If you’re diving into Hollow Knight: Silksong while reminiscing about the original Hollow Knight, chances are you’re on the hunt for one of its rare and peculiar endings. Among these, the Cursed ending stands out as an especially cryptic experience, requiring specific conditions to unlock.
Before proceeding, it’s crucial to note that if you’ve already progressed to Act 3, your only option is to begin anew, as this ending cannot be obtained in your current save file.
However, if you are still navigating through Act 2 and have yet to complete the Rite of Rebirth quest, you are in luck. This quest plays a vital role in achieving the game’s most bizarre and somewhat unsettling ending, which requires you to confront the final boss while under a curse.
Prerequisites
It’s technically possible to complete most tasks while under a curse, but it is advisable to finish these steps beforehand to avoid complications. Ensure you complete everything listed below before starting the Rite of Rebirth:
- Open the Bellway in the Citadel.
- Access the Ventrica Station that connects to the Bellway.
- Acquire the Three-Part Melody to unlock the elevator.
- Complete the second battle with Lace to unlock the path to the final boss.
- Unlock the shortcut in the Cradle leading to the Terminus.
- Gather a substantial supply of masks, aiming for at least 7 to ensure a better chance of survival.
Whispering Vaults
With the prerequisites completed, it is now time to engage in the Rite of Rebirth quest, which requires advancing halfway through the questline. Begin by entering the Whispering Vaults.
In the expansive area below the Vaultkeeper’s room, navigate to the right side where several shifting boxes can be found. Ascend the upper right wall to discover an open vault door. Make your way through, engaging in various platforming challenges, with the main goal of descending further.
Utilize wall jumps, traverse to the right, and grapple onto a ring to access the lower floor. As you progress downward, maneuver past some gears reminiscent of the Path of Pain, eventually finding your way into Bilewater.
Bilewater
Upon entering the murky depths, swim right should your path lead you beneath the cavern’s walls. Drop into a deeper hole, which will plunge you into murky waters filled with worms.
Move left, slide beneath platforms, and continue your journey leftward to discover a tangled expanse adorned with twisting vines. Evade exploding enemies and leap over spikes to proceed.
At the end of this corridor lies a Twisted Bud cradled in an unusual nest, which will join your inventory and emit mournful sounds each time you open it. To rid yourself of this unwanted companion, make your way to Shellwood.
Rite of Rebirth
Should you not have completed it yet, start the Rite of the Pollip quest. After acquiring the poison pouch, revisit the hut where Greyroot resides. Given its resemblance to the Twisted Bud, its role in this narrative will soon become clear.
Upon interacting with Greyroot, accept the quest. This task will integrate the crying parasite into Hornet’s being, imposing a curse upon her temporarily.
After breaking free from the confines of your room, note the limitations—no tools, no crest changes, and most critically, no healing.
Though these constraints may appear insurmountable, resist the urge to eliminate the curse immediately. Instead, ascend all the way back to the citadel.
Grand Mother Silk
Facing the final boss without healing or tools significantly heightens the difficulty. While prior strategies can assist you—refer to her dedicated boss guide—I will share some additional insights.
Preparation is minimal at this point; I entered the confrontation with eight mask shards, which proved just sufficient for multiple hits before the inevitable demise.
Your dive kick becomes your best asset, dealing double hits and allowing substantial height to evade needle projectiles effectively.
Exercise caution throughout this fight. Each encounter in Hollow Knight: Silksong rewards patience, but this particular battle demands it more than ever. Avoid being careless as you engage your opponent.
Strike upwards following her attacks. Quickly distance yourself whenever she prepares a claw strike, and capitalize only when conditions are completely safe.
In the second phase, the strategy remains largely unchanged, though heightened patience is essential. With no option to heal from stage hazards like spikes and boulders, remain vigilant about your surroundings.
Utilize the opportunities for pogo strikes on Grand Mother Silk’s body to gain upward momentum and remain agile, evading her attacks while positioning yourself safely.
Once you’ve delivered enough well-aimed strikes, bear witness to a distinct cutscene where Hornet releases the parasite from her body, diverging from the expected ending.
The Ending
As you secure the binding with Grand Mother Silk, the parasite announces its dominion, engulfing both Hornet and the higher being into a singular form. This transformation grants them a wooden appearance akin to what Greyroot exhibited.
What follows is a vision of the parasite spreading throughout the kingdom, its roots intertwining with all living beings. This represents the Cursed ending; not only did you bear a curse to achieve it, but you’ve now unleashed a curse upon the entire realm.
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