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Hollow Knight: Silksong brings players into the vast and perilous kingdom of Pharloom, where Hornet’s survival depends not only on skill and reflexes but also on clever use of Tools. These are more than simple trinkets — they define your playstyle, your combat approach, and even your ability to explore the world.
This guide is built to help new players avoid common mistakes, make the most out of their first run, and understand how Tools interact with Crests, Shards, and Hornet’s unique mechanics. If you’re stepping into Pharloom for the first time, this walkthrough will carry you through the essentials without letting you fall into the traps many beginners do.
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Understanding Tools in Hollow Knight: Silksong
Tools are equipable items that provide Hornet with active abilities, defensive buffs, or utility enhancements. Unlike random upgrades, every Tool you collect has a defined role and can drastically alter your combat or exploration options.
They are divided into three categories:
- Red Tools → Offensive, activated abilities (example: pins, throwing weapons, traps).
- Blue Tools → Defensive or passive buffs (example: bells, masks, bindings).
- Yellow Tools → Utility-focused, often linked to exploration and resource collection (example: compass, pendants, brooches).
Each Tool requires the correct Crest slot color to equip. At benches, you can assign and swap Tools, making it crucial to plan builds around your available slots.
👉 Tip for beginners: Don’t hoard Tools. Equip and experiment with them early to understand which ones fit your style. Many players make the mistake of saving powerful items “for later” and miss their true potential when the difficulty spikes.
How to Equip Tools – Crest System
To equip a Tool:
- Rest at a bench.
- Open the Crest tab in the menu.
- Choose the slot that matches the Tool’s color.
- Confirm and experiment with combinations.
Some Crests (like the Beast Crest) limit which colors can be slotted, so planning is essential.
🔑 Memory Lockets expand your Crest capacity. Always explore and prioritize them, since more slots = more versatility. Beginners often forget to check NPCs or side paths that sell or hide Lockets. Missing these can severely limit your build options.
Red Tools – Offensive Power
Red Tools are your primary combat modifiers. They require Shards to recharge, meaning resource management is critical..
👉 Common mistake: Many players rely only on melee Needle strikes. Red Tools are designed to extend your range and control the battlefield. If you ignore them, tougher enemies and bosses will overwhelm you.
| Tool | How to Get | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Pin |  Can be picked up on a table above Grindle’s cell. | Light throwing tool, designed for rapid attacks. |
| Threefold Pin |  Can be found high above the Craw’s den in Greymoor. | Flat, layered weapon, crafted to be thrown in a set. |
| Sting Shard |  Can be crafted by the Forge Daughter found in the Deep Docks. | Lethal trap formed of tightly bound blades. Once placed, the trap will pierce enemies that come into contact. |
| Tacks |  Rewarded after collecting 10 Roach Guts for Crull and Benjin in sinner’s road. | Short pins designed to be scattered along the ground. The sharp points will pierce any enemy who steps upon them. |
| Longpin |  Can be found behind the pink wasp nest. | Weighted pin and haft, formed to pierce tough shells. |
| Curveclaw |  Can be purchased from Mottled Skarr at Hunter’s March. | Arched sharpbone used by hunters to take down flying prey. |
| Curvesickle | TBD | Radial sharpbone used by skilled hunters to take down dangerous prey. |
| Throwing Ring | TBD | Hardened throwing weapon of the warrior Shakra. Blunt force weapon that rebounds between enemies and hard sufraces. |
| Pimpillo |  Can be found at the top of Greymoor after wall climbing. | Fabric pouch filled with volatile material. Explodes on impact with enemies or when ignited by its fuse. |
| Conchcutter | TBD | Spiral weapon fashioned from a hardened conchspire. Thrown at an angle, it can ricochet and catch prey off-guard. |
| Silkshot (Forge Daughter) | Can be obtained by bringing 240x Rosaries, 1x Craftmetal, and the broken Silkshot to the Forge Daughter. | Ancient weapon of the Weavers, repaired and modified by Forge Daughter. Uses shell canisters and the wielder’s own Silk to fire. |
| Silkshot (Twelfth Architect) |  Can be obtained by bringing 130x Rosaries, 1x Craftmetal, and the broken Silkshot to the Twelfth Architect. | Ancient weapon of the Weavers, repaired and modified by Twelfth Architech. Uses shell canisters and the wielder’s own Silk to fire. |
| Silkshot | TBD | Ancient weapon of the Weavers, repaired to its original form. Uses shell canisters and the wielder’s own Silk to fire. |
| Delver’s Drill |  Found in the Underworks. | Rotary tool used for boring into bone and rock. Drives the wielder downwards, while spinning the drill with destructive force. |
| Cogwork Wheel | Can be obtained by exchanging 360x Rosaries and 1x Craftmetal from the Twelfth Architect. | Expanding circular blade powered by a cogwork motor. Properls forward, slicing through foes. |
| Cogfly | TBD | Winged cogwork companion that will seek nearby foes and attack. |
| Rosary Cannon | TBD | Repurposed mechanism from the base of a rosary stringing machine. Rosaries must be inserted to reload the cannon. |
| Flintslate |  Found in Deep Docks after unlocking Swift Step. | Sharpening slate made from cut and polished Flintgem. Temporarily super-heats the needle’s blade, imbuing each slash with flame and increasing lethality. |
| Snare Setter |  Found in Weavenest Atla. | Trap-setting tool of the Weavers. Lays a Silk rune that ignites when foes come into contact. Uses shell canisters and the wielder’s own Silk. |
| Flea Brew |  Obtained from the Flea Caravan in Greymoor after Fulfilling the Lost Fleas wish. | Invigorating beverage prepared by the Flea Caravan. Temporarily increases the speed of movement and attacks. |
| Plasmium Phial |  Rewarded by completing the Alchemist’s Assistant. | Spear-phial containing Plasmium. Injecting the liquid allows one to gain health beyond their natural limits. |
| Needle Phial | TBD | Tool designed to extract and store fluids. To pierce its target, the Needle Phial must first be charged to full tension |
Blue Tools – Defense and Buffs
Blue Tools are passive or defensive modifiers. They protect you, extend healing, or grant special effects when binding Silk.
👉 Tip for beginners: Always balance at least one defensive Tool with your offensive setup. Pure damage builds are flashy but leave you vulnerable in long boss fights.
| Tool | How to Get | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Druid’s Eye |  Rewarded after delivering three Mossberries to the Moss Druid | Amulet of protection formed from Mossberries. As the bearer takes damage, the amulet weeps a green elixir that will form into Silk. |
| Druid’s Eyes | TBD | Powerful amulet of protection formed from many Mossberries. As the bearer takes damage, the amulet weeps a green elixir that will form into Silk. |
| Magma Bell | Can be crafted by the Forge Daughter found in the Deep Docks. | Forged iron bell, crafted to ward against the intense heat of the Deep Docks. Reduces the damage taken from flame and magma. |
| Warding Bell |  Can be found in the far fields. | Holy bell inscribed with a ring of protection. Shields the bearer as they bind their wounds. |
| Pollip Pouch |  Rewarded after completing Rite of the Pollip. | Pouch containing a fast-acting venom drawn from a flower’s heart. Applies venom to equipped tools. |
| Fractured Mask | Can be purchased from Mottled Skarr at Hunter’s March. | Old bug’s skull carved for protection. Shields against critical damage but shatters on impact. If shattered, the mask will be repaired while resting at a bench. |
| Multibinder |  Purchased from Frey after completing My Missing Courier. | Elaborte, etched Weaver spindle, usable only by wielders of Silk. Extends the act of binding, but increases its healing effect. |
| Weavelight |  Can be obtained after defeating two Mossmothers. Requires the Needolin. | Gleaming apparatus of Weaver make. Its core emits a faint glow. Increases the speed of Silk regeneration. |
| Sawtooth Circlet | Can be obtained by exchanging 230x Rosaries and 1x Craftmetal from the Twelfth Architect. | Flexible belt of serrated metal teeth, able to affixed to the hem of a cloak. Flaring the cloak will spin the blades, damaging surrounding enemies. |
| Injector Band |  Found on a shelf in Whiteward. | Brace of surgical pins from the Whiteward. Used to forcefully insert Silk deep inside a bug’s shell. Increases the speed of binding. |
| Spool Extender | TBD | Silk-storing tool of the Citadel, fashioned after an artefact of the Weavers. Allows the storing of additional Silk beyond one’s natural abilities. |
| Reserve Bind | TBD | Ornate artefact of the Citadel, able to hold a Bind’s worth of Silk. Used when healing is needed and one’s natural resources run low. The Reserve Bind will be restored when resting at a bench. |
| Claw Mirror |  Obtained after defeating Trobbio. | Theatrical tool of a vainglorious bug. When binding, emits a dazzling flash that damages surrounding enemies. |
| Claw Mirrors | TBD | Twin theatrical tools of a vainglorious bug. When binding, emits a searing blast that damages surrounding enemies. |
| Memory Crystal | TBD | Reflective stone with mnemonic properties. When taking damage, a memory of the bearer is formed of crystal. The memory will shatter into sharp spines if an enemy comes into contact. |
| Snitch Pick |  Purchased from Grindle at Blasted Steps. | Hooked tool for the forceful retrival of loot from bugs and husks. Harpoon into foes to steal rosaries and shell shards, while causing additional damage. |
| Volt Filament | TBD | Charged organ from a defeated Voltvyrm. Can be coiled around thread, imbuing Silk Skills with electric charge. |
| Quick Sling | TBD | Taut-drawing mechanism built from reed and bone, intended for mounting on the limb of a bug. Doubles the number of tools thrown. |
| Wreath of Purity | TBD | Fragile band woven of reed and leaf, crafted to repel Muchmaggots. If broken, the wreath will be repaired while resting at a bench. |
| Longclaw | TBD | Talisman fashioned from the talon of a large predator. Increases the range of needle attacks. |
| Wispfire Lantern |  Obtained after defeating Father of the Flame. | Broken iron lantern containing smouldering wispfire. Wisps will spawn from the latern and burn foes, at the cost of Silk. |
| Egg of Flealia | TBD | Icon of the mythical mother flea, passed down from caravans of old. A symbol of protection and kinship. Decreases the cost of Silk Skills while health is full. |
| Pin Badge | TBD | Emblem of the Order of the Pinstress, the old blademasters of Pharloom. Reduces charge time of Needle Strike. |
Yellow Tools – Exploration and Utility
Yellow Tools enhance mobility, resource gain, and map awareness. They’re not directly combat-focused but make progression much smoother.
👉 Mistake to avoid: Many players underestimate Yellow Tools, thinking they’re “optional.” In reality, they prevent resource loss, save time, and reduce frustration. Equip them when exploring new biomes.
| Tool | How to Get | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Compass |  Can be bought from Shakra for 70 Rosaries. | Intricate tracking device, carved from shell. When equipped, the bearer’s location will be marked on their map. |
| Shard Pendant |  Can be found inside a room found at the long Vertical drop in the middle of the The Marrow. | Crude trinket worn by collectors and crafters. Allows one to collect more shell shards from defeated creatures. |
| Magnetite Brooch |  Purchase the Magnetite Brooch from Pebb outside the Bell Beast station. | Holy stone inscribed with a prayer for rosaries. Any loose beads will be pulled toward the wearer. |
| Weighted Belt |  Can be purchased from Mort in his shop. | Heavy band favoured by those whith an unsteady step. The wearer will recoil less when striking foes and will not be flung as far when taking damage. |
| Barbed Bracelet |  Found on a corpse of a bug on a raft in Sinner’s Road. | Vicious bracelet worn by those who believe they have not been duly punished. Increases damage taken, but also increases damage dealt by the needle. |
| Dead Bug’s Purse |  Can be found on a corpse in the Wormways. | Discarded purse of a fallen pilgrim. Allows the bearer to retain Rosaries upon defeat. |
| Shell Satchel | TBD | Quick access container formed from an old shell. Increases the quantity of crafted tools |
| Magnetite Dice |  Found at the end of a hallway in Blasted Steps. | Playthings carved from magnetic material. Used in simple games and believed to bring luck to the bearer. |
| Scuttlebrace | Can be obtained by exchanging 140x Rosaries and 1x Craftmetal from the Twelfth Architect. | Artificial spine that clasps tight around the shell. Enhances the wearer’s innate flexibility, allowing rapid retreat. |
| Ascendant’s Grip | TBD | Gilded piton that allows one to hold in place while on a wall. |
| Spider Strings | TBD | Sophisticated Weaver device. Resonates with music played to amplify and enhance a performance. Expands and strengthens the effects of the Needolin. |
| Silkspeed Anklets |  Can be obtained after sprinting across the trial chamber, lighting up the floor. | Experimental anklets of Weaver make. Draws upon the wearer’s own Silk to increase sprinting speed. |
| Thief’s Mark |  Purchased from Grindle at Blasted Steps. | Symbol worn to identify oneself to fellow thieves. Gain extra rosaries from defeated enemies, but lose some rosaries on taking damage. |
Managing Resources – Rosaries, Craftmetal, and Shards
Most advanced Tools require Rosaries and Craftmetal for crafting or upgrading.
- Rosaries drop from enemies and can be stolen with Snitch Pick.
- Craftmetal is rarer, usually tied to major quests or NPCs.
- Shards are consumed when activating Red Tools. Always keep a stock before boss fights.
👉 Beginner mistake: Spending Rosaries too quickly. Save at least 200–300 for key NPC purchases like Magnetite Brooch or Crest upgrades.
Common Beginner Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Ignoring Tools – Players often stick with the Needle and never equip Tools. This severely limits combat options.
- ✅ Always test new Tools as soon as you find them.
- Forgetting Crest Colors – Trying to equip Tools into the wrong slot wastes time and confuses new players.
- ✅ Memorize: Red = offense, Blue = defense, Yellow = utility.
- Over-relying on fragile Tools – Items like Fractured Mask or Wreath of Purity can break, leaving you vulnerable.
- ✅ Treat them as support, not your main defense.
- Not investing in Memory Lockets – Many skip side quests and exploration, leading to limited build flexibility.
- ✅ Prioritize Memory Lockets early for more slots.
- Wasting resources – Overspending Rosaries or crafting Tools you won’t use can block progress.
- ✅ Always think: Will this Tool help me now, or is it situational?
Final Tips for First-Time Players
- Mix Tool types – Balance one offensive, one defensive, and one utility Tool to cover all situations.
- Adapt to the biome – Equip Magma Bell in Deep Docks, Compass in unexplored regions, and heavy offense in boss arenas.
- Experiment constantly – Pharloom is built around adaptability. No single setup works everywhere.
- Don’t fear mistakes – Broken masks, wasted Shards, or lost Rosaries are part of the learning curve. Adjust and keep exploring.
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