Hollow Knight Silksong: How to Beat Sister Splinter (Location, Tips & Rewards)

The Sister Splinter boss fight in Hollow Knight Silksong is one of the most challenging encounters players face in Shellwood. Acting as a gatekeeper to the Cling Grip upgrade, Sister Splinter blocks your progress until you can overcome her relentless attacks and environmental hazards.

This guide covers everything you need: her location, attack patterns, strategies, and rewards so you can defeat her and continue your journey.

Sister Splinter Location in Hollow Knight Silksong

You’ll find Sister Splinter near the upper area of Shellwood, guarding the path forward. To reach her:

1. Start from either Bellhart or the Shellwood eastern bench.

2. Climb using the white flowers before reaching Bone Bottom.

3. If you haven’t already, unlock the Bellway shortcut on the left.

4. Head right into the skill chamber and progress through the water-filled room with white flowers.

5. Use the elevator shortcut to reach a nearby bench.

6. From there, go right and ascend until you reach Sister Splinter’s arena.

She waits at the top, forcing you into a battle before you can claim the vital Cling Grip wall-jump ability.

Sister Splinter Attack Patterns

Learning her attack patterns is key to victory in this boss fight. Here’s what she’ll throw at you:

• Triple Slash Combo – Her claws glow before she strikes three times, alternating hands. Always expect three swipes and dodge in the opposite direction.
• Thorn Summon – Rustling leaves above mean vines and spikes will drop, shrinking the arena. These can be destroyed with Hornet’s needle or her own claws.
• Enemy Summons – At intervals, she calls in flying minions that spin into whirlwind attacks. If ignored, they’ll corner you quickly.

The arena becomes increasingly claustrophobic with vines and enemies, so spacing and quick reactions are crucial.

Tips and Tricks to Defeat Sister Splinter

Beating Sister Splinter isn’t just about dodging—it’s about managing the arena. Here are the best tips to win this boss fight:

1. Clear minions first – Flying enemies can overwhelm you if ignored. A few quick needle strikes or ranged throws will eliminate them.

2. Destroy thorns immediately – Don’t let vines limit your space. Clearing them keeps the arena open.

3. Use Thread Storm – This AoE ability provides crowd control when the arena gets too hectic.

4. Heal with Warding Bell – The shield effect not only protects you but also reflects damage, making healing safer.

5. Watch her glowing claws – Every swipe is telegraphed. Remember it’s a three-hit combo—don’t rush in too early.

6. Equip Reaper Crest if available – Its wide crescent slashes can clear vines, minions, and damage Sister Splinter all at once.

Rewards for Defeating Sister Splinter

Victory earns you access to the Cling Grip upgrade, found at a spider effigy just beyond her chamber.

• Cling Grip Ability: Lets Hornet wall-jump by leaping toward a wall and tapping the jump button repeatedly.
• This upgrade is a game-changer for exploration, opening up vertical movement and new areas across Pharloom.

The Hollow Knight Silksong Sister Splinter boss fight is a test of patience, mobility, and arena control. By clearing minions quickly, managing vines, and reading her attack patterns, you’ll gain the upper hand. Defeating her unlocks the Cling Grip, one of the most essential upgrades for traversal.

Mastering this encounter sets you up for smoother exploration ahead in Shellwood and beyond.