Hollow Knight: Silksong takes Hornet through a multi-act journey, beginning in the mysterious land of Pharloom. Act 1 sets the stage with sprawling areas, tough platforming, and several mandatory boss fights. But how do you actually move on to Act 2? This guide breaks down the exact steps you need to follow, the abilities you’ll need, and what challenges await at the gates of the Citadel.
Act 1 officially spans from Hornet’s capture and arrival in Pharloom until she fulfills her first major goal—reaching the Citadel. Once you defeat The Last Judge at the entrance, you’ll unlock the transition into Act 2, titled Citadel of Song. A cutscene plays, the new area opens, and your adventure moves to the next stage.
See also: Bone Scroll Silksong: All Locations, How to Get, and Uses Explained
Steps to Reach Act 2
Reaching the Citadel isn’t simple. You’ll need to progress through multiple regions, defeat major bosses, and secure key abilities. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Unlock the Path to Greymoor
- Travel through the Far Fields until you reach its top-right corner.
- Use the Drifter’s Cloak to break through the ceiling and enter Greymoor.
- Defeat Moorwing, the guardian boss of the area.
2. Restore Haunted Bellhart
- After Moorwing falls, continue until you arrive at Haunted Bellhart, a ruined settlement.
- To restore it, climb into the Shellwood zone and locate the entrance to the Weaver’s lair.
- Defeat the Weaver. Victory here grants Hornet the Needolin ability, essential for entering the Citadel.
3. Enter the Blasted Lands
- With Needolin in hand, head to the Bell Beast Station in Shellwood.
- Travel left from the station to access the Blasted Lands.
- Prepare carefully: this region features constant winds, hazardous terrain that inflicts two Masks of damage, and brutal platforming trials.
4. Survive the Boss Runback
- Push through the upper areas of the Blasted Lands.
- Reach the Bench near Bell Beast Station to set a checkpoint.
- From there, traverse one of the longest and hardest boss runbacks in the game until you reach the Citadel’s massive doors.
5. Face the Last Judge
- Inside the Citadel entrance hall, interact with the pilgrims.
- Use the Needolin to play music at the gate’s bells, breaking the seal.
- This summons The Last Judge, a tough boss with high damage and explosive attacks. Defeat it to move forward.
- Beware: The Last Judge explodes on death. If Hornet is caught in the blast, you’ll need to redo the fight.
Act 2: Citadel of Song
After defeating The Last Judge:
- A cutscene plays, showing Hornet stepping into the Citadel and teasing upcoming areas.
- The text “Act 2: Citadel of Song” appears, confirming the transition.
- A new Fast Travel system unlocks within the Citadel, allowing quick movement between new and old areas.
- Importantly, a Bell Beast Station inside the Citadel lets you return to Act 1 zones even after moving into Act 2.
How to Prepare for Act 2 in Silksong
- Stock up on Rosaries: Benches, maps, and tolls will drain your supply quickly.
- Master platforming: The Blasted Lands are punishing for mistakes.
- Upgrade abilities: Make sure you’ve collected enough Spool Fragments and other upgrades for maximum survivability.
- Plan for runbacks: Reaching The Last Judge requires multiple attempts for most players—prepare patience as well as resources.
Getting to Act 2 in Silksong is a major milestone. It requires careful exploration, overcoming some of Act 1’s hardest bosses, and enduring a gauntlet of hazards in the Blasted Lands. Once you defeat The Last Judge and step through the Citadel gates, the game truly opens up with new travel systems, quests, and challenges.
For players aiming to experience Silksong’s full depth, mastering this transition point is essential—it’s where the game stops being an introduction and starts testing every skill you’ve learned. Play Now!
