Fragments of Disharmony: How to Collect Those Mask Pieces in Hollow Knight Silksong?
When faced with the relentless onslaught of challenges in Hollow Knight Silksong, it’s a bit like trying to swim through molasses – slow and rather sticky. Increasing the number of masks, which equates to those precious points of life, is the first priority. This guide lays out the locations of those elusive Mask Fragments, complete with the routes to take and required powers to save 500 hours of unnecessary wandering and frustration.
Why all the trouble, you ask? Well, the only thing harder than finding your way through the dark, foreboding lands is actually trying to collect extra life points in this game. The whole endeavor feels like trying to squeeze toothpaste back into the tube. While Hornet may ultimately go from 5 to 10 health points at the end of the grand escapade, it’s hardly a miraculous solution. Nevertheless, a few extra masks can provide just the edge needed for facing the game’s nastiest boss fights, like the Final Judge and that charmingly ludicrous Karmelita.
List and Locations of the Mask Fragments
The Mask Fragments are laid out here in a logical order of acquisition, taking into account progression through various zones and the powers required. Some of these delightful little masks hid away in the early areas won’t be obtainable until Hornet is well into her journey. One should also note that every fragment not purchased from a vendor awaits with a nasty little challenge waiting to be solved, be it an arena or a series of obstacles meant to test one’s sanity.
- Bone Abyss: The game’s first mask is sneakily sold by a charming merchant in the village for 300 Pearls. By the time three additional fragments are collected, there’s a good chance enough Pearls will have been scrapped together to snag this beauty.
- Far Lands: Before obtaining this fragment, bet some pearls at the tailor for the parachute cape. Utilize the air currents below to discover a secret passageway in the ceiling, leading directly to this masked beauty.
- Wormtide: Enter this zone from above. The mask is cunningly concealed behind a destructible wall at the bottom of the pit preceding the locked door. Hope those trusty jumping skills are on point!
- Wooden Shell: This fragment lies at the bottom of a room filled with thorny traps. It will require a bit of acrobatic finesse to bounce on numerous flower buds before reaching the final destination.
- Deep Quays: Spotted during the first visit, but access requires a left passage in the Den, demanding the power of Wall Jumping. Better keep those legs limber!
- Alta’s Nest Thread: To gain access to this area, one must get the power of music from the Widow. A hidden passage lurks at the right of the elevator/conveyor shaft, leading into a lava-filled zone, requiring some impressive enemy bouncing skills to cross the fiery streams.
- Clochelle: This one is a bit unique and needs explanation. Three different mask fragments can be obtained from the Wishing Tableau by completing quests. The first calls for a battle against the Raging Volpeste in the Far Lands. The twist is the next two wishes aren’t even available until that perilous third act! Someone’s having a laugh, clearly.
Complete Clochelle’s wishes, and later from Chansoir. Once onto the third act, those desired wishes will show up as the story progresses, but each comes with its own delicious brand of challenge, just like Hunter of Shadows. What a treat!
Act 3 Fragmentation
The following masks can only be discovered upon reaching the grand third act and acquiring the Silk Dash power.
- Eroded Steps: Head towards the passage leading from Pharloom’s kingdom exit. Hornet will automatically backtrack, leading to a hidden ceiling passage reachable using Silk Dash. You didn’t think this would be simple, did you?
- High Mountain: Stand upon the ice block in the center of the freezing pond. A secret ceiling passage leads to the sub-zone of Iceglass. The mask fragment awaits there, but the climb is treacherously challenging. A warm cup of tea could be handy!
- Far Lands Finale: The last mask fragment sets itself apart a bit. After advancing in the Red Ant dungeon by utilizing the Silk Dash in the Hunter’s Path statue room, players will come across a sporty insect, cleverly camouflaged in a sub-zone within the far right of the Far Lands. Keep those eyes peeled!
To earn the final mask fragment, a chat with the Speed Master is necessary, followed by a relentless competition involving three increasingly difficult races as part of the Fastest in Pharloom wish. Aggressively utilizing the Grappling Hook is key to victory. Who would have guessed that speed and agility could be so… exhausting?
