Hollow Knight: Silksong Guide for Solving the Cogwork Core Puzzle (Architect’s Melody)

The world of Hollow Knight introduced players to the infamous White Palace and the challenging Path of Pain, noted for their punishing platforming sequences. With the upcoming release of Silksong, players can expect a challenging experience in Pharloom, particularly in an area known as the Cogwork Core.

Navigating this vertical platforming section can be a significant challenge, culminating in a brain-teasing puzzle that tests your problem-solving skills. But fear not, as we’re here to guide you through both the platforming obstacles and the perplexing puzzle awaiting at the summit, ultimately rewarding you with the coveted Architect’s Melody.

Having braved the trials ourselves, we aim to make your journey to acquiring this prize as seamless as possible, although you might encounter frequent setbacks along the way. Get ready for a test of skill!

Essential Requirements for Obtaining the Architect’s Melody

Cogwork Dancers' Middle Arena Attack in Silksong

Before venturing into the Cogwork Core, ensure you’ve prepared adequately. Acquiring specific abilities and items is crucial for navigating this environment effectively. Here’s what you need to accomplish first:

Defeat the Cogwork Dancers.
Obtain the Clawline ability from The Underworks.
Access the doorway leading to the upper level of the Cogwork Core.

Defeating the Cogwork Dancers and obtaining the Clawline require thorough exploration in the Coral Chambers and The Underworks. Once these are complete, simply descend the accessible areas in the Cogwork Core, then platform back up to the right side of the room to activate the levers that will unlock easy access to the upper level from the initial bench.

You might initially think that reaching the final part of the platforming section necessitates a double jump. However, rest assured, the Clawline will suffice for you to make it through this challenging area.

Mastering the Ascent to the Cogwork Core’s Apex

Your adventure begins at the first grapple point. Secure your grip and traverse across the room, unhooking just in time to evade potential damage. Heading left, be wary of the spiked flying foes and make your way to the central platform.

Next, lure a running enemy toward the edge before sending it off the side, then cautiously handle the steaming enemy further along. Progressing left will lead you to a slightly tricky jump — be timed just right to dash to the wall without reaching the jump’s peak, then ascend while dodging nearby threats.

Atop the wall, execute a jump, grapple, and move right. While attached, carefully bypass the spikes before transitioning to another grapple point. Here, hop off early, cling to the wall, and ascend while avoiding the dangerous protrusions.

On reaching the higher wall, jump, grapple to the left, and maneuver over the middle spikes to snag the same grapple midair. From here, hopping between walls and evading rotating spikes is your next challenge. Once at the highest point, glide and let yourself descend until a grapple point appears.

Ideally, wait for the enemy ahead to scale the wall slightly before breaking your glide to engage and slip past them skillfully. Glide to the right, then left, securing your grip on the wall immediately after. Ascend this wall, where two rotating spikes on the right will require precise timing for a successful leap onto the wall.

Finally, leap from the wall’s peak, grapple twice in succession to navigate the spiked cogs, and glide to safety on the other side, marking the end of this challenging ascent.

Cracking the Architect’s Melody Puzzle

Upon reaching the top of the Cogwork Core, you’ll encounter the challenge of solving a compelling puzzle designed to weave together the Architect’s Melody. This puzzle primarily revolves around aligning notes on various pillars, ensuring that broken lines do not remain.

A word of caution: while it sounds straightforward, initiating each pillar correctly can be tricky. Below you’ll find a structured solution to align the notes effectively: