Hornet had learned to dance through Shellwood’s canopy, but the real prize of Act 1 still eluded her. In Hollow Knight: Silksong, the flashy moves and unique abilities are only half the story; the other half is a charged attack that hits like a freight train. That ability is the Needle Strike, and by 2026 it remains one of the most satisfying tools in the early game. It does not show up until the end of Act 1, and the road to it is no walk in the park. The path is not overly long, but it runs straight through a duo boss that deals two masks of damage per hit. For any player who has been coasting on Silk and swagger, this is where the gloves come off.

The Road to Blasted Steps

The first order of business is reaching Blasted Steps, the far-left slice of the map that opens up after Hornet acquires the wall jump ability in Shellwood. From the Bellway Station in Shellwood, head right and drop down all the way until the path lets you go left. Keep going until you arrive at a bench, and just before it is a spot where you can go up. Use that to access the bench on the right and open the gate blocking the Bellway Station. Once you are in Blasted Steps, which is the path left of the bench you just unlocked, head all the way up. There you will find Blasted Steps’ Bellway Station and a bench to rest at. It is a bit of a trek, but nothing that should send you back to the drawing board.

From that bench, head down the same way you came, but float toward the left wall. When you spot a blue sign pointing to the left, head through there. That is your cue to keep your eyes peeled,

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