How to Get to Act 2 in Hollow Knight Silksong

Reaching Act 2 in Hollow Knight Silksong is no easy task. By this point, you’ll have battled through relentless enemies, solved tricky puzzles, and explored hidden corners of Pharloom. Luckily, there are two main routes that can lead Hornet to Act 2:

• The Blasted Steps path, which requires key progression items.
• The Exhaust Organ route, unlocked once you’ve mastered advanced movement abilities.

This guide will walk you through both methods step by step so you can decide which path suits your playstyle.

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Path 1: How to Reach Act 2 via Blasted Steps

The Blasted Steps route is the more straightforward option, though it requires certain items and a tough boss fight.

Step 1 – Retrieve the Haunted Bellhart

• First, defeat Moorwing in Greymoor.
• Use the Drifter’s Cloak to break through the ceiling, unlocking access to Greymoor.
• Continue until you face Weaver in Shellwood (top corner). After the fight, you’ll earn the Haunted Bellhart.

Step 2 – Unlock the Blasted Steps

• Upon defeating Weaver, Hornet also gains the Needolin ability, essential for progressing toward the Citadel.
• Head back to Shellwood and locate the Blasted Steps entrance.

Step 3 – Cross the Platforms

• Climb the chain-linked hanging platforms.
• Stop by the bench west of the Grand Gate before continuing.
• From there, move right until you reach another elevated platform.

Step 4 – Defeat the Last Judge Boss

• You’ll encounter a Silk Cocoon that triggers the Last Judge boss fight.
• After an intense battle, the boss falls in flames.
• A cutscene plays, showing the locked door opening, officially starting Act 2.

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Path 2: How to Reach Act 2 via Exhaust Organ

The alternate path requires Hornet’s Cling Grip (wall jump ability) and tests your patience with platforming challenges and another difficult boss.

Step 1 – Enter the Mist from Bilewater

• From Greymoor, move to the Halfway Home vertical area.
• Continue along Sinner’s Road, then right into Bilewater.
• Find the fast-travel bench, then head left to arrive at The Mist.

Step 2 – Follow the Fairy Butterflies

• In The Mist, glowing fairy-butterfly creatures guide you toward the Exhaust Organ entrance.
• Beware of shrieking ghosts that try to knock you off platforms.

Step 3 – Climb the Broken Elevator

• Continue right until you reach a broken elevator shaft.
• Push forward into a windy section filled with timed gusts.
• Time your jumps to ride the wind currents upward.

Step 4 – Defeat Phantom Boss

• At the top, you’ll face Phantom, a boss that requires precise dodging.
• Defeating Phantom grants Hornet the Parry ability.
• From here, you’ll unlock the back entrance to the Choral Chambers, emerging above the Grand Bellway.
• This entrance connects directly to the Citadel, beginning Act 2.

Whether you choose the direct Blasted Steps route or the challenging Exhaust Organ path, both journeys will test your combat skills and patience with Hollow Knight Silksong’s signature platforming. Once Act 2 begins, an entirely new layer of Pharloom unfolds, offering even tougher challenges and rewards.