Every Ending in Hollow Knight Silksong and How to Unlock Them

The kingdom of Pharloom is a labyrinth of silk and song, a world far removed from the decaying ruins of Hallownest but no less dangerous. For Hornet, the journey from the depths of the Gilded City to the peak of the Citadel is fraught with choices that dictate not only her fate but the survival of the entire kingdom.

Hollow Knight: Silksong features six distinct endings, split across two major narrative branches: Act 2 and Act 3. While some endings leave the world shrouded in the same oppressive silk that began the journey, others peel back the layers of Pharloom’s curse to reveal the haunting influence of the Void.

Quick Summary of All Endings

To help you navigate your journey, here is a breakdown of the endings and their primary requirements:

Ending 1: The Weaver Queen (Act 2) – Defeat Grandmother Silk and choose to "Bind."
Ending 2: The Twisted Child (Act 2) – Defeat Grandmother Silk while under the effect of the "Cursed Crest."
Ending 3: Snared Silk (The Transition) – Use the Needolin to activate the Soul Snare on Grandmother Silk.
Ending 4: Sister of the Void (The True Ending) – Complete Act 3, obtain the Everbloom, and defeat Lost Lace in the Abyss.
Ending 5: Snared Silk (Void Epilogue) – A variation of the Snared Silk ending with added cinematic context.
Ending 6: Passing of the Age (Secret Ending) – Find Mister Mushroom in all seven locations before finishing the game.

The Standard Act 2 Finalities

Most players will naturally progress toward the Act 2 endings during their first playthrough. These outcomes occur at the peak of the Citadel, after the climactic battle against Grandmother Silk.

The Weaver Queen Ending

The "Weaver Queen" is widely considered the standard or "Normal" ending. It is the most direct path and requires no complex side quests.

How to Unlock:

Reach the Citadel by progressing through the main story areas (Moss Grotto, Deep Docks, Greymoor, and the Gilded City).
Confront and defeat Grandmother Silk.
Upon her defeat, you will be prompted with the choice to "Bind." Choosing this option triggers the ending.

Outcome and Lore: Hornet absorbs the essence of the Silk Mother, effectively taking her place. The cinematic depicts Hornet in the center of the Cradle, her form shifting as she grows additional arms, mirroring the Weaver royalty of old. While Hornet achieves immense power, she becomes the very thing she sought to overcome—a monarch bound by silk. The kingdom of Pharloom remains encased in white threads, its cycle of pilgrimage and sacrifice continuing under a new ruler. This ending unlocks the "Cradle" menu style and the "Weaver Queen" achievement.

The Twisted Child Ending

This is the "Cursed" ending, and it is easily missable. It requires you to intentionally handicap yourself through a specific side quest involving the NPC Grey Root.

How to Unlock:

Locate Grey Root in Shellwood. She will task you with the "Rite of Rebirth" quest.
Travel to the Bile Water area to retrieve the "Twisted Bud."
Return the item to Grey Root. She will perform a ritual that inflicts the "Cursed Crest" upon Hornet.
Warning: The Cursed Crest significantly debuffs Hornet, removing her ability to heal and reducing silk generation. Do not complete the "Infestation Operation" quest, as this will cleanse the curse.
Defeat Grandmother Silk while the curse is active.

Outcome and Lore: As Grandmother Silk falls, the parasitic vines within Hornet's Cursed Crest erupt. Instead of binding the silk, the roots consume both Hornet and the Silk Mother, transforming the Citadel into a nightmarish, wooden overgrowth. A wooden egg is shown hatching in the final moments, suggesting the birth of a new, unknown entity. This ending unlocks the "Grey Root" menu style and the "Twisted Child" achievement.

The Path to Act 3: Snared Silk

To see the true conclusion of Silksong, you must look beyond the simple choices of Binding or Cursing. The "Snared Silk" path is not just an ending; it is the bridge to the game's final act.

Unlocking the Silk and Soul Quest

Accessing this path requires completing the "Silk and Soul" questline provided by The Caretaker. This is a lengthy endeavor that involves clearing wish boards across Pharloom and gathering four specific items:

The Maiden's Soul: Found deep within the Whispering Vaults.
The Hermit's Soul: Hidden in the frozen peaks of Mount Fay.
The Seeker's Soul: Located in the ruins of the Old Weaver Nest.
The Snare Setter: Obtained after moving the Flea Caravan to Fleatopia.

Activating the Soul Snare

Once you have these items, return to The Caretaker to prepare the "Needolin," a specialized musical tool. When you face Grandmother Silk at the Citadel, do not choose "Bind." Instead, select the "Needolin" option.

The Transition Cinematic: Hornet plays the Needolin, triggering the Soul Snare. A massive portal to the Abyss opens beneath Grandmother Silk. In a desperate struggle, the Silk Mother attempts to drag Hornet into the Void with her. Lace intervenes, sacrificing herself by severing the Mother's grip and being pulled into the darkness herself. Hornet falls from the collapsing tower, and the game transitions into Act 3.

The True Ending: Sister of the Void

Act 3 takes place in the aftermath of the Citadel's collapse. Pharloom is now gripped by "Void-soaked threads," and Hornet’s mission shifts from ascension to rescue.

Journey into the Abyss

To achieve the "Sister of the Void" ending, you must descend into the Abyss, the source of the dark energy that has plagued Pharloom.

Find the Diving Bell Key: This key is located in the Putrefied Ducts, an area accessible only after the Flea Caravan reaches its final destination.
Enter the Deep Docks Abyss Entrance: Use the key to unlock the heavy gates at the bottom of the world.
The Everbloom Requirement: Before the final boss, you must obtain the "Everbloom," a flower imbued with pure light. This requires accessing a hidden memory near the Pale Lake, which references the White Lady from Hallownest.

Defeating Lost Lace

At the heart of the Abyss, you find a massive cocoon where the Silk Mother’s essence has merged with the Void, holding a corrupted Lace captive. The final boss is "Lost Lace," a fast-paced, high-stakes duel that tests every skill you have acquired.

Battle Pro-Tips:

Parry Timing: Lost Lace uses a teleporting dash that can be parried for massive silk gain.
Void Resistance: Equip charms that increase your health or provide immunity to the "Void Chill" status effect.
The Everbloom Utility: The Everbloom provides a passive aura that prevents the Void Tendrils from grabbing you during the fight’s third phase.

The True Conclusion

Upon defeating Lost Lace, the Knight (the protagonist of the first game, now as the Lord of Shades) emerges from the depths. The Shade Lord protects Hornet and the purified Lace from being consumed, carrying them safely back to the surface as Pharloom’s curse finally breaks.

Outcome and Lore: This is the only ending where both Hornet and Lace survive. The kingdom is freed from both the oppressive Silk and the encroaching Void. The final shot shows Hornet and Lace overlooking a peaceful Pharloom, with Lace's pin resting alongside Hornet's needle on the title screen pedestal. This unlocks the "Surface" menu style and the "Sister of the Void" achievement.

The Secret Epilogue: Passing of the Age

Fans of the original Hollow Knight will remember Mister Mushroom. He returns in Silksong with an even more cryptic questline that provides a secret post-credits scene.

Mister Mushroom's 7 Locations

You must find and speak to Mister Mushroom in a specific order across Pharloom. In most locations, he is hidden beneath the floor; you must play the Needolin to draw him out.

Moss Grotto: Near the ruined chapel, just below the surface.
Bone Bottom: On the ledge where Shakra’s shop was formerly located.
East Far Fields: Near the entrance to the Weaver Nest.
Greymoor: Inside a secret passage above the large windmills.
The Slab: Right next to the first Sinner’s Cage.
Mount Fay: At the very highest point of the mountain, requiring the "Silk Soar" ability.
Above the Citadel: Accessible only after the Grandmother Silk fight by using Silk Soar to reach a hidden platforming section.

Achievement: Passing of the Age If you complete all encounters and then achieve the "Sister of the Void" ending, an extra scene plays after the credits. It shows Mister Mushroom launching himself into the sky, accompanied by the text "To be continued." This hints at the broader cosmic lore connecting the various kingdoms of the bug world.

How to Manage Multiple Endings in One Save File

A common question among completionists is whether they need multiple playthroughs to see all endings. The answer is: Not necessarily.

Silksong uses a "bench-reset" mechanic. After viewing most endings, loading your save file will return you to the last bench before the final encounter. However, there is a major "Point of No Return":

The Act 3 Transition: Once you use the Needolin and trigger the "Snared Silk" ending, the world state changes permanently into Act 3. You cannot go back to achieve the "Weaver Queen" or "Twisted Child" endings on that save file.
Recommendation: Complete the "Weaver Queen" and "Twisted Child" endings first. Then, reload your save, finish the "Silk and Soul" quest, and proceed to Act 3 for the remaining endings.

Speedrun and Steel Soul Challenges

For those seeking the ultimate test, Silksong offers additional achievements tied to the endings:

Speed Completion: Achieve 100% game completion and finish the game in under 30 hours.
Speedrunner: Complete the game in under 5 hours (any ending).
Steel Soul/Steel Heart: Complete the game (and 100% it) on Steel Soul mode, where death is permanent. These do not change the ending cutscenes but are required for the Platinum trophy/1000 G.

Conclusion

The endings of Hollow Knight: Silksong offer a profound look into Hornet’s character and the complex history of Pharloom. Whether you choose to ascend as the Weaver Queen, fall to the curse of the Twisted Child, or fight through the Abyss for the hope of the Sister of the Void ending, each path provides a unique piece of the narrative puzzle. For the most rewarding experience, the "Sister of the Void" true ending combined with the "Passing of the Age" epilogue stands as the definitive conclusion to Hornet’s arduous journey.

FAQ

What is the "True Ending" in Silksong?

The "Sister of the Void" ending is widely considered the true ending. It requires reaching Act 3, rescuing Lace from the Abyss, and involves a cameo by the Shade Lord from the first game.

Can I get all endings in a single playthrough?

Yes, but you must be careful. You should get the Act 2 endings (Weaver Queen and Twisted Child) first. Once you trigger the "Snared Silk" ending and enter Act 3, you can no longer access the standard Act 2 endings on that save.

Who is Grandmother Silk?

Grandmother Silk is the final boss of Act 2, located in the Citadel. She is the source of the silk that encases Pharloom and serves as the primary antagonist for the first two-thirds of the game.

How do I get the secret Mister Mushroom ending?

You must find Mister Mushroom in 7 specific locations across Pharloom and talk to him in the correct order. Afterward, complete any main ending to see the secret post-credits scene.

What does the "Everbloom" do?

The Everbloom is a quest item needed for the true ending. It protects Hornet from being instantly consumed by Void Tendrils during the fight with Lost Lace in the Abyss.