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Hornet's Arsenal: Silksong Abilities, Tools, and Combat Guide

Last Updated: October 21, 2025

Hornet, the protagonist of Hollow Knight Silksong, wielding her needle and silk, ready for combat.

The long-awaited sequel to Hollow Knight is still one of the most anticipated games on the planet, and for good reason. Hollow Knight: Silksong promises to transport players to the haunted, gilded kingdom of Pharloom, putting them in control of the agile and formidable Hornet. While the wait continues, years of official trailers, gameplay demos, and developer insights have given us a clear picture of how she will play—and it’s a massive evolution from the Knight’s journey through Hallownest.

Let's dissect everything we know about Hornet's potential, focusing on the confirmed mechanics that will define her fighting style and your adventure through this new world.

A New Philosophy: Speed, Tools, and Crafting

Where the Knight’s power came from static Charms, Hornet’s combat style is built on dynamic, customizable Tools. Forget searching ancient temples for a single, game-changing "Crest"; in Pharloom, Hornet is a master craftswoman. The core gameplay loop revolves around gathering materials like Shell Shards from vanquished foes and using them at benches to craft and replenish a wide arsenal of equipment.

This system is far more flexible than the original's Charms. You can swap Tools on the fly to adapt to new enemies and challenges, creating unique loadouts that fundamentally change how you approach combat and exploration.

Confirmed Tools: Hornet's Customizable Arsenal

Based on official gameplay, we know of several Tools that Hornet can craft and equip. Each one offers a distinct advantage, suggesting that players will be encouraged to experiment constantly to find the perfect loadout for any situation.

  • Pimpillo Grenade: An explosive, fiery projectile that detonates on impact, dealing area-of-effect damage. Perfect for crowd control or hitting enemies from a safe distance.
  • Sting Shards: Hornet can deploy a caltrop-like trap of sharp projectiles on the ground, damaging any foe that walks over them. This is a fantastic defensive tool for creating space against aggressive enemies.
  • Straight Pin: A simple but effective throwing dart. This gives Hornet a quick, direct ranged attack, likely for picking off weaker flying enemies or getting a hit in while maintaining distance.

We've also seen evidence of other Tools in development, hinting at an even broader system that will allow for immense player expression. The "best" tool will always depend on the boss you're fighting, the environment you're in, and your personal playstyle.

Core Abilities: More Than Just a New Nail

Beyond her crafted Tools, Hornet's inherent abilities make her a completely different beast from the Knight. Her speed and acrobatics are the foundation of Silksong's gameplay.

  • Acrobatic Movement: Hornet is significantly faster and more agile. She can sprint, mantle ledges, and perform a much higher jump, making traversal through Pharloom’s towering vertical landscapes a core part of the experience.
  • Binding and Healing: Hornet's healing mechanic is a game-changer. Instead of the Knight's slow, stationary Focus, Hornet uses her collected Silk to Bind her wounds. This ability is incredibly fast and can even be used mid-air, allowing for aggressive, high-risk healing during intense boss fights. However, it consumes a full spool of Silk, which is also used for some of her special moves, creating a compelling strategic choice between offense and defense.
  • A New Quest System: Progression in Silksong isn't just about exploring until you find the next area. The game features a formal quest system, with tasks logged in Hornet's journal. We've seen hints of different quest types—Wayfarer, Hunt, Grand Hunt—suggesting players will be actively tracking bounties, searching for specific items, and taking on unique challenges for the citizens of Pharloom.

The Journey Ahead in Pharloom

While the final shape of Hornet's full skill set remains to be seen upon release, the picture Team Cherry has painted is clear: Hollow Knight: Silksong is built on a foundation of speed, skill, and deep customization. The emphasis on crafting tools and adapting your loadout encourages a more proactive and experimental playstyle than its predecessor.

Forget chasing rumors of specific systems; the reality is an elegant and integrated set of mechanics that empower you to decide what kind of warrior Hornet will be. Grab your needle and thread, brave adventurer—the kingdom of Pharloom awaits with countless foes to conquer and secrets to uncover.