Unveiling the Void: A Comprehensive Guide to Completing the Dark Hearts Quest in Hollow Knight: Silksong
Embarking on Hornet's latest adventure in the captivating world of Pharloom means confronting countless challenges, uncovering hidden secrets, and undertaking a variety of quests that test both skill and resolve. Among these, the enigmatic Dark Hearts quest stands out as a significant undertaking, tasking players with an extensive hunt across the kingdom. This particular side quest is not merely about combat; it's a deep dive into exploration, requiring players to meticulously scour diverse environments for peculiar, corrupted entities known as Void Masses. Success in this endeavor promises valuable rewards, but the path is fraught with danger and requires a keen eye.
This guide aims to illuminate the shadowy corners of Pharloom, providing a detailed roadmap to locating and destroying the elusive Void Masses. While the journey through the Dark Hearts quest is rich with discovery, it's essential to be aware that certain narrative elements may be revealed as we delve into the mechanics and locations. Prepare to hone your senses and ready your needle, for the hunt for Dark Hearts begins.
The Dark Hearts quest is a pivotal 'Hunt-type' side quest that becomes accessible during Act 3 of Hornet's epic journey through Pharloom. Before players can even contemplate confronting these dark entities, they must first successfully navigate and complete the 'Silk and Soul' quest during Act 2, which serves as a crucial prerequisite for unlocking the subsequent chapter of the campaign. Once these conditions are met, the quest formally originates from the wish board in Bellhart, a central hub within Pharloom, where Hornet receives the daunting task of destroying a total of 12 Void Masses scattered throughout the kingdom.
These Void Masses are visually distinctive, appearing as unsettling, mish-mashed amalgamations of various creatures, all bound together by a viscous, black goop. Their presence often signifies a deeper corruption within an area, typically denoted by the appearance of 'corrupted enemies' nearby. These hostiles are easily identifiable by their shadowy hue and often exhibit new, more aggressive attack patterns, presenting a heightened threat to Hornet. Void Masses themselves are not passive targets; they are capable of inflicting damage, utilizing their tendrils for close-range assaults and firing projectiles of black ooze from a distance, demanding careful engagement. It is also important to note that Pharloom harbors more than the required 12 Void Masses, offering players flexibility in which targets they choose to pursue to fulfill the quest's objective, with some regions even housing three or more of these sinister entities.
Navigating Pharloom's Perilous Regions for Void Masses
The hunt for Void Masses will take Hornet through some of Pharloom's most iconic and treacherous regions. Each area presents its own unique environmental challenges and enemy types, alongside specific hiding spots for these corrupted targets. Understanding where to focus your search is key to efficiently completing the Dark Hearts quest.
Void Masses in The Marrow and Mosshome
For those eager to swiftly progress through the Hollow Knight: Silksong Dark Hearts quest, The Marrow stands out as an exceptionally fruitful starting point. This dense and often challenging region is home to no less than five Void Masses, making it a prime location for concentrated hunting. Players should prepare for intricate platforming and encounters with various creatures native to these interconnected zones.
- Location #1: This Void Mass is found at the very top of a specific room situated directly to the left of the Moss Druid NPC. Reaching this elevated position often requires precise aerial maneuvers or the utilization of specific movement abilities, making it a test of Hornet's agility and control.
- Location #2: Tucked away in a small, easily overlooked nook located to the left and slightly below the Bellway fast travel point. Players are advised to carefully explore the less obvious corners and ledges of the main pathways to uncover this subtly hidden threat.
- Location #3: To find this one, descend from the previous location and proceed to the right. After passing a convenient bench, the Void Mass awaits in the top-left corner of the subsequent chamber, often guarded by particularly aggressive corrupted foes that demand a strategic approach.
- Location #4: Continuing into the lower-right section of The Marrow, which eventually leads towards the Deep Docks exit. This Void Mass is strategically positioned amidst a series of platforms, requiring players to navigate treacherous gaps and potentially engage in mid-air combat while fending off attacks from nearby enemies.
- Location #5: Another Void Mass can be spotted clinging to the ceiling near the bottom exit that leads out of Bellhart. Its elevated and often obscured position makes it a tricky target, frequently necessitating ranged attacks or precise aerial attacks to destroy it effectively.
Void Masses in Far Fields
The expansive and often desolate Far Fields also contain additional Hollow Knight: Silksong Void Masses, offering more opportunities to complete your objective. This region, known for its wide-open spaces and unique environmental hazards, requires a different approach to exploration.
- Location #1: This Void Mass is located prominently to the left of the Bellway fast travel point and a nearby bench. Its relatively straightforward placement makes it one of the more accessible targets once Hornet enters this region.
- Location #2: Situated within the chamber directly opposite the area that houses a vendor hut and another resting bench. Players will need to traverse a short but potentially dangerous path, often encountering resistance, to reach this secluded chamber.
- Location #3: Found along the winding pathway that ultimately leads to the main boss associated with The Old Hearts quest. Players who are tackling both quests concurrently will find this Void Mass a natural point of progression, seamlessly integrating into their existing exploration route.
Void Masses in Greymoor
The ancient and often crumbling Greymoor region is another significant location for hunting Void Masses. This area is characterized by its deep cellars, weathered structures, and unique local fauna, adding layers of environmental storytelling and challenge.
- Location #1: To access this Void Mass, players must first destroy a cluster of obstructive vines to the left of the Bellbeast, if these have not already been cleared. This action opens a path into a secluded cellar, where the Void Mass lurks among scurrying rat enemies, adding another layer of close-quarters combat to the challenge.
- Location #2: This creature is found hanging precariously on a wooden scaffolding, strategically overlooking the main path that leads towards Bellhart's eastern exit. Its elevated position offers a tactical advantage, often requiring players to approach from above or utilize specific jump techniques to reach and destroy it.
- Location #3: Located at the very top of an expansive, open area, positioned directly opposite a significant dais where a valuable Spool Fragment can often be discovered. This location might involve substantial vertical traversal challenges, rewarding careful platforming and exploration.
Void Masses in Shellwood
The verdant yet deceptively dangerous Shellwood region also holds a couple of Hollow Knight: Silksong Void Masses. This area, known for its overgrown flora and hidden dangers, provides a distinct atmospheric backdrop for the hunt. Both of these targets are situated fairly close to a convenient bench at the right-hand side of the zone, near the exit to Bellhart, making them relatively easy to locate once in the vicinity.
- Location #1: This Void Mass is positioned directly below the aforementioned bench at the right-hand side of the zone. This location is easily accessible but often surprises players who aren't actively looking downwards or exploring every vertical layer of the environment.
- Location #2: From the area with the bench, proceed to the left. The second Void Mass can then be spotted on a ledge immediately below your current position, requiring a careful drop or controlled descent to reach and eliminate it.
Void Masses in Blasted Steps
Finally, players can venture into the rugged and battle-scarred Blasted Steps to obliterate additional Void Masses. This region, often echoing with past conflicts, presents its own set of environmental and enemy challenges.
- Location #1: This Void Mass is encountered along the primary thoroughfare that guides players towards the Grand Gate. Its placement along a main progression route makes it a somewhat unavoidable encounter for those moving through the story.
- Location #2: Located within the very same chamber where Hornet previously engaged the formidable Great Conchflies earlier in her campaign. Re-entering this familiar arena brings back echoes of past battles while presenting a new, corrupted threat to overcome.
Successfully navigating these regions and destroying 12 of these elusive targets will culminate in the completion of the Dark Hearts quest. Your efforts will be handsomely rewarded with a valuable Mask Shard health upgrade, contributing to Hornet's overall resilience and survivability in Pharloom. While this guide lists numerous locations, remember that you only need to destroy 12 to finish the objective, allowing you to choose the paths and targets that best suit your playstyle and current progression. The satisfaction of cleansing Pharloom of these dark entities and bolstering Hornet's strength makes this a truly rewarding endeavor.