The lantern-lit halls of Pharloom saw a fresh wave of pilgrims in the weeks after Hornet's solo journey began. Hollow Knight: Silksong has already gathered more than five million players across every platform, with half a million of them arriving on Steam within hours of release. That enormous player base meant every hidden bug was quickly dragged into the light. Team Cherry has responded with a second post-launch patch. Version 1.0.28626 is now live in the public beta, and the studio says it is getting close to finalising the update for a full rollout.



The first patch had lowered the difficulty of two early bosses. This time the developers did not include any direct difficulty adjustments. They focused instead on fairness. A player might have lost a battle because a Savage Beastfly stayed beneath the lava in Far Fields, or because Shrine Guardian Seth slipped out of bounds mid-fight. Such moments felt less like a challenge and more like a betrayal. The new patch fixes those exact problems, along with several other combat quirks.

⚔️ Combat and Boss Fixes

The patch notes read like a detailed map of small frustrations. Lugoli will no longer fly off screen and refuse to return during battle. Silk Snippers have a lower chance of getting stuck out of bounds in the Chapel of the Reaper fight. Some deaths caused by killing a boss at the same moment as being killed led to messy or out-of-sync death sequences, and those have been tidied up.



Several weapon and skill issues were also corrected. The break counter now works properly for certain multihitter tools, including the Conchcutter. The Volt Filament damage multiplier applies correctly to more Silk Skills. Curveclaw no longer breaks on the first hit after being deflected. Cogflies and Wisps will not inappropriately target Skullwings, and Cogflies will stop resetting their health to full when the scene changes. These fixes may seem small from a distance, but in the middle of a long boss run they can decide whether a run survives or collapses.

? Exploration, NPCs, and Visual Polish

Beyond combat, the update touches many corners of the map. Cocoon positions have been adjusted in some locations so they will not spawn in inaccessible areas. The Shaman Binding into a bottom transition could cause a softlock, and that has been fixed. Steel Soul mode gets attention too: the Liquid Lacquer courier delivery is now accessible. Some NPCs were not correctly playing cursed hint dialogues, and Pondcatcher Reed can now fly away after singing instead of lingering awkwardly. Verdania memory orbs will no longer replay layered screen-edge burst effects. At benches, the Plasmium Phial and Flea Brew should now restore as intended.



There is also a new visual option. A Dithering effect can be toggled in Advanced video settings. It reduces colour banding, though it can slightly soften the appearance of foreground assets. By default it is switched off. For players chasing perfection, the Herald's Wish achievement description has been updated. It now clearly states that a player must both complete the wish and finish the game. This clarity will help completionists who want to earn every mark in Pharloom without guessing.

? A Successful Climb, Refined

Fans who found Silksong harder than the original Hollow Knight may be disappointed that no further difficulty-lowering changes are planned for now. Others will welcome the continued challenge. Whatever the preference, the game's momentum is undeniable. More than five million players have already begun the climb, and Team Cherry is still listening. The final version of Version 1.0.28626 will likely differ slightly from the current beta build. Players will not have to wait long to discover how those final touches affect the journey. For now, the public beta offers a glimpse of a sharper, fairer Pharloom, one small fix at a time.

With the final release of the update drawing closer, now is an ideal moment for both newcomers and returning players to prepare for the journey into Pharloom. The refined combat, polished visuals, and clarified achievement details make this the most welcoming version of the game yet. For those who have not secured a copy, prices can vary noticeably across platforms and storefronts, so running a quick game price comparison before purchasing is always a smart move. DealNest brings together offers from multiple retailers, helping you find the best deal without sifting through dozens of tabs.

The public beta offers the perfect chance to experience these fixes firsthand and watch the game evolve ahead of the full rollout. Whether you are hunting down every achievement or simply enjoying the atmosphere, the improvements are immediately apparent. With millions of players already making the climb and Team Cherry still hard at work, there has never been a better time to step into the world of Silksong.

I'll be honest: when I first started Hollow Knight: Silksong, I expected weapon upgrades to be a straightforward grind. I kept swapping tools, collecting new crests, and hunting down Mask Shards all over Pharloom, but my needle damage barely moved. That changed after I freed Bellhart and met Pinmaster Plinney. He gives you one free needle upgrade as a reward, but after that, he wants something a little more precious: Pale Oil. No Pale Oil, no more damage bonuses. Let me tell you, I nearly missed the first one.

Now, after a lot of backtracking and one very stubborn platform puzzle, I’ve found three reliable sources of Pale Oil. Here’s where they’re hiding.

The First Taste: 'Pinmaster's Oil'

Plinney hands out the 'Pinmaster's Oil' quest as soon as you speak to him again after that first upgrade. He explains that every subsequent upgrade needs a fresh vial of Pale Oil, and sends you off to find one. The marked location is not far, but it’s easy to get turned around. You need to attack the platform directly above you to move it upward, then go left and flip a lever. From there, head immediately left into the next screen and grab the first stack of Pale Oil.



Bring that oil back to Pinmaster Plinney and he’ll give you another needle upgrade. What I like about this quest is that you can actually grab the item before accepting it, so if you’re already exploring that corner of the map, do yourself a favor and snag it early.

The Grocery Run: 'Great Taste of Pharloom'

This one turned into a whole shopping list, and I’m not exaggerating. To start, travel to Choral Chambers and attack the glass case there to wake Loyal Mergwin from his slumber. Once he’s up, he asks you to gather delicious dishes from across the entire kingdom. Yeah, that’s a whole grocery list. You need:

Mossberry Stew — found in Mosshome; speak to the Moss Druid.

Vintage Nectar — Halfway Home; it’s in the basement, but you’ll need to pay Creieg 480 Rosaries to unlock it.

Courier's Rasher — Bellhart; complete 'My Missing Brother' and 'My Missing Courier' for Tipp, then return.

Crustnut — Sands of Karak; check the second chamber down from the top, on the left side of the big vertical room.

Pickled Muckmaggot — Sinners Road; defeat Disgraced Chef Lugoli east of the room with all the cages.

Once you haul all five dishes back to Mergwin, he hands over another vial of Pale Oil. Bring that to Plinney, and your needle gets meaner.

The Late-Game Party: 'Ecstasy of the End'

If you’re still hungry for more damage, this one is locked to Act Three. First, you need to find every lost flea in the game — no small task. After that, visit the Bellhart quest board and accept the relevant request. Then make your way to Fleatopia and set a high score in all three flea mini-games. If you’ve already met and beaten Seth, he might show up there too.

At the end of the festival, you get to smash open a massive, flea-shaped piñata stuffed with Rosaries and another stack of Pale Oil. It’s a weird reward, but honestly, after that grind, I was happy to take it.



Where to Actually Spend Pale Oil

Each time you get a new container of Pale Oil, bring it back to Pinmaster Plinney to upgrade your needle. During Act One and Act Two, he hangs out in the main area of Bellhart, right near the Bellway fast travel point. He’s in the building above Relic Seeker Scrounge.

Of course, Plinney won’t offer his services unless you save Bellhart first. To do that, head to Shellwood to grab the Cling Grip ability, then return to Bellhart and defeat Widow. Once the town is restored, Plinney appears in the main square.

In Act Three, everything shifts. Plinney travels to Shellwood to visit a loved one’s grave, and if you want more upgrades, you’ll have to find him there and save him from a group of enemies. He’s tucked into a small offshoot area just beneath the Bellway station and bench on the map. I spent way too long looking for him, so don’t repeat my mistake.

Upgrading your needle with Pale Oil increases your base weapon damage. The exact percentage isn’t displayed anywhere, but the difference is noticeable in faster kills, especially against tougher late-game bosses. I’d say you need at least a couple of upgrades to avoid a real slog.

One more thing: each subsequent upgrade costs more Rosaries. The first one is free, but after that, prices ramp up. I won’t list exact figures because they can shift with your progress, but expect to farm.



So, that’s the long and short of Pale Oil. It gates your weapon progression more than you might expect, but once you know where to look, you can keep your needle sharp through most of Pharloom. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some fleas to find.

And if you’re planning to dive into Pharloom yourself, it’s worth taking a moment to make sure you’re not overpaying before you start hunting down every last upgrade. A quick game price comparison across trusted retailers can save you a nice chunk of change — which, given how much time you’ll spend farming Rosaries in Silksong, feels like a pretty solid trade.

For that, DealNest is a handy spot to check. It rounds up current prices across digital and physical stores so you can grab Hollow Knight: Silksong at the best rate before you begin your climb toward Act Three. Think of it as one less grind to worry about.

When I started a fresh run of Hollow Knight: Silksong in 2026, I made a promise to myself: no locked Simple Door would remain closed. Simple Keys are rare items that open Simple Doors, allowing Hornet to access new areas, hidden treasure caches, quest objectives, and shortcuts. In my first playthrough, I underestimated them because the game never flashes a trophy for opening all doors. But after countless long treks back to bosses, I changed my mind.



The main challenge is that Simple Keys are not grouped in one convenient spot. Two are sold by NPC vendors who demand huge Rosary payments, while the other two are objects you pick up somewhere on the map. One of those pickups is tied to a quest, and another only appears after you beat one of Silksong's deadly bosses and unlock a bench. This distribution makes them easy to miss, especially when the map is still mostly unexplored. Why do I call them rare? Because on a blind run, you might complete several hours without ever seeing one.

How I Found the Four Simple Keys

The most important rule I learned is that no Simple Key is tied to a specific Simple Door. Any Key can open any Door, so you don't need to stress about matching them.

Here is how the four Keys are distributed:

Key Source
Number
My Experience

NPC vendors
2
Both asked for a large number of Rosaries; I had to delay buying one until I'd farmed enough in the mid-game.

World pickups
2
One was hidden in a route I only found after using Hornet's movement abilities; the other came from a quest chain and a boss bench.

In practice, the vendor Keys forced me to choose between spending Rosaries on permanent upgrades or opening a shortcut. The scattered Keys were less about money and more about observation. I started marking every suspicious corner on my map, and that habit made backtracking far less painful.



The quest-related Key took the longest. It was not a simple matter of walking to a point on the map. I had to complete a chain of objectives first, which meant more combat, more exploration, and more patience. The boss-related Key felt rewarding immediately because it unlocked next to a bench. After that fight, I could finally rest, recover, and grab the loot in the same moment.

Simple Doors: Where Keys Actually Get Used

Having a pocket full of Simple Keys means nothing if I couldn't remember where the Simple Doors were. There are four disconnected locations across the map, and unless you mark them as soon as you find them, you'll waste time wandering back. I learned that the hard way when I passed an early Door, forgot its exact position, and then had to retrace my steps for nearly twenty minutes.



Not every Door can be reached from the start. Some require special abilities like Hornet's Double Jump or Dash, and until you progress far enough, they remain inaccessible even if you already have a spare Simple Key. This is where the game rewards thorough exploration. I would often spot a Door from a ledge and make a mental note: "Come back once Dash is ready."

The following table summarizes how I handled the Doors:

Door Challenge
My Approach

Door blocked by movement ability
I waited until I had Double Jump or Dash before returning.

Door in an obscure corner
I placed a map marker immediately so I didn't lose it.

Door near a dangerous route
I opened it only after clearing nearby enemies to avoid repeated deaths.

Opening these Doors can lead to shortcuts, new areas, or even important quests tied to hidden parts of Silksong's story. Given how brutal some boss run-backs can be, extra paths are incredibly helpful. Instead of repeating a long deadly corridor, I could take a shorter route and arrive with more health and more focus.

Is It Worth Finding Every Key and Door?

Absolutely. There may be no achievements or trophies tied to opening every Simple Door, but the quality-of-life improvement is huge. Once I found every Simple Key and opened the Doors I had marked, navigation became much less stressful. I could focus on other goals instead of dreading every trip across the map.

So, should you chase down all four Simple Keys? If you value shortcuts, hidden treasures, and a less frustrating route through Pharloom, the answer is yes. Just keep your map markers organized, farm Rosaries when you can, and be ready to return to locked Doors once Hornet learns a few essential movement skills.

That same mindset of hunting down every hidden key and maximizing every reward is exactly what I bring to building my game library. If you are the kind of player who enjoys squeezing every bit of value out of an experience, you likely already know that patience pays off both in Pharloom and at the checkout screen. Why pay full price when a little research can unlock savings just like a Simple Key unlocks a shortcut? For those who want to stretch their gaming budget further, it is worth checking out where to buy cheap games before committing to your next purchase.

DealNest rounds up solid deals across platforms, helping you compare prices the same way you might compare routes between two Door locations. A few minutes of browsing can save you enough to fund your next Steam purchase or that indie gem you have been eyeing. After all, the smartest explorers in Hallownest and Pharloom never walk into a shop without knowing exactly what they should be paying.

I never expected a feathery cloak to rewrite the way I moved through Pharloom, but Hollow Knight: Silksong has a habit of hiding its best mobility tools behind freezing climbs and spike-lined detours. The Faydown Cloak, Hornet's double jump upgrade, sat at the top of Mount Fay, and after several shivering attempts, I finally brought it home. If you want that extra aerial lift without losing your mind to the cold, here is exactly how I got there, what I needed beforehand, and why the reward is worth every rosary I spent.



The Clawline Before the Cloak

Before I could even think about Mount Fay, I needed the Clawline. That little tool made Hornet's movement feel completely different, but it also meant a detour into the Citadel. I picked up the White Key from the Songclave area, then descended into the depths beneath the Choral Chambers. The Clawline was waiting in the heart of the Whiteward area, and once I had it, I finally felt ready for the climb ahead.

With the Clawline secured, I made my way to the Slab on the left side of the Choral Chambers. If you have already discovered the Bellway fast travel point there, that saves a lot of walking. I exited the Bellway to the left and used the Clawline to sail across a series of hooks, which dropped me right into Mount Fay. That was where I met Shakra sitting near a bench. I rested there immediately and bought the map from her since I had enough Rosaries to spare.



❄️ The Freezing Ascent

The actual climb was a trial of cold, spikes, and careful jumps. I headed left from Shakra's bench and used the platforms to reach the exit above to the right. Outside, the cold was brutal. I definitely lost some health before I reached the first warm area, but Hornet can tank a little frost.

At the top of that first climb, I went inside and kept left. The frigid lake crossing was the first real test. I had to Clawline off enemies while moving fast enough not to freeze. I fell once, but instead of giving up, I kept using the Clawline and bouncing off enemies until I scrambled to safety.

After the lake, I found a sign pointing to a bench. There was a breakable wall below the exit, and cracking it open revealed a bench. The current cost to unlock it is 60 rosaries, down from the 90 it demanded in earlier builds, so one Rosary string handled it. I rested there and exhaled.



Then came the trickiest part. During the next outside ascent, I had to resist double-tapping the jump button too fast. If you start floating with your cloak too early, you lose the full height of the pogo boost. Clawlining enemies gave me the extra jump without needing a second press, so I used that as much as I could.

I eventually reached an upper right platform and floated down through a spiky corridor toward another warm pocket. From there, I kept Clawline jumping between enemies. I also broke a wall on the right that opened a shortcut back to the starting bench. That shortcut was comforting, but I really did not want to die and redo the whole climb.

In the area above, I broke a wall to my left and found another bench. I rested there before the final push. The last platforming ascent was nerve-wracking. I leapt into the next area, moved left over spikes, and took an air current upward. Speed mattered because the cold could freeze me fast. At the top, I went right, inspected the tuning mechanism, and played my Needolin. The large avian creature appeared, and just like that, I received the Faydown Cloak.



? How the Double Jump Feels

With the Faydown Cloak equipped, a second press of the jump button while airborne gives Hornet a full double jump. If I press and hold again after that, she slows her fall, which makes platforming feel significantly more forgiving. The cloak also keeps Hornet warm, which would have been more useful during the climb than after it.

This upgrade opened up new routes and made some tough Act 2 fights much easier. Before I left Mount Fay, I descended the leftmost slope and found the Mask Maker NPC. I did not receive any items from that meeting, but it was worth it just to meet the character. Later, I learned you can accept a difficult delivery quest for that NPC, so I made a mental note to return.

Mount Fay tested my patience, but earning the Faydown Cloak changed Hollow Knight: Silksong for me. If you have the Clawline and enough Rosaries for the benches, the climb is absolutely worth conquering.

If you're just starting your own run through Silksong or picking up the game for the first time, it helps to know where to look for a good price before you dive into the cold peaks of Mount Fay. I always check DealNest game deals whenever I'm about to buy a new title, since price drops and limited-time discounts can make a big difference when you're budgeting your gaming backlog.

That way, you can spend less time worrying about the cost and more time mastering that tricky double-jump timing — and trust me, once you get the hang of it, there's no feeling quite like soaring across the kingdom of Pharloom.

I’ll just say it: I’m a big video game guy, and I’m so good at video games. Silksong? Easy. I’m not like other gamers — I don’t struggle. Okay, time to get real. Hollow Knight is a hard game, and Silksong is no walk in the park either. When I first played Hollow Knight seven years ago, I got my butt handed to me on a silver platter. Partly because I hadn’t touched many platformers back then, and partly because the game was engineered to make you sweat. The Mantis Lords demanded laser focus, and the first Hornet fight showed me exactly how brutal an agile enemy could be. The Nightmare King? The Path of Pain? Let’s just say I learned the meaning of “trial by fire.”

Fast forward to 2026, and Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally here after what felt like a lifetime. I was fully prepared to get wrecked all over again. Not just because my platforming skills are still shaky, but also because of small changes like the downward strike, which completely threw me for a loop at first. But then muscle memory kicked in, and the opening hours felt surprisingly manageable. Don’t get me wrong — Silksong wasn’t a piece of cake. It just felt like I wasn’t fumbling around as badly as I did seven years ago. That comfort didn’t last long.



Then the Second Half Arrived

I’m now 25 hours deep into Silksong, and while I’m avoiding Google at all costs, I’m trying to see and do absolutely everything the game has to offer. Side quests, secret areas, NPC interactions — you name it. At this rate, I’m going to run out of pins to stick in my map. But here’s the kicker: even though I have more tools, abilities, and health than ever before, the difficulty has started testing me in ways I didn’t see coming. Side quests are throwing boss fights at me that have me learning every attack pattern like the back of my hand. One side quest had me trading blows with a certain Disgraced Chef Lugoli, and I won’t lie, that fight taught me a thing or two about humility. Platforming sections are making me set the controller down, take a deep breath, and question my life choices. This is the Hollow Knight experience I signed up for, and it’s hitting hard.



The Walls I Keep Hitting

Right now, the struggle bus is real, and these are the things making me sweat:

? Side quest boss runs that require me to memorize every move or get flattened.

?️ Platforming gauntlets that make me put the controller down and breathe.

?️ Secret area exploration where one wrong jump sends me back to square one.

? Map pin management because I’m running out of markers faster than I can find new ones.

Overwhelmed, but in a Good Way

I’m probably only halfway through my time with Silksong, and every time I stumble into a new area, it opens up into another new area, then another, all with secret interconnections hiding treasures and lore. Is anyone else feeling overwhelmed but in a “please don’t stop” kind of way? Because same.

Now, instead of sitting down for a few hours to make progress, I sit down to run into a few walls, painstakingly climb over them, and then take a break so I don’t double my grey hair count before I hit 30. But damn, if this isn’t exactly what I wanted from Hollow Knight: Silksong. Knowing the second half is going to be a long, troubling road makes me even more excited. Bring it on.

With the promise of such a long, brutal road ahead, I’m setting up little rituals to pace myself. Besides taking deep breaths between platforming gauntlets, I’ve gotten into the habit of planning my next gaming purchases while I let my hands stop shaking.

Since the backlog is just as intimidating as Silksong’s map, I tend to use a game price tracker whenever I catch myself eyeing up indie darlings or upcoming DLC. It helps me stay patient, knowing I can wait for the right price rather than impulse-buying out of frustration after getting flattened by some optional boss. For now, it’s all about pacing, patience, and enjoying the climb - one pixel-perfect jump at a time.

I’ll be straight with you: in Hollow Knight: Silksong, tools are the name of the game. I learned that the hard way in the Moss Grotto, juggling Hornet’s Compass and a few defensive Crests and still feeling like I was one slot short of a full kit. Then I stumbled onto Eva’s chamber, and everything clicked. The game quietly lets you unlock a universal tool slot that applies across all Crests, regardless of their individual capacity. That is a huge deal, especially if you’re like me and refuse to leave a bench without a navigation tool equipped.



Where To Find Hornet’s First Crest Expansion

The early bird catches the worm, and in Silksong that worm is a universal Vestricrest. You can unlock the universal tool slot and several other Crest upgrades as early as Act 1. The only prerequisite? You need to have defeated Widow above Bellhart. After you free the town and unlock the Needolin Weaver ability, backtrack all the way to the starting area in the Moss Grotto. On my first run, I completely missed it because I was too busy chasing map pins.

Look for a skull-shaped door on the right side of the map. When you play your instrument, the door opens. I stood there scratching my head before I pieced that together. From there, head deeper into the depths until you meet a mysterious NPC named Eva in her chamber.

Talk to Eva and you’ll receive an upgraded Hunter’s Crest plus the first universal Vestricrest for slotting an additional tool across all Crests — but only if you’ve spent a minimum of 3 Memory Lockets before this point. If you’re running on empty, don’t bother knocking yet. I had to backtrack and farm a few extra Lockets, and honestly, it was worth every second.

As a little bonus, travelling farther to the right of the elevator shaft leads to an area of the Marrows with one of Hornet’s mask shards. You only need a bit of parkour and a couple of destructible walls.



How To Unlock Additional Crest Slots

Here’s where things get a little murky. Eva encourages you to come back later, but she doesn’t exactly spell out the trigger. After plenty of trial and error, I figured out the next Vestricrest — the one that allows an additional universal defensive tool — requires you to have spent 6 Memory Lockets and unlocked at least 5 Crests. No shortcuts, no hand-holding.

Upgrade
Requirements

First universal Vestricrest
Spend 3 Memory Lockets, defeat Widow above Bellhart, talk to Eva

Second universal defensive slot
Spend 6 Memory Lockets, unlock at least 5 Crests

Final Hunter’s Crest upgrade / Sylphsong
Collect and fully unlock every Crest in Act 2

Eva also keeps upgrading your Hunter’s Crest as you spend more Memory Lockets. Her final offering, though, is a completionist’s marathon: you need to collect and fully unlock every Crest available in Act 2. Return for the last time and Eva hands over the Sylphsong ability, which lets you generate silk while resting at benches, plus a trophy for your effort. I won’t lie — that final step is no walk in the park. But Sylphsong is an absolute game changer for long exploration sessions.

Why I Rate This Upgrade So Highly

I’d argue these upgrades are some of the best early-game bang for your buck in Silksong. The universal Vestricrest is basically an ace up your sleeve across every Crest you own. Pair it with Hornet’s Compass and you can wander off the beaten path without sacrificing defense or utility. If you’re the kind of player who hates backtracking, hunting down every Crest might sound like overkill. But trust me — the universal enhancements and Hunter’s Crest upgrades are the real prize, not just a shiny completion badge.

As of 2026, the community has settled on this route as one of the strongest early power spikes you can chase. I still see players sleeping on Eva’s upgrades because the requirements feel obscure, but once you know the recipe, it’s straightforward.

? Quick checklist:

Defeat Widow above Bellhart to unlock the Act 1 route.

Spend at least 3 Memory Lockets before visiting Eva.

Find the skull-shaped door on the right side of the Moss Grotto map.

For the second slot, spend 6 Memory Lockets and unlock 5 Crests.

For the final reward, collect and fully unlock every Act 2 Crest.

If you're the kind of player who loves squeezing every upgrade out of a game like this, chances are you've already got a wishlist packed with similar action-platformers. Games that reward thorough exploration tend to pile up fast, and that's exactly when a good deal becomes your best companion. Instead of paying full price for your next adventure, a dedicated steam deal finder can help you snag those hidden gems while they're discounted.

Whether you're hunting down Memory Lockets or hunting down a bargain, the principle is the same: a little extra effort up front saves you plenty down the road. Checking price history and stacking discounts before your next purchase lets you grow your library without draining your wallet — so you can keep diving into worlds like Hallownest for a fraction of the cost.

I recently revisited the Little Nightmares 3 demo in 2026, months after the full game landed on October 10, 2025. The first time I played, I was not ready for how quickly the demo drops you into its suffocating atmosphere. The second time, I still flinched. The opening 30 minutes take you through a slice of the Necropolis, a place that feels ancient and hungry. A Monster Baby stalks the area, and if you are not careful, it will turn you into stone. That single mechanic kept me crouched behind cover far longer than I care to admit.



The Setup and Platforms

The demo is available on every platform the full game supports. I checked it on a couple of different systems, and the dread translated well everywhere.

Platform
Demo Availability

PS4 / PS5
✅

Xbox One / Xbox Series X/S
✅

Nintendo Switch / Nintendo Switch 2
✅

PC via Steam
✅

The most significant change in Little Nightmares 3 is co-op. For the first time in the series, you can play online with a friend. I tried it with a partner, and the shared terror changed how we approached every room. We whispered about timing, pointed at shadows, and shouted when one of us got spotted. If you do not have someone to play with, an AI companion steps in. I also spent time with the AI, and it was generally helpful, though nothing beats a real friend panicking beside you.

Low and Alone

The two new characters are Low and Alone. They are best friends trapped in a nightmare, and they have to work together to escape. Their tools force you to think differently about the environment.

Low’s bow ?: reaches high targets, cuts through ropes, and downs flying enemies.

Alone’s wrench ?: crushes stunned enemies, smashes barriers, and manipulates massive machines.

During the demo, I solved environmental puzzles that required both tools. One moment had me shooting a rope while my partner waited below. Another had me smashing a barrier with the wrench while the Monster Baby closed in. These moments feel like the core of Little Nightmares 3: two small children using ingenuity to survive something enormous and wrong.



A New Developer, A Familiar Nightmare

The developer change is worth talking about. Tarsier Studios did not return for Little Nightmares 3. Instead, Supermassive Games took over. That name should sound familiar if you have played Until Dawn or any entry in The Dark Pictures Anthology. Supermassive knows how to build slow, creeping horror, and that experience shows in the little details. Bandai Namco publishing the game also feels natural because the publisher has worked with Supermassive on The Dark Pictures series.

I was relieved to find that you do not need to play the first two Little Nightmares games to understand what is happening. Little Nightmares 3 focuses on Low and Alone, and the story stands on its own. There are references for returning fans, but the demo did not overwhelm me with lore. The nightmare starts fresh enough for new players.

What About Tarsier Studios?

Tarsier Studios has not left the horror scene, either. The developer is working on REANIMAL, a new co-op horror experience with a moody atmosphere. It is set for early 2026 and will be published by THQ Nordic. Tarsier promises a more terrifying journey than ever before. REANIMAL is planned for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, skipping last-generation consoles. That gives me another reason to keep my lights on this year.

For me, the Little Nightmares 3 demo accomplished exactly what a good demo should do. It made me curious, tense, and a little bit scared to turn a corner. The shift to co-op does not flatten the horror; it reshapes it. I found myself relying on Low and Alone’s tools, listening for the Monster Baby’s heavy steps, and holding my breath in the Necropolis. If you want a quick taste of why this series still works, the demo remains a strong starting point. Just do not blame me if a distant baby giggle sticks with you long after the screen goes dark.

With Little Nightmares 3 expected later this year and REANIMAL following in early 2026, horror fans have plenty to look forward to. That also means a lot of pre-orders, special editions, and day-one purchases to weigh. If you're anything like me, you'll want to grab these games without overpaying, and this price tracking tool makes that easier. It monitors price drops across major retailers, so you can wait for the right moment to dive back into the dark instead of paying full price the second a trailer drops.

Whether you're exploring the Necropolis solo or surviving the nightmare in co-op, a little extra budget flexibility never hurts. Let the price alerts do the hunting while you focus on keeping Low and Alone out of reach — and you might just find your next horror obsession for less.

Hollow Knight: Silksong hides more secrets than a termite's daydream, and as of 2026, Eva remains one of the most frequently missed NPCs in the game. Tucked inside a pod in Weavenest Atla, Eva initially appears as little more than a disembodied voice—easy to ignore if a player is laser-focused on bosses and platforming. Yet this peculiar encounter is a two-course meal: first, an upgrade for the Hunter Crest, and much later, a binding that grants the Sylphsong ability and the Entwined trophy. Think of Eva as an unread fortune cookie left in a silk cocoon, whispering riddles instead of lucky numbers.

Opening the Needolin Door in Moss Grotto

The search begins in Moss Grotto, the starting area that most players sprint through without a second glance. The Needolin door here remains sealed until someone plays the Needolin, and once it swings open, it reveals the path to Weavenest Atla. It is the kind of moment that feels like finding a trapdoor under a welcome mat.





After stepping through, players should keep moving right until they enter a room with two fuses, or power cells, jutting from the ceiling. Hitting both fuses restores power to Weavenest Atla, and the area stops feeling like a blackout basement. On the way back, grabbing the map is strongly recommended—no one wants to explore a silk-strewn labyrinth without a map.



Next, the player should stand on the central platform. This platform teleports Hornet to the lower section of Weavenest Atla. To the right, a path is blocked by wires; clearing that obstruction opens the way into Eva's chamber. It is a short detour, but it separates the thorough explorers from the tourists.



First Conversation and the Evolved Hunter Crest

Once inside, Eva speaks from the pod and offers Hornet a chance to accept their insight. Saying yes transforms the standard Hunter Crest into the Evolved Hunter Crest. While this Crest is equipped, Hornet can accumulate focus on consistent strikes. When that focus reaches maximum, needle damage rises sharply. In practice, it works like winding a clockwork hornet: every clean hit adds another click of tension, and the next needle thrust can land like a thunderclap.



Eva then asks Hornet to return after she has evolved further. That is not flavor text; it is a roadmap.

Collecting Every Crest and Unlocking Memory Locket Slots

To satisfy Eva's condition, players must gather all the Crests in Silksong and unlock their slots with the Memory Locket. This step is the longest part of the journey, and it can feel like collecting chrome hubcaps from seven different junkyard guardians, each bolted to a different corner of a hostile map.

Crest
Location

Hunter Crest
Default

Wanderer Crest
Bone Grave

Reaper Crest
West Greymoor

Beast Crest
Hunter's March

Witch Crest
Northwest Greymoor

Architect Crest
Underworks

Shaman Crest
Moss Grotto Act Three



Each Crest must have its slot unlocked through a Memory Locket, so simply finding them is only half the battle. Once everything is slotted, Hornet's growth is undeniable, and Eva is ready for a much closer relationship.

Binding Eva in Act Three

In Act Three, players can return to Eva's chamber in Weavenest Atla. Eva will notice Hornet's growth and ask to bind. Agreeing to the binding is where the side quest pays off in spectacular fashion.



The binding unlocks Sylphsong, one of the most useful skills in the game. With this ability, Hornet regenerates silk while resting on a bench, which makes later stretches far less punishing. It also pops the Entwined trophy or achievement, depending on the platform.



Why This Side Quest Is Worth It

The Eva detour is the kind of optional content that makes Hollow Knight: Silksong feel alive. It asks for patience, exploration, and a willingness to backtrack, but it hands out a powerful Crest upgrade, a bench-based silk regeneration ability, and a rare trophy. In short, it is like discovering a free dessert counter behind a bakery after everyone else left with only bread. Players should stop sprinting, play the Needolin, and let a silk-wrapped voice change the run.

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I still remember the first time I stepped into Hallownest...

Five years later, Pharloom pulls me back with the same magnetic dread. Let me tell you, the wait was agonizing, but boy, was it worth it. Team Cherry, a tiny team that built both Hollow Knight and Silksong, has crafted something monumental, and in 2026 it's finally in our hands. This is a game that began as DLC and blossomed into a full-fledged title, and the trust the community placed in these developers has paid off in spades.

Pharloom: A World That Breathes

Pharloom doesn't just exist; it exhales. Every corner feels alive, and yet the kingdom is laced with an underlying rot. This is a Metroidvania that rivals FromSoftware's worlds when it comes to lore and environmental storytelling. The biomes work in tandem with the overarching hierarchy of Pharloom, and the sheer amount of subtle nudges tucked into the environment is staggering.



The residents of Pharloom bring the world to life with their comical interactions, especially when they bounce off Hornet's stone-faced stoicism. It's hard not to smile when a bubbly NPC tries to befriend a protagonist who responds with silence and a blank stare. The game is massive—over forty hours if you want to uncover every side quest and secret. You can technically finish in ten to twenty hours, but honestly, that would be a crime. The hidden content is some of the best stuff here.

Combat: A Dance With Punishment

Silksong is no slouch when it comes to difficulty. This is a challenging game, and it will test everyone. Most bosses hit for two masks of damage for every slip-up, meaning every movement, dodge, and parry must be mastered down to the slightest adjustment. That might sound brutal, and it is, but the majority of battles are genuinely memorable.

Still, there are moments when the design feels a little unfair. For instance, running into a stunned enemy's hitbox still deals full damage, and some bosses passively float near Hornet, cornering her in spots where dodging their body is nearly impossible even when they aren't attacking. The hitboxes themselves can also be finicky—sometimes too large, sometimes not large enough. It's a minor frustration, but it does rear its head during tense fights.

That said, the variety in combat is incredible. Tools and crests scattered throughout the world drastically change how you approach each situation. Experimentation is encouraged, and that, combined with easily overlooked secrets and multiple endings, ensures the game feels replayable long after the credits roll. Honestly, I've got to hand it to Team Cherry—they know how to keep me coming back.

Boss fights worth remembering

Unforgettable encounters that feel woven into the setting

A handful of weaker battles with tacked-on mobs and only two mechanics

Flexible build options let you tackle challenges in different ways



Platforming: Tight, Yet Sometimes Slippery

And then... there's the platforming. For the most part, it works beautifully—especially when you're using new abilities to revisit old areas. That's the heart of any Metroidvania, and Silksong nails that sense of progression. But the controls can occasionally get in the way. Hornet sometimes aims in the wrong direction for pogo jumps or dashes, and I've lost count of the inputs that simply didn't register, leaving me vulnerable in vital spots. It's a shame because the platforming puzzles are genuinely creative, but the precision required can feel like a crapshoot.

Presentation: A Beautiful, Decaying Dream

The presentation is nothing short of jaw-dropping. The 2D visuals give life to a depressing yet vibrant world, and each character is dramatically different from the next. The same can be said for every biome, from lush forestry to putrid backwater sewers. The level of detail is unmatched, with the smallest secrets hidden in the impressively detailed dressings of the world.

Audio is equally stellar. Characters speak only in occasional fragments of a fictional language, but that only adds charm while you read their dialogue. The boss music is FromSoftware-grade, and the sound effects emanating from Hornet pull you right into the derelict atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Pros
Cons

? Gorgeous, interconnected world
⚔️ Occasional unfair hitboxes

? Stunning audio design
?️ Platforming inputs can feel unresponsive

? High replayability and experimentation
? Some boss mechanics feel tacked on

? Memorable encounters and NPCs
? Contact damage can frustrate

Silksong had enormous shoes to fill, and it fills them with style. The world is absolutely gorgeous, the biomes vary significantly, and the amount of exploration on offer is unmatched. The presentation, both visual and audio, nails the atmosphere. Yes, the tight controls can frustrate—especially when inputs vanish at critical moments—and there are questionable combat design choices. But despite those issues, Hollow Knight: Silksong is a game for the ages. In true Metroidvania fashion, it will have you coming back for more, and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

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Before Hornet can finally step beyond the towering Grand Gate and into the long-awaited Citadel, she must first overcome a monumental obstacle known as The Last Judge. This ancient arbiter has guarded the Blasted Steps for countless generations, turning away all who carry even a hint of sin. Unlike many of the smaller pests and knights encountered earlier in Act 1, this boss is a true test of endurance, precision, and preparation. Defeating this formidable foe not only grants passage into Act 2 but also unlocks the satisfying Judge achievement.



Preparations Before the Battle

Charging into this fight without a proper loadout is a recipe for a quick defeat. Players should take advantage of the tools and abilities available in 2026's expanded Silksong meta. The fight heavily punishes reckless play, so utility and survivability are key.

Recommended Crests

Beast Crest: Provides life steal on hits, allowing Hornet to recover health during the long damage phases.

Reaper Crest: Replenishes silk faster, ensuring she always has enough resource for high-damage abilities.

Both crests offer the highest utility for outlasting the Judge's relentless assault. The life steal from the Beast Crest is particularly valuable because healing windows are rare once Phase 2 begins.

Recommended Abilities

Silkspear: Grants extra reach, letting Hornet poke the boss from a safer distance.

Threadstorm: Delivers a massive burst of attack output, ideal for punishing staggers.

Essential Tools

Players should equip a mix of defensive and offensive tools before entering the gate. A well-prepared inventory looks something like this:

Tool
Effect

Weighted Belt
Reduces recoil when striking foes and lessens knockback taken from hits.

Magma Bell
Lowers damage taken from flame and magma, critical for Phase 2.

Sting Shard
Places a lethal blade trap that pierces enemies on contact.

Flea Brew
Temporarily boosts movement and attack speed.

Fractured Mask
Shields against critical damage but shatters after one hit.

Sharpened Needle
After freeing Bellhart, get the needle sharpened at a specialty bug shop for bonus damage.

The Magma Bell is almost mandatory for this fight. Phase 2 introduces waves of fire that can quickly melt through Hornet's health bar. Combining the Magma Bell with the Weighted Belt prevents the two most frustrating deaths in this encounter: being juggled into flames and being knocked out of safe zones.

Phase 1: The Flail's Straightforward Assault

The Last Judge is summoned after Hornet performs a song with two pilgrim bugs at the Citadel gate. The boss wastes no time, leaping immediately to dispatch the pilgrims before focusing entirely on Hornet. Its weapon of choice is a massive flail, and its opening attack is almost always a straight-line throw aimed at where Hornet was standing.

Dodging and Punishing

When the flail comes flying, Hornet should jump over it and rush toward the boss. A few quick hits can land before the flail retracts. Players need to jump again to avoid the returning weapon. This pattern repeats often, so learning the timing is essential.

The Judge also performs regular jump attacks. Each time it leaps, players can sneak in a few upward strikes before moving out of the way. It is worth noting that the boss does not appear to be affected by the poison affliction, so players should not waste time or resources applying poison. Instead, focus on trap placement.

Trap Strategy and Arc Swing

When the Judge darts across the screen and leaps to create a crashing effect, players should throw Sting Shards to catch it in an inescapable damage loop. Once the boss is down, attack its head for maximum damage.

A key tell to watch for is when the Judge squats down. This signals the start of an arc swing with the flail. Hornet should dodge away as far as possible. The hitbox is deceptively large and can clip her even when she appears to be at a safe distance.

Phase 2: Fire, Stone, and Increased Aggression

Once the Judge's health drops enough, the fight shifts dramatically. The boss begins whipping its flail in a circular motion, sending waves of heat and flame shooting out in both directions. This attack covers a huge portion of the arena.

Navigating the Fire Waves

Players should follow the direction of the fire waves and stay in the gaps between them. Moving toward the boss during this attack is a bad idea. The swinging flail will knock Hornet directly into the flames, especially if she lacks the Weighted Belt.

The Judge also adds a new dash attack. It leans forward before charging across the screen, followed by two to three bursts of fire erupting from the ground. Hornet should jump into the air and use her glide to stay airborne. With the Magma Bell equipped, any accidental fire contact becomes significantly less punishing.

AOE Jump Attack and Airborne Combat

His previous jump attack receives a dangerous upgrade. Upon landing, the Judge creates a wide area-of-effect burst of rock fragments that lift from the ground. Staying airborne with the glide as long as possible is the best way to avoid chip damage from this attack. Players should also keep track of where the boss moves after the jump.

During Phase 2, side hits become situational. Attacking from above is the most reliable way to land damage. The Threadstorm ability shines here, as it can be used while airborne to punish the boss during its recovery frames.

Phase 3: The Final Stagger and Victory

There is no distinct third phase in the traditional sense. Instead, the fight escalates with the Judge mixing all of its Phase 2 attacks at a faster pace. Players need to stagger the boss two more times after the initial phase transition. Each stagger provides a brief window to deal heavy damage to the Judge's head.

When the final stagger occurs, the boss begins to glow white. This signals the end of the fight. The Last Judge falls, and Hornet finally gains access to the Citadel. Act 2 begins, and the Judge achievement pops up to confirm the victory.

Final Tips for Success

Stay patient. The Last Judge punishes greed more than anything else.

Use traps aggressively. Sting Shards deal consistent damage even while dodging.

Keep the Magma Bell equipped. Fire damage is the most common cause of death in this fight.

Save your silk for staggers. Threadstorm during a stagger deletes a huge chunk of boss health.

With the right preparation and a calm approach, The Last Judge becomes a manageable wall. Reaching the Citadel marks a major turning point in Silksong, and the satisfaction of watching that ancient guardian fall is well worth the effort.

The fight against The Last Judge is just one of many unforgettable moments that make Silksong such a rewarding experience. The Citadel and everything beyond it hold new enemies, lore, and upgrades that continue to push Hornet's journey forward in surprising ways. For players who have been following the game since its announcement, finally reaching this point feels like a milestone well earned, and it is only natural to want to dive even deeper into the adventure.

For those who have been playing through Silksong on a friend's recommendation or after picking it up on a whim, the quality of this boss fight is a perfect example of why Team Cherry's work stands out. If you have not yet added the game to your own library, or if you want to grab a copy for someone else so they can experience the thrill for themselves, it is worth taking a moment to check game prices and find the best deal available before your next adventure begins.