Among the many secrets hidden in Hollow Knight: Silksong, few are as mysterious as A Vassal Lost. This side quest is only available in Steel Soul Mode, making it an exclusive challenge for players willing to take on permadeath conditions. Below, we’ll break down how to start the quest, key steps to completion, and the rewards you’ll earn along the way.
A Vassal Lost is a Steel Quest tied to the NPC Steel Seer Zi. Unlike normal side content, this quest cannot be accessed during a standard playthrough. It requires activating Steel Soul Mode—Silksong’s permadeath variant—where one death ends the entire run.
The quest sends Hornet across Pharloom to sacred resting sites, builds into a climactic encounter at Bonegrave, and ultimately rewards you with a unique consumable item.
How to Unlock Steel Soul Mode
To access this quest, you’ll first need to enable Steel Soul Mode. There are two ways to do this:
- Complete the game once – finishing Silksong unlocks Steel Soul Mode permanently.
- Enter the code manually – from the Extras menu, input:
Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right.
Once active, Steel Soul replaces your normal save slot with a permadeath run, unlocking A Vassal Lost in the process.
How to Start A Vassal Lost Quest
- Travel to Blasted Steps – progress the story until you reach this desolate region.
- Find Steel Seer Zi – head to the eastern cave of the Blasted Steps. Normally, this area just hides a Silkeater, but in Steel Soul Mode, you’ll find a hidden passage.
- Wake Zi – strike the NPC to rouse her, then exhaust her dialogue. She’ll offer you her Wish, formally beginning A Vassal Lost.
Resting Site Locations in A Vassal Lost
Once the quest begins, Hornet must meditate at three marked resting places scattered across Pharloom. These will appear clearly on your map after accepting the Wish:
- Bone Bottom – above the path leading into Shellwood.
- Putrified Ducts – east of Fleatopia.
- Far Fields – southeast of Pilgrim’s Rest.
You can visit these in any order. Each stop provides fragments of lore tied to Zi and her lost Vassal, building tension before the final confrontation.
How to Reach Bonegrave
After completing the meditations, you’ll be directed toward Bonegrave, west of Bone Bottom and just past the Chapel of the Wanderer. There are two ways to reach this area:
- Wormways Route – unlock the passage with a Simple Key.
- Cling Grip Route – scale the Bone Bottom wall using the Cling Grip tool, then move left into Bonegrave.
At the base of the tunnels, you’ll find a summoning ritual already in progress.
How to Beat the Summoned Savior
Inside the ritual chamber, you’ll face the Summoned Savior, a nightmarish black mass armored with shells. Its attack patterns include:
- Dash Strikes – sudden forward lunges.
- Projectile Blobs – which transform into spinning blades.
- Blade Summon – surrounding itself with orbiting blades.
While not the hardest fight in Silksong, the Savior punishes careless movement. Focus on avoiding its projectiles, then counterattack during recovery windows.
Rewards for Completing A Vassal Lost
Once defeated, interact with the summoner NPC, then return to Steel Seer Zi in the Blasted Steps. She will thank Hornet and bestow the reward:
- Growstone – a reusable consumable that produces Shell Shards. Unlike standard items, the Growstone regenerates over time, making it an invaluable resource for long runs.
A Vassal Lost Quest Summary
| Quest Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Quest Type | Steel Quest (Steel Soul Mode only) |
| Starting NPC | Steel Seer Zi |
| Starting Area | Blasted Steps |
| Main Objectives | Meditate at 3 resting sites → Explore Bonegrave → Defeat Summoned Savior |
| Reward | Growstone (regenerating Shell Shard consumable) |
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A Vassal Lost is one of Silksong’s most distinctive quests, blending difficult survival mechanics with rich lore. It challenges players to stay alive in Steel Soul Mode while rewarding persistence with a powerful item. If you’re aiming for a full experience of Pharloom’s secrets, this is a quest you won’t want to miss. Play Now!
