Ranking Every Tool in Hollow Knight: Silksong
The highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong introduces a variety of tools, many of which either replace previous charms from the original Hollow Knight or serve as complementary weapons. Having extensively explored these tools, I’ve decided to create a comprehensive ranking of each tool in the game, categorized from least effective to most impactful. This ranking is drawn from my personal gameplay experience and focuses on each tool’s utility, how well they work in synergy with other tools, and their overall value compared to similar items.
Notably, several tools have upgraded versions or items that can enhance their effectiveness indirectly. To avoid redundancy, this ranking will specifically consider the upgraded forms of each tool at peak performance.
It’s essential to keep in mind that tools are categorized by color, meaning an impressive Yellow tool may stand out more than a Blue one, simply due to the limited number of Yellow tools that are genuinely worthwhile. With that said, let’s delve into the tools, starting with the least favorable one.
56 Needle Phial
Mad Science
The Needle Phial is one of the least effective tools in Silksong, designed purposefully to be subpar. Its only advantage is that it has unlimited uses; however, its extremely short range limits its utility, allowing it to defeat merely two enemy types, and it’s removed shortly after being obtained.
This tool is primarily utilized in two quests where it exemplifies its inadequacy. While these quests offer valuable rewards, the Needle Phial itself remains a disappointment and comfortably secures its place at the bottom of the list.
55 Spider Strings
Extended Mix
Next up is the Spider Strings, which many players might question the necessity of. This tool provides a range increase for Needolin that is rarely advantageous. In my entire playthrough, I found only a single moment in The Mist where it was beneficial.
The timing is unfortunate, as players receive this tool mid-game in Act 2, well after they need it, making this once useful addition utterly ineffective.
54 Sawtooth Circlet
Prickly Pear
Few players find the Sawtooth Circlet to be effective. Its functionality appears restricted, as it’s meant for quick defensive maneuvers, but it often proves unreliable when you actually need it. Attempting to use it while in close proximity to enemies frequently leads to failure.
This subplot tool disrupts platforming and adds minimal positive value during combat, landing it low on the list.
53 Snare Set
Trade-In
The Snare Setter offers the potential for explosive damage, though its utility falls short due to its limited availability throughout the game. While it can deal considerable damage, many players learn about it, collect it, and unwittingly trade it to the Caretaker, often unaware that it is an applicable tool.
Its availability is disappointing rather than tragic, as most players do not realize its full potential before discarding it.
52 Weighted Belt
Trapped in Place
While the Weighted Belt may have found success in Hollow Knight, it doesn’t transition well to Silksong. This tool requires players to adopt a more strategic combat style; unfortunately, it hinders rather than assists in patient play. The combination of reduced knockback and Hornet’s lackluster invincibility frames presents a challenging scenario in combat.
Although it might provide a slight increase in damage output against select enemies with the Wanderer’s Crest, the negative implications far outweigh the marginal benefits.
51 Dead Bug’s Purse
Geck Too!
Although the Dead Bug’s Purse offers some benefits, its overall necessity is questionable. Though it allows players to keep a few rosaries upon death, its utility is minimal if players successfully manage to retrieve their cocoon or collect endless Silkworms.
If players are proficient enough to avoid dying frequently, this tool ultimately occupies a valuable equipment slot without providing sufficient benefits.
50 Spool Extender
Silky Smooth
The introduction of Silk Spool upgrades has created mixed responses among players. While additional silk strands enable more spell casting or effective healing, the Spool Extender doesn’t feel necessary enough to justify its blue slot allocation.
Although it grants three additional strands, the upgrade feels lackluster, with many alternative options providing significantly better performance in combat.
49 Egg of Flealia
15 Years Too Late
The Egg of Flealia is reminiscent of Grubberfly’s Elegy, arriving at a stage in the game that makes it feel underwhelming. This tool lets players utilize silk skills while maintaining three strands when at full health, which seems beneficial but comes with significant limitations.
As players acquire all three Silk Hearts, this tool permits the passive use of certain skills without the need to engage in battle. Unfortunately, another blue tool accommodates similar functionality without health prerequisites, rendering the Egg of Flealia considerably less useful.
48 Silkshot (Twelfth Architect)
Gun-Powered Automaton
The Silkshot (Twelfth Architect) presents a rather disappointing option when repairing the Broken Tool found in Bilewater. This version consumes not only Shell Shards but requires a strand of silk with each shot. It fires three weak rounds in rapid succession, with inferior damage scaling with each successive shot, making it the least effective upgrade among its counterparts.
47 Memory Crystal
I Love Taking Damage
The Memory Crystal builds upon the previously low-performing Thorns of Agony from Hollow Knight, yet somehow manages to fall short of its predecessor’s performance. When users take damage, a crystallized Hornet appears, which detonates upon enemy contact—but the effectiveness is questionable.
Unlike Thorns, there’s no instant area-of-effect knockback benefit; instead, the expectation is for enemies to inadvertently step into the dormant crystal for minimal damage. This omission diminishes the tool’s appeal significantly.
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