Hidden Secrets and Easter Eggs in Hollow Knight: Silksong

Team Cherry has always been known for packing their games with hidden secrets, subtle references, and clever Easter eggs, and Hollow Knight: Silksong is no exception. Beyond the main questline and challenging boss fights lies a treasure trove of hidden content waiting to be discovered by the most dedicated players. From nods to the original Hollow Knight to obscure references that span gaming history, Silksong rewards exploration and curiosity like few other games.

After hundreds of hours exploring Pharloom, we've uncovered some of the most fascinating secrets hidden throughout the kingdom. Whether you're a completionist seeking 100% or simply curious about what you might have missed, this guide will reveal 10 of the most intriguing secrets and Easter eggs in Hollow Knight: Silksong.

1. The Hollow Knight's Ghost

Location: Abyssal Chasm (Secret Chamber)

Deep within the Abyssal Chasm lies a hidden chamber that can only be accessed by performing a specific sequence of wall jumps and silk dashes. Inside, you'll find a ghostly figure that bears a striking resemblance to the Hollow Knight from the original game.

When approached, the figure doesn't attack but instead performs a series of movements that mirror the Hollow Knight's idle animation from the first game. Interacting with the ghost triggers a special cutscene where Hornet seems to recognize the figure, though no dialogue is exchanged. This haunting moment serves as a poignant connection between the two games and suggests that the events of Hallownest continue to echo in Pharloom.

How to Find: In the deepest part of the Abyssal Chasm, look for a wall that appears solid but has a slight shimmer. Perform a series of precise wall jumps to reveal a hidden passage. The ghost chamber is at the end of this passage.

2. The Quirrel Reference

Location: Bloom Palace (Library)

In the library section of Bloom Palace, you'll find a book titled "The Tattered Map" that contains a story about a brave explorer who mapped uncharted territories. The book is signed by "Q," a clear reference to Quirrel, the beloved NPC from Hollow Knight.

Reading the entire book reveals additional details about Quirrel's adventures after leaving Hallownest, including his journey to Pharloom and his encounters with the Weavers. This reference not only connects the two games but also provides closure for fans who wondered what happened to Quirrel after the original game.

How to Find: The library is in the northwest section of Bloom Palace. The book is on the top shelf of the easternmost bookcase, requiring a Silk Dash to reach.

3. The Secret Hornet Skin

Location: Multiple Locations (Scavenger Hunt)

Scattered throughout Pharloom are five hidden Weavers who each hold a piece of a special cosmetic set for Hornet. Finding all five Weavers and completing their quests unlocks the "Weaver's Gift" skin, which changes Hornet's appearance to resemble a traditional weaver spider with intricate silk patterns.

Each Weaver is hidden in a different area of Pharloom, and their quests range from simple item retrieval to challenging platforming sequences. The final Weaver also provides a special charm that enhances silk-based abilities, making this secret both visually rewarding and practically useful.

How to Find: The Weavers are located in Silkfall, Bloom Palace, Crystal Caverns, Ashen Wastes, and the Forgotten Archives. Look for subtle silk threads that seem out of place in each area.

4. The Dark Souls Reference

Location: Clockwork City (Hidden Room)

In the Clockwork City area, there's a hidden room that can only be accessed by ringing three specific bells in the correct order. Inside, you'll find a peculiar knight statue that, when interacted with, performs the "Praise the Sun" gesture from the Dark Souls series.

Additionally, the room contains a special item called the "Sunlight Medallion," which increases damage dealt during daytime in Pharloom. This not-so-subtle nod to FromSoftware's acclaimed series is a delightful surprise for players who recognize the reference.

How to Find: The three bells are located in different sections of Clockwork City. Ring them in the order: high, low, middle to reveal the hidden room near the central clock tower.

5. The Broken Vessel

Location: Ashen Wastes (Hidden Cave)

In a hidden cave within the Ashen Wastes, players can discover the remains of the Broken Vessel, another boss from the original Hollow Knight. The vessel is barely functioning, leaking infection and attacking with weakened versions of its original moveset.

Defeating the Broken Vessel in this state rewards players with a special charm called "Fragments of the Past," which allows Hornet to briefly summon a shade version of the Hollow Knight to assist in battle. This emotional encounter provides a direct connection to the events of Hallownest and offers a unique gameplay mechanic.

How to Find: The hidden cave is behind a breakable wall in the northeastern part of Ashen Wastes. Look for a section of wall that appears slightly darker than the surrounding area.

6. The Zelda Reference

Location: Skyward Spire (Secret Room)

High in the Skyward Spire area, there's a secret room that contains a familiar-looking sword stuck in a pedestal. Interacting with it triggers a message that reads, "It's dangerous to go alone. Take this." Hornet then receives a special needle called the "Hero's Needle," which has a distinctive blue hilt and deals extra damage to enemies with royal connections.

This clear reference to The Legend of Zelda series is a delightful Easter egg that also provides a useful weapon for players who manage to find it. The Hero's Needle is particularly effective against bosses like the Radiance and the Pure Vessel.

How to Find: The secret room is accessible by performing a series of precise Silk Dashes from the highest platform in the Skyward Spire. Look for floating platforms that form a hidden path when viewed from the correct angle.

7. The Hornet Statue

Location: Bloom Palace (Throne Room)

In the throne room of Bloom Palace, there's a statue of Hornet that can only be seen by looking through a specific window from outside the palace. The statue depicts Hornet in a regal pose, wearing a crown and holding her needle like a scepter.

Interacting with the statue from outside triggers a special cutscene that shows Hornet's potential future as the ruler of Pharloom. This vision provides hints about the game's true ending and adds depth to Hornet's character development throughout the game.

How to Find: From the gardens outside Bloom Palace, look through the third window from the left on the upper level. The statue is only visible at certain times of day, so you may need to wait or return later.

8. The Grimm Troupe Cameo

Location: Forgotten Archives (Hidden Theater)

In the Forgotten Archives, there's a hidden theater that can be accessed by solving a book puzzle. Inside, you'll find members of the Grimm Troupe performing a ritual similar to the one in Hollow Knight's Grimm Troupe DLC.

Watching the entire performance unlocks the "Grimmchild" charm, which summons a small Grimmkin to assist Hornet in battle. This charming reference not only connects to the original game's DLC but also provides a useful gameplay enhancement for players who enjoy summon-based playstyles.

How to Find: Solve the book puzzle by arranging the books in the archives in the order of the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. This reveals the hidden theater entrance.

9. The Developer Room

Location: Silkfall (Secret Developer Area)

Hidden within Silkfall is a special developer room that contains caricatures of the Team Cherry developers. Each developer has unique dialogue that shares insights into the game's development process and hidden details about the world of Pharloom.

Additionally, this room contains a special charm called the "Creator's Blessing," which significantly increases silk regeneration speed. This charm is particularly useful for players attempting to complete the game's most challenging content.

How to Find: The developer room is accessible by performing a seemingly impossible series of jumps and dashes in the northeastern part of Silkfall. Look for a platform that appears to be just out of reach and use a combination of wall jumps and Silk Dashes to reach it.

10. The True Final Boss

Location: Temple of the Radiant (After True Ending)

After achieving the true ending of the game, players can access a hidden final boss fight against a character known only as "The Weaver." This boss is the true mastermind behind the events of Pharloom and serves as the ultimate challenge for dedicated players.

The fight against The Weaver is arguably the most difficult in the game, featuring five distinct phases with increasingly complex attack patterns. Defeating The Weaver unlocks the "Weaver's Truth" achievement and reveals the deepest secrets of Pharloom and its connection to Hallownest.

How to Find: After achieving the true ending, return to the Temple of the Radiant and interact with the central throne while wearing the Weaver's Gift skin and carrying the Creator's Blessing charm. This will trigger the secret boss fight.

Conclusion

Hollow Knight: Silksong is a game that rewards curiosity and persistence, with secrets and Easter eggs hidden around every corner. From subtle references to the original Hollow Knight to nods to other beloved games, these hidden treasures add depth and charm to an already rich gaming experience.

What makes these secrets particularly special is how they're integrated into the world of Pharloom. Rather than feeling like arbitrary additions, they enhance the lore and gameplay, providing additional context and rewards for players who take the time to explore every corner of the kingdom.

Whether you're a completionist seeking to uncover every secret or simply curious about the hidden depths of Pharloom, these Easter eggs and secrets demonstrate Team Cherry's commitment to creating a world that feels alive and full of surprises. As you continue your journey through Silksong, keep your eyes open—you never know what hidden wonders you might discover.

Have you found any secrets not mentioned here? Share your discoveries in the comments below and join the community in unraveling all the mysteries of Pharloom!