Choosing how to develop your characters is an important part of DRAGON QUEST Smash/Grow. Alongside its roguelite battles and random Blessings, the game features the familiar DRAGON QUEST concept of Vocations.

Understanding this system can help new players create stronger characters and prepare for increasingly difficult content.

What Are Vocations in DRAGON QUEST Smash Grow
Vocations help define how characters develop and contribute to a party. Instead of relying only on character levels, players can continue improving a vocation through its Vocation Tree.

This creates another layer of long-term progression outside individual roguelite runs.

Different Vocations can suit different situations, so players should consider how a character fits into the overall party rather than focusing exclusively on raw power.

Use the Vocation Tree
The Vocation Tree allows players to spend Nodestones and gold to unlock permanent improvements.

These upgrades can include increased stats, Vocation Traits and additional Memory equipment slots. Because these benefits remain useful beyond an individual quest, developing important Vocation Tree nodes can strengthen your overall account.

New players should generally concentrate resources on the Vocations they actually use instead of immediately trying to develop everything.

Do Not Be Afraid to Change Vocations
One useful feature is that Vocation Levels are stored separately.

Changing to another Vocation does not erase the progress you made with the previous one. If you return later, you can continue using the level and stats already developed for that Vocation.

This gives players room to experiment with different approaches as their party and equipment collection grows.

Match Your Development to Your Playstyle
Some players prefer aggressive setups designed to clear enemies quickly, while others value survivability and consistency.

Instead of assuming there is one perfect Vocation for every situation, think about what your current party needs. Equipment, Memories, permanent upgrades and the Blessings obtained during a quest can all influence how effective a particular setup feels.

If you would rather jump into the game with more progression already established, z2u.com also features DRAGON QUEST Smash/Grow Account listings. Players can check available options based on factors such as account progress and included resources before deciding whether one matches the experience they want.

Prepare for More Difficult Content
As your account develops, having access to multiple well-prepared options can become increasingly useful.

DRAGON QUEST Smash/Grow includes story content, co-op quests and additional challenges such as the Gauntlette and Shrines. A setup that works perfectly for ordinary stages may not always be ideal elsewhere.

Develop your core Vocation first, experiment when you have enough resources, and gradually create a more flexible party. Good long-term preparation can make adapting to future challenges considerably easier.

I have spent dozens of hours wandering through Pharloom in Hollow Knight: Silksong, and one of the strangest items I have picked up is the Rosary Cannon. At first I thought Tools would be a minor part of Hornet's kit, but once you upgrade a few of them, they can deal real damage. The Rosary Cannon is not necessarily a practical choice, but it is absolutely entertaining. It works like a little gatling gun that spits out Rosary beads, and I found it hidden behind a locked door in High Halls after a lot of backtracking.



The Locked Door in High Halls

The first step is to reach High Halls and look for a locked door that requires a Simple Key. I remember running past this area several times before noticing it. The door sits to the left of the High Halls Ventrica and Bench. That location is convenient because you can respawn and heal nearby if anything goes wrong. The door itself is marked with a Rosary Necklace icon, which felt like a playful hint that the room behind it would be full of bead-related treasure. And honestly, it was.

If you open that room and somehow miss the Rosary Cannon, do not panic. The Tool will still be there in Act 3. During my visit I also ran into Grindle in the treasury room. He was poking around the leftovers and muttering something about loot. I ignored him because I was too focused on finding the cannon.

Finding the Hidden Route

After stepping through the Simple Key door, the room looked almost empty at first. I stood there for a moment wondering if I had wasted a key. Then I remembered that Silksong loves hiding things above your head. I destroyed a breakable ceiling, and a secret way up opened. That led me into a narrow set of tunnels filled with small obstacles. I had to move carefully because the space was tight.

Eventually I reached an intersection. This is the point where the route splits, and it is easy to pick the wrong direction if you only care about treasure. Going up took me into a room packed with Rosary beads. It was a lovely reward for Hornet's pouch, especially if she is planning not to die for a while. But I wanted the weapon, so I turned around and took the downward path instead.

The downward route brought me into a place filled with steam. Visibility was not great, but I could see a platform I could stand on. On the left side there was a breakable wall. I destroyed it and entered what looked like another empty room. This time I knew better than to leave immediately. I looked up and spotted a breakable object attached to the roof. When I destroyed that object, the Rosary Cannon fell to the floor. It was glowing, so I walked over and claimed it.

How the Rosary Cannon Feels in Combat

After picking up the Tool, I headed to a bench to equip it. The Rosary Cannon can hold up to 80 Rosary beads as ammo. That sounds like a lot, but in a fast fight it disappears quickly. Once you run dry, you need to reload at a bench. That is a major limitation if you like to wander far from safe rooms.

I tested it against several enemies. The cannon shreds things that stay still on the ground, like the slow wandering creatures in the halls. You can hold down the trigger and feel like you are mowing down a corridor. Against flying enemies, however, it feels clumsy. The spread and lower accuracy make it much less reliable when something is buzzing around your head. Hornet already has precise needle attacks, so the cannon is more of a side tool than a main weapon.

The biggest downside is the upkeep. Rosary beads are also your currency, and feeding 80 beads into the ammo pool can quickly deplete Hornet's savings. I spent a while farming beads just so I could keep playing with the gatling gun. That felt a little wasteful, but I had fun experimenting with different upgrade combinations. I would not recommend it as a permanent loadout for difficult bosses. Still, for clearing simple ground enemies or just enjoying the novelty, it is worth seeking out.

Quick Checklist for Getting the Rosary Cannon

Bring a Simple Key to High Halls.

Find the locked door left of the High Halls Ventrica and Bench.

Look for the Rosary Necklace icon on the door.

Enter and destroy the breakable ceiling.

Navigate the tunnels until you reach an intersection.

Skip the upper Rosary bead room if you only want the cannon.

Take the lower path into the steam area.

Destroy the breakable wall on the left platform.

In the next room, destroy the breakable object on the roof.

Claim the glowing Rosary Cannon and equip it at a bench.

Even though the Rosary Cannon is not the most efficient Tool in Hollow Knight: Silksong, it is one of the most memorable. I love the absurdity of turning Hornet's bead pouch into a rapid-fire weapon. If you are playing in 2026 and have not picked it up yet, bring an extra Simple Key and go exploring. The detour is a bit long, but the moment that cannon falls from the ceiling is satisfying. Just remember to keep some Rosary beads in reserve, because the cannon is hungry.

Weapons like the Rosary Cannon are what make exploration in Hollow Knight: Silksong so rewarding. The thrill of breaking a hidden wall and finding a glowing tool is the kind of experience that keeps players hunting for every secret. Of course, chasing that feeling through multiple playthroughs means spending plenty of hours in the game, and many players like to keep their gaming setup comfortable and up to date while doing it.

If you're planning a deep run through Silksong or just looking to upgrade your gaming gear, it's always smart to track down good deals first. You can find discounts on games, accessories, and more by checking out DealNest. A quick visit before your next long session could save you some money, leaving you free to focus on what really matters: tracking down the next breakable wall.

I have made peace with a simple truth: I am not a gifted Hollow Knight: Silksong player. The original Hollow Knight already reduced me to a frustrated pile of broken focus, particularly during my dozens of failed attempts against the Traitor Lord. Now that I am deep into Silksong in 2026, the story repeats itself. I have collected a truly embarrassing number of silly deaths, lost more rosary beads than I can count, and accepted that I will never earn every achievement or master its demanding Soulslike combat. Instead of becoming competent, I have developed a set of chaotic habits that carry me through Pharloom in the messiest possible way.

🪙 Scrambling For Rosary Beads Out Of Sheer Desperation

Pharloom is secretly a capitalistic nightmare, and rosary beads are the currency that rules everything. I have never felt so perpetually broke in a video game. Every useful item, map fragment, charm, and fast travel unlock seems absurdly expensive, while the rosary beads scattered around the world feel painfully scarce. Maybe Team Cherry is making a pointed comment about survival under relentless economic pressure, but that does not help me afford a basic map.



So I scramble constantly. I poke into dangerous corners, challenge enemies I know will flatten me, and retread areas hoping to squeeze out one more glimmering bead. Please, Pharloom, I just want to know where I am.

🌱 Mistaking Cute Enemies For Harmless Little Friends

Team Cherry excels at creature design, which is a problem for someone like me. Whenever I step into a fresh biome and spot an unfamiliar bug, my brain says adorable instead of dangerous. I pause to admire its little silhouette, then it launches itself at Hornet and teaches me a very fast lesson.



These critters prove that cute and devastating are not mutually exclusive. If so cute, why so spicy? My health bar knows the answer.

🕳️ Falling All The Way Back Down To Moss Grotto, Again

Whoever designed the early hub area with a giant, gaping pit deserves a very serious conversation. The opening region above Bone Bottom contains a monstrous vertical shaft, and if I miss a single jump while exploring nearby ledges, I plummet what feels like several miles straight back to the very beginning of the game.

This is not a rare accident. This is a tradition. Each time I tumble down that hole, I lose progress, poise, and another sliver of self-respect. The only word is: why?

🗺️ Checking The Map I Still Do Not Have

I am fully aware that I lack rosary beads and have not purchased maps for most areas. Will I stop opening my map anyway? Absolutely not. Every time the blank interface appears with that little symbol indicating no map, it feels like a paper receipt for my failures.

I have even opened the map by accident during boss encounters. As if a flimsy scrap of unmapped parchment would help against a massive armored predator. My subconscious apparently wants to attempt a map-only run.

⚔️ Brute Forcing Every Boss Until Something Breaks

My partner and I play Silksong together, and we have opposite philosophies. She is the wise one: attempt a boss twice, retreat, explore, locate hidden mask shards, gather upgrades, and return stronger. I am the stubborn one: slam into the same wall of health bars over and over because backing away feels like surrender.



Beating Lace or any other boss after leaving to upgrade does not feel like the same victory once I have already died ten times at one health segment. I will keep throwing myself into the arena until either the boss breaks or my patience does.

🔔 Wanting To Pet The Bell Beast

The Bell Beast is one of the cutest things in Pharloom. After an early encounter, this odd creature becomes my primary method of fast travel. Despite being a giant bug, it behaves in a distinctly dog-like manner: excitable, affectionate, and full of energy.



Why can we not pet the Bell Beast? Why can we not offer it a treat? This should be the top priority for the first update. I want to scratch behind whatever passes for its ears before riding off to my next disaster.

🧱 Hitting Every Single Wall Hoping For A Secret Room

Hollow Knight taught me that Team Cherry loves hiding secret rooms inside crumbling corners. So in Silksong, I attack nearly every suspicious wall, floor, and ceiling. Most of the time there is nothing, and Hornet looks like a lunatic swinging at empty air.



But when that wall finally cracks open to reveal a glowing secret, I feel completely vindicated. I will continue slapping every surface in Pharloom forever.

📉 Learning Everything The Hard Way

I prefer to play blind. I only consult guides when I am hopelessly lost or stuck, which means Silksong serves me regular portions of humble pie. I flail through tough platforming gauntlets and boss patterns, repeating the same mistake until the lesson finally sinks in through sheer repetition.



I cannot explain why I make myself suffer like this. Maybe part of the fun is surviving my own incompetence. What I can say is that I will not be finished with Silksong for a very long, very stubborn time.

Habit
Likely Outcome
Lesson I Refuse To Learn

Fighting cute new enemies immediately
Getting flattened
Cute still means hostile

Ignoring map upgrades
Watching blank map screen
Buy maps earlier

Falling into the Moss Grotto pit
Plummeting to the start
Jump more carefully

Brute forcing bosses
Many deaths
Patience is allegedly useful



Maybe one day I will practice, plan, and play Silksong like a sensible explorer. Until then, I will remain broke, stubborn, and loudly asking Team Cherry for a Bell Beast petting feature.

With my track record of impulsive purchases and stubborn blind runs, you would think I had learned to budget my gaming spending. I have not. Between buying every indie Metroidvania that looks even remotely like Hollow Knight and grabbing DLC I never finish, my wallet is as battered as Hornet after a boss fight.

These days I try to be smarter about where I look for my next obsession, and that means keeping an eye on DealNest game deals before I commit to another adventure. A good discount does not cure my recklessness, but at least it makes the sting of dying to the same enemy forty times much easier to accept.

For players working through Hollow Knight: Silksong in 2026, the Flea Caravan can seem like a modest errand at first. It asks Hornet to round up scattered fleas across Pharloom, but the activity sits much closer to the main path than its cheerful presentation suggests. Returning all the lost fleas to the Caravan is necessary to advance into Act 3, and tracking down every flea location also points toward an exclusive tool and one Pale Oil. The payoff, however, is not automatic. Hornet still has to win the Flea Festival by claiming the grand champion title in the Ecstasy of the End quest.

How to Trigger the Ecstasy of the End Quest

The quest becomes available only after the full flea hunt is completed. Once all fleas have been found, players should speak to the Fleamaster to receive the Egg of Flealia. This item is the key that opens the next step.



After obtaining the Egg of Flealia, Hornet should return to Bellhart's Wishwall. A new wish called the Ecstasy of the End will now be available there. Promise the wish, then travel back to Fleatopia in the Putrified Ducts area. Doing so begins the Festival of the Flea and unlocks the three required flea games.

The full trigger sequence can be summarized as follows:

Find every lost flea in Pharloom.

Speak to the Fleamaster and obtain the Egg of Flealia.

Return to Bellhart's Wishwall.

Locate and promise the Ecstasy of the End wish.

Go to Fleatopia in the Putrified Ducts to start the Festival of the Flea.

Completing the Ecstasy of the End Quest

Finishing the quest requires Hornet to achieve the highest score in all three flea games: Flea Juggle, Flea Dodge, and Flea Bounce. Beat every champion and Hornet earns the grand champion title.



Flea Juggle

Flea Juggle asks Hornet to keep falling fleas from touching the ground by hitting them upward. The game ends if three fleas land, and stepping off the stage also causes an immediate failure. Upward hits are preferred, but a normal sideways hit can be useful when a flea drifts too far outside the stage to reach with an upward strike. The score to beat is held by Grishkin at 30 points.

Flea Dodge

Flea Dodge places Hornet on two wooden platforms while fleas fly in from any direction. At times, one of the two platforms will fall, leaving less space to stand. The champion Vog has a high score of 65 points, meaning players must dodge a significant number of fleas. A useful detail is that a flea flying over Hornet's head still awards points as long as it passes by, so close dodges are not always necessary.



Flea Bounce

Flea Bounce is the final aerial challenge. Hornet must stay in the air and bounce over fleas to earn points. Touching the ground will end the game, so players should use all available abilities to maintain an airborne position. Vog is also the champion of Flea Bounce, with a high score of 42 points.



A quick reference for the three high scores is shown below:

Flea Game
Champion
Score to Beat

Flea Juggle
Grishkin
30

Flea Dodge
Vog
65

Flea Bounce
Vog
42

After all three high scores are beaten, Hornet earns the grand champion title. Completing the Ecstasy of the End quest is essential for players who want to secure the Pale Oil and continue deeper into the story. Because the Flea Caravan is tied to Act 3 progression, it is worth handling the flea search early so the Wishwall and Festival of the Flea are ready when needed.

Mastering the Ecstasy of the End quest is a rewarding milestone, but it also highlights how much content Hollow Knight: Silksong packs into every corner of Pharloom. For players who have yet to begin Hornet's journey or are looking to gift the game to a friend, finding a good price on the title can make the adventure even more enjoyable. Keeping an eye on current promotions and discounts is a smart way to grab games at the right moment.

Whether you're chasing the grand champion title or simply exploring Fleatopia for the first time, picking up the game at a fair price is always worth the effort. That's why many players regularly check DealNest game deals to stay updated on discounts for Hollow Knight: Silksong and other popular titles. With a little patience, you can secure the game at a bargain and dive into all the flea-filled challenges waiting in the Putrified Ducts.

Let me be real with you: Hollow Knight: Silksong does not mess around. Between the unforgiving combat and those brutal platforming stretches, Team Cherry has absolutely kept the “git gud” energy alive in 2026. But here’s the good news — the game gives you tools that can seriously tip the odds in your favor. One of the earliest and most satisfying offensive pickups I’ve found is the Flintslate. This little beauty cranks up Hornet’s attack power and sets enemies ablaze with every hit, which is a total game-changer when you’re still learning enemy patterns. I’m going to break down exactly how I snagged it without pulling my hair out.



What Makes the Flintslate Worth Your Time

The Flintslate is not just for show — this thing punches above its weight. Once equipped, it gives Hornet’s needle attacks a fiery edge, applying burn damage to anything you hit. Trust me, that extra damage over time can mean the difference between a clean kill and another trip back to the bench. Here’s the quick rundown:

Detail
What You Need to Know

Tool
Flintslate

Effect
Boosts Hornet’s attack power and inflicts burn on every hit

Location
Deep Docks area

Requirement
Simple Key

Merchant
Pebb the Merchant in Bone Marrow

Cost
500 Rosary Beads

Charges
3 charges when equipped



Before You Go: Simple Key Shopping

You can’t just waltz into the Deep Docks and expect the Flintslate to be sitting there for you. The door is locked, and you’ll need a Simple Key to open it. I got mine from Pebb the Merchant in the Bone Marrow area. The price tag is 500 Rosary Beads, which honestly isn’t too bad if you’ve been poking around the early game. I didn’t have to grind for ages — between enemy drops and breakable objects, those beads stack up faster than you’d think.



Once you have the Simple Key in your pocket, head over to the Deep Docks area. The spot you’re looking for is a large cavern with a locked door on the bottom-right side of the map. No switches, no puzzles — just use the Simple Key and the door opens. Easy peasy.

Deep Docks Walkthrough: Getting the Flintslate

Now comes the fun part. After you unlock that door, you’ll step into a chamber that’s absolutely crawling with enemies, so go in ready to scrap. I made the mistake of waltzing in with low health once, and let me tell you, it was not pretty. Here’s the route I followed:

Enter through the locked door and follow the pathway into the first chamber with chained platforms.

Fight or dash past the enemies — either works, but don’t get cocky. The first area has plenty of nasty critters waiting to ruin your day.

Keep heading right and enter the next area.

Climb the chained platforms slowly in this second chamber. There are flying enemies here, so take them out before they knock you off.

Reach the top and jump into the top-left path.

Follow that path until you spot an item on a table. That’s your Flintslate!







My Combat Tips for the Flintslate

Once you grab it, simply equip it at a bench to start using it. You’ll get three charges for the Flintslate, and activating it imbues Hornet’s attacks with fire damage. The activation animation looks slick, but it’s not just cosmetic — every needle strike while it’s active applies burn damage to enemies. That said, don’t sleep on the short duration. The burn window is brief, so I only pop the Flintslate right before a clear opening. If you activate it too early, you’ll waste a charge and miss out on the damage. Patience is the name of the game, folks.

Honestly, the Flintslate is one of those early game godsends that makes Silksong’s tough-as-nails combat feel a little more manageable. If you’re struggling with aggressive enemies or just want to melt through early encounters, don’t skip this tool. Grab the Simple Key, brave the Deep Docks, and light some enemies up. You’ve got this.

Speaking of getting more out of your Silksong journey, it never hurts to shop smart when it comes to expanding your game library. Whether you still need to grab a copy for yourself or you're already eyeballing the next Metroidvania to sink hours into, taking a moment to check game prices can stretch your budget much further. DealNest rounds up the best offers across multiple stores, making it easy to spot a bargain without the usual tab-hopping price hunt.

At the end of the day, smart spending is just another skill worth sharpening. Pair that with the burn damage from your new Flintslate, and you'll be slicing through both enemies and your wishlist like a true hunter. Happy exploring, and may your needles always strike true.

In Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hornet's journey through the kingdom of Pharloom can take many directions, and not every task comes directly from the main path. After reaching Act 3, a visit to Bellhart opens up new opportunities through Bellhart's Wishwall. Among the available requests is the Hidden Hunter, a Grand Hunt wish that asks Hornet to track down the thief who stole Gilly's Keepsake. Because the request is marked as a Grand Hunt wish, it immediately suggests that the encounter will be far more threatening than an ordinary hunt. The quest is not simply about finding an object; it requires crossing into a sealed portion of Far Fields, reading subtle signs in the environment, and eventually facing a dangerous hidden opponent.



Starting the Hunt

The quest begins with a clue. The Hidden Hunter wish explains that the stolen keepsake was taken near the Bellshrine between Deep Docks and Far Fields. That location is treated as the last place where the thief was detected. When Hornet searches the area close to the Far Fields Bellshrine, she can discover a visible track on the ground. This track is the first step in a longer trail. From that point, following the track becomes the main method of navigation, since the hidden hunter does not simply wait in an open arena.

Reaching the Far Fields Upper Lands

Reaching the hunter's territory requires access to a locked area in Far Fields. This area does not open until Hornet unlocks the Silk Soar skill. With that ability, she can open a bridge from Hunter's March into Far Fields, which allows exploration of the upper sections of the region. Players who have not yet opened that area need to start from the Marrow and travel into Hunter's March without taking the Deep Docks shortcuts. At the end of Hunter's March, a row of statues marks the way forward. Using the Super Jump Skill there lets Hornet access the newly opened path.



Following the Trail

Once Hornet enters the upper lands of Far Fields, the trail appears again. The route is not empty, however. Tracks and traps are scattered along the way, and each one serves as a marker for the direction she should follow. The final marker is not a simple clue. It is a trap that drags Hornet downward into the boss's location. This sudden fall acts as the final transition into the fight, giving the encounter a feeling of being caught rather than choosing the moment herself. For those who have already visited this area during quests like the Fastest In Pharloom quest, the Pilgrim's Rest shortcut offers another way to reach the same upper region.

Gurr the Outcast Boss Fight

The Hidden Hunter is revealed as Gurr the Outcast. The fight against Gurr is dangerous, but it is not random. Gurr moves in predictable patterns, which means observation is more important than constant movement. As Gurr changes position, spikes are left behind across the battlefield. Those spikes gradually limit the space Hornet can safely use, while Gurr retains the freedom to move wherever the arena allows. This combination can make the fight feel overwhelming at first. However, once the pattern becomes clear, the safest approach is to wait patiently for each opening and land hits only when it is safe to do so. Rushing leads to mistakes, especially as the spikes accumulate.

Completing the Wish

After the battle ends and Gurr the Outcast is defeated, the next step is simple but easy to miss. Hornet should move to the left side of the area after the fight. There, the Grass Doll can be found. This object is the stolen keepsake connected to the wish, and it must be returned to complete the quest. Traveling back to Bellhart and turning in the Grass Doll officially finishes the Hidden Hunter wish. With the item returned, the Grand Hunt request is complete, and Hornet can move on to other challenges waiting in Pharloom.

Why This Quest Stands Out

The Hidden Hunter quest is a strong example of how Hollow Knight: Silksong combines exploration, movement abilities, and boss design. It rewards players who pay attention to environmental clues and encourages them to unlock parts of the map before chasing a target. The path from Bellhart's Wishwall to the Far Fields upper lands is not always obvious, but the trail and the traps slowly build the atmosphere of a genuine hunt. The fight against Gurr the Outcast then tests patience as much as skill, making the final return of the Grass Doll a satisfying conclusion.

For players who enjoy the kind of layered quest design found in the Hidden Hunter wish, Hollow Knight: Silksong delivers hours of similar challenges across Pharloom. The exploration-heavy approach, combined with the satisfaction of overcoming boss encounters like Gurr the Outcast, is exactly what keeps this genre engaging. It is no surprise that many players seek out every quest and secret before finishing the game.

Of course, before setting out on the Grand Hunt, it makes sense to make sure you have the game at the right price. Whether you are just starting your journey or picking up a copy for a friend, it is always wise to check game prices before a purchase. DealNest offers a convenient way to compare options across different storefronts, helping you save while diving into the world of Silksong and other titles.

I’ve been tearing through Hollow Knight: Silksong in 2026, and I’ve got to say—Volt Filament is one of those tools that is easy to overlook but absolutely worth the detour. It’s an Act 3 tool, so you can’t grab it in the early game even if you’re feeling like a speedrunner on a hot streak. You need a specific ability first, and you need to know exactly where to poke around in the Sands of Karak. Let me break it all down, step by step, so you don’t wander around like a headless bug.



Silk Soar Is the Make-or-Break Skill

Let’s cut to the chase: you cannot reach Volt Filament without Silk Soar. This Super Jump skill is your golden ticket to the hidden area. If you show up without it, you’ll be staring at a ledge like a lost tourist—don’t bother. Make sure you’ve unlocked Silk Soar before heading out, because trying to reach the Voltnest without it is like trying to chop wood with a spoon. Pointless and a little embarrassing.

How to Unlock the Sands of Karak Shortcut

If Sands of Karak is still greyed out on your map, head to the west of Blasted Steps to enter the region for the first time. Once you’re inside, look for a shortcut right above Blasted Steps’ Bellway. Open that shortcut, because you’ll be bouncing back and forth, and the long way around is a real time sink. Trust me, your future self will thank you.



Reaching the Voltnest

From Blasted Steps’ Bellway, teleport and climb up to Sands of Karak. If you didn’t unlock the bridge shortcut on top of the region, you’ll have to take the long road to the right and circle back on top of the bridge to create the shortcut. Save yourself the headache—do it now. When you get to the bridge, trigger Silk Soar and you’ll pop right into the Voltnest. That’s where the real fun begins.



Voltvyrm Boss Breakdown: Don’t Panic

Okay, let me be real with you: Voltvyrm is aggressive. The whole Voltnest is packed with electrical attacks that will fry you if you get greedy. Voltvyrm keeps coming at Hornet, and the damage can feel rough. But here’s the kicker—this boss is a glass cannon. Every time you land a hit, it retreats to another spot. It dies faster than most bosses, so your job is to avoid attacks and keep the pressure on.

I found that the best approach is to bring auto-attacking tools like the Wispfire Lantern or Cogfly. Let them chip away while you focus on dodging. It’s not the flashiest strategy, but it works like a charm. Hit, retreat, repeat. Don’t be a hero and try to trade blows; Voltvyrm’s electrical barrages will punish you for it.

What Volt Filament Actually Does

Once Voltvyrm goes down, you’ll snag the Volt Filament tool. It increases the damage of Silk abilities and makes them electrical—pretty solid on its own. But if you really want to max out the benefit, slap it on the Shaman crest. That crest has three Silk abilities, so the electrical boost triggers across the board. It’s a match made in heaven, or at least in Pharloom.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how I’d rate the synergetic loadouts:

Loadout
Synergy Level
Reason

Volt Filament + Shaman Crest
High
Three Silk abilities benefit from the electrical boost

Volt Filament + Wispfire Lantern
Medium
Good damage support, but less direct Silk synergy

Volt Filament + Cogfly
Medium
Auto-attacks complement the tool, but not max synergy

Final Take

Volt Filament is not the kind of tool that will completely rewrite your whole build, but it’s a dang good pickup for Act 3. The path to it is a little sneaky, and Voltvyrm might give you a scare, but once you know the route it’s a piece of cake. Open the shortcuts, pack an auto-attacker, and don’t sleep on that Shaman crest combo. Happy hunting, and keep your eyes peeled for those hidden ledges—Silksong loves to hide the good stuff.

One last bit of advice before you dive into Pharloom: being a savvy player isn't just about smart loadouts and knowing boss patterns—it's also about knowing where to find value. If you're hunting for your next adventure or just want to pick up Silksong (or a few other indie gems) without breaking the bank, keeping an eye on PC game discounts is a smart move. DealNest rounds up solid deals across the PC gaming space, so you can spend less time digging through storefronts and more time actually playing.

In the sprawling universe of Soulslikes, few design choices shape a journey as deeply as the enemies prowling each region. A game can refine its parry timings, polish its stamina management, and craft a haunting world, yet if its bestiary dresses the same creature in three different shaders, the experience slips toward monotony like sand through an hourglass with a cracked base. Enemy variety is not simply a quantitative flourish; it is the whetstone against which every combat system sharpens itself. The titles gathered in this article recognize that a wide bestiary functions like a kaleidoscope, each rotation of the region revealing a new shape, demanding fresh tactics and resetting the player's rhythm. From tear-soaked islands to hallowed underground kingdoms, these eight games prove that a roster of disparate threats can turn a good action RPG into an enduring masterpiece.



8. Death’s Door

In Death's Door, a diminutive crow wielding a blade journeys through a world deliberately built to test patience and reflexes. Each map functions as a small theater of threats, populated by mages hurling glowing projectiles, leaping beasts springing from every corner, bell-ringing enemies that restrain movement, and shield-bearing titans lobbing explosives from impossible distances. The game transforms its modest scope into a dense ecosystem of danger, where every combat sequence demands that the player monitor multiple sources of pressure at once. The result is a tight, expressive loop in which clearing a horde produces a surge of mastery. The rogues' gallery may not rival larger productions in raw numbers, but Death's Door demonstrates how efficiently variety can energize a compact adventure.



7. Lords of the Fallen (2023)

Lords of the Fallen (2023) arrives with a dual-realm mechanic that splits its world between the mortal plane and the shadowed realm of Umbral. This interdimensional gimmick doubles the bestiary's impact, presenting different oppositions depending on which layer the player stands. Sparrows and spectral sentinels populate the Umbral side, while the living world offers its own brutalized champions. The enemy designs often outshine their mechanical behavior, yet the range of antagonists remains among the title's strongest feats. There is a theatrical cruelty to the roster, as if each new encounter were plucked from a Gothic bestiary bound in rusted iron. Though not every player will warm to its punishing pace, the game's comeback after a shaky franchise history is impossible to ignore.



6. Another Crab’s Treasure

Another Crab's Treasure dives beneath the waves and returns with one of the most imaginative enemy lineups in the genre. The ocean floor becomes a carnival of pollution-inspired combatants: lobsters jousting with plastic straws, pufferfish strapped to discarded bags, and crabs swinging bottles like cudgels. Each opponent forces a distinct response—parrying, dodging, platforming, or retreating—so the game repurposes marine biology and environmental debris to produce both laughter and suffering. The bosses join the pageantry, smashing players with microplastic-laced fury while maintaining the title's sharp satirical edge. In a sea of grim Soulslike imitators, this crab's adventure gleams like a pearl wrapped in seaweed.



5. Blasphemous 2

Blasphemous 2 takes the solemn religious horror of its predecessor and sharpens it into something far more varied. Every region is not only distinguished by its stunning art and audio but also by how enemies reinforce those spatial contrasts. The bestiary becomes a narrative device, aligning each mob with the visual and thematic texture of its biome. The game's Metroidvania skeleton means platforms and adversaries are designed around newly acquired abilities, so the challenges remain in constant flux. Players rarely repeat the same tactics twice, as each corridor introduces a fresh permutation of pressure. This cohesion between aesthetics, story, and combat makes Blasphemous 2 feel like an illuminated manuscript whose pages keep turning into darker, stranger chapters.



4. Lies of P

Lies of P has often been hailed as one of the finest Soulslikes ever made, and its enemy design is a significant reason. The game learns from Bloodborne's arc, gradually shifting from mechanical puppets to celestial abominations as the narrative deepens. Early regions pit players against clockwork soldiers and carnival horrors, while later stages unveil corrupted bears, monstrous clowns, spider creatures with aristocratic flourishes, and shambling undead. This gradual mutation of the bestiary operates like a tide that washes away the familiar and deposits something alien. Each enemy introduces its own mechanical identity, forcing players to retool their approach as the story warps the world. By the final chapters, the game feels almost like a different title than the one that opened it—a testament to its dramatic variety.



3. Salt and Sanctuary

Salt and Sanctuary remains a towering achievement among early Soulslike indies. Its 2D world stretches across a desolate, seemingly endless shoreline of suffering, where each region peels back another layer of hellish threats. Movement abilities unlock increasingly hidden zones, transforming encounters from shambling undead to beings that recall Lovecraftian nightmares. A giant eye trailing a scorpion's tail can emerge from the dark with a soundscape designed to disturb. Playing Salt and Sanctuary feels like descending through rings of an underworld where every circle grows more turbulent and concealed than the last. The sheer volume of enemy types across its campaign remains startling, and the game's ability to sustain dread through variety keeps it a genre masterpiece.



2. Nine Sols

Nine Sols marries precise side-scrolling combat with an absurdly diverse cohort of enemies. While its boss count is deliberately restrained to preserve quality, the lesser mobs are legion and distinctive. Over a hundred specimens populate the world, ranging from robotic guardians and laboratory test subjects to undefined biological horrors, further split into warriors, mages, flying creatures, statues, archers, assassins, worms, and even a boar. Each biome presents a unique ecosystem of threats, turning navigation itself into a sequence of small duels. The game fuses Metroidvania exploration with Soulslike parry-centric combat, and the bestiary supplies a ceaseless stream of opportunities to test both. In Yi's journey, no two encounters feel alike.



1. Hollow Knight

Any discussion of Souls-adjacent greatness eventually arrives at Hollow Knight. From the earliest hours, its bestiary compiles an enormous list of creatures inhabiting the fallen kingdom of Hallownest. Each biome introduces enemies that reflect its identity and mechanical demands, from buzzing sentries in overgrown ruins to spectral warriors in sunken depths. The game replicates the core formula of the genre but pushes depth and detail to an extraordinary degree. Variety here is not decoration; it is the pulse of exploration, pulling players through caverns with the promise of new adversaries around every bend. Even its successor Silksong looms on the horizon with promises of even greater scale, but the original adventure remains a benchmark. Hollow Knight's bestiary is less a list of enemies and more a living encyclopedia of a dying world's last inhabitants.



Rank
Game
Enemy Variety Highlight

8
Death's Door
Compact but dense theaters of simultaneous threats

7
Lords of the Fallen (2023)
Dual-realm bestiary split between two planes

6
Another Crab's Treasure
Pollution-inspired marine combatants

5
Blasphemous 2
Enemies as narrative extensions of each biome

4
Lies of P
Gradual mutation from puppets to cosmic horrors

3
Salt and Sanctuary
Hellish descent through increasingly hidden zones

2
Nine Sols
Over 100 distinct specimens across biomes

1
Hollow Knight
A sprawling living encyclopedia of Hallownest

For players who measure a Soulslike not only by its boss quality but by the breadth of threats between those bosses, these eight titles offer a masterclass in enemy design. Each one proves that when a bestiary refuses to repeat itself, the entire adventure becomes sharper, stranger, and far more memorable. Whether through comedic pollution-fueled crabs or somber gothic horrors, the lesson remains the same: in a genre built on overcoming adversity, the adversaries themselves must never stop surprising. 🎮

For anyone inspired to dive into these rich worlds, building a wishlist is only half the journey—securing the best deal for each adventure is the other. With so many titles spanning different genres and platforms, prices can vary dramatically across stores and seasons, making a little research well worth the effort. Savvy players know that patience often pays off, and the right discount can turn a budget-friendly purchase into an excuse to try two games instead of one. That’s where a quick visit to a reliable price comparison hub can save both money and time.

Rather than manually scouring dozens of storefronts, you can check game prices at DealNest to see where your next obsession is cheapest. Whether you’re hunting for a physical copy of a niche Soulslike or hoping to grab a digital edition on sale, having all the current listings in one place makes the decision easier. After all, the only thing better than discovering a new bestiary to conquer is knowing you didn’t overpay for the privilege. Once the right price appears, all that’s left is to load up and face the horde. 🕹️

The opening stage of NBA 2K27 is already turning MyTEAM into a constant balancing act between collecting, testing, upgrading, and saving. Season 1 has begun with Victor Wembanyama at the center of the campaign, while the worldwide launch is scheduled for September 4. Players now have Player XP to develop individual cards, a more flexible Exchange for unwanted players, a unified Auction House for searching the market, and several rotating modes that can reward different types of lineups. When a roster has one or two obvious weaknesses, 2K27 MT can provide another way to plan an upgrade, although good basketball decisions still matter more than simply adding expensive names.
The shared Season progression is one of the strongest features for players who enjoy both MyTEAM and The City. Games in either area contribute toward the same 40-level Season ladder, so switching modes does not mean starting progression over from scratch. That makes it easier to create a varied daily routine instead of spending every available hour repeating one activity.
Season 1 rewards cover both sides of NBA 2K27. The City progression includes Skill Boosts, MyPLAYER cosmetics, Badge Tokens, Badge Slots, Cap Breakers, and other items, while MyTEAM rewards include cards ranging from Amethyst to Dark Matter. The Level 40 reward provides a clear long-term target, but the lower levels are also valuable because they gradually strengthen a developing account.
The current event calendar gives players another reason to stay active. 2XREP Weekends return across Casual Corner, The REC, The Theater, Ante-Up, Proving Grounds, and Crew Divisions. Players who are chasing REP can use these windows strategically rather than trying to grind at maximum intensity every day. A long weekend session during 2XREP can be more appealing than forcing several exhausting sessions into ordinary days.
Casual Corner is useful for a different reason. Players who are still adapting to the new gameplay can use the Overall Performance tiers as a more approachable environment for learning. NBA 2K27 rewards players who understand positioning and timing, so getting comfortable with the fundamentals can be more valuable than immediately jumping into the toughest available competition.
The limited-time Midway and Blackout activities also give Season 1 a more playful rhythm. Midway is based around performance challenges, while Blackout uses Bingo-style objectives and offers rewards including VC, Skill Boosts, and exclusive apparel. These events are a good excuse to experiment with different ways of playing because the objective may encourage actions that are not normally part of a player's preferred strategy.
MyTEAM's Player XP system makes that experimentation even more useful. Cards can gain XP through actual gameplay, with stronger performances helping progression move faster. Player XP can lead to attribute improvements, extra Badge Slots, Takeover-related advantages, and other permanent benefits. Because the progression is tied to the account, selling or exchanging a card does not simply erase its previous XP progress.
This makes it worth giving unfamiliar cards a proper trial. A card that looks ordinary on the collection screen may feel completely different on the court. Shooting releases, movement, defensive animations, player models, stamina, and off-ball positioning can all influence whether a card becomes a reliable starter.
Triple Threat is a particularly good place for this kind of testing. With fewer players on the floor, each card has more responsibility. A guard needs to create separation, make smart passes, and defend without relying heavily on teammates. A center needs to control the boards and protect the paint. These smaller games can reveal strengths and weaknesses much faster than a full five-on-five matchup.
Clutch Time provides another useful test because of its faster pace. The four-point line can make a comeback happen quickly, but it can also punish rushed decisions. A player who can create an open shot under pressure may become extremely valuable, while someone who constantly forces deep attempts may become a liability despite having strong shooting attributes.
The Exchange is another reason not to immediately discard cards that no longer fit the main lineup. NBA 2K27 allows Player Cards to be submitted to the Exchange, including eligible Season reward cards, while Free Agent cards remain excluded. The Premier Exchange also provides a long-term target featuring Dark Matter Tracy McGrady. This makes collection management more interesting because a card can have value even when it is no longer part of the active lineup.
A duplicate can therefore have several possible destinations. It might be useful for Player XP, valuable on the Auction House, needed for an Exchange, or worth keeping because a future lineup change could give it a role. Checking those possibilities before making a quick decision can save resources over the course of the season.
The unified Auction House makes market research more important as well. PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2 share the marketplace, providing a larger pool of listings. The faster transaction process also means successful purchases become usable immediately. With more cards entering circulation, players have more opportunities to compare alternatives instead of automatically selecting the first card that appears.
Early-season markets can be unpredictable, which is why gameplay should remain the final judge. A highly discussed card may not fit every lineup, while an overlooked player can become excellent when used in the right role. The ideal purchase is usually not the most famous card available; it is the card that fixes a weakness without creating another problem.
For example, a roster with enough shooting does not necessarily need another shooter. If the team struggles to defend quick guards, perimeter defense may be the better investment. If the offense collapses when the primary creator is trapped, a secondary ball-handler can provide more value. If second-chance points are becoming a constant problem, improving rebounding could completely change close games.
The same principle applies to building a City lineup. NBA 2K27's co-ed City allows male and female MyPLAYERs to play together, while Crew HQ supports organized groups with practice, private games, ranked competition, and Crew progression. The REC also rotates through different environments, creating more variety for players who spend a lot of time in five-on-five games.
A 2XREP Weekend is a good time to test whether a build actually performs under pressure. A build that looks impressive in casual gameplay may have weaknesses that become obvious when opponents communicate and punish mistakes. Rather than waiting until a major competitive session to discover those problems, players can use the early events as practice.
Daily Login rewards provide another small but consistent progression path. The system includes daily rewards as well as extra rewards at three-, five-, and seven-day streaks, while lifetime login totals provide longer-term benefits. This is an easy routine to maintain because it requires far less time than completing a full game session.
The Scouting Report can also turn competitive matches into a source of information. When an opposing card performs exceptionally well, identifying it afterward can help reveal what makes the card effective. This is especially useful during the first season because the community is still learning which cards have the best combination of animations, attributes, and usability.
NBA 2K27's current content also rewards players who avoid putting all their resources into one narrow strategy. Rotating multiplayer modes can change which types of players are most useful, while Breakout and Infinite Gauntlet provide additional reasons to maintain depth in the collection. A flexible group of cards can be more useful over several weeks than a starting lineup designed for only one specific mode.
Another useful habit is to save some resources for later opportunities. The first exciting card of a season is not necessarily the most important card that will appear during that season. As more players test the game, community opinions will change, new cards will arrive, and certain weaknesses in existing lineups may become more obvious. Having resources available when a genuinely useful upgrade appears can be better than spending everything immediately.
U4GM can be considered as an optional resource for players who prefer an additional route when managing their MyTEAM collection. Competitive pricing and an emphasis on secure transactions can make the process convenient, particularly when the desired upgrade has already been identified. The most effective approach is still to combine that convenience with regular gameplay, Season rewards, Player XP development, and careful Auction House decisions.
NBA 2K27's first season is already packed with 2XREP Weekends, Midway, Blackout, shared Season progression, Player XP, Exchange opportunities, rotating multiplayer modes, and a unified Auction House. With the September 4 worldwide launch approaching, the player base will continue expanding and the early MyTEAM environment will become even more competitive. For players who want an affordable and convenient way to support a specific roster goal while keeping transaction security in mind, cheap NBA 2K27 MT through U4GM can complement earned rewards and normal gameplay when the next meaningful MyTEAM upgrade is ready.

NBA 2K27 has barely reached the starting line, yet MyTEAM already feels like a mode where small decisions can have a big effect. Season 1 is live, the worldwide launch is scheduled for September 4, and players are still discovering which cards, builds, and strategies work best in the new environment. The new Player XP system makes favorite cards more valuable through repeated use, while the expanded Exchange and unified Auction House provide more ways to manage a growing collection. For players adjusting their opening lineup, 2K27 MT can be useful as part of a broader resource plan, especially when a specific roster weakness needs to be addressed rather than simply chasing the newest card.
The shared Season progression is one of the biggest reasons the opening weeks feel different. Games in The City and MyTEAM both contribute XP toward the Season 1 ladder, allowing players to move between modes without completely abandoning their seasonal goals. Victor Wembanyama headlines the season, and the reward track includes MyPLAYER items, Badge Tokens, Badge Slots, Cap Breakers, and MyTEAM Player Cards. This gives players multiple reasons to keep playing even when one particular mode starts to feel repetitive.
The City is particularly busy right now because 2XREP Weekends are returning across several activities. Casual Corner, The REC, The Theater, Ante-Up, Proving Grounds, and Crew Divisions all offer opportunities to take advantage of the bonus. Players who are serious about REP progression can therefore treat the event schedule almost like a basketball calendar: normal days can be used for practice, MyTEAM progression, and shorter sessions, while bonus periods become the time for longer REP-focused runs.
The limited-time events also encourage a more varied style of play. Midway uses performance-based challenges, while Blackout introduces Bingo-style objectives with rewards such as VC, Skill Boosts, and exclusive apparel. Instead of entering every game with exactly the same plan, players can use these events to experiment. A challenge that requires a different type of performance can expose weaknesses that are easy to ignore during ordinary matches.
That same philosophy applies to MyTEAM. Player XP means every Player Card has room to develop through actual gameplay. Strong performances accelerate progression, while XP rewards can provide attribute improvements, additional Badge Slots, Takeover benefits, and a permanent additional turbo meter. Most importantly, the progress is connected to the account, meaning that selling or exchanging the card does not erase the XP already earned. If the same card returns to the collection later, its progression continues.
This is a useful reason to resist immediately selling every card that does not look perfect. Put the player into several game modes first. Test the release. Watch how the player moves without the ball. Check defensive positioning and stamina. See whether the player fits naturally alongside the existing starters. A card can look ordinary in the collection screen and still become one of the most reliable pieces on the floor after enough gameplay and Player XP development.
The Exchange gives collection management another dimension. NBA 2K27's expanded system accepts Player Cards from the collection, including cards earned through Season-level rewards, while Free Agent cards are excluded. The Premier Exchange also provides an exclusive Dark Matter Tracy McGrady target. This means that cards no longer have to be considered only in terms of whether they belong in the active lineup. A card can contribute to another reward path even when it has no place in the starting five.
The unified Auction House makes this even more relevant. Players on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2 share the same marketplace, creating a larger selection of cards and potentially more opportunities to compare prices. Immediate access after winning an auction also makes the process faster, while saved searches and wishlists can help players monitor specific targets instead of repeatedly searching through the entire market.
The larger market is particularly useful during an early season because card value is still being discovered. Community opinion can shift quickly after players spend more time testing releases, animations, defensive tendencies, and different lineup combinations. A card that receives huge attention on day one may not remain the most practical option once players find alternatives. Keeping some resources available rather than spending everything immediately gives a roster more room to adapt.
One of the best ways to evaluate a new acquisition is through Triple Threat Online. With fewer players on the floor, individual strengths become much easier to identify. A ball-handler needs to create opportunities without relying on a crowded offense, while a big man has more chances to demonstrate rebounding and interior defense. Clutch Time Online is another useful test because the faster format forces quicker decisions, and the four-point line adds another layer to shot selection.
Players should also remember that the rotating multiplayer system means variety is part of MyTEAM's design. Triple Threat Online and Clutch Time Online return alongside other experiences such as Limited and Salary Cap. This gives different types of lineups an opportunity to shine. A roster built entirely around one specific strategy may struggle when a mode introduces different rules or objectives, while a balanced collection can adapt much more easily.
Triple Threat Park provides another interesting test for cards because it brings MyTEAM players into 2v2 and 3v3 co-op streetball gameplay. All-Star Team-Up offers the opposite experience, putting players into full NBA and WNBA arenas with broadcast presentation. Both formats can reveal different strengths. A card that needs a lot of touches may struggle in a smaller lineup, while a defensive specialist can become extremely useful when there are fewer players available to cover mistakes.
Daily Login rewards are also worth building into a regular routine. NBA 2K27 rewards daily participation and provides additional rewards for three-, five-, and seven-day streaks, while lifetime MyTEAM login totals provide another progression target. These rewards are easy to overlook because they are not as flashy as a new card, but consistency can gradually add useful resources without requiring a long play session.
The Scouting Report is another practical feature for the current stage of the game. When an opposing Player Card stands out, the Collections menu can help identify it and show how it can be obtained. This turns one of the most useful parts of multiplayer competition—the chance to see unfamiliar cards in action—into a form of scouting. Instead of guessing why an opponent's guard is so difficult to defend, players can investigate the exact card and determine whether its strengths would fit their own style.
There is also a strong reason to spend time learning NBA 2K27's gameplay rather than relying entirely on roster strength. Shooting, finishing, dribbling, defense, and coaching have all received attention in the new game. Better timing and smarter decisions can make an existing roster feel stronger without any additional investment. A player who constantly takes contested shots may not need a better shooter; the bigger improvement may come from learning when to reset the possession and create a cleaner look.
The same principle applies to defense. Replacing a perimeter defender may help, but learning to avoid overcommitting can prevent just as many easy baskets. Reaching for every steal attempt can pull the defense out of position, while disciplined movement can force the opponent into lower-quality shots. MyTEAM rewards should support those improvements rather than becoming a substitute for them.
U4GM can fit into this approach as an optional resource for players who want additional flexibility while building their roster. Affordable pricing and a security-focused transaction experience can be useful when a specific upgrade has already been identified. The strongest approach is still to decide what the lineup needs first, compare options carefully, and use additional resources only when they genuinely improve the overall plan.
NBA 2K27's opening season is already packed with meaningful activities, from 2XREP Weekends and Blackout to Player XP, Exchange progression, rotating multiplayer modes, Daily Login rewards, and the expanded Auction House. With the September 4 worldwide launch approaching, the MyTEAM environment is likely to become even more active as more players begin building their collections and testing different strategies. For players who want a convenient resource option while keeping affordability and security in mind, cheap NBA 2K MT Coins through U4GM can be used alongside normal gameplay progression when an additional boost is needed for a carefully planned MyTEAM upgrade.