effect will too.
In the meantime, waiting does not have to mean staring at an empty release calendar. Long gaps between sequels are a good excuse to revisit the games that made the wait worthwhile in the first place — replaying the original Mass Effect trilogy, finally finishing that RPG sitting in the backlog, or trying something new from a genre you have never touched. A slow year is often the best time to catch up, especially when older titles and hidden gems can be picked up for far less than a full-price release.
For players who would rather spend the wait exploring than refreshing rumor threads, sites like DealNest track PC game discounts across storefronts, making it easier to find a deal on something worth playing while the galaxy stays quiet. Whether you are rebuilding your Shepard or discovering a new world entirely, a cheaper way in makes the long haul a little more bearable.
No Replies
In 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong is no longer a rumor whispered in YouTube comment sections or a punchline about delays. It exists, it is brutal, and it has left at least one devoted Hollow Knight player frozen at the gate. That player, a stubborn soul with questionable time management, has spent months wandering Hallownest, dying to the same optional Dream Realm boss, and refusing to look up how much of the game remains because the mere thought of spoilers makes their shell crawl.
The fan's journey through Hollow Knight is not a speedrun. It is a slow, meditative loop of failure. They know the combat can be difficult, especially when a boss seems designed to test patience rather than reflexes. They also know they are extremely stubborn. Rather than skip an optional Dream Realm boss, they will happily spend an entire afternoon getting killed by it, repeating the same doomed cycle until the controller creaks in their hands.
![[Image: 6ad2bcfebc8e96495a61bd14ZeUq5ouD07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad2bcfebc8e96495a61bd14ZeUq5ouD07)
Part of the reason the fan still has not finished Hollow Knight is simple: they are not very good at it. Plenty of players are not very good at Hollow Knight. Its combat can be punishing, especially against bosses that feel like moving brick walls with spikes. The fan also tries to maintain some semblance of a social life on weekends, which cuts into the hours required to bang their head against the same wall. The result is a save file that has become a monument to bad time management and stubborn pride.
The Sequel That Hits Twice as Hard
When Hollow Knight: Silksong launched in 2025, it did not take long for the conversation to turn toward difficulty. The long-awaited sequel racked up negative reviews on Steam, many of them citing combat that felt less like a challenge and more like a cruelty. Almost every boss, and even some basic enemies, deal double damage with each hit. The difficulty scaling is painful. Some bosses have no benches nearby, so players must repeat platforming sections and clear rooms all over again just to get wrecked once more by a fight they have not yet memorized.
![[Image: 6a4af2bb2073aae718bb8224z9SBwY8j07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6a4af2bb2073aae718bb8224z9SBwY8j07)
There is also an adjustment period for Hollow Knight veterans. Hornet is a more agile and mobile protagonist, and her enemies are faster and have more varied attacks as a result. Healing is faster, but it requires more charges. Muscle memory from the first game does not always help in the second. In fact, it can actively hurt, making platforming and combat feel unfair when the player's instincts are calibrated to a slower, heavier knight.
Element
Hollow Knight
Silksong
Boss damage
Often one mask per hit
Many bosses and basic enemies deal double damage
Bench placement
Usually generous enough
Some bosses have no nearby bench, forcing repeated platforming
Protagonist
The Knight, slower and more grounded
Hornet, agile and mobile
Healing
Slower, hold to heal
Faster, but requires more charges
Enemy design
Telegraphed and fair
Faster, more varied attacks
Hard but Fair, or Just Hard?
Yet a big strength of Hollow Knight is that although it can be hard, it rarely feels unfair. The fan can count on one hand the number of times they died and wanted to blame the game. Usually, they are frustrated with themselves for making a platforming mistake or for failing to dodge an attack that was clearly telegraphed. That self-directed frustration is oddly comforting. It means the game is demanding, but it is not cheating.
The fan cannot say yet whether Silksong feels unfair. After all, they are still working their way through Hollow Knight. Still, they would not be surprised if Silksong really is more difficult. Metroidvania sequels often crank up the difficulty to give experienced players more of a challenge, and Team Cherry has never seemed interested in making things easy. The difference is that Hollow Knight's difficulty built trust over time. Silksong, by many accounts, asks for that trust upfront and then punches the player in the mask.
![[Image: 6ac1997fe455d712e89569d0ZGH8NSg007]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ac1997fe455d712e89569d0ZGH8NSg007)
Going into Silksong after intentionally honing skills in Hollow Knight might mean a really tough time learning the ropes of the new installment. The fan is terrified to finish the first game and then jump into a potentially even more punishing experience. At the same time, they are hungry for more of this world. The bluster about Silksong's difficulty has scared them off for now, but they are trying to get good.
Maybe once they finally beat that damn Dream Realm boss, they will feel ready to join everyone else in getting Hornet where she needs to go. Until then, they will keep dying, keep refusing to look up spoilers, and keep telling themselves that one more attempt is all it will take. ?️⚔️?
Anyone weighing whether to grind through Hallownest first or leap straight into Pharloom usually ends up doing the same thing: refreshing store pages and waiting for a sale. Team Cherry's games are priced fairly, but regional pricing, bundle deals, and seasonal discounts vary enough that it's worth comparing before committing. Rather than hopping between a dozen storefronts and hoping the price you saw last week still holds, it helps to check game prices in one place first — especially if Silksong is going to be sitting in a wishlist for a while anyway.
There's something fitting about that kind of patience. Waiting for a discount is its own small test of restraint, not unlike resisting the urge to look up a boss strategy after the tenth death. Both reward the player who holds out just a little longer, and both make the eventual payoff feel earned. Until the next attempt — or the next sale — the mask stays cracked and the determination stays intact.
The fan's journey through Hollow Knight is not a speedrun. It is a slow, meditative loop of failure. They know the combat can be difficult, especially when a boss seems designed to test patience rather than reflexes. They also know they are extremely stubborn. Rather than skip an optional Dream Realm boss, they will happily spend an entire afternoon getting killed by it, repeating the same doomed cycle until the controller creaks in their hands.
Part of the reason the fan still has not finished Hollow Knight is simple: they are not very good at it. Plenty of players are not very good at Hollow Knight. Its combat can be punishing, especially against bosses that feel like moving brick walls with spikes. The fan also tries to maintain some semblance of a social life on weekends, which cuts into the hours required to bang their head against the same wall. The result is a save file that has become a monument to bad time management and stubborn pride.
The Sequel That Hits Twice as Hard
When Hollow Knight: Silksong launched in 2025, it did not take long for the conversation to turn toward difficulty. The long-awaited sequel racked up negative reviews on Steam, many of them citing combat that felt less like a challenge and more like a cruelty. Almost every boss, and even some basic enemies, deal double damage with each hit. The difficulty scaling is painful. Some bosses have no benches nearby, so players must repeat platforming sections and clear rooms all over again just to get wrecked once more by a fight they have not yet memorized.
There is also an adjustment period for Hollow Knight veterans. Hornet is a more agile and mobile protagonist, and her enemies are faster and have more varied attacks as a result. Healing is faster, but it requires more charges. Muscle memory from the first game does not always help in the second. In fact, it can actively hurt, making platforming and combat feel unfair when the player's instincts are calibrated to a slower, heavier knight.
Element
Hollow Knight
Silksong
Boss damage
Often one mask per hit
Many bosses and basic enemies deal double damage
Bench placement
Usually generous enough
Some bosses have no nearby bench, forcing repeated platforming
Protagonist
The Knight, slower and more grounded
Hornet, agile and mobile
Healing
Slower, hold to heal
Faster, but requires more charges
Enemy design
Telegraphed and fair
Faster, more varied attacks
Hard but Fair, or Just Hard?
Yet a big strength of Hollow Knight is that although it can be hard, it rarely feels unfair. The fan can count on one hand the number of times they died and wanted to blame the game. Usually, they are frustrated with themselves for making a platforming mistake or for failing to dodge an attack that was clearly telegraphed. That self-directed frustration is oddly comforting. It means the game is demanding, but it is not cheating.
The fan cannot say yet whether Silksong feels unfair. After all, they are still working their way through Hollow Knight. Still, they would not be surprised if Silksong really is more difficult. Metroidvania sequels often crank up the difficulty to give experienced players more of a challenge, and Team Cherry has never seemed interested in making things easy. The difference is that Hollow Knight's difficulty built trust over time. Silksong, by many accounts, asks for that trust upfront and then punches the player in the mask.
Going into Silksong after intentionally honing skills in Hollow Knight might mean a really tough time learning the ropes of the new installment. The fan is terrified to finish the first game and then jump into a potentially even more punishing experience. At the same time, they are hungry for more of this world. The bluster about Silksong's difficulty has scared them off for now, but they are trying to get good.
Maybe once they finally beat that damn Dream Realm boss, they will feel ready to join everyone else in getting Hornet where she needs to go. Until then, they will keep dying, keep refusing to look up spoilers, and keep telling themselves that one more attempt is all it will take. ?️⚔️?
Anyone weighing whether to grind through Hallownest first or leap straight into Pharloom usually ends up doing the same thing: refreshing store pages and waiting for a sale. Team Cherry's games are priced fairly, but regional pricing, bundle deals, and seasonal discounts vary enough that it's worth comparing before committing. Rather than hopping between a dozen storefronts and hoping the price you saw last week still holds, it helps to check game prices in one place first — especially if Silksong is going to be sitting in a wishlist for a while anyway.
There's something fitting about that kind of patience. Waiting for a discount is its own small test of restraint, not unlike resisting the urge to look up a boss strategy after the tenth death. Both reward the player who holds out just a little longer, and both make the eventual payoff feel earned. Until the next attempt — or the next sale — the mask stays cracked and the determination stays intact.
No Replies
Hidden merchants are some of the most rewarding secrets in Hollow Knight: Silksong. They offer tools, upgrades, and rare goods that can transform Hornet's journey through Pharloom. One such figure is Jubilana, a wandering merchant whose whereabouts are tied to the Wandering Merchant side quest. Why should players bother tracking her down? Because the quest does not just reward a few Rosaries; it permanently adds a useful shop to Songclave. The following guide explains how to start the quest, locate Jubilana in the Choral Chambers, and make the most of her inventory in the current 2026 version of the game.
![[Image: 6ad16b7f52a78c58ab31eda5PPWR8GWD07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad16b7f52a78c58ab31eda5PPWR8GWD07)
? Starting the Wandering Merchant Quest
The Wandering Merchant quest becomes available after Hornet defeats the Cogwork Dancers. That boss fight takes place in the Cog Core area of the Choral Chambers region. Once the Cogwork Dancers fall, the path forward opens. Players should continue right until they reach Songclave, a small safe haven that functions much like Bellhart.
![[Image: 6ad16b896b21b02db6fb5714DdyHyifH07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad16b896b21b02db6fb5714DdyHyifH07)
When Songclave is first reached, it feels quiet. Only one NPC, the Caretaker, is available for conversation. Speaking to him and exhausting his dialogue is important for understanding the area. After that, the First Shrine bell inside the large building must be activated. This costs 80 Rosaries and unlocks the bench interaction.
![[Image: 6ad16b9344e7409b492b191f4UYvE2vI07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad16b9344e7409b492b191f4UYvE2vI07)
Then, leave Songclave, rest at a save bench, and return. A Wish Board will have been constructed. Interacting with it reveals several quests, including the Wandering Merchant request. Accept it to begin the search for Jubilana.
?️ Finding Jubilana in the Choral Chambers
The quest has a single objective: find Jubilana. Fortunately, she is not far from Songclave. She hides in a small room within the Choral Chambers, the Citadel's largest area. The fastest route is through the room where the Cogwork Dancers were defeated, then downward. Alternatively, if Hornet is elsewhere, fast-travel to the Bell Beast station in Choral Chambers and head west.
![[Image: 6ad16b9ba99bb8d69e5a6df20SlKmd7807]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad16b9ba99bb8d69e5a6df20SlKmd7807)
Once the room is entered, enemies will be present. Jubilana will not reveal herself until they are defeated. Clear the room, then speak to her and exhaust her dialogue. This completes the Wandering Merchant quest. On the next visit to Songclave, Jubilana will have moved in and set up shop next to the Wish Board.
![[Image: 6ad16ba38282aae7dc9f55cewyuhZ12u07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad16ba38282aae7dc9f55cewyuhZ12u07)
? Rewards and Jubilana's Inventory
The true reward is not a one-time payout. It is permanent access to a new merchant. Jubilana sells several items that can improve Hornet's combat and exploration efficiency.
![[Image: 6a93754b84f2a06017fe3744DRGgMhLu07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6a93754b84f2a06017fe3744DRGgMhLu07)
Item
Price
Effect
Ascendant's Grip
350 Rosaries
Allows Hornet to stick to walls for as long as desired.
Mask Shard
750 Rosaries
Used to increase maximum health.
Simple Key
650 Rosaries
Opens a locked door.
Spool Extender
720 Rosaries
Increases the length of the Silk meter.
Rosary String
80 Rosaries
Consumable that grants Rosaries.
Among these, the Ascendant's Grip is the strongest early purchase. Silksong includes difficult platforming sections that demand wall jumps and extended wall cling. Having the Grip can make those challenges far less punishing. The Spool Extender is another excellent choice for players who rely on Silk skills, while the Mask Shard is a long-term investment in survivability. The Simple Key is situational but can unlock optional rewards. Rosary String is useful only when players need a small Rosary top-up.
? Tips for a Smooth Quest in 2026
Defeat the Cogwork Dancers first. The Wish Board will not appear before that milestone.
Save 80 Rosaries for the First Shrine bell in Songclave.
Exhaust every dialogue with the Caretaker, Jubilana, and the Wish Board.
Rest at a bench and return to Songclave if the Wish Board does not appear immediately.
Clear all enemies in Jubilana's room. She stays hidden until the room is safe.
Use the Bell Beast fast-travel station if the route from Songclave feels confusing.
Buy Ascendant's Grip before luxury purchases. Movement upgrades often matter more than raw stats.
✅ Why the Wandering Merchant Quest Matters
Hollow Knight: Silksong rewards curiosity. The Choral Chambers is enormous, and missing a single side room can mean missing a permanent merchant. The Wandering Merchant quest is a perfect example. It asks for a short detour, a small Rosary investment, and one room clear. In return, Hornet gains access to tools that support many different playstyles.
Is it worth completing in 2026? Absolutely. The quest remains one of the most efficient side activities in the Citadel. It combines exploration, combat, and a lasting upgrade path. For players who want to make Songclave feel like a true hub, finding Jubilana is an essential step.
That same instinct for getting maximum value out of every Rosary is worth carrying over to the real world of buying games. Anyone who enjoys squeezing the most out of a single purchase tends to appreciate a well-curated list of game deals today, where discounts on titles across platforms are gathered in one place instead of scattered across a dozen storefronts.
DealNest keeps things simple: current price drops, bundle offers, and limited-time sales, all organized so players can spot what is actually worth their money. For anyone building a backlog of indie metroidvanias or waiting for a sale on a bigger release, the site is a straightforward place to check before paying full price.
? Starting the Wandering Merchant Quest
The Wandering Merchant quest becomes available after Hornet defeats the Cogwork Dancers. That boss fight takes place in the Cog Core area of the Choral Chambers region. Once the Cogwork Dancers fall, the path forward opens. Players should continue right until they reach Songclave, a small safe haven that functions much like Bellhart.
When Songclave is first reached, it feels quiet. Only one NPC, the Caretaker, is available for conversation. Speaking to him and exhausting his dialogue is important for understanding the area. After that, the First Shrine bell inside the large building must be activated. This costs 80 Rosaries and unlocks the bench interaction.
Then, leave Songclave, rest at a save bench, and return. A Wish Board will have been constructed. Interacting with it reveals several quests, including the Wandering Merchant request. Accept it to begin the search for Jubilana.
?️ Finding Jubilana in the Choral Chambers
The quest has a single objective: find Jubilana. Fortunately, she is not far from Songclave. She hides in a small room within the Choral Chambers, the Citadel's largest area. The fastest route is through the room where the Cogwork Dancers were defeated, then downward. Alternatively, if Hornet is elsewhere, fast-travel to the Bell Beast station in Choral Chambers and head west.
Once the room is entered, enemies will be present. Jubilana will not reveal herself until they are defeated. Clear the room, then speak to her and exhaust her dialogue. This completes the Wandering Merchant quest. On the next visit to Songclave, Jubilana will have moved in and set up shop next to the Wish Board.
? Rewards and Jubilana's Inventory
The true reward is not a one-time payout. It is permanent access to a new merchant. Jubilana sells several items that can improve Hornet's combat and exploration efficiency.
Item
Price
Effect
Ascendant's Grip
350 Rosaries
Allows Hornet to stick to walls for as long as desired.
Mask Shard
750 Rosaries
Used to increase maximum health.
Simple Key
650 Rosaries
Opens a locked door.
Spool Extender
720 Rosaries
Increases the length of the Silk meter.
Rosary String
80 Rosaries
Consumable that grants Rosaries.
Among these, the Ascendant's Grip is the strongest early purchase. Silksong includes difficult platforming sections that demand wall jumps and extended wall cling. Having the Grip can make those challenges far less punishing. The Spool Extender is another excellent choice for players who rely on Silk skills, while the Mask Shard is a long-term investment in survivability. The Simple Key is situational but can unlock optional rewards. Rosary String is useful only when players need a small Rosary top-up.
? Tips for a Smooth Quest in 2026
Defeat the Cogwork Dancers first. The Wish Board will not appear before that milestone.
Save 80 Rosaries for the First Shrine bell in Songclave.
Exhaust every dialogue with the Caretaker, Jubilana, and the Wish Board.
Rest at a bench and return to Songclave if the Wish Board does not appear immediately.
Clear all enemies in Jubilana's room. She stays hidden until the room is safe.
Use the Bell Beast fast-travel station if the route from Songclave feels confusing.
Buy Ascendant's Grip before luxury purchases. Movement upgrades often matter more than raw stats.
✅ Why the Wandering Merchant Quest Matters
Hollow Knight: Silksong rewards curiosity. The Choral Chambers is enormous, and missing a single side room can mean missing a permanent merchant. The Wandering Merchant quest is a perfect example. It asks for a short detour, a small Rosary investment, and one room clear. In return, Hornet gains access to tools that support many different playstyles.
Is it worth completing in 2026? Absolutely. The quest remains one of the most efficient side activities in the Citadel. It combines exploration, combat, and a lasting upgrade path. For players who want to make Songclave feel like a true hub, finding Jubilana is an essential step.
That same instinct for getting maximum value out of every Rosary is worth carrying over to the real world of buying games. Anyone who enjoys squeezing the most out of a single purchase tends to appreciate a well-curated list of game deals today, where discounts on titles across platforms are gathered in one place instead of scattered across a dozen storefronts.
DealNest keeps things simple: current price drops, bundle offers, and limited-time sales, all organized so players can spot what is actually worth their money. For anyone building a backlog of indie metroidvanias or waiting for a sale on a bigger release, the site is a straightforward place to check before paying full price.
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I still remember the first time I faced the Last Judge in Hollow Knight: Silksong. It was 2026, and I thought I was ready. But that runback? That endless platforming gauntlet filled with sandworms and bell pogos? It nearly made me quit. Have you ever spent more time dying on the way to a boss than actually fighting it? If so, you know exactly what I mean. The Last Judge is the grand finale of Act 1, and it's a wall. But with the right approach, that wall crumbles.
![[Image: 6ad16b79019b0155cd9467c8Fu2GtQd507]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad16b79019b0155cd9467c8Fu2GtQd507)
The Runback: My 30-Second Sprint
The most intimidating part isn't the boss—it's getting there. I used to fight every enemy, losing health and patience. Then I optimized. Here's what I do now:
Keep moving. Dash and jump across the first sandworm gaps. Don't stop to fight.
Leap left, wall jump up. After a couple of platforms, don't go right immediately. Go left and wall jump to skip tricky sections.
Pogo the bell. I use the Wanderer crest for easy pogo jumps. Run, jump, dash, and float over the next gap to avoid an enemy.
Wall jump, pogo, repeat. Hit the far wall, wall jump up, move left for another pogo. Then jump, float, dash to the final platform.
With practice, I can do this in roughly 30 seconds without fighting a single enemy. ?♂️?
The Fight: Aggression and Preparation
For the Last Judge, I found the Wanderer crest to be the best. You can find it in the far left of Bone Bottom, but you'll need to go through the Wormways. It lets me land fast, constant hits. The other must-have is the Magma Bell, sold by the smith in Deep Docks. It reduces fire damage, which is huge because the Last Judge loves flames. For other slots, I recommend anything that makes you faster or gives extra masks—some of its attacks block tools, so flasks are safe.
![[Image: 6ad16b7cb2e06e6f1a822b38dGINFqXo07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad16b7cb2e06e6f1a822b38dGINFqXo07)
Phase 1: Dash Toward Danger
Who says you have to play defense? The first phase is surprisingly forgiving. I dash toward the Last Judge to score hits. The easiest opening is when it leaps and slams the ground. I also dodge toward it when it throws its flail, then leap backward as the flail is pulled in. The spin attack? With the Wanderer crest, I can parry it, but if I'm not confident, I back away. The key is constant pressure.
Phase 2: Fire and Flames
Then the fire comes. The Last Judge's second phase adds flame waves, flame pillars, and explosive flail attacks. Here's how I handle each:
Attack
My Dodge
Spin attack with flame waves
Move left and right to weave between waves
Flame pillars
Same—keep moving horizontally
Slam with ground shockwave
Jump into the air as it slams down
Flail that explodes
Avoid the blast radius, then punish
I still play aggressively, but I dial it back as the fight drags on. The phase transition is a free window for quick hits. ?⚔️
The Final Explosion: Run!
When the Last Judge falls, you'll see a flash freeze. The flail starts to hiss. Do not celebrate yet. I learned this the hard way. Immediately move as far away as you can. Once it explodes, you're safe to return. Trust me—getting blown up after a perfect fight is heartbreaking. ?
So, is the Last Judge impossible? No. It just demands respect. Master the runback, bring the Wanderer crest and Magma Bell, stay aggressive but not greedy, and when that judge hits the ground, get the hell out of Dodge. You'll be surprised how manageable it becomes. And isn't that the best feeling in a Soulslike? ?️
Beating a boss like the Last Judge has a way of doing something unexpected: it makes you want more. The satisfaction of finally reading a moveset, dying a dozen times, and then dismantling it in under a minute is exactly why this genre keeps pulling players back. Before long you're eyeing the other Soulslikes you never finished, or the ones you skipped because the launch price felt steep for a game you weren't sure you'd survive.
That's where a little patience pays off. Rather than buying on impulse the moment a title catches your eye, it's worth seeing how the price has moved across storefronts and whether a sale is right around the corner. Sites like DealNest make that easy with a straightforward game price comparison that shows what's actually available right now, so you can pick up your next brutal challenge without overpaying for it. After all, the boss fight should be the hard part—not the shopping.
The Runback: My 30-Second Sprint
The most intimidating part isn't the boss—it's getting there. I used to fight every enemy, losing health and patience. Then I optimized. Here's what I do now:
Keep moving. Dash and jump across the first sandworm gaps. Don't stop to fight.
Leap left, wall jump up. After a couple of platforms, don't go right immediately. Go left and wall jump to skip tricky sections.
Pogo the bell. I use the Wanderer crest for easy pogo jumps. Run, jump, dash, and float over the next gap to avoid an enemy.
Wall jump, pogo, repeat. Hit the far wall, wall jump up, move left for another pogo. Then jump, float, dash to the final platform.
With practice, I can do this in roughly 30 seconds without fighting a single enemy. ?♂️?
The Fight: Aggression and Preparation
For the Last Judge, I found the Wanderer crest to be the best. You can find it in the far left of Bone Bottom, but you'll need to go through the Wormways. It lets me land fast, constant hits. The other must-have is the Magma Bell, sold by the smith in Deep Docks. It reduces fire damage, which is huge because the Last Judge loves flames. For other slots, I recommend anything that makes you faster or gives extra masks—some of its attacks block tools, so flasks are safe.
Phase 1: Dash Toward Danger
Who says you have to play defense? The first phase is surprisingly forgiving. I dash toward the Last Judge to score hits. The easiest opening is when it leaps and slams the ground. I also dodge toward it when it throws its flail, then leap backward as the flail is pulled in. The spin attack? With the Wanderer crest, I can parry it, but if I'm not confident, I back away. The key is constant pressure.
Phase 2: Fire and Flames
Then the fire comes. The Last Judge's second phase adds flame waves, flame pillars, and explosive flail attacks. Here's how I handle each:
Attack
My Dodge
Spin attack with flame waves
Move left and right to weave between waves
Flame pillars
Same—keep moving horizontally
Slam with ground shockwave
Jump into the air as it slams down
Flail that explodes
Avoid the blast radius, then punish
I still play aggressively, but I dial it back as the fight drags on. The phase transition is a free window for quick hits. ?⚔️
The Final Explosion: Run!
When the Last Judge falls, you'll see a flash freeze. The flail starts to hiss. Do not celebrate yet. I learned this the hard way. Immediately move as far away as you can. Once it explodes, you're safe to return. Trust me—getting blown up after a perfect fight is heartbreaking. ?
So, is the Last Judge impossible? No. It just demands respect. Master the runback, bring the Wanderer crest and Magma Bell, stay aggressive but not greedy, and when that judge hits the ground, get the hell out of Dodge. You'll be surprised how manageable it becomes. And isn't that the best feeling in a Soulslike? ?️
Beating a boss like the Last Judge has a way of doing something unexpected: it makes you want more. The satisfaction of finally reading a moveset, dying a dozen times, and then dismantling it in under a minute is exactly why this genre keeps pulling players back. Before long you're eyeing the other Soulslikes you never finished, or the ones you skipped because the launch price felt steep for a game you weren't sure you'd survive.
That's where a little patience pays off. Rather than buying on impulse the moment a title catches your eye, it's worth seeing how the price has moved across storefronts and whether a sale is right around the corner. Sites like DealNest make that easy with a straightforward game price comparison that shows what's actually available right now, so you can pick up your next brutal challenge without overpaying for it. After all, the boss fight should be the hard part—not the shopping.
No Replies
As of 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong players are still discovering the quirks of Loddie, the shopkeeper tucked into a corner of The Marrow. He offers Hornet a straight pin throwing challenge. It looks simple, but it is a classic case of easy to learn, hard to master. Loddie does not explain the rules until they are broken, which is a sneaky move that trips up unsuspecting players. The challenge costs 25 Rosary Beads per attempt, so every mistake has a price. This guide breaks down how Loddie's knife throwing challenges work, what rewards are on the line, and how to complete both the 15-hit and 25-hit trials without burning through a mountain of rosaries.
![[Image: 6ad01a07b0d916bccf8d08066ZXS0TDv07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad01a07b0d916bccf8d08066ZXS0TDv07)
The Two Rules That Matter ⚠️
Loddie's challenge has only two rules, but they are absolute.
Do not move past the red marker on the ground.
Do not miss three times.
If Hornet crosses the red marker or misses three pins, the challenge ends immediately. The player must pay another 25 Rosary Beads to re-enter. A miss counter appears directly behind Hornet's shooting spot, so there is no hiding from failure. The red marker is the invisible fence; step over it and Loddie pulls the plug. Three misses? Same deal. It is brutal, but fair enough once you know the score.
![[Image: 6ad01a095abb2f2d319737e8iPgKPTgx07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad01a095abb2f2d319737e8iPgKPTgx07)
Loddie's 15-Hit Knife Throwing Challenge ?
The first test asks Hornet to hit the target bug 15 times with throwing pins. The target's movement changes in phases, and learning those phases is the key to victory.
Hits
Target Behavior
1-5
The target stays completely stationary.
6-8
It starts moving up and down, slowly at first, then faster.
9-12
It moves in a fixed wave pattern.
13-15
It teleports between three static locations in a cyclical, fixed pattern.
A good way to find the right rhythm is to aim only when the target gets low to the ground. Hornet's jump animation is not slow, but there is still a small delay between pressing jump and reaching maximum height. Aiming at a high-moving target is therefore riskier than aiming low. The target bug's movement is not random; it follows a set pattern. Since there is no timer, players can pause for a few seconds before each throw to study the movement. Do not rush. Rushing is how rosaries get donated to Loddie's retirement fund.
Loddie's 25-Hit Knife Throwing Challenge ?
The second challenge is a big step up. Hornet must hit the target 25 times, and the target bug moves faster and more erratically. The first half feels like a sped-up version of the 15-hit challenge, but the later phases demand more focus.
Hits
Target Behavior
1-3
The target stays completely stationary.
4-9
It moves up and down with increasing speed.
10-12
It moves in a fixed wave pattern.
13-17
It moves erratically in either a wave or a diagonal pattern.
18-25
It teleports between three or four fixed spots with increasing speed.
The wave and diagonal phases are less predictable, but the target still moves within a fixed area. It just moves more often. When the target starts blinking during the final phase, the challenge actually becomes easier in a weird way. All the player has to do is memorize the three or four teleport spots and throw the pin where the target will appear next.
![[Image: 6ad01a1851ef53d5bd3d1e46yDNWQmrB07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad01a1851ef53d5bd3d1e46yDNWQmrB07)
It is best to aim at teleport spots nearer to Hornet than those far away. The straight pin's throwing animation has travel time, so by the time the weapon reaches a distant spot, the target may already have blinked away. Account for that delay before committing to a throw.
Rewards for Completing Loddie's Challenges ?
Loddie's challenges are not just for bragging rights. The 15-hit challenge opens the door to the second trial and offers its own reward. The 25-hit challenge rewards the Heavy Rosary Necklace, a useful trinket for players who want to stack up rosaries. Since the entry fee is 25 Rosary Beads, it is worth treating each attempt like a real investment. Practice the patterns, stay calm, and the payout will come.
![[Image: 6ad01a2636dc962237b92235aHFOJ9cy07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad01a2636dc962237b92235aHFOJ9cy07)
Tips and Tricks to Save Rosaries ?
Here are some practical tips to avoid losing the challenge in a fit of gamer rage.
Respect the red marker. It is not a suggestion. It is a hard boundary.
Count your misses. Two misses is a warning. Three is a reset.
Aim low. The target is easier to hit when it is close to the ground.
Pause and observe. There is no timer, so use that breathing room.
Memorize teleport spots. The final phase is a memory game, not a reflex test.
Aim near, not far. Pin travel time can make a good shot miss.
Do not get greedy. A steady rhythm beats a flashy rush every time.
Keep a cool head. The challenge is designed to punish panic.
Loddie may be a cheeky shopkeeper, but his challenges are a solid test of patience and pattern recognition. With the right approach, Hornet can walk away with the Heavy Rosary Necklace and a story worth telling. In Silksong, rosaries do not grow on trees, so make every pin count.
Just as every rosary spent at Loddie's stall is an investment, so too is every dollar you put into your gaming hobby. If you want to make those investments stretch further, keeping an eye on curated deals can help. DealNest gathers discounts on games, gear, and subscription services, so you can save on the titles you're eager to play next.
Whether you're hunting for a sale on Silksong's soundtrack or a budget-friendly controller to practice your pin throws, a quick check before you buy can be worth the effort. Think of it as applying the same patience and pattern recognition you use in the challenge—only this time, the reward is real-world savings.
The Two Rules That Matter ⚠️
Loddie's challenge has only two rules, but they are absolute.
Do not move past the red marker on the ground.
Do not miss three times.
If Hornet crosses the red marker or misses three pins, the challenge ends immediately. The player must pay another 25 Rosary Beads to re-enter. A miss counter appears directly behind Hornet's shooting spot, so there is no hiding from failure. The red marker is the invisible fence; step over it and Loddie pulls the plug. Three misses? Same deal. It is brutal, but fair enough once you know the score.
Loddie's 15-Hit Knife Throwing Challenge ?
The first test asks Hornet to hit the target bug 15 times with throwing pins. The target's movement changes in phases, and learning those phases is the key to victory.
Hits
Target Behavior
1-5
The target stays completely stationary.
6-8
It starts moving up and down, slowly at first, then faster.
9-12
It moves in a fixed wave pattern.
13-15
It teleports between three static locations in a cyclical, fixed pattern.
A good way to find the right rhythm is to aim only when the target gets low to the ground. Hornet's jump animation is not slow, but there is still a small delay between pressing jump and reaching maximum height. Aiming at a high-moving target is therefore riskier than aiming low. The target bug's movement is not random; it follows a set pattern. Since there is no timer, players can pause for a few seconds before each throw to study the movement. Do not rush. Rushing is how rosaries get donated to Loddie's retirement fund.
Loddie's 25-Hit Knife Throwing Challenge ?
The second challenge is a big step up. Hornet must hit the target 25 times, and the target bug moves faster and more erratically. The first half feels like a sped-up version of the 15-hit challenge, but the later phases demand more focus.
Hits
Target Behavior
1-3
The target stays completely stationary.
4-9
It moves up and down with increasing speed.
10-12
It moves in a fixed wave pattern.
13-17
It moves erratically in either a wave or a diagonal pattern.
18-25
It teleports between three or four fixed spots with increasing speed.
The wave and diagonal phases are less predictable, but the target still moves within a fixed area. It just moves more often. When the target starts blinking during the final phase, the challenge actually becomes easier in a weird way. All the player has to do is memorize the three or four teleport spots and throw the pin where the target will appear next.
It is best to aim at teleport spots nearer to Hornet than those far away. The straight pin's throwing animation has travel time, so by the time the weapon reaches a distant spot, the target may already have blinked away. Account for that delay before committing to a throw.
Rewards for Completing Loddie's Challenges ?
Loddie's challenges are not just for bragging rights. The 15-hit challenge opens the door to the second trial and offers its own reward. The 25-hit challenge rewards the Heavy Rosary Necklace, a useful trinket for players who want to stack up rosaries. Since the entry fee is 25 Rosary Beads, it is worth treating each attempt like a real investment. Practice the patterns, stay calm, and the payout will come.
Tips and Tricks to Save Rosaries ?
Here are some practical tips to avoid losing the challenge in a fit of gamer rage.
Respect the red marker. It is not a suggestion. It is a hard boundary.
Count your misses. Two misses is a warning. Three is a reset.
Aim low. The target is easier to hit when it is close to the ground.
Pause and observe. There is no timer, so use that breathing room.
Memorize teleport spots. The final phase is a memory game, not a reflex test.
Aim near, not far. Pin travel time can make a good shot miss.
Do not get greedy. A steady rhythm beats a flashy rush every time.
Keep a cool head. The challenge is designed to punish panic.
Loddie may be a cheeky shopkeeper, but his challenges are a solid test of patience and pattern recognition. With the right approach, Hornet can walk away with the Heavy Rosary Necklace and a story worth telling. In Silksong, rosaries do not grow on trees, so make every pin count.
Just as every rosary spent at Loddie's stall is an investment, so too is every dollar you put into your gaming hobby. If you want to make those investments stretch further, keeping an eye on curated deals can help. DealNest gathers discounts on games, gear, and subscription services, so you can save on the titles you're eager to play next.
Whether you're hunting for a sale on Silksong's soundtrack or a budget-friendly controller to practice your pin throws, a quick check before you buy can be worth the effort. Think of it as applying the same patience and pattern recognition you use in the challenge—only this time, the reward is real-world savings.
No Replies
In 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong is no longer the fresh, impossible dream it once was. It has been out for well over a year, and its post-launch life has settled into a strange rhythm: part victory lap, part endurance test. The sequel from Team Cherry launched in 2025 to a historic reception for an indie game, proving that the long wait was not wasted. Yet even now, players are still debating its sharpest edges. One of those edges is a mid-game ability called Clawline. It is brilliant, it is necessary, and it can be an absolute headache.
![[Image: 6ad16b7e61bc5fde42b0145bmRWf5Qyi07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad16b7e61bc5fde42b0145bmRWf5Qyi07)
Getting Clawline is already a tough task. Players do not receive it until they reach The Cauldron in the Underworks. Once acquired, it becomes essential for Hornet's journey to the Citadel. The skill transforms Hornet's Needle into a harpoon-like grappling tool. In theory, it is a dream: swing, zip, chain, survive. In practice, it can feel like trying to thread a needle while the floor is falling away. Clawline has a mind of its own, and it does not always care about a player's carefully planned route.
![[Image: 6a8797a2ab93a250be068ad3OIfFXdWo07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6a8797a2ab93a250be068ad3OIfFXdWo07)
Then there is the Silk problem. Clawline consumes Silk, Hornet's source of energy. That design choice is what makes the ability so controversial. Silk is precious. It fuels healing and offensive tools. Using it to grapple can feel counterproductive, especially when the game demands precise chains of movement. Yes, Clawline replenishes a small sliver of Silk when used, allowing grapples to be linked together. But that tiny refund is not always satisfying. When a section requires players to chain Clawlines, timing is everything. And timing, as the community likes to say, is easier said than done.
The frustration is easy to understand. Clawline asks players to manage a resource while also executing tricky aerial movement. That combination can turn a simple traversal puzzle into a stress test. Some players may master it without issue. Others will find it one of the most frustrating aspects of Silksong. Team Cherry loves to push difficulty to new heights, so the annoyance may be deliberate. The studio has never been shy about making players earn every inch of progress. Still, if any skill is worthy of being streamlined and made more approachable, Clawline is a strong candidate. It sits at the intersection of creativity and cruelty. It gives Hornet a wonderful toy, then charges her for every swing.
Clawline's strengths
Clawline's drawbacks
Turns Hornet's Needle into a versatile grappling tool
Consumes Silk, the same resource used for healing
Enables dramatic chained movement
Demands strict timing under pressure
Feels rewarding when mastered
Replenishes only a small sliver of Silk
Opens routes to the Citadel and beyond
Can stall progress for struggling players
![[Image: 6ad16b8647d14022a8f4d885i3WCaNTG07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad16b8647d14022a8f4d885i3WCaNTG07)
Put simply, Clawline is a mechanic that divides the community. For every player who gracefully swings through The Cauldron, there is another who misses a grapple by a fraction of a second and plummets. That is not necessarily a flaw. Silksong is built on challenge, and its predecessor was no pushover. But Clawline is unusual because it is both essential and awkward. It is not an optional badge of skill. It is part of the critical path. When a core ability feels this finicky, the debate is bound to linger.
![[Image: 6ab62a2dd72a78653c4df03ekqkiqOsg07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ab62a2dd72a78653c4df03ekqkiqOsg07)
Context matters, too. Even before Silksong's release date was announced, 2025 was already shaping up to be a massive year for games. Split Fiction, Doom: The Dark Ages, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Death Stranding 2, and Ghost of Yotei were just the tip of the iceberg. September alone was packed, and with Battlefield 6 and Black Ops 7 on the way, 2025 became one of the industry's biggest years. Now, in 2026, the dust has settled, and Silksong's reputation has only grown. It is still discussed as a near-perfect Metroidvania, even with its hiccups.
It feels surreal that Silksong is finally here and already part of gaming history. After years of theories and anticipation, it shook the industry in a great way. The Game Awards have come and gone since its launch, and its awards-season run was watched closely. Whether or not it took home Game of the Year, its influence is undeniable. As of 2026, Silksong has proven to be something special. Clawline may remain less than ideal, but it is also unforgettable. And in a game built on challenge, maybe that is exactly the point.
That same packed release calendar has a practical side effect for anyone still working through their backlog. Between Silksong, the heavy hitters of 2025, and whatever 2026 has lined up, few players can afford to buy everything at full price. Keeping an eye on how quickly a game's price drops has quietly become part of the hobby, whether you are hunting for a Metroidvania you missed or waiting for a big-budget release to settle into a more reasonable range. Timing a purchase well can mean the difference between playing two games this season and playing five.
For anyone who would rather spend less and play more, DealNest is worth a look. The site gathers PC game discounts in one place, making it easier to spot a price drop before it disappears. It is a low-effort way to stay ahead of the sales cycle, especially useful when the release schedule keeps filling up and the wishlist keeps growing. Silksong may demand patience from its players, but building a library around it does not have to.
Getting Clawline is already a tough task. Players do not receive it until they reach The Cauldron in the Underworks. Once acquired, it becomes essential for Hornet's journey to the Citadel. The skill transforms Hornet's Needle into a harpoon-like grappling tool. In theory, it is a dream: swing, zip, chain, survive. In practice, it can feel like trying to thread a needle while the floor is falling away. Clawline has a mind of its own, and it does not always care about a player's carefully planned route.
Then there is the Silk problem. Clawline consumes Silk, Hornet's source of energy. That design choice is what makes the ability so controversial. Silk is precious. It fuels healing and offensive tools. Using it to grapple can feel counterproductive, especially when the game demands precise chains of movement. Yes, Clawline replenishes a small sliver of Silk when used, allowing grapples to be linked together. But that tiny refund is not always satisfying. When a section requires players to chain Clawlines, timing is everything. And timing, as the community likes to say, is easier said than done.
The frustration is easy to understand. Clawline asks players to manage a resource while also executing tricky aerial movement. That combination can turn a simple traversal puzzle into a stress test. Some players may master it without issue. Others will find it one of the most frustrating aspects of Silksong. Team Cherry loves to push difficulty to new heights, so the annoyance may be deliberate. The studio has never been shy about making players earn every inch of progress. Still, if any skill is worthy of being streamlined and made more approachable, Clawline is a strong candidate. It sits at the intersection of creativity and cruelty. It gives Hornet a wonderful toy, then charges her for every swing.
Clawline's strengths
Clawline's drawbacks
Turns Hornet's Needle into a versatile grappling tool
Consumes Silk, the same resource used for healing
Enables dramatic chained movement
Demands strict timing under pressure
Feels rewarding when mastered
Replenishes only a small sliver of Silk
Opens routes to the Citadel and beyond
Can stall progress for struggling players
Put simply, Clawline is a mechanic that divides the community. For every player who gracefully swings through The Cauldron, there is another who misses a grapple by a fraction of a second and plummets. That is not necessarily a flaw. Silksong is built on challenge, and its predecessor was no pushover. But Clawline is unusual because it is both essential and awkward. It is not an optional badge of skill. It is part of the critical path. When a core ability feels this finicky, the debate is bound to linger.
Context matters, too. Even before Silksong's release date was announced, 2025 was already shaping up to be a massive year for games. Split Fiction, Doom: The Dark Ages, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Death Stranding 2, and Ghost of Yotei were just the tip of the iceberg. September alone was packed, and with Battlefield 6 and Black Ops 7 on the way, 2025 became one of the industry's biggest years. Now, in 2026, the dust has settled, and Silksong's reputation has only grown. It is still discussed as a near-perfect Metroidvania, even with its hiccups.
It feels surreal that Silksong is finally here and already part of gaming history. After years of theories and anticipation, it shook the industry in a great way. The Game Awards have come and gone since its launch, and its awards-season run was watched closely. Whether or not it took home Game of the Year, its influence is undeniable. As of 2026, Silksong has proven to be something special. Clawline may remain less than ideal, but it is also unforgettable. And in a game built on challenge, maybe that is exactly the point.
That same packed release calendar has a practical side effect for anyone still working through their backlog. Between Silksong, the heavy hitters of 2025, and whatever 2026 has lined up, few players can afford to buy everything at full price. Keeping an eye on how quickly a game's price drops has quietly become part of the hobby, whether you are hunting for a Metroidvania you missed or waiting for a big-budget release to settle into a more reasonable range. Timing a purchase well can mean the difference between playing two games this season and playing five.
For anyone who would rather spend less and play more, DealNest is worth a look. The site gathers PC game discounts in one place, making it easier to spot a price drop before it disappears. It is a low-effort way to stay ahead of the sales cycle, especially useful when the release schedule keeps filling up and the wishlist keeps growing. Silksong may demand patience from its players, but building a library around it does not have to.
No Replies
I have a confession: I spent my first few hours in Hollow Knight: Silksong treating every new room like a buffet of bad decisions. Then I met Mooshka and the Flea Caravan, and suddenly I had a purpose that was not just poke everything and hope. The Lost Fleas quest is one of the earliest side quests in Pharloom, and as of 2026 it remains the best early-game power spike that does not involve selling your soul to a creepy merchant. You find five fleas, you get Flea Brew, and boss fights become slightly less like slamming my head against a musical wall.
![[Image: 6ac982759cadc433d7c355f9E58W79rX07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ac982759cadc433d7c355f9E58W79rX07)
Getting the Lost Fleas Quest
As soon as you leave Bone Bottom, head into The Marrow. You do not need any fancy ability to start this quest, which is great because my early Hornet had the grace of a shopping cart with one wobbly wheel. Find the Flea Caravan near the middle area of the Marrow and talk to its master, Mooshka. You will also see Grishkin and Varga hanging around, plus a Bench that feels like a five-star hotel compared to some later resting spots.
From the Bone Bottom entrance, use the platforms above you to reach the upper area. Make your way right until you hit a vertical structure. Go down, then take the first entrance on your left. Mooshka will explain that the fleas are lost across Pharloom and ask for your help. Accept the quest. Boom, you are now a flea rescue service.
![[Image: 6ad16b8ff55723a679f21aa9eZdAGjYK07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad16b8ff55723a679f21aa9eZdAGjYK07)
A quick tip that saved my sanity: put on headphones. The fleas cry, snore, and make tiny noises that are easy to miss over combat. Listening for them is like panning for gold in a river of noise, except the gold occasionally snores. There are 15 fleas total, but the quest only needs five. I still recommend grabbing the early five fast, because the reward is a warm hug in tool form.
Five Lost Fleas Locations
Here is the short version for my fellow players who navigate by vibes and regret.
Flea
Region
Ability check
Vibe
1
The Marrow
None
Platforming with aerial enemies
2
Deep Docks
Swift Step
Dash to the upper level
3
Hunter's March
Swift Step helps
Mini-boss then red buds
4
Far Fields
None, but combat
Hidden wall and cages
5
Shellwood
Drifter's Cloak
Spikes, flowers, gliding
![[Image: 6ad16b922f6f5dc1d868bc8c3ixK8zpx07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad16b922f6f5dc1d868bc8c3ixK8zpx07)
1. The Marrow
After you beat the Bell Beast, head right until you enter a big open chamber. Hit the lever, climb the platforms to the top, and enter the room above. This is where my platforming felt like trying to thread a needle while riding a unicycle through a hurricane. There are aerial enemies, so stay patient. The flea is trapped in vines in the upper right corner. You have to loop around from the left side to reach him. It might take a few tries. That is fine. The flea believes in you, probably.
![[Image: 6ad16b9b8e256303e6f98b1aZ28As1Zx07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad16b9b8e256303e6f98b1aZ28As1Zx07)
2. Deep Docks
Once you unlock Swift Step, do not leave the room where you got it. Seriously, just look up. Dash your way to the upper level of the chamber. There is a little parkour, because of course there is, and the flea is trapped inside some black eggs. Break him out. This one is a victory lap if you resist the urge to immediately fast travel away like I did the first time.
![[Image: 6ad16ba573075658eccf2463f75DUDOs07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad16ba573075658eccf2463f75DUDOs07)
3. Hunter's March
The third flea is at the beginning of Hunter's March, a small optional region connected to The Marrow. The entrance is guarded by a Skarrguard above the Marrow's prison, near where you first meet Grindle. With Swift Step, you can dash around his heavy attacks and make him look silly. After the mini-boss, go right into Hunter's March. Follow the tricky platforms and buds. Hit the buds for a bounce. When you can go right or up, choose up. Use the red buds, avoid the spikes, and you will find a flea sleeping in a cage at the top. He is having a better day than I was during that spike section.
![[Image: 6ad16bae87df8b4492056c52yju4TSTM07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad16bae87df8b4492056c52yju4TSTM07)
4. Far Fields
The fourth flea is in a hidden passage on the right side of the main Far Fields chamber. From the Deep Docks entrance, head right into the next horizontal area. Keep walking until you see two red ants chilling around a lantern on a platform above you. Defeat them, especially the one with the skull hat. That guy has main character energy in the worst way.
Clear the area, then sprint and jump up the platforms to the top entrance. Go to the far right side of the room and smash the wall to reveal a secret area. Follow it, jump up more platforms, and take the first entrance on the right. Keep walking right until Hornet gets caught by a cage. Smash it, immediately deal with the red ant that appears on your left, then head right again to free the flea from another cage. This section is like opening a series of Russian nesting dolls, except every doll wants to stab you.
![[Image: 6ad16bb76f8ebd645d3e6ab1UR8GO12m07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad16bb76f8ebd645d3e6ab1UR8GO12m07)
5. Shellwood
The fifth flea is the spicy one. He is trapped in the middle of dangerous flowers and many spikes. You need Drifter's Cloak to glide, so if you do not have it yet, come back later. Once you have it, head to the main area of Shellwood where you first found Shakra. Go right, striking the white roses for a boost, until you can go left or up. Choose up. Climb until you can choose up or down again. Now go down while gliding. Be careful. There are spike walls and annoying flowers that seem personally offended by your existence.
If you make it to the bottom, you will find the flea. I got a little desperate and rescued him before taking a screenshot, so you will have to trust me on this one. My health and silk were full, and I still felt like a nervous raccoon trying to assemble furniture in the dark.
![[Image: 6ad16bbf7e9a7c7db50859f5hcC6X8e907]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad16bbf7e9a7c7db50859f5hcC6X8e907)
Reward for Completing The Lost Fleas Quest
Congratulations, you are now a certified flea wrangler. Return to the Flea Caravan in The Marrow and speak to Mooshka again. He will offer you the chance to travel with them. Accept it to trigger a short cutscene. The caravan moves to Greymoor, just past the Halfway Home tavern.
Go there and talk to Grishkin. You will unlock the Flea Brew. It is a red tool that increases Hornet's movement and attack speed. Boss fights become considerably easier because you attack faster and end them sooner. When the brew runs out, return to the Flea Caravan and speak to Grishkin again to refill it for free. Free refills in a game this hostile? That is rarer than a calm walk through the Blasted Steps.
![[Image: 6ad16bc5d00a7c5c6648ea07fiD3FqiW07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad16bc5d00a7c5c6648ea07fiD3FqiW07)
Final Tips from a Recovering Spikephobe
Listen for crying and snoring. Headphones help a lot.
You only need five fleas for the quest, but there are 15 total if you want to be thorough.
Do this early in Act 1. Flea Brew is a huge help before the nastier bosses.
If a flea is stuck in a wall, cage, or vines, hit the thing. Usually. Sometimes after you deal with the enemies. Okay, always after the enemies if you value your health.
Do not feel bad if you die. I died so many times that the Bench started charging me rent.
In 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong still has plenty of ways to humble you. The Lost Fleas quest is one of the few early errands that pays you back with something genuinely transformative. So grab your needle, follow the tiny noises, and rescue those weird little passengers. They may not say thank you in words, but Flea Brew says it in speed. And speed, as every Hornet main knows, is basically survival.
The instinct to hunt down every last flea and squeeze out free refills is the same one that makes a good deal impossible to ignore. If you're planning to pick up Hollow Knight: Silksong, a new controller, or any other gaming gear to make the journey through Pharloom a little less punishing, it's worth checking a few retailers before you commit. DealNest gathers offers in one place so you can compare prices here and keep more of your geo for the important things—like replacing the controller you threw during the Last Judge fight.
Getting the Lost Fleas Quest
As soon as you leave Bone Bottom, head into The Marrow. You do not need any fancy ability to start this quest, which is great because my early Hornet had the grace of a shopping cart with one wobbly wheel. Find the Flea Caravan near the middle area of the Marrow and talk to its master, Mooshka. You will also see Grishkin and Varga hanging around, plus a Bench that feels like a five-star hotel compared to some later resting spots.
From the Bone Bottom entrance, use the platforms above you to reach the upper area. Make your way right until you hit a vertical structure. Go down, then take the first entrance on your left. Mooshka will explain that the fleas are lost across Pharloom and ask for your help. Accept the quest. Boom, you are now a flea rescue service.
A quick tip that saved my sanity: put on headphones. The fleas cry, snore, and make tiny noises that are easy to miss over combat. Listening for them is like panning for gold in a river of noise, except the gold occasionally snores. There are 15 fleas total, but the quest only needs five. I still recommend grabbing the early five fast, because the reward is a warm hug in tool form.
Five Lost Fleas Locations
Here is the short version for my fellow players who navigate by vibes and regret.
Flea
Region
Ability check
Vibe
1
The Marrow
None
Platforming with aerial enemies
2
Deep Docks
Swift Step
Dash to the upper level
3
Hunter's March
Swift Step helps
Mini-boss then red buds
4
Far Fields
None, but combat
Hidden wall and cages
5
Shellwood
Drifter's Cloak
Spikes, flowers, gliding
1. The Marrow
After you beat the Bell Beast, head right until you enter a big open chamber. Hit the lever, climb the platforms to the top, and enter the room above. This is where my platforming felt like trying to thread a needle while riding a unicycle through a hurricane. There are aerial enemies, so stay patient. The flea is trapped in vines in the upper right corner. You have to loop around from the left side to reach him. It might take a few tries. That is fine. The flea believes in you, probably.
2. Deep Docks
Once you unlock Swift Step, do not leave the room where you got it. Seriously, just look up. Dash your way to the upper level of the chamber. There is a little parkour, because of course there is, and the flea is trapped inside some black eggs. Break him out. This one is a victory lap if you resist the urge to immediately fast travel away like I did the first time.
3. Hunter's March
The third flea is at the beginning of Hunter's March, a small optional region connected to The Marrow. The entrance is guarded by a Skarrguard above the Marrow's prison, near where you first meet Grindle. With Swift Step, you can dash around his heavy attacks and make him look silly. After the mini-boss, go right into Hunter's March. Follow the tricky platforms and buds. Hit the buds for a bounce. When you can go right or up, choose up. Use the red buds, avoid the spikes, and you will find a flea sleeping in a cage at the top. He is having a better day than I was during that spike section.
4. Far Fields
The fourth flea is in a hidden passage on the right side of the main Far Fields chamber. From the Deep Docks entrance, head right into the next horizontal area. Keep walking until you see two red ants chilling around a lantern on a platform above you. Defeat them, especially the one with the skull hat. That guy has main character energy in the worst way.
Clear the area, then sprint and jump up the platforms to the top entrance. Go to the far right side of the room and smash the wall to reveal a secret area. Follow it, jump up more platforms, and take the first entrance on the right. Keep walking right until Hornet gets caught by a cage. Smash it, immediately deal with the red ant that appears on your left, then head right again to free the flea from another cage. This section is like opening a series of Russian nesting dolls, except every doll wants to stab you.
5. Shellwood
The fifth flea is the spicy one. He is trapped in the middle of dangerous flowers and many spikes. You need Drifter's Cloak to glide, so if you do not have it yet, come back later. Once you have it, head to the main area of Shellwood where you first found Shakra. Go right, striking the white roses for a boost, until you can go left or up. Choose up. Climb until you can choose up or down again. Now go down while gliding. Be careful. There are spike walls and annoying flowers that seem personally offended by your existence.
If you make it to the bottom, you will find the flea. I got a little desperate and rescued him before taking a screenshot, so you will have to trust me on this one. My health and silk were full, and I still felt like a nervous raccoon trying to assemble furniture in the dark.
Reward for Completing The Lost Fleas Quest
Congratulations, you are now a certified flea wrangler. Return to the Flea Caravan in The Marrow and speak to Mooshka again. He will offer you the chance to travel with them. Accept it to trigger a short cutscene. The caravan moves to Greymoor, just past the Halfway Home tavern.
Go there and talk to Grishkin. You will unlock the Flea Brew. It is a red tool that increases Hornet's movement and attack speed. Boss fights become considerably easier because you attack faster and end them sooner. When the brew runs out, return to the Flea Caravan and speak to Grishkin again to refill it for free. Free refills in a game this hostile? That is rarer than a calm walk through the Blasted Steps.
Final Tips from a Recovering Spikephobe
Listen for crying and snoring. Headphones help a lot.
You only need five fleas for the quest, but there are 15 total if you want to be thorough.
Do this early in Act 1. Flea Brew is a huge help before the nastier bosses.
If a flea is stuck in a wall, cage, or vines, hit the thing. Usually. Sometimes after you deal with the enemies. Okay, always after the enemies if you value your health.
Do not feel bad if you die. I died so many times that the Bench started charging me rent.
In 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong still has plenty of ways to humble you. The Lost Fleas quest is one of the few early errands that pays you back with something genuinely transformative. So grab your needle, follow the tiny noises, and rescue those weird little passengers. They may not say thank you in words, but Flea Brew says it in speed. And speed, as every Hornet main knows, is basically survival.
The instinct to hunt down every last flea and squeeze out free refills is the same one that makes a good deal impossible to ignore. If you're planning to pick up Hollow Knight: Silksong, a new controller, or any other gaming gear to make the journey through Pharloom a little less punishing, it's worth checking a few retailers before you commit. DealNest gathers offers in one place so you can compare prices here and keep more of your geo for the important things—like replacing the controller you threw during the Last Judge fight.
No Replies
Introduction About Federico Valverde
![[Image: 6ad15b39e422211be280993b8gJPIrBI07]](https://c2c.fp.guinfra.com/file/6ad15b39e422211be280993b8gJPIrBI07)
Federico Santiago Valverde Dipetta, born on July 22, 1998, in Montevideo, Uruguay, is a Uruguayan-Spanish professional footballer renowned for his energy, intelligence, and versatility in central midfield. Playing for Real Madrid in La Liga, he has developed into one of the team’s most dependable performers, combining tireless running with sharp passing, defensive commitment, and a powerful long-range shot.
Valverde began his football journey with Peñarol in Uruguay before joining Real Madrid in July 2016. A loan spell at Deportivo La Coruña in 2017 helped him gain valuable experience in Spanish football, and he returned to Madrid’s first team in 2018. Since then, his ability to cover every area of the pitch, support attacks, and protect the defense has made him an essential presence in Real Madrid’s midfield.
At international level, Valverde made his Uruguay debut in September 2017 and has represented his country at major tournaments, including the 2019 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América. With Real Madrid, he has contributed to multiple major trophies, including three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League crowns. His consistency, determination, and all-action style have established him as an outstanding modern center midfielder.
Federico Valverde's card
Federico Valverde’s card is a Center Midfielder with an overall rating of 87, featuring 90 pace, 84 shooting, 83 passing, 81 dribbling, 81 defense, and 85 physicality. As a center midfielder, this card excels as a complete, box-to-box engine who can dominate the middle of the pitch in both directions. His exceptional pace allows him to drive forward quickly in transition, while his shooting and passing make him a reliable threat to finish moves or create chances for teammates. With strong defensive and physical attributes, he can also win the ball back, absorb pressure, and break up opposition attacks, making him an ideal midfielder to control the tempo, link defense to attack, and seize key moments to help seal the game.
![[Image: 6ad15b3b9f20fc5a4ad68526oyTcGqcF07]](https://c2c.fp.guinfra.com/file/6ad15b3b9f20fc5a4ad68526oyTcGqcF07)
How to Obtain Federico Valverde's Player Card
There are several ways to obtain Federico Valverde’s card in FC 27. First, you can purchase card packs and rely on luck, but the chances of packing his card are relatively low, making this method uncertain and potentially costly. Second, you may be able to earn the card by completing Squad Building Challenges (SBCs); however, these challenges can require specific players, high-rated squads, or other valuable resources. Finally, you can buy Federico Valverde directly from the transfer market for around 0.29 million FC 27 Coins. While this is the most straightforward option, it is also expensive and the price may fluctuate depending on market demand.
![[Image: 6ad15b3d1d91fd1b200635e7SXeKiJ8P07]](https://c2c.fp.guinfra.com/file/6ad15b3d1d91fd1b200635e7SXeKiJ8P07)
Fastest Ways to Earn FC 27 Coins
![[Image: 6acdea18991e80e0f57b3ca5dorQZoRM07]](https://c2c.fp.guinfra.com/file/6acdea18991e80e0f57b3ca5dorQZoRM07)
Earning FC 27 Coins through traditional methods, such as selling player cards from your club, completing weekly objectives, and playing different modes for rewards, can be slow and unpredictable because progress often depends on your skill, pack luck, and available time. Even after grinding for fifa coins, you may still struggle to afford high-value cards like Federico Valverde before their market price changes.
For a quicker option, LootBar.com provides a convenient way to purchase fc coins safely, with fast delivery through a secure trading process designed to protect your account. New users can receive 10% off, while regular promotions make cheap fifa coins even more accessible, helping you get the player card you want without waiting through weeks of objectives and matches.
What is the best Gaming Top-Up Platform？
LootBar stands out as a reliable and professional platform for gaming recharge. Its reliability and popularity are reflected in excellent reviews, including a 4.9/5.0 rating on Trustpilot.
Federico Santiago Valverde Dipetta, born on July 22, 1998, in Montevideo, Uruguay, is a Uruguayan-Spanish professional footballer renowned for his energy, intelligence, and versatility in central midfield. Playing for Real Madrid in La Liga, he has developed into one of the team’s most dependable performers, combining tireless running with sharp passing, defensive commitment, and a powerful long-range shot.
Valverde began his football journey with Peñarol in Uruguay before joining Real Madrid in July 2016. A loan spell at Deportivo La Coruña in 2017 helped him gain valuable experience in Spanish football, and he returned to Madrid’s first team in 2018. Since then, his ability to cover every area of the pitch, support attacks, and protect the defense has made him an essential presence in Real Madrid’s midfield.
At international level, Valverde made his Uruguay debut in September 2017 and has represented his country at major tournaments, including the 2019 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América. With Real Madrid, he has contributed to multiple major trophies, including three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League crowns. His consistency, determination, and all-action style have established him as an outstanding modern center midfielder.
Federico Valverde's card
Federico Valverde’s card is a Center Midfielder with an overall rating of 87, featuring 90 pace, 84 shooting, 83 passing, 81 dribbling, 81 defense, and 85 physicality. As a center midfielder, this card excels as a complete, box-to-box engine who can dominate the middle of the pitch in both directions. His exceptional pace allows him to drive forward quickly in transition, while his shooting and passing make him a reliable threat to finish moves or create chances for teammates. With strong defensive and physical attributes, he can also win the ball back, absorb pressure, and break up opposition attacks, making him an ideal midfielder to control the tempo, link defense to attack, and seize key moments to help seal the game.
How to Obtain Federico Valverde's Player Card
There are several ways to obtain Federico Valverde’s card in FC 27. First, you can purchase card packs and rely on luck, but the chances of packing his card are relatively low, making this method uncertain and potentially costly. Second, you may be able to earn the card by completing Squad Building Challenges (SBCs); however, these challenges can require specific players, high-rated squads, or other valuable resources. Finally, you can buy Federico Valverde directly from the transfer market for around 0.29 million FC 27 Coins. While this is the most straightforward option, it is also expensive and the price may fluctuate depending on market demand.
Fastest Ways to Earn FC 27 Coins
Earning FC 27 Coins through traditional methods, such as selling player cards from your club, completing weekly objectives, and playing different modes for rewards, can be slow and unpredictable because progress often depends on your skill, pack luck, and available time. Even after grinding for fifa coins, you may still struggle to afford high-value cards like Federico Valverde before their market price changes.
For a quicker option, LootBar.com provides a convenient way to purchase fc coins safely, with fast delivery through a secure trading process designed to protect your account. New users can receive 10% off, while regular promotions make cheap fifa coins even more accessible, helping you get the player card you want without waiting through weeks of objectives and matches.
What is the best Gaming Top-Up Platform？
LootBar stands out as a reliable and professional platform for gaming recharge. Its reliability and popularity are reflected in excellent reviews, including a 4.9/5.0 rating on Trustpilot.
No Replies
Hunter's March in Hollow Knight: Silksong is the area that broke me. Not literally—my controller survived—but spiritually? Absolutely shattered. ? It's early in the game, yet it's packed with enemies that hit like a truck and a movement mechanic that feels like trying to pat your head and rub your belly while juggling chainsaws. And of course, you don't even have a map when you first stumble in. Because why would you? That would be too kind.
I spent my first hour here dying to the same red ants and missing the same pogo jumps. But after many, many trips back to the bench (and a few choice words at my screen), I finally cracked it. So here's everything I wish I'd known before setting foot in this nightmare garden.
Pogo Jumping: Your New Best Friend (and Worst Enemy)
See that withered orange fruit hanging over a bed of spikes? That's your first lesson. If you've played Hollow Knight, you might recognize the technique. If not, welcome to pogo jumping.
Here's the drill: find a safe platform. Imagine your thumbstick is a compass. Jump, and while Hornet is airborne, point the left stick either southwest or southeast, then press attack. She'll sail downward with her needle pointed out in a diagonal slash. Hit an orange bulb or fruit with that attack, and she'll bounce off with a little upward boost. Chain these together to cross wide gaps.
In Hunter's March, you'll need to pogo across multiple gaps and bulb clusters. My advice? Don't rush. If you're struggling, adjust your position in the air so you're directly diagonal from the bulb you want to bounce off. And mash that attack button faster than you think you need to.
![[Image: 6ad019fb327cf56ed945d1958UjbeSCY07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad019fb327cf56ed945d1958UjbeSCY07)
The first gap is a warm-up. Then you'll face three bulbs, then a larger group that requires a diagonal ascent. I died here at least a dozen times. But eventually, you'll land on a platform with a patrolling red ant. Beat it—or push it into the spikes—then pogo right again. Jump over the bigger enemy, pogo over the distant bulb, and exit right.
Finding Shakra and the Hunter's March Map
After another set of pogo jumps, you'll enter a battle arena. And who joins you? None other than Shakra, the map merchant. She's a lifesaver, but first you have to survive multiple waves of enemies together. This fight is brutal. I got sent back to the bench more times than I care to admit. My strategy: focus on the aerial enemies first. Their projectiles are a nightmare when you're trying to dodge ground attacks. For the fifth and final wave, I just focused on dodging while Shakra did the damage.
Once you win, Shakra opens up shop right there. Buy the Hunter's March map for 70 Rosaries. Trust me, it's worth every single one.
![[Image: 6a6a96da6b3e200410a579f4fxdr1cac07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6a6a96da6b3e200410a579f4fxdr1cac07)
All the Important Stuff in Hunter's March
Once you have the map, you can actually plan your suffering. Here's what's worth grabbing:
Location
What You'll Find
Tips
Bench
Respawn point
It's trapped! Break the left wall and flip the lever before sitting.
Bottom-right passage
Memory Locket
Adds an extra crest slot. Follow the vertical room's bottom-right exit to the end.
Above Memory Locket
Savage Beastfly
Defeat it for the Beast Crest.
Top-left chamber
Curveclaw tool + gauntlet fight
Another tough battle, but the tool is handy.
Top-right chamber
Gilly
Meet for story context.
Second passage down on left
Mottled Skarr
Merchant selling various tools.
The bench is tricky to reach without the glide or double jump ability. It's in the big vertical room on the east side of the map. Pogo up until you reach the third corridor down on the left. And remember: that bench is trapped. Break the wall to the left, flip the lever, then sit. Otherwise, you'll get a nasty surprise.
![[Image: 6a8a3ac111e9dbfd9cd6d9a9950XYWyM07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6a8a3ac111e9dbfd9cd6d9a9950XYWyM07)
Other than the Memory Locket and the Beast Crest, most loot in Hunter's March is replaceable elsewhere. So don't tear your hair out trying to 100% this area. I learned that the hard way. ?
Final Thoughts (and a Warning)
Hunter's March is a gauntlet. It's early, it's mean, and it will test your patience. But with pogo practice and a map from Shakra, you can make it through. My biggest tip? Get the map first. Don't be a hero. I tried to explore blind and ended up in a spike pit more times than I can count.
Also, don't feel bad if you need to take a break. This area is notorious for a reason. But once you master the pogo and unlock that bench, you'll feel like a god. A very tired, slightly traumatized god. But a god nonetheless. ?
If you're the kind of player who grinds through brutal areas like this one, you probably appreciate getting good value out of the games you play. Whether you're picking up Silksong for the first time or filling out your library with other tough-as-nails metroidvanias, it helps to know where the discounts are hiding before you hit the checkout button. That's where a site like DealNest comes in handy — it aggregates current offers so you don't have to hop between storefronts hunting for a better price.
Worth a look next time you're ready to expand your backlog: check game prices on DealNest. It's a quick way to see what's on sale right now, so your Rosaries (and your real money) go a little further.
I spent my first hour here dying to the same red ants and missing the same pogo jumps. But after many, many trips back to the bench (and a few choice words at my screen), I finally cracked it. So here's everything I wish I'd known before setting foot in this nightmare garden.
Pogo Jumping: Your New Best Friend (and Worst Enemy)
See that withered orange fruit hanging over a bed of spikes? That's your first lesson. If you've played Hollow Knight, you might recognize the technique. If not, welcome to pogo jumping.
Here's the drill: find a safe platform. Imagine your thumbstick is a compass. Jump, and while Hornet is airborne, point the left stick either southwest or southeast, then press attack. She'll sail downward with her needle pointed out in a diagonal slash. Hit an orange bulb or fruit with that attack, and she'll bounce off with a little upward boost. Chain these together to cross wide gaps.
In Hunter's March, you'll need to pogo across multiple gaps and bulb clusters. My advice? Don't rush. If you're struggling, adjust your position in the air so you're directly diagonal from the bulb you want to bounce off. And mash that attack button faster than you think you need to.
The first gap is a warm-up. Then you'll face three bulbs, then a larger group that requires a diagonal ascent. I died here at least a dozen times. But eventually, you'll land on a platform with a patrolling red ant. Beat it—or push it into the spikes—then pogo right again. Jump over the bigger enemy, pogo over the distant bulb, and exit right.
Finding Shakra and the Hunter's March Map
After another set of pogo jumps, you'll enter a battle arena. And who joins you? None other than Shakra, the map merchant. She's a lifesaver, but first you have to survive multiple waves of enemies together. This fight is brutal. I got sent back to the bench more times than I care to admit. My strategy: focus on the aerial enemies first. Their projectiles are a nightmare when you're trying to dodge ground attacks. For the fifth and final wave, I just focused on dodging while Shakra did the damage.
Once you win, Shakra opens up shop right there. Buy the Hunter's March map for 70 Rosaries. Trust me, it's worth every single one.
All the Important Stuff in Hunter's March
Once you have the map, you can actually plan your suffering. Here's what's worth grabbing:
Location
What You'll Find
Tips
Bench
Respawn point
It's trapped! Break the left wall and flip the lever before sitting.
Bottom-right passage
Memory Locket
Adds an extra crest slot. Follow the vertical room's bottom-right exit to the end.
Above Memory Locket
Savage Beastfly
Defeat it for the Beast Crest.
Top-left chamber
Curveclaw tool + gauntlet fight
Another tough battle, but the tool is handy.
Top-right chamber
Gilly
Meet for story context.
Second passage down on left
Mottled Skarr
Merchant selling various tools.
The bench is tricky to reach without the glide or double jump ability. It's in the big vertical room on the east side of the map. Pogo up until you reach the third corridor down on the left. And remember: that bench is trapped. Break the wall to the left, flip the lever, then sit. Otherwise, you'll get a nasty surprise.
Other than the Memory Locket and the Beast Crest, most loot in Hunter's March is replaceable elsewhere. So don't tear your hair out trying to 100% this area. I learned that the hard way. ?
Final Thoughts (and a Warning)
Hunter's March is a gauntlet. It's early, it's mean, and it will test your patience. But with pogo practice and a map from Shakra, you can make it through. My biggest tip? Get the map first. Don't be a hero. I tried to explore blind and ended up in a spike pit more times than I can count.
Also, don't feel bad if you need to take a break. This area is notorious for a reason. But once you master the pogo and unlock that bench, you'll feel like a god. A very tired, slightly traumatized god. But a god nonetheless. ?
If you're the kind of player who grinds through brutal areas like this one, you probably appreciate getting good value out of the games you play. Whether you're picking up Silksong for the first time or filling out your library with other tough-as-nails metroidvanias, it helps to know where the discounts are hiding before you hit the checkout button. That's where a site like DealNest comes in handy — it aggregates current offers so you don't have to hop between storefronts hunting for a better price.
Worth a look next time you're ready to expand your backlog: check game prices on DealNest. It's a quick way to see what's on sale right now, so your Rosaries (and your real money) go a little further.
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When I first stepped into the strange, gilded kingdom of Pharloom in Hollow Knight: Silksong, I expected another quiet pilgrimage through ruined corridors. I had played the first Hollow Knight, and I remembered how The Knight drifted through Hallownest like a ghost who never answered anyone. But Silksong, which launched on September 4, 2025, after one of the longest waits in modern indie gaming, did not give me another silent vessel. It gave me Hornet. And from the first conversation I had with a nervous pilgrim, I knew the narrative rules had changed.
![[Image: 6ad019fa2a330d2924b7f407MMyiiSI507]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad019fa2a330d2924b7f407MMyiiSI507)
The Silence of The Knight
In the first Hollow Knight, I controlled a standard silent video game protagonist. The Knight never speaks, at least not in any clearly defined way. Like in other seminal franchises such as The Legend of Zelda, this muteness is mostly ignored by NPCs. They monologue. They provide exposition. They pontificate without feeling discouraged by the silence of their conversation partner. For a long time, I accepted this as normal. Many games do it. But Silksong's more conventional storytelling approach lays bare the shortcomings of that convention.
![[Image: 6ad019fc05dceff78bc117c5Ig2a79pw07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad019fc05dceff78bc117c5Ig2a79pw07)
I still love the first game. Its atmosphere, its mystery, and its lonely rhythm all worked for me. Yet when I compare my time as The Knight with my time as Hornet, the difference is not minor. It is fundamental. Hornet does not merely exist in the world. She participates in it. She argues, asks, thanks, threatens, and listens. She has a personality, and that personality shapes every encounter.
Hornet Speaks, and the Story Breathes
Not only does Hornet talk, she talks a great deal. She is a princess, after all, and this royal status is reflected by her courteous, chivalrous manner of speech. I noticed it immediately. She takes control in many conversations, exhibiting a cool elegance while still commanding respect and getting what she wants. For instance, if she is lost and needs to know where to go, she will actually ask a friendly NPC for advice instead of just standing there silently while they chip away at some vague, aloof speech. That small change made me feel like an active traveler rather than a passive witness.
![[Image: 6ad019ff27c33687ed01a8fdYtGmPr8W07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad019ff27c33687ed01a8fdYtGmPr8W07)
This helps give Silksong's narrative more structure in comparison to the first game, but it also goes a long way toward immersion and overall story effectiveness. I found myself remembering names, places, and promises because Hornet treated them as real. When she spoke, the world spoke back. When she asked a question, I wanted to know the answer. That is not something I can say about every silent-protagonist adventure I have played.
A Defined Personality Can Be Easier to Inhabit
A commonly cited advantage of the silent protagonist is their capacity to be a blank slate for the player to project themselves onto. I understand the appeal. In theory, a silent hero lets me become the character. In practice, this does not always work out as planned. It is hard to relate to a character who never responds during conversations, for obvious reasons. I can project only so much onto a mask that never moves.
Despite Hornet having a considerably more well-defined personality than The Knight, she is, in a sense, easier to inhabit as a player. She more accurately represents how someone in her position may actually act. She is not an empty shell. She is a princess, a hunter, a protector, and a stranger in a dangerous land. On top of all this, she is, for lack of a better word, more 'human.' That humanity made me care about her choices instead of merely steering her toward the next objective.
![[Image: 6ad01a0107ec79452eeca479pfhgFiQf07]](https://seogc.fp.ps.netease.com/file/6ad01a0107ec79452eeca479pfhgFiQf07)
Here is how I would compare the two protagonists after finishing both games:
Aspect
The Knight
Hornet
Voice
Silent
Speaks often
Personality
Blank slate
Chivalrous, royal, cool
Narrative role
Leaf in the wind
Active decision-maker
Player connection
Projection, but distant in dialogue
More human, easier to inhabit
Story structure
Vague and intuitive
Structured and easy to follow
That table captures only part of it. The rest lives in the moment-to-moment rhythm of play. ?️
A More Structured Journey Through Pharloom
Silksong's story is also more structured and easy to follow than the first game's, since Hornet is an active participant. She makes decisions for herself. She makes important contributions that dictate the direction of the story. The Knight, by contrast, is more like a leaf in the wind, going wherever they need to go based on intuition and FromSoftware-style dialog exchanges. I loved that style in 2017, but in 2026 I can admit that it often left me guessing rather than understanding.
With Hornet, I felt like I was following a character rather than decoding a ruin. The music is terrific. The traversal is powerful and satisfying in a way that the first game's was not. The setting, while familiar, is still a world apart from Hallownest. These factors all play an important role in the final experience, but one central narrative element ought not to be overlooked: Hornet is fundamentally different from The Knight. She speaks. She has a personality. And this relatively simple twist makes for a narrative adventure that feels entirely removed from that of the first game, in the best possible way.
In the end, Hornet's crystallized personality, communicated via dialog, makes Hollow Knight: Silksong's story more entertaining, relatable, and well-paced than it may have been otherwise. Now, in 2026, with the launch frenzy behind us, I still think about the conversations more than the corridors. I remember how Hornet asked for help, how she stood her ground, and how she made Pharloom feel like a place where words mattered. For me, that is the real evolution of Silksong. ?️
Once a story lands the way this one does, the natural next move is a second run — or finally convincing that friend who skipped launch week to pick it up. Which brings up a small but real annoyance: prices for Hollow Knight, Silksong, and the wider indie catalog drift constantly between storefronts, and the gap between one shop and another is often wider than you'd expect. Running a quick game price comparison before you hit checkout takes about a minute and usually means your money goes toward the games themselves rather than toward whichever store happened to load first.
DealNest was built around exactly that habit, pulling current listings together in one place so you can spot the lowest price at a glance and judge whether a sale is worth waiting out. If you're filling the space after Pharloom with more Metroidvanias — or just restocking a backlog you'll never finish — it's worth a look before your next purchase.
The Silence of The Knight
In the first Hollow Knight, I controlled a standard silent video game protagonist. The Knight never speaks, at least not in any clearly defined way. Like in other seminal franchises such as The Legend of Zelda, this muteness is mostly ignored by NPCs. They monologue. They provide exposition. They pontificate without feeling discouraged by the silence of their conversation partner. For a long time, I accepted this as normal. Many games do it. But Silksong's more conventional storytelling approach lays bare the shortcomings of that convention.
I still love the first game. Its atmosphere, its mystery, and its lonely rhythm all worked for me. Yet when I compare my time as The Knight with my time as Hornet, the difference is not minor. It is fundamental. Hornet does not merely exist in the world. She participates in it. She argues, asks, thanks, threatens, and listens. She has a personality, and that personality shapes every encounter.
Hornet Speaks, and the Story Breathes
Not only does Hornet talk, she talks a great deal. She is a princess, after all, and this royal status is reflected by her courteous, chivalrous manner of speech. I noticed it immediately. She takes control in many conversations, exhibiting a cool elegance while still commanding respect and getting what she wants. For instance, if she is lost and needs to know where to go, she will actually ask a friendly NPC for advice instead of just standing there silently while they chip away at some vague, aloof speech. That small change made me feel like an active traveler rather than a passive witness.
This helps give Silksong's narrative more structure in comparison to the first game, but it also goes a long way toward immersion and overall story effectiveness. I found myself remembering names, places, and promises because Hornet treated them as real. When she spoke, the world spoke back. When she asked a question, I wanted to know the answer. That is not something I can say about every silent-protagonist adventure I have played.
A Defined Personality Can Be Easier to Inhabit
A commonly cited advantage of the silent protagonist is their capacity to be a blank slate for the player to project themselves onto. I understand the appeal. In theory, a silent hero lets me become the character. In practice, this does not always work out as planned. It is hard to relate to a character who never responds during conversations, for obvious reasons. I can project only so much onto a mask that never moves.
Despite Hornet having a considerably more well-defined personality than The Knight, she is, in a sense, easier to inhabit as a player. She more accurately represents how someone in her position may actually act. She is not an empty shell. She is a princess, a hunter, a protector, and a stranger in a dangerous land. On top of all this, she is, for lack of a better word, more 'human.' That humanity made me care about her choices instead of merely steering her toward the next objective.
Here is how I would compare the two protagonists after finishing both games:
Aspect
The Knight
Hornet
Voice
Silent
Speaks often
Personality
Blank slate
Chivalrous, royal, cool
Narrative role
Leaf in the wind
Active decision-maker
Player connection
Projection, but distant in dialogue
More human, easier to inhabit
Story structure
Vague and intuitive
Structured and easy to follow
That table captures only part of it. The rest lives in the moment-to-moment rhythm of play. ?️
A More Structured Journey Through Pharloom
Silksong's story is also more structured and easy to follow than the first game's, since Hornet is an active participant. She makes decisions for herself. She makes important contributions that dictate the direction of the story. The Knight, by contrast, is more like a leaf in the wind, going wherever they need to go based on intuition and FromSoftware-style dialog exchanges. I loved that style in 2017, but in 2026 I can admit that it often left me guessing rather than understanding.
With Hornet, I felt like I was following a character rather than decoding a ruin. The music is terrific. The traversal is powerful and satisfying in a way that the first game's was not. The setting, while familiar, is still a world apart from Hallownest. These factors all play an important role in the final experience, but one central narrative element ought not to be overlooked: Hornet is fundamentally different from The Knight. She speaks. She has a personality. And this relatively simple twist makes for a narrative adventure that feels entirely removed from that of the first game, in the best possible way.
In the end, Hornet's crystallized personality, communicated via dialog, makes Hollow Knight: Silksong's story more entertaining, relatable, and well-paced than it may have been otherwise. Now, in 2026, with the launch frenzy behind us, I still think about the conversations more than the corridors. I remember how Hornet asked for help, how she stood her ground, and how she made Pharloom feel like a place where words mattered. For me, that is the real evolution of Silksong. ?️
Once a story lands the way this one does, the natural next move is a second run — or finally convincing that friend who skipped launch week to pick it up. Which brings up a small but real annoyance: prices for Hollow Knight, Silksong, and the wider indie catalog drift constantly between storefronts, and the gap between one shop and another is often wider than you'd expect. Running a quick game price comparison before you hit checkout takes about a minute and usually means your money goes toward the games themselves rather than toward whichever store happened to load first.
DealNest was built around exactly that habit, pulling current listings together in one place so you can spot the lowest price at a glance and judge whether a sale is worth waiting out. If you're filling the space after Pharloom with more Metroidvanias — or just restocking a backlog you'll never finish — it's worth a look before your next purchase.
No Replies
