Silk Skills work just like Tools in Hollow Knight: Silksong and must be mounted upon a Crest in the white slot while resting on a bench before Hornet can use them. Unlike Tools, they deplete Hornet’s Silk meter which itself is replenished by attacking enemies, for the most part. Finding these Silk Skills is a task however, as they are won from secret bosses or by binding idols in secret locations.
This Hollow Knight: Silksong guide is a complete listing of all six of the missable Silk Skills, their locations, and pre-requisites.
Cross Stitch
Deflective technique of a creature spun from thread. Bind Silk around the needle to deflect enemy attacks and instantly strike back.
Block incoming attacks and immediately counter with a quick strike.
Defeat the Phantom secret boss in Bilewater’s Exhaust Organ in order to acquire the Cross Stitch Silk Skill. Requires the Needolin to traverse the maze of The Mist.
Pale Nails
Technique taken from the primal source of Silk. Spin talons from thread that seek out enemies.
Create sharp talons of Silk that automatically fly toward and strike enemies.
Located at the pinnacle of The Citadel in The Cradle, defeat Grand Mother Silk and then bind her Grand Mother Silk’s Arm. Requires the Silk Soar Ancestral Art to reach the location.
Rune Rage
Forgotten Weaver technique. Sew rending runes upon one’s enemies.
Mark enemies with Silk runes that tear into them, dealing continuous damage.
Defeat the First Sinner secret boss located within The Slab in the bottom right chamber.
Sharpdart
Deadly Weaver technique. Pierce through enemies in a blur of blade and Silk.
Dash forward in a blur, releasing a Silk blade that pierces through multiple enemies.
Inspect an idol located at the end of a passage in the middle left of Wormways. Requires either Clawline or Faydown Cloak to reach the area and Needolin to get the door open.
Silkspear
Deadly Weaver technique. Throw the needle forward with force amplified by coiled Silk.
Attack by throwing the needle forward. Silk will be expended.
Inspect a structure located in the upper right in the vicinity of the Druid’s home. An essential Silk Skill to clear obstructions and facilitate further exploration.
Thread Storm
Deadly Weaver technique. Cast the needle in a whirl of Silk around oneself, lashing foes.
Attack by whipping a storm of Silk around.
Inspect an idol located at the apex of Greymoor’s right side. Use the chained balloons to ascend from the bottom, while carefully avoiding the thorns along the way.
Those are all six of the white Silk Skills to be unlocked in Hollow Knight: Silksong.
