All Hollow Knight Silksong endings and how to unlock them

What are all the Silksong endings? Following in the original game's footsteps, Hornet's journey through Pharloom has several potential conclusions. However, there's a bit of a twist to be found here, as one of the 'endings' isn't quite what it seems to be. Naturally, having clicked on this guide, you're signing yourself up for major spoilers. But it's not too late to turn back now if you're not 100% sure on whether you want to know what lies ahead.

If you're reading this, then we assume you've steeled your resolve and are ready to dive in. Hollow Knight Silksong has five potential endings: three proper closers (including an alternative cutscene for one of them), one red herring, and a 'secret' ending if you complete what is arguably the hardest wish quest one of the best Metroidvania games has to offer. As with Hollow Knight, Silksong's 'true' ending has you scour the Silksong map and complete extra prerequisites. Below, you'll find a complete rundown of each ending and everything you need to do to unlock them.

The Hollow Knight Silksong endings are:

• Weaver Queen - Standard ending
• Snared Silk - Bad ending
• Sister of the Void - True ending
• Twisted Child - Cursed ending
• Passing of the Age - Secret ending

Weaver Queen

How to unlock: Defeat Grand Mother Silk

The Silksong Weaver Queen ending is unlocked by defeating Grand Mother Silk at the end of Act 2, binding the god-like entity to Hornet. After the assimilation is completed, Hornet can be seen, cocooned in silk, transforming into a beast-like entity similar to her mother, Herrah. If that name rings a bell, Herrah was one of the three Dreamers from the original Hollow Knight, who conceived Hornet with the Pale King.

There's also an alternate version of this ending, which appears to show the binding going awry as a powered up Grand Mother Silk, having taken over Hornet's vessel, extends her web of control over the entirety of Pharloom. We're not quite sure how to unlock this one yet, but will update this guide as soon as we know more. At the very least, there isn't a standalone achievement tied to this, indicating it's likely still part of the Weaver Queen ending.

Snared Silk

How to unlock: Grant every wish, unlock Hornet's bellhome, have the Fleamaster's caravan move to Fleatopia, complete 'Silk and Soul'

If you're a true completionist, and aren't content with merely leaving Hornet bound to Grand Mother Silk, then welcome to the road to the true ending. To unlock the Silksong Snared Silk ending, you'll first need to complete every wish in the game, including those found on boards (Bone Bottom, Bellhart, and Songclave) and out in the wild. Once you've cleared Bellhart's side quests, Pavo in Bellhart will give you your own bellhome at the top of the town.

Next, you'll have to round up enough Silksong fleas - 25 will suffice - to advance Fleamaster Mooshka's caravan to Fleatopia, which is found in the far east of the Putrified Ducts. Before the fleas can move to their forever home, you'll first need to case the Pale Lake, which can be reached either by heading up through Bilewater, or east out of Memorium, then through the ducts.

Now that's all out of the way, speak to the Caretaker in Songclave, who'll reveal their grand, alternative plan to take down Grand Mother Silk without Hornet having to give up her life in the process. They will give you the Silk and Soul wish, which has you gather three souls and a Snare Setter from telegraphed locations.

With the goods collected, return to the Caretaker who'll craft the trap before heading to The Cradle. It's time for you to follow suit. Make your way to the final showdown, finish the fight as normal, but opt to play the Needolin instead of binding Grand Mother Silk. A void portal will open, ensnaring her, but she won't go down easily. Grand Mother Silk grabs Hornet, intending to take her down. Fortunately, Lace comes to the rescue, freeing Hornet from her clutches, and sacrificing herself to bring down Pharloom's monarch once and for all. The portal closes, it's over.

Or is it? As The Cradle begins to crack, so too does The Citadel's pathways, spewing forth tendrils of void. Congratulations, you've doomed Pharloom, but there's a chance to save it. Welcome to Act 3, you're going to love it here.

Sister of the Void - Silksong true ending

How to unlock: Get the Snared Silk ending, complete 'The Old Hearts,' complete 'Last Dive'

The Silksong Sister of the Void ending can be considered the game's 'true' ending. It may not look as laborious as Snared Silk, but let's just say the denizens of Pharloom will provide an even greater challenge than before. To unlock the ending, you'll have to first make your way to the Snail Shamans in the Moss Chapel, and accept The Old Hearts wish from them.

To complete the wish, you'll simply need to head to the three marked locations, clear their trials, and defeat the bosses. Bring their hearts to the shamans, retrieve the final item you need to save Pharloom, then proceed with the Last Dive quest objective, which culminates in a showdown with the true final boss. We're keeping things vague here on purpose because Act 3 is absolute cinema from start to finish, and we want you to experience as many of its twists and turns for yourself as possible without ruining all of the surprises.

Twisted Child

How to unlock: Defeat Grand Mother Silk while cursed

The Silksong Twisted Child ending can only be unlocked in Act 2, so bear that in mind before you embark on Snared Silk. You'll first need to find the Twisted Bud in Bilewater (because of course a cursed item would be in Bilewater). After completing the Rite of the Pollip wish, take it to Greyroot in Shellwood to set the wheels in motion, cursing Hornet in the process. Do not complete the Infestation Operation wish, as it will cure Hornet and prevent you from getting the ending. While cursed, Hornet won't be able to utilize her silky arsenal, making the final showdown with Grand Mother Silk a more challenging affair.

The Twisted Child Silksong ending is a truly spooky affair that sees Hornet's curse-afflicted self intertwine with Grand Mother Silk in eldritch fashion, turning the pair into a sprawling tree-like entity once the final Silksong boss is defeated. However, behind their woody corpses, something monstrous stirs…

Passing of the Age

How to unlock: Complete 'Passing of the Age,' get the Sister of the Void ending

Mister Mushroom fans, your time is now. Everyone's favorite nonchalant fungi is back once again, having flown into Pharloom after zooming out of Hallownest in the original Hollow Knight's secret ending.

To unlock the Silksong Passing of Age ending, you'll need to track down Mister Mushroom in a set order of seven different locations throughout Pharloom - this includes arguably the hardest platforming section of the entire game. To get started, pick up the Passing of Age wish, which can be found in a secret area above the Pale Lake. You'll need the Silk Soar ability to reach it, so you won't be able to begin Mister Mushroom's trials until you're close to the end of Act 3.

Once you've played a sufficient amount of hide-and-seek, the wish will be granted. Now, defeat the true final boss and both the Sister of the Void and Passing of the Age cutscenes will play. Mister Mushroom gets jetsetting once more, leaving behind a very special message.

And those are the Hollow Knight Silksong endings and how to unlock them. If you're grinding for full completion, you'll want to load up on Silksong mask shards and Simple Keys, as well as the best Silksong tools to see you through to the magic 100% mark.