Silksong: Where to Find All the Cool Gear
Let’s be honest: getting better gear is half the fun of playing Hollow Knight. The other half is dying repeatedly in beautiful, haunting environments. Now that Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally the topic of every gaming conversation on the planet, you’re probably wondering where you can actually find all the shiny new tools, hats, and weapons. But here is the first, most important truth you need to accept right now.
Silksong isn’t out yet.
If you are looking for a definitive, map-based guide with coordinates for every vial of essence or schematic in the game, you are currently reading the wrong article, because the game does not exist on store shelves. Team Cherry has been tight-lipped about the release date, but whenever it drops, finding that "cool gear" will likely require a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and painful combat trials. That said, we can make some very educated guesses based on the established mechanics of the first game and what we’ve seen in trailers and demos.
Understanding the Silksong Loot System
In the original Hollow Knight, gear wasn’t just handed to you. You had to earn it. You had to explore deep chasms, defeat stubborn bosses, or solve frustrating geometry puzzles to get a mask shard or a new charm. If Silksong follows its predecessor’s philosophy, you won’t find a list of loot in a handbook. Instead, you’ll find it hidden in the corners of the world.
Expect the distribution to work similarly:
- Combat Drops: Defeating major enemies or bosses will likely reward you with new moves, accessories, or visual upgrades.
- Exploration Rewards: Hidden areas, secret rooms, and well-placed quills (your new currency) will unlock items with vendors or statues.
- Story Milestones: Progressing through the main narrative will naturally grant you essential gear, though the "cool" stuff is usually reserved for side paths.
The Quill Economy: Your Ticket to Upgrades
In the first game, you collected Geo. In Silksong, you collect Quills. Based on the early access demos, Quills serve as both your health upgrades and your currency for buying gear. This is a critical shift.
In Hollow Knight, you could min-max your health easily by finding all the Heart Containers. With Silksong, Quills seem to be more scarce earlier on. This means every piece of gear you buy from vendors will feel like a significant investment. You won’t just be buying cosmetics; you’ll be trading the resources needed to increase your maximum health.
Tip: When the game launches, prioritize finding Quills in out-of-the-way places. The "cool gear" from vendors is usually gated behind a certain Quill count. Don’t dump your stash early on niche charms if you want to unlock a new movement ability later. Balance your inventory.
Bosses Drop the Best Tools
If you want the most impactful gear, you have to fight. In Hollow Knight, bosses like the Collector or the Radiance gave you some of the most versatile charms. This pattern almost certainly repeats in Silksong.
Team Cherry has shown us that Hornet has a massive moveset, including her Bow of Keeping, Silk Toss, and double-jump. New gear likely synergizes with these moves. For example, expect accessories that enhance your Silk abilities—perhaps longer lasting silk trails or stronger tethers. These won’t be found in a merchant’s shop. They will be locked behind the toughest enemies in the kingdom.
Look for:
- Accessories that boost Silk damage or duration.
- Movement charms that complement your Double Jump.
- Offensive charms that pair with your Bow.
Exploration and Secrets
Team Cherry loves a good secret. In the first game, Gear was hidden behind invisible walls, across difficult platforming sections, or guarded by unique mechanics (like the Mantis Lords’ arena). In Silksong, you should expect similar.
The world of Pharloom is vertical. It is tight, claustrophobic, and full of hidden tunnels. To find the best gear, you can’t just follow the main path. You need to look up. You need to break walls. You need to use your Silk not just to climb, but to interact with the environment to open new routes.
Keep an eye out for:
- Hidden alcoves behind breakable crates or walls.
- Mysterious NPCs who offer unique items if you complete their side quests.
- Upgrade stations that enhance your basic gear as you find new materials.
Customization and Cosmetics
Let’s not forget the "cool" factor. Hollow Knight players love customizing their Knight’s look. In Silksong, this seems to be expanded. Trainers and statues in the game allow you to change Hornet’s appearance.
While these aren’t "gear" in the stat-boosting sense, they are a huge part of the player experience. You’ll likely spend a significant amount of your Quills changing your color palette, eye shapes, and cloak styles. This is a safe way to dump excess currency if you find yourself with too many Quills and no essential gear to buy.
Patience is the Best Strategy
Until Silksong actually releases, the best advice we can give is to master the demo if you have it. Get used to the controls. Learn how your Silk interacts with the environment. Understand how difficult the bosses are.
When the game launches, you’ll know exactly what kit you need to survive the early areas. Don’t rush. Explore. Die. Learn. That’s the Hollow Knight way. The gear will find you if you’re brave enough to look for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hollow Knight: Silksong out now?
No. As of early 2024, there is no confirmed release date for Hollow Knight: Silksong. It is still in development by Team Cherry.
Will there be a wiki for Silksong gear?
Not until the game is released. Community wikis like the Hollow Knight Wiki will update with a complete, interactive map of all gears and charms shortly after launch.
Is gear randomized in Silksong?
There is no evidence of procedural generation or roguelike loot drops in the traditional sense. The game remains a hand-crafted Metroidvania, meaning all gear locations are fixed and deliberate.
Do I need to finish Hollow Knight first to understand Silksong?
No. The story is new, but the gameplay mechanics are similar. However, fans of the first game will appreciate the references and deeper lore connections.