“Hollow Knight: Silksong”introduces a stunning and sprawling game world that captivates players, particularly through its Metroidvania design which continually unveils fresh surprises. Yet, despite its magnificent spatial layout, certain areas unfortunately fall short of expectations, often exhibiting subpar quality that detracts from the overall experience.
Not every location can be lauded, as some zones can frustrate players with limited content or tedious gameplay mechanics. These inconsistencies can starkly contrast with meticulously designed areas, creating a sense of disjointedness as players traverse the game. Below, I share my perspective on the seven least impressive areas in “Hollow Knight: Silksong”, ranked for your consideration.
7 High Halls
A Sum of Minor Frustrations
| Bosses | Choir Clappers, Second Sentinel |
|---|---|
| Notable Items | Conductor’s Melody, Psalm Cylinder |
High Halls is undeniably visually striking, showcasing the game’s artistic flair, which in turn becomes problematic. The area’s potential is hampered by frustratingly tedious opponents, particularly the Ministers and Maestros, whose presence turns platforming into a laborious chore.
The beauty and enchanting soundtrack of this location are overshadowed by gameplay mechanics that require players to adopt a cautious and drawn-out approach to avoid repeated encounters. Notably, the lack of rest points—a single bench at each end—exacerbates this tension.
High Halls earns its place on this list mainly due to the overwhelming wave of enemies required to obtain the Conductor’s Melody, a moment that turned my enjoyment into genuine frustration.
6 Wisp Thicket
Only the Boss is Worth It
| Bosses | Father of the Flame |
|---|---|
| Notable Items | Craftmetal, Mask Shard, Wispfire Lantern |
Upon arriving at Wisp Thicket, I was initially captivated, yet the subsequent disappointment overshadowed my excitement. The area is small and populated with frustrating enemies that detract from the adventure.
Exploring involves dodging fire creatures that inflict significant damage and navigating enemies that complicate the already tough platforming. The highlight of this area is undoubtedly its boss, which is thrilling for fans of platforming mechanics. Unfortunately, managing the adversaries between the boss arena and your only nearby bench diminishes the overall enjoyment.
5 Deep Docks
Quickly Annoying
| Bosses | Lace, Forebrothers Signis and Gron |
|---|---|
| Notable Items | Sting Shard, Magma Bell, Silkshot, Flintslate, Craftmetal |
Despite the popular consensus regarding the two engaging bosses, Lace and Signis and Gron, my time in Deep Docks was marked by frustration due to numerous challenges. The mix of enemies can lead to frequent deaths, hampering the exploration experience.
The environmental hazards, including lava and hot coals, amplify the difficulty when time is spent uncovering hidden secrets. Though I respect the bosses within this area, the overall experience was something I had to endure rather than enjoy.
4 Sinner’s Road
I Hate You, Muckroaches
| Bosses | Disgraced Chef Lugoli |
|---|---|
| Notable Items | Barbed Bracelet |
Sinner’s Road has evoked a sense of dread akin to Royal Waterways in the original game, as its atmosphere is matched by challenging enemies that heighten stress levels. Although captivating, the gameplay often feels overwhelmingly difficult.
Confronting enemies like Muckroaches and Roachkeepers proves to be daunting, with each encounter taxing players’ patience. Couple that with scarce healing opportunities and deceptive benches, and it becomes an area frequently visited but seldom enjoyed.
3 Sands of Karak
Great Concept, Tedious Execution
| Bosses | Raging Conchfly, Voltvyrm, Crust King Khann, Watcher at the Edge |
|---|---|
| Notable Items | Encrusted Heart, Vault Filament, Crustnut |
The visually captivating design of! Sands of Karak initially dazzles with its intricate platforming; however, the excessive demands of returning through the area diminish the excitement.
The innovative environment ultimately leads to a tedious cycle of repetitive navigation, especially when pursued by relentless foes. Consequently, while the area’s aesthetic and the notable bosses it hosts are commendable, my feelings towards the area lean towards the negative.
2 Putrified Ducts
An Area of Forced Relevance
| Bosses | N/A |
|---|---|
| Notable Items | Wreath of Purity, Key of Apostate, Craftmetal, Pale Oil, Egg of Flealia, Tool Pouch (Upgrade) |
Despite harboring significant questlines involving Shakra and the Flea Caravan, Putrified Ducts is mysteriously bland yet holds considerable importance. The reliance on repetitive and tedious enemy encounters here detracts from its overall value.
With frustrating mechanics and a lack of rewarding progression, traversing this area often feels like busywork. While it isn’t the worst zone in the game, its forced relevance solidifies its place on this list.
1 Bilewater
Swamps Remain Unbeaten
| Bosses | Groal the Great |
|---|---|
| Notable Items | Seeker’s Soul, Ruined Tool, Twisted Bud |
For any game influenced by FromSoftware, the inclusion of a swamp level is a given, and for “Hollow Knight: Silksong”, that swamp is Bilewater. Unfortunately, it is widely regarded as the most frustrating area in Pharloom.
Common sentiments reveal that Bilewater is riddled with aggravating enemies, environmental hazards, and awkward navigation that make exploration feel like an exercise in futility. The combination of poor visibility, deceptive challenges, and tricky platforming create a uniquely unpleasant experience.
Even though Groal, the area’s boss, embodies many of my grievances with the game, there exists a fascination with the discomfort that Bilewater evokes. Its design expertly captures a sense of dread, earning it a memorable, if not despised, reputation among players as the worst region in “Hollow Knight: Silksong.”
Leave a Reply