How to Cure the Infestation Curse in *Hollow Knight: Silksong*
A delightful series of events in *Silksong* will lead players into a realm of challenges and unexpected rewards after stumbling upon Mandrago. This guide unveils every step needed to snag a powerful emblem and trophies, with Yarnaby serving as a peculiar helper along the way.
Now, let’s be real: *Hollow Knight: Silksong* seems to have a passion for giving players heart palpitations, yet it generously throws in surprises that may or may not make players chuckle. The perfect example lies in the parasite quest series, which is basically the gameplay equivalent of the needle in a haystack—difficult to find but entirely worth the effort.
Tracking Down Mandrago the Parasite
First stop: hunting for a rather specific item tucked away in a hidden tunnel located in the sprawling Bilesac. It’s not exactly a Wanderlust Zone—this tunnel can only be accessed via the Citadel and the Whispers’ Vaults. There’s a sneaky passage right at the ceiling of the big room on the right. Just to clear things up, unless players fancy doing acrobatics, this passage is the way forward.
Once through the tunnel, players will discover various bonuses, including an impressive vertical shaft plunging right into the fabled closed-off section of Bilesac. Don’t be alarmed if strange baby sounds echo through the area—it’s just Mandragora waiting in its cozy little cradle at the end of a hidden room.
What to Do with Mandrago?
Once a player has successfully snatched up this adorable yet bizarre baby, it’s time to trundle over to *Griseracine*, the eerily delightful creature who previously requested some Pollip Hearts at *Coquibois*. Spoiler alert: Players should have already fulfilled that little wish. Upon arrival, Griseracine will offer a second wish, known as the Rite of Reincarnation.
Warning: It’s strongly advised to finish Act 2 and prepare to face the final boss before diving headfirst into this wish. Things may get chaotic!
Accepting the wish leads to some very unexpected consequences, and poor Hornet ends up cursed and infested! In typical game fashion, a useless emblem sans any tool slots is slapped on, and the player’s abilities are reduced to what can only be described as “minimalist at best.” No healing, no powers—except those related to basic movement. Attempting to rest at a bench? Forget about it; the curse carries no mercy here. Hornet wakes up in a previously inaccessible part of *Coquibois*, allowing for a minor adventure while snagging a few extra goodies before leaving.
Obtaining the Tormented Child Trophy
For those determined to snag a specific trophy, a joyful encounter with the game’s final boss, the Mother Silk, while still afflicted by the curse is necessary. Following the steps detailed in this guide may hinder your chances of achieving this trophy later; a fair warning to all!
Fret not; the boss isn’t overly challenging. With a bit of practice, defeating her without useful tools or healing is entirely feasible. The story will progress normally unless the player opts for the second ending in this precarious state—because complications are a classic twist in gaming plots.
Yarnaby and Parasite Surgery
While chatting with the quirky locals of Clochelle, rumors of a disturbed surgeon may arise. Perhaps a visit to her door has occurred in the past? Enter Yarnaby, the charmingly eccentric inhabitant of a house in the top left corner of *Sombrevale*. Typically, she requests an infected victim—not ideal but not too shocking in this game either. However, players will be fortunate; she’ll ready her scalpel, but only after acquiring Steel Spines. This will kick off the wish known as Parasite Surgery!
Head on over to the Fisherman’s Path and chat with the duo of prisoners living in a house suspended upside down in the main room, Crull and Benjin. Getting what they want will cost a hefty 260 Pearls. It’s possible their prior wish must be fulfilled, but handshakes on that matter have not been confirmed.
After gathering those spines, it’s back to Yarnaby for some surgical magic. The delicate operation will reward players with a new emblem, the Witch’s Emblem, that boasts three blue tool slots and some seriously fierce attacks. However, using its vampiric or rather parasitic healing powers might require a bit of finesse.
Lastly, don’t forget to pay a visit to Eva at the Alta’s Weaving Nest. She’ll generously add a passive tool slot to every emblem—at least, if all six emblems from Act 2 have been located. It’s a win-win situation, if one doesn’t mind the chaotic adventure that led to it!
