Hollow Knight: Silksong is packed with secrets, tricky enemies, and abilities that completely change how Hornet navigates Pharloom. Abilities in Silksong fall into two main categories: Silk Skills and Ancestral Arts. Silk Skills focus on combat, giving Hornet tools to deal damage, defend herself, and even manipulate the battlefield. Ancestral Arts, on the other hand, are all about Hornet movements like wall jumps, dashes, super jumps, and more. Here’s a list of each of them, where to find them and their uses.

All Silk Skills in Silksong

Silkspear

Located at the top of Mosshome in Bone Bottom, Silkspear is the first Silk Skill many players find. You reach it by taking the northwestern exit of The Marrow and platforming upward. Silkspear has many uses. It can clear thick silk threads blocking your path or serve as a ranged attack against enemies, making it important for both Silksong exploration and combat.

Thread Storm

Found in the top right corner of Greymoor, unlocking Thread Storm requires completing a bird gauntlet in the Craw Lake house. After activating a switch to release balloons, you go to the Weaver statue that grants this skill. Thread Storm is excellent for aggressive players, dealing damage to enemies around Hornet. It shines in swarm battles or gauntlets, though for single-target bosses, other skills may be better options.

Cross Stitch

Unlocked after defeating Phantom in Bilewater’s Exhaust Organ area, Cross Stitch acts like a parry system from other action RPGs. By using it just before taking a hit, Hornet instantly attacks back while avoiding damage. This skill adds a layer of precision to combat, rewarding timing and patience during challenging encounters.

Sharpdart

Sharpdart is tucked behind a Weaver-etched door on the west side of Wormways. To reach it, you need Needolin and Clawline, as a normal jump won’t suffice. Once inside, follow the path to the Weaver statue granting Sharpdart. Functionally, it’s an empowered dash that damages enemies in its path, giving Hornet a quick offensive burst to escape tight situations or chain attacks during fights.

Rune Rage

Unlocked after defeating the First Sinner in The Slab, Rune Rage requires navigating a complex series of areas: starting with Mount Fay to obtain Faydown Cloak, then gathering the Apostate’s Key in the Putrified Ducts, and finally unlocking a tunnel leading to the boss. Rune Rage surrounds Hornet with silk runes that explode after a short delay, damaging enemies. It’s particularly useful against multiple foes or a single large, stationary enemy, combining strategic placement with raw power.

Pale Nail

The final Silk Skill in Silksong, Pale Nail, is unlocked in Act 3. After reaching Choral Chambers and acquiring Silk Soar, you retrace your steps to a hidden ceiling hole, navigating through the Architect’s Melody room and the stage where you fought Lace, before reaching Grandmother Silk’s platform. Pale Nail launches three silk needles that home in on enemies, automatically dealing damage, or, if no enemies are nearby, fall harmlessly to the ground. This skill rewards exploration and mastery of previous movement abilities.

All Ancestral Arts in Silksong

Swift Step Found atop Deep Docks, Swift Step combines a dash and sprint ability, letting Hornet traverse environments faster and more fluidly. You’ll need to ascend Shakra’s chamber, interact with an explosive rock to open a path, and defeat a gauntlet of ants before obtaining it.

Drifter’s Cloak

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Unlocked in Far Fields after completing the “Flexile Spines” quest, this ability allows Hornet to glide and ride air currents. It’s a subtle but essential tool for reaching tricky platforms and maintaining control during long falls.

Cling Grip

Arguably one of the most transformative Ancestral Arts, Cling Grip lets Hornet climb walls and perform wall jumps. Found near the top of Shellwood, acquiring it requires battling through enemy gauntlets, navigating tricky pogo sections, and defeating the Sister Splinter boss. With Cling Grip, vertical surfaces become a playground, allowing Silksong exploration like never before.

Needolin

Earned after defeating Widow and completing the “The Threadspun Town” quest in Bellhart, Needolin allows Hornet to use her needle as an instrument to stun enemies, unlock Weaver doors, and even understand others’ dialogue. Later, it allows Beastling Call to return to Bellway stations and Elegy of the Deep to enter memories.

Needle Strike

Given by the Pinstress in Blasted Steps, Needle Strike lets Hornet charge her needle for a powerful attack. Orbs accumulate during the charge, glowing when ready to release, adding a satisfying timing-based mechanic to combat.

Clawline

Located in The Cauldron within the Underworks, Clawline transforms Hornet’s needle into a grappling hook. It allows her to latch onto surfaces, enemies, or nothing at all, pulling herself in the chosen direction.

Faydown Cloak

Unlocked at the top of Mount Fay, Faydown Cloak allows a double jump. The climb is harsh, requiring careful use of previously acquired movement skills and periodic stops to warm up. The top hosts a feathered beast that grants this essential traversal tool.

Silk Soar

Discovered naturally in the Abyss during Act 3, Silk Soar allows Hornet to super jump and latch onto ceilings with her needle, reaching new heights effortlessly.

Sylphsong

Finally, Sylphsong regenerates Hornet’s Silk spool entirely when resting at a bench. To unlock it, you must collect all crests and bind with Eva in Weavenest Alta.

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Conclusion

Unlocking all in Hollow Knight: Silksong abilities changes the way you play. Each Silk Skill and Ancestral Art adds depth to combat, Silksong exploration, giving Hornet incredible versatility. Understanding and collecting every ability ensures you experience everything Silksong has to offer, making each encounter, hidden passage, and secret boss fight more rewarding.