
Among the myriad of side quests available in Hollow Knight: Silksong, few stand out quite like the one involving the *Twisted Bud*—a truly peculiar entity that can provoke both confusion and intrigue.
The challenge in defining the Twisted Bud arises from its dual nature: it operates mechanically as an item that occupies space in your inventory, yet it is undeniably alive, thus warranting the broader term “entity.”
Locating the Twisted Bud demands a fair amount of effort, and figuring out its purpose can be even more perplexing. Ultimately, this quest initiates a series of interconnected side quests, leading players into the deeper, darker secrets of Pharloom.
Moreover, a peculiar characteristic of the Twisted Bud is its constant weeping—whenever you access the menu for your inventory, quest logs, or map, it emits a mournful cry, which can become irritating. To streamline your experience, here’s a comprehensive guide designed to help you efficiently navigate this mysterious quest, avoiding frustration while reaping notable rewards.
Where to Find the Twisted Bud in Hollow Knight: Silksong

To successfully find the Twisted Bud in Hollow Knight: Silksong, players must have reached Act 2 or unlocked the Faydown Cloak in Mount Fay. The quest item is situated on the upper western section of Bilewater, necessitating some amount of progress in the game.
The most effective approach is to progress naturally through Act 2 until you encounter the *Whispering Vaults*, which will provide a relatively direct route to your target. Although you can attempt the Faydown Cloak path through Sinner’s Road to circumvent toxins and foes, this method may only introduce unnecessary complications.
Your journey through the Whispering Vaults will ultimately guide you to the first room containing puzzle boxes. Strike the wall on the right near the ceiling to unveil a hidden passage, where you can either claim a Memory Locket—highly recommended—or proceed downward into Bilewater.
Before descending, ensure you have rested at a Bench and store your Rosaries (by converting them into Rosary Strings via a vendor), as our goal at Bilewater entails collecting the Twisted Bud before intentionally meeting your end to expedite your return. Equip the essential Cogfly tool to handle airborne foes efficiently.
On reaching Bilewater (1), you’ll find yourself plunged into toxic waters. Start to the left until you arrive at a sizable area with multiple paths. Remain leftward until impassable walls compel you to break through hidden passages.
Eventually, a room filled with an echoing cry emerges. Follow the sound to obtain the Twisted Bud from the room’s conclusion. To return swiftly to your last Bench, allow an adversary from previous locations to take you down. Upon opening your menu, prepare for the lamentations of the Bud, which can appear rather grotesque—evoking a vibe reminiscent of Bloodborne. With this task complete, you’re ready to potentiate your next challenge!
What to Do With the Twisted Bud

Afterward, fast-travel to Bellhart, rest at the Bench, and kindly ensure that your Rosaries are nonexistent. If needed, convert them to Rosary Strings with the local vendor, as you’ll require a considerable amount soon.
Engage with Pavo during your visit, as he possesses vital insights about the peculiar Twisted Bud. He informs that these living entities once proliferated in Shellwood, typically as offerings during obscure rituals, thereafter vanishing without a trace.
Upon completing your conversation, proceed directly to Greyroot’s cabin in Shellwood to present the Twisted Bud. However, be reminded that prior completion of her quest, *Rite of the Pollip*—which entails gathering six Pollip Hearts—is requisite before she accepts your “offering.”
Once you’ve bestowed the Twisted Bud upon her, accept the *Rite of Rebirth* quest, subsequently triggering one of the game’s strangest cutscenes. Shortly thereafter, Hornet finds herself in an enigmatic new region of Shellwood, under a curse preventing healing and stripping her of her Crest and tools—but worry not; this curse can be overcome swiftly.
Advance to the left to exit the obscure zone, make your way upwards for a shortcut leading to a central area in Shellwood. Continue moving rightward to return to Bellhart, utilizing fast travel to reach Greymoor, where you must locate a doctor named Yanarby.
How to Find Yanarby in Hollow Knight: Silksong

In Greymoor, your goal is to seek out Yanarby—an exiled doctor from Bellhart known for her unconventional medical approaches, who can assist with Hornet’s newly acquired curse. Her residence lies on the upper western flank of Greymoor, in proximity to the area of your initial encounter with Garmond.
From the fast-travel point, move left until entering the main structure’s inner room, filled with enemies, platforms, and rodents. Ascend to locate Yanarby’s abode on the far left. Upon engaging with her, Hornet describes her predicament, prompting the door to open for further conversation, culminating in the acceptance of the *Infestation Operation* quest.
How to Complete the Infestation Operation Quest in Hollow Knight: Silksong

With the *Infestation Operation* quest now underway, head straight toward Sinner’s Road. To do this, visit the Halfway Home tavern, ascend through the platforms until you reach your destination (1).
Rest at the Bench, then navigate to Benjin and Crull’s cabin (2). If you have visited this area previously, you may remember them as the ones who initiated the quest for cockroaches’ guts, since you’ll need to acquire the item Yanarby requested.
However, securing this item will not be straightforward; it comes at the cost of 260 Rosaries. This is where your earlier advice about transforming Rosaries into Strings will come into play!
If you find yourself short on currency, consider returning to Greymoor where you can defeat enemies that yield considerable coin rewards, making it a much easier endeavor than the unforgiving Sinner’s Road.
Upon delivering the required Rosaries to them, make a beeline back to Yanarby’s residence to witness Hornet expunge the wretched tentacles of the Twisted Bud swiftly.
The Infestation Operation Quest Rewards

In addition to lifting the bizarre curse, players unlock the *Witch Crest*, which affords Hornet sweeping whip-like swings and the ability to drain life from foes through entwined roots, as described in its attributes.
This crest fundamentally alters Hornet’s playstyle, enabling devastating attacks through the use of the Silk Bind while allowing the combination of three blue tools and two red ones for enhanced combat versatility.
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