Silksong Beginner Walkthrough: Your First Steps in Pharloom

Welcome to the world of Hollow Knight: Silksong! As an experienced player, I'll guide you through this detailed walkthrough, helping you master this beautiful Metroidvania game from scratch. Whether you're new to the series or a beginner to action games, this guide will help you build a solid foundation.

Before You Begin: Understanding Silksong

Game Background and Features

Hollow Knight: Silksong is a 2D Metroidvania action-adventure game with the following features:

• Non-linear Exploration: A vast interconnected world waiting to be discovered
• Ability-gated Progression: Unlock new areas by acquiring new abilities
• Challenging Combat: A combat system requiring skill and strategy
• Deep Customization: Create unique character builds through the Crest system

Relationship with the Previous Game

Although Silksong is a sequel to Hollow Knight, it's a completely independent story:

• New protagonist: Hornet
• Brand new world: The Kingdom of Pharloom
• Independent storyline, no need to have played the previous game

First Steps: Mastering Basic Controls

Core Control Commands

Basic Movement

• Left/Right Movement: Direction keys/Analog stick left/right
• Jump: A button/X button (can press repeatedly for multi-jumps)
• Crouch: Direction key down/Analog stick down

Combat Operations

• Normal Attack: X button/Y button
• Special Skills: Y button/B button (after acquiring skills)
• Defense/Parry: LB/L1 button (in certain situations)

Interaction Controls

• Talk to NPCs: Press up when close
• Open Chests: Press up when close
• Use Save Points: Press up when close

Control Practice Suggestions

Before officially starting your adventure, it's recommended to practice in safe areas:

1. Movement Practice: Familiarize yourself with jump timing and distance
2. Attack Practice: Understand attack range and rhythm
3. Combination Practice: Try movement + attack combination operations

Game Interface Explained

Main UI Elements

Health System

• Life Masks: Mask icons in the upper left corner of the screen
• Health Recovery: Recover through specific items or rest points
• Health Maximum: Can be increased through game progression

Skills and Equipment

• Crest System: Shows currently equipped Crests in the upper right corner
• Skill Shortcuts: Displays available skills at the bottom of the screen
• Item Bar: Shows currently carried consumables

Map System

• Area Map: Press M key to open (need to acquire the map first)
• Location Markers: Your current position and important locations
• Exploration Progress: Shows completion percentage of area exploration

Important Game Mechanics

Save System

• Save Points: Specific rest points can save game progress
• Auto-save: The game automatically saves at specific moments
• Death Penalty: Respawn at the nearest save point after death

Currency System

• Silk: The main currency in the game
• Acquisition Methods: Defeat enemies, explore, complete quests
• Uses: Purchase items, upgrade equipment, unlock abilities

Exploration Tips and Strategies

Map Navigation Basics

Acquiring Maps

For each new area you need to:

1. Find the Cartographer: Usually located somewhere in the area
2. Purchase the Map: Buy the area map with silk
3. Activate the Map: Use the map at a save point

Exploration Priorities

Recommended exploration order:

1. Main Path: First follow the obvious main route
2. Side Areas: Explore branching paths
3. Hidden Areas: Look for secret passages and hidden rooms
4. Revisit: Return to old areas after acquiring new abilities

Discovering Hidden Content

Identifying Breakable Walls

• Visual Clues: Subtle differences in wall color or texture
• Sound Clues: Different sounds when attacked
• Map Clues: Empty areas on the map may have hidden rooms

Finding Secret Passages

• Careful Observation: Pay attention to anomalies in the environment
• Try Attacking: Test suspicious walls with attacks
• Use Skills: Certain skills can reveal hidden content

Resource Management

Health Management

• Cautious Combat: Avoid unnecessary damage
• Find Recovery Points: Remember locations for health recovery
• Carry Recovery Items: Purchase and collect recovery items

Silk Management

• Priority Purchases: Buy the most needed items first
• Exploration Collection: Thoroughly explore each area to collect silk
• Avoid Waste: Don't spend on unnecessary items

Combat System Introduction

Basic Combat Concepts

Attack Types

• Normal Attacks: Basic melee attacks
• Skill Attacks: Special attacks that consume resources
• Combo Attacks: Combinations formed by continuous attacks

Defense Mechanisms

• Dodging: Avoid attacks through movement
• Blocking: Use defensive skills to reduce damage
• Counter-attack: Counter during the gap after enemy attacks

Enemy Types and Counters

Basic Enemies

• Melee Type: Attack up close, maintain distance to counter
• Ranged Type: Fire projectiles, require dodging and closing in
• Flying Type: Move in the air, require jump attacks

Elite Enemies

• Higher Health: Require more attacks to defeat
• Special Attack Patterns: Have unique attack methods
• Reward Drops: Usually drop better rewards

Combat Techniques

Basic Techniques

1. Observe Enemies: Understand enemy attack patterns
2. Maintain Distance: Attack from a safe distance
3. Use the Environment: Take advantage of terrain
4. Rhythm Control: Master the rhythm of attacking and dodging

Advanced Techniques

1. Anticipate Attacks: Predict enemy actions in advance
2. Combo System: Master the timing of continuous attacks
3. Skill Combinations: Use different skills effectively
4. Resource Management: Use skills and items wisely

Introduction to the Crest System

What is the Crest System

The Crest system is Silksong's core upgrade mechanism:

• Three Types: Attack, Defense, Movement
• Tool Equipment: Equip different tools on Crests
• Ability Customization: Customize character based on playstyle

Recommended Configurations for Beginners

Balanced Development Configuration

Suitable for: Beginners unsure of their preferred playstyle

• Attack Crest: Basic damage enhancement
• Defense Crest: Health increase
• Movement Crest: Jump enhancement

Survival Priority Configuration

Suitable for: Beginners who find the game challenging

• Attack Crest: Basic attack tools
• Defense Crest: Health increase + Damage reduction
• Movement Crest: Basic movement enhancement

Tool Acquisition and Upgrades

Acquisition Methods

1. Defeat Enemies: Some enemies drop tools
2. Exploration: Find tools in chests
3. Merchant Purchases: Buy tools with silk
4. Quest Rewards: Obtain tools by completing quests

Upgrade Strategies

1. Try First: Test the effect of new tools after obtaining them
2. Based on Needs: Choose tools based on current challenges
3. Balanced Development: Don't focus solely on one aspect
4. Experiment with Combinations: Try different tool combinations

First Area: Practical Introduction

Area Overview

The first area is typically a tutorial area, featuring:

• Relatively Safe: Weaker enemies, fewer traps
• Basic Tutorials: Introduction to core game mechanics
• Important Items: Obtain basic tools and abilities

Recommended Exploration Routes

First Phase: Basic Exploration

1. Follow the Tutorial: Complete the game's basic tutorial
2. Familiarize with Controls: Practice operations in a safe environment
3. Collect Resources: Gather silk and basic items

Second Phase: In-depth Exploration

1. Obtain the Map: Find the cartographer and purchase the map
2. Explore Side Paths: Explore areas beyond the main route
3. Collect Tools: Find and purchase the first batch of tools

Third Phase: Complete Exploration

1. Hidden Areas: Look for hidden rooms and passages
2. Complete Collection: Collect all possible items
3. Prepare for Advancement: Get ready for the next area

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Can't Find the Way

Solutions:

• Carefully check the map for unexplored areas
• Try attacking suspicious walls
• Look for areas that require specific skills to reach

Challenge 2: Enemies Too Strong

Solutions:

• Upgrade your Crest configuration
• Practice combat techniques and timing
• Find better tools and equipment

Challenge 3: Got Lost

Solutions:

• Use the map system for navigation
• Look for obvious landmarks
• Return to the nearest save point to replan your route

Advanced Preparation: Getting Ready for Future Adventures

Skill Development Planning

Short-term Goals (First Area)

• Master basic operations and combat
• Obtain the first set of Crest configurations
• Complete the main exploration of the area

Mid-term Goals (2-3 Areas)

• Develop personal playstyle
• Acquire key movement skills
• Establish stable resource income

Long-term Goals (Entire Game)

• Master advanced combat techniques
• Complete all hidden content
• Challenge the most difficult bosses

Recommended Learning Resources

Official Resources

• In-game Tutorials: Carefully read all tutorial information
• Official Guides: Check guides published by the official team

Community Resources

• Strategy Websites: View detailed area guides
• Video Tutorials: Watch gameplay videos from other players
• Community Discussions: Participate in player community discussions

Common Beginner Questions

Game Difficulty Related

Q: Is the game too difficult for beginners?
A: Silksong has a progressive difficulty design. Through practice and proper strategies, most players can enjoy the game. If you encounter difficulties, you can:

• Practice basic operations more
• Upgrade equipment and skills
• Look for alternative routes or areas
• Check guides and tips

Q: What do you lose after death?
A: After death, you'll respawn at the nearest save point. You typically won't lose important progress, but you may need to recollect some resources.

Controls and Operation

Q: Which is better, controller or keyboard?
A: Both are viable, but controllers typically provide a better control experience, especially for precise movement and combat. Choose the method that feels most comfortable to you.

Q: What if the controls don't feel responsive enough?
A: You can adjust control options in the settings, including key mapping and sensitivity settings.

Game Progression

Q: I'm stuck and can't progress, what should I do?
A: This is normal! You can try:

• Exploring other areas to find new skills
• Checking if you missed certain items or abilities
• Carefully observing the environment for hidden passages
• Consulting guides to confirm the correct progression

Q: Should I collect everything?
A: It's not mandatory, but collecting more items and tools will enhance your game experience. It's recommended to at least collect the main upgrade items.

Conclusion: Begin Your Silksong Journey

Congratulations on completing this beginner's guide! You now have the foundational knowledge to begin your Silksong adventure:

You've Learned:

• ✅ Basic operations and control methods
• ✅ Game interface and core mechanics
• ✅ Exploration and navigation techniques
• ✅ Basic combat strategies
• ✅ Introductory knowledge of the Crest system
• ✅ Methods for tackling the first area

Recommendations for Moving Forward:

1. Start Playing: Apply theoretical knowledge to actual gameplay
2. Be Patient: Remember that learning takes time and practice
3. Enjoy Exploration: Don't rush to finish, enjoy the pleasure of discovery
4. Seek Help: Don't hesitate to seek help when facing difficulties

Advanced Learning Directions:

• Deep Study of the Memory Locket System: Learn how to extend character abilities
• Boss Battle Strategies: Learn techniques for dealing with difficult bosses
• Perfectionist Approach: If you want 100% completion
• Speedrun Techniques: If you're interested in completing the game quickly

Remember, each player's gaming experience is unique. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, don't rush for results, and most importantly, enjoy this beautiful and challenging world.

Have a pleasant adventure in the Kingdom of Pharloom! If you encounter any issues during gameplay, feel free to return to this guide or seek help from the community.

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This guide will be continuously improved based on game updates and player feedback. If you have any suggestions or want to share your beginner experiences, feel free to leave a message in the comments section!