How to Reach the Abyss in Hollow Knight: Silksong (Act III Unlock Guide)

Hollow Knight: Silksong feels like it wraps up after Act II—but the real adventure isn’t over. Hidden behind layers of quests, secrets, and community-discovered triggers lies Act III: The Abyss, a massive post-game chapter that reveals Pharloom’s darkest truths and Hornet’s ultimate challenge.

This guide combines verified steps and player-tested strategies so you can unlock the Abyss, conquer its toughest trials, and see Silksong’s true ending.


๐Ÿ—️ What is Act III: The Abyss?

Act III, known as The Abyss, is Silksong’s secret story chapter that unlocks after meeting specific conditions. It adds:

  • Entirely new areas, bosses, and lore content.

  • Harder enemies and fights designed for seasoned players.

  • The true final boss and ending, required for 100% completion.

  • Progress carryover—your upgrades, skills, and items from Acts I–II remain intact.


How to Reach the Abyss in Hollow Knight: Silksong
⚙️ Prerequisites: Unlocking the “Silk and Soul” Wish

Before you can dive into Act III, you’ll need to complete the Silk and Soul Wish, a long but rewarding questline.

A. Complete Nearly All Wishes

  • Finish ~45 Wish quests from Wishboards across Bone Bottom, Bellhart, Songclave, and The Citadel.

  • These include:

    • Grand Hunts (bosses like Savage Beastfly, Wailing Mother).

    • Donation Wishes (resources for Bone Bottom repairs, Songclave upgrades).

    • Wayfarer Quests (NPC rescues such as The Lost Fleas, My Missing Brother).

  • Tip: While some players report skipping a few, completing them all is safest.

B. Assist the Flea Caravan

  • Collect 25 Fleas scattered across Pharloom.

  • Speak to Fleamaster Mooshka three times to move the caravan into the Putrefied Ducts.

C. Build Your Bellhome

  • After saving Bellhart, talk to Pavo to unlock your personal housing: the Bellhome.

D. Repair the Sentinel

  • Gather Cogheart pieces for the automaton in Cogwork Core.

  • Find him later in Memorium and Citadel Spa to finish repairs.


๐Ÿ” Completing the “Silk and Soul” Wish

Once the Wish is available, you’ll need four key items:

ItemLocationHow to Obtain
Maiden’s SoulBone BottomSpeak to the Chapel Maid after triggering the Skull Tyrant fight (bench event).
Hermit’s SoulBellhart BellwayBreak the fake wall in pipes below Bellway; talk to the Hermit.
Seeker’s SoulBilewaterFind the abandoned Bellhome left of the bench.
Snare SetterWeavenest AtlaOpen the Needolin door under Bone Bottom; loot from a table above the bench.

Final Steps:

  1. Deliver all items to the Caretaker in Songclave.

  2. Craft the trap → proceed to The Cradle for the Grand Mother Silk boss fight.


⚔️ Triggering Act III: The Grand Mother Silk Fight

  • During the fight, play the Needolin instead of binding Grand Mother Silk.

  • After credits roll, return to the main menu—your save file will be covered in black vines.

  • Break the vines by pressing the action button repeatedly.

  • Load the save → welcome to Act III: The Abyss.


๐ŸŒ‘ What Awaits in Act III: The Abyss

  • New Areas: Abyssal Chasm, Void Altars, and other nightmare zones.

  • Cranked-Up Difficulty: Enemies hit harder, bosses require perfect execution.

  • True Ending: Face the real final boss and Pharloom’s deepest lore.

  • Completion Goals: Collect every Crest, Tool, Mask Shard, and Spool for 100%.


๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tips from the Community

  • Upgrade fully: Max out Needle, Tools, and Crests before attempting Act III.

  • Farm efficiently: Equip the Shard Pendant (from The Marrow) for faster Shell Shard gains.

  • Map the Abyss: The map is hidden above a bench near the zone’s end.

  • Smart tool use: Try Plasmium Phial (extra health) or Flintslate (fire damage) for tough bosses.


❓ FAQ: Act III – The Abyss

Q: Can I access Act III after finishing Act II?
Yes—load your vine-covered save file, break the vines, and you’ll enter Act III.

Q: Are there missable items in Acts I–II?
No, all progress carries over. Just complete as many Wishes as possible to avoid tedious backtracking.

Q: How long is Act III?
Expect 10–15 hours for full completion, depending on skill.


๐Ÿ’Ž Conclusion: Embrace the Darkness

Unlocking Act III: The Abyss is Silksong’s ultimate challenge—demanding preparation, patience, and mastery. Complete the Wishes, gather the key items, and face Grand Mother Silk to break into Pharloom’s hidden depths.


๐Ÿ”— Additional Resources

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