Science fiction and strategy have formed one of gaming’s most inseparable bonds since the genre first booted up. Some of the medium’s most legendary franchises were born among starships, alien empires, and tactical battlefields. Even after three decades of innovation, brand-new titles keep raising the bar—yet the classics often remain just as compelling. As of 2026, a fresh look at what makes a sci-fi strategy title truly timeless is more than warranted. What follows is a personal, player-driven tour through eight games that deserve a spot on every tactician’s hard drive.



8. Star Wars: Empire At War

Few games deliver the complete Star Wars fantasy from a command perspective quite like Star Wars: Empire At War. Players can side with the Rebellion, planning surgical strikes to topple the Empire, or seize control of the dark side itself, wielding the Death Star to wipe entire planets from existence. The choice is absolute.



Almost twenty years after its release, the graphics remain surprisingly effective. Ground skirmishes look fantastic, with Stormtroopers and AT-ATs stomping across massive battlefields. Space dogfights fizz with lasers and iconic sound effects that instantly transport players back to their childhood. While modern standards may label it a relic in certain respects, the game’s online community is still active and remarkably welcoming. For anyone who loves both strategy and that galaxy far, far away, Empire at War remains an essential download.

7. Age of Wonders: Planetfall

Age of Wonders: Planetfall takes the franchise’s ambition to a futuristic extreme. This turn-based strategy gem stands apart from the crowd, offering a depth that rivals any 4X experience while keeping the entry barrier surprisingly low.



Six distinct factions each bring a unique style, supported by top-tier visuals and production quality. Combat animations are especially striking—imagine a more visually satisfying version of Civilization firefights. Multiple victory conditions mean that outright destruction is never the only path; diplomatic, economic, or scientific triumphs are equally valid. It’s a game as easy to pick up for a quick session as it is to sink an entire weekend into. When pure, flashy fun is the priority, Planetfall hits the mark every time.

6. StarCraft II

StarCraft II refines every aspect of its legendary predecessor. The Terran, Zerg, and Protoss remain wildly different from one another: the Terrans offer a classic military feel, the Protoss arrive as hyper-advanced allies, and the Zerg unleash a hive mind of horrific creatures. This asymmetry fuels endless replayability.



Even a decade and a half after its launch, the game remains visually crisp and bombastic. The action unfolds with a cinematic flair that most modern titles struggle to match. And here’s the kicker: it’s now completely free to play, with paid options only for the additional campaigns. The multiplayer scene is still thriving in 2026, meaning opponents are never hard to find. For a faithful evolution of a classic, StarCraft II stands peerless.

5. Stellaris

Stellaris is a visual feast, arguably one of the most gorgeous strategy games ever crafted. It begins with the creation of a unique race from a staggering array of options, then launches players into an open galactic sandbox. The sense of freedom is intoxicating.



Trading, exploration, annihilation—every approach is viable. Some may feel overwhelmed by its complexity, but those willing to dive deep discover nearly endless possibilities. Domination through overwhelming firepower is always on the table, yet the true magic lies in the variety of non-military playstyles. The journey may require a learning curve, but the reward is a truly epic, eye-catching experience that few other games can replicate.

4. Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2

Red Alert 2 might show its age tonally—its campy, over-the-top approach to an alternate Cold War hasn’t aged with perfect grace—but the core gameplay remains razor-sharp. This is sci-fi strategy stripped of solemnity, dripping with a gung-ho, Starship Troopers energy. The battle between Allied forces and Soviet Russia is deliberately absurd, encouraging players to leave modern sensibilities at the door.



Beneath the cheese, the base building, unit variety, and interconnected systems are all masterfully designed. It’s neither the deepest nor the most balanced entry, but its unique flavor keeps bringing players back. When discussions turn to the all-time greats of the genre, Red Alert 2 invariably earns a mention—proof that fun trumps sophistication.

3. Battletech

Battletech made an immediate impact despite its relatively modest profile. It pivots away from sprawling civilizations toward focused, story-driven mech combat. The single-player campaign weaves a compelling tale of civil war, fought from multiple perspectives across a fractured star nation.



The turn-based combat is a tactician’s dream: route planning, heat management, and selecting the right mech for each mission matter deeply. Every skirmish feels intensely personal. A robust multiplayer community continues to thrive in 2026, cementing Battletech as a cult classic that will likely maintain its dedicated following for many years to come.

2. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II

Dawn of War II stands as one of the finest uses of a licensed property in video game history. Whether commanding Space Marines, Orks, or Eldar, the scale feels immense. The single-player campaign can be played entirely in co-op—a rare and welcome feature in the genre—and the brutality is unflinching. This is a game that doesn’t flinch from gore; explosions send blood spraying in every direction, capturing the grimdark spirit perfectly.



Developer Relic Entertainment kept the systems accessible, urging players straight into the action. Massive tanks, orbital bombardments, and chaotic firefights dominate every screen. If the goal is less micromanagement and more “big cannon goes boom,” Dawn of War II prescribes exactly that.

1. Sins of a Solar Empire

Topping the list is Sins of a Solar Empire, a game that places an entire galaxy in the player’s hands. Patience is mandatory—battles can stretch across hours—but the depth of every system justifies every minute. Despite its age (the original arrived in 2008), the user interface remains surprisingly friendly, and it runs on practically any modern PC. Accessibility, however, does not mean shallow: this is a beast that will consume entire weekends without apology.



Three distinct races vie for interstellar dominance. Colonizing planets, managing economies, and directing gargantuan space fleets all unfold with slick presentation. A faithful multiplayer community still supports the original and its expansions, keeping the galaxy alive. For hardcore sci-fi strategy devotees, Sins of a Solar Empire represents the pinnacle of the craft—a daunting, rewarding universe that never fails to deliver strategic bliss.

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When the nights grow longer and an autumn chill creeps into the air, I always find myself reaching for games that make me jump, scream, and double-check the locks on my doors. There’s just something about Halloween that demands a truly terrifying experience—and 2026 is no exception. This year, I’ve rounded up the eight horror games that absolutely deserve a spot on your playlist, whether you’re braving them solo or gathering a few brave friends to share the scares. So kill the lights, put on your headphones, and let me guide you through my personal picks for the spookiest season yet.



Poppy Playtime – A Toy Factory Nightmare That Keeps Evolving

I still remember the first time I stepped back into the abandoned Playtime Co. factory. What starts as a search for missing coworkers quickly spirals into a surreal nightmare filled with larger-than-life toys and something sinister lurking behind those cheerful paint jobs. Even in 2026, Poppy Playtime remains a staple of episodic horror. The first four chapters are out and they’re brilliantly paced—mixing environmental puzzles, chases, and some of the most effective jump scares I’ve ever experienced. Chapter 5 is still cooking without a confirmed date, but that just gives you time to catch up. If you love the animatronic terror of Five Nights at Freddy’s, this one will feel like a twisted cousin that you can’t get enough of.

Dying Light: The Beast – Open-World Survival With Savage Night Terrors

Some folks debate whether Dying Light counts as pure horror, but let me tell you: when the sun sets and those Volatiles come hunting, my heart rate doesn’t care about genre labels. In Dying Light: The Beast, the third standalone entry, we’re back with Kyle Crane—but he’s not the man he used to be after years of brutal experiments. The parkour feels tighter, the weapons are more outrageous (and gory), and the night cycles are absolutely blood-curdling. I love how the game forces you to choose between cautious stealth and adrenaline-fueled escapes. It’s the perfect mix of action and fright, and honestly, some of those monsters had me screaming louder than on any haunted hayride.

Phasmophobia – Ghost Hunting With Friends Has Never Been This Tense

Nothing bonds a friend group quite like hearing a ghost whisper directly into your ear while you’re clutching an EMF reader in a pitch-black farmhouse. Phasmophobia might have launched back in 2020, but in 2026 it’s a living, breathing festival of fright thanks to constant updates and seasonal events. Up to four players take on the role of paranormal investigators, and communication is key—until your buddy suddenly goes silent and their body ragdolls down a hallway. The Halloween Blood Moon event has become an annual tradition for my crew, and with new equipment and ghost types added over the years, there’s never been a better time to dive in. Just… don’t wander off alone.

Silent Hill f – A Haunting Departure Into 1960s Japan

I’ve been a Silent Hill fan for ages, but nothing prepared me for Silent Hill f. Released in late 2025, this installment drags the series away from its familiar foggy American town and drops us into a beautifully terrifying rendition of rural Japan in the 1960s. You play as Hinako, a young woman whose hometown is swallowed by a strange, otherworldly mist. Where there’s fog, monsters are never far behind—and these creatures are genuinely disturbing, born from psychological traumas that the game explores with unsettling depth. The melee combat feels desperate and weighty, puzzles are devilishly clever, and the atmosphere is so thick you could choke on it. For a fresh, soul-rattling horror experience this Halloween, Silent Hill f is essential.

Little Nightmares 3 – Cooperative Terror in the World of Nowhere

Sometimes I want a horror game that brings a friend along for the ride, and Little Nightmares 3 delivers exactly that. Supermassive Games took the reins for this third entry, introducing Low and Alone as they navigate the grotesque, oversized world of Nowhere. Everything looks like a Tim Burton sketch that’s been fed through a nightmare filter, and the puzzles are a perfect blend of teamwork and tension. The co-op mode is seamless—you actually rely on each other, and the shared panic when a massive, twitching creature spots you is priceless. Released just before Halloween 2025, it’s already one of my favorite spooky season replays. The demo had me hooked, and the full adventure doesn’t let go.

Alan Wake 2 – A Writer’s Descent Into His Own Dark Tale

I was obsessed with the original Alan Wake, and the long-awaited sequel didn’t just meet my expectations—it shattered them and rearranged the pieces into something even more unsettling. Alan Wake 2 lets you play both the titular horror writer trapped in his own story and FBI Agent Saga Anderson, investigating ritualistic murders in a small town draped in occult horror. The atmosphere is soaked in dread, the enemies are nightmarish shadows that twist reality, and the narrative keeps you questioning what’s real. Even if you missed the first game, this standalone story pulls you in immediately. Revisiting it for Halloween 2026 feels like opening a cursed manuscript you can’t put down.

Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic – Breaking the Formula With Style

Five Nights at Freddy’s will always be the king of Halloween horror for me, but Secret of the Mimic dared to tear up the rulebook. Instead of hunkering down in a single room, you explore an abandoned factory as a technician searching for your missing contractor. The Mimic is a terrifying presence—uncanny, unpredictable, and way too good at pretending to be something it’s not. With a linear story, multiple endings, and puzzles that demand attention, this 2025 entry breathes new life into the franchise. I love how it rewards exploration and punishes complacency with some of the most creative scares the series has ever delivered.

Resident Evil Village – Gothic Grandeur and Lycan-Tearing Action

No Halloween list would be complete without Resident Evil, and while I could replay Biohazard for the hundredth time, I keep coming back to Village for its glorious mix of gothic horror and heart-pounding action. As Ethan Winters, you chase your kidnapped daughter into a mysterious European village overrun by Lycans, vampires, and things far worse. The four lords and their domains feel like modern horror fairy tales, and the shotgun combat is crunchy and satisfying. The environments—from the grand castle to the doll-infested house—are some of the most richly atmospheric I’ve ever explored. Even in 2026, it stands tall as a must-play. Just be ready for that one basement… you’ll know it when you see it.

So there you have it—eight reasons to lose sleep this Halloween. Whether you crave psychological torment, cooperative panic, or bloody survival, there’s something here to keep your pulse pounding until the witching hour fades. Stay brave, keep the lights dim, and happy haunting.

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I still remember the day I first stepped into Pharloom back in 2025. The shimmering bells, the treacherous platforms, and the feeling that this land was even more unforgiving than Hallownest. As a die-hard fan of the original Hollow Knight, I thought I had seen everything Team Cherry could throw at me. But when I discovered the Crest system, my entire perception of the game shifted. These aren't just simple charm replacements; they fundamentally transform Hornet's moveset, turning her into a completely different warrior. After countless hours of play, multiple 112% completions, and more deaths than I care to admit, I’ve come to truly appreciate the depth these Crests add to the experience. Here’s my personal ranking of every Crest in Silksong, from the one I’d rather forget to the one that feels like Hornet’s true destiny.

7. Beast Crest – No Pogo, No Party



Let me start with the one that breaks my heart the most. The Beast Crest promises a rampaging, high-risk combat style that sounds thrilling on paper—landing hits restores silk and health, and your damage output can spike dramatically. In practice, though, its crippling flaw is the pogo. In Silksong, the airborne downward strike is essential, whether you’re bouncing over lava geysers or avoiding a boss’s sweeping attack. The Beast Crest’s pogo feels unpredictable; it sends Hornet flying at odd angles, making precision impossible. The healing mechanic is equally frustrating because you’re forced to stay glued to enemies to recover masks, which is suicide against bosses with complex patterns. Add the fact that blue tool sockets are completely absent, and you’re left with a kit that regularly feels like fighting with one arm tied behind your back. Unless you’re a masochist who enjoys self-imposed challenge runs, this Crest is best left unused.

6. Architect Crest – A Shard-Eating Machine



I have a confession: I’m a hoarder in video games. I rarely use consumables, preferring to rely on pure skill. So when I first equipped the Architect Crest, I felt physically ill watching my Shell Shards burn away with every tool activation. This Crest is all about spending Shards to power devastatingly strong blue tools. It’s undeniably effective—I’ve melted bosses in seconds that previously took me dozens of attempts. The catch? Shards might be scattered everywhere, but farming them consistently is a tedious chore, especially when the priciest tools demand hundreds per minute. I found the Architect Crest invaluable for those “emergency” sequences, like the notorious minion wave in the High Halls, or when I needed a quick burst to finish off a boss with a sliver of health. But as an everyday carry, it’s unsustainable. It’s a specialist’s tool, not a companion for the long road.

5. Shaman Crest – The Path of Magic



I stumbled upon the Shaman Crest late in my first playthrough, and my jaw dropped. After feeling disappointed that I couldn’t equip every Silk Skill simultaneously, this Crest was like a revelation. It allows you to socket two blue tools and three entire Silk Skills, turning Hornet into a ranged spellcasting nightmare. The magic waves you unleash resemble something out of a fantasy epic, dealing titanic damage from a safe distance. However, the trade-off is brutal: your silk reserves are almost entirely dedicated to offense, leaving virtually nothing for healing. For veteran players who know boss patterns inside and out, this is a rocket ship through every area. But if you’re still learning the dance of combat, one mistake means death. I only began to appreciate the Shaman Crest after I memorized every enemy tell; before that, I was a helpless glass cannon.

4. Witch Crest – Great for Fighting, Not for Healing



Unlocking the Witch Crest involves a quest so cryptic and emotionally charged that it could be a standalone game. Tying the lore of the most hidden ending directly to this Crest was a stroke of genius. In combat, the Witch Crest echoes the Beast Crest’s aggression but with its own twist: binding enemies to leech masks. The problem is that healing during boss fights becomes a mirage. The mechanic forces you to stay dangerously close to foes, and slipping away to catch your breath is nearly impossible when you’re locked in a frantic exchange. The moveset is spectacular—flame-like swipes and explosive finishers—but the difficulty spike ramps up so sharply that even after 100%ing the game, I still find myself dying to silly mistakes. It has room for three blue tools and two red ones, which is fantastic for damage, yet I only recommend it to players who have already mastered the fundamentals and want a punishing, high-damage option.

3. Reaper Crest – Reap Them Apart



The Reaper Crest was my early-game savior. You unlock it almost immediately, and its moveset feels the closest to the classic Hollow Knight experience. Attacks are slower and more methodical, reducing the need for precise diagonal pogo calculations. What truly elevates this Crest is the silk remnants left behind after each strike, which gradually boost your energy pools for both healing and powers. This subtle mechanic turns the Reaper into a consistent, forgiving choice that helped me survive my first encounters with Pharloom’s tougher gauntlets. I’ll admit, once I grew accustomed to the faster, nimbler options, the Reaper felt clumsy and sluggish. But its balanced tool distribution let me experiment with various combinations comfortably. For newcomers and those struggling with mid-game walls, the Reaper Crest is a sturdy, reliable friend.

2. Wanderer Crest – Feels Like Home



If you’re like me and still yearn for the days in Hallownest as the Knight, the Wanderer Crest will feel like coming home. The attack speed is blistering, and the pogo is the smoothest in the game—so fluid that I could chain bounces across entire rooms without touching the ground. The catch is that most of your tool sockets favor yellow tools, which are generally the least impactful in combat. Yet the raw DPS you gain from this Crest overshadows that drawback. Positioning becomes paramount; you need to be right in an enemy’s face to shred them, but the payoff is extraordinary. I unlocked it early by heading left at Moss Grotto, and I’m convinced Team Cherry intentionally placed it there as a gift for nostalgic fans. With the Wanderer Crest, I felt like the Knight reincarnated, just faster and more acrobatic.

1. Hunter Crest – Hornet’s True Self



From the moment I first equipped the Hunter Crest, something clicked. I’ve seen many players dismiss it as too wild or hard to master, but I believe this is the way Team Cherry intended us to experience Silksong. The speed, the diagonal pogo trajectories, the balance of blue and red tools—it all weaves together into a symphony of movement. The pogo attacks naturally place Hornet exactly where she needs to be, enabling seamless chain bounces even in chaotic fights. Healing is accessible enough to recover from mistakes, yet the damage output never feels lacking. And the secret upgrade from Eva in Weavenest Atla turns the Hunter Crest into an absolute monster. It embodies everything that makes Silksong its own game, not just a sequel. When I’m wearing this Crest, I stop mourning the Knight and start fully embracing Hornet’s agility and ferocity. It’s not just the strongest option; it’s the most authentic one.

After all this time in Pharloom, I’ve realized that the Crests are far more than a gimmick. They’re an invitation to rediscover the game through seven distinct lenses, each teaching you something new about patience, aggression, and resourcefulness. So go on, revisit your dusty save file, swap that Crest, and become a different warrior. Pharloom still holds secrets waiting to be uncovered.

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So, Silksong has been out for a while now, and if you're anything like me, you've probably scoured every nook of Pharloom with a fine-toothed comb. Or so you thought. I mean, I had all the tools, all the upgrades, and a smug sense of completion. Then I stumbled onto The Lost Merchant wish, and suddenly I was questioning every decision I'd ever made—especially my ability to spot a secret wall. Let me guide you through this ridiculous escapade so you can keep your dignity intact.

First things first: you don't just waltz into this quest fresh off the bone-carpet. You need to have put in some serious legwork. That means you've already freed the bell inside the First Shrine in Choral Chambers and unlocked Songclave. You know, that hub where you finally start feeling like a big-shot adventurer. If you haven't done that, stop reading and go slap some bells. Once Songclave is open, you'll need to complete that earlier Wandering Merchant wish to get Jubilana to set up shop. Ah, Jubilana—sweet little merchant with an inventory that makes my needle-wielding heart sing. Until she vanishes again, that is.

Fast forward a bit. You've explored the Citadel, maybe died a hundred times to some oversized cog-mech, and you've unlocked the Memorium biome. Not going to lie, I originally stumbled into Memorium by accident while panic-dashing away from a swarm of angry fireflies. But I digress. After buying a few of Jubilana's wares, head back to the Songclave wish board, and there it is: The Lost Merchant. The description mentions she's gone off to Memorium chasing trinkets. Cute, right? Except now I have to track her down through the most melancholy area in the game, where everything is monochrome and drips existential dread.



Here's where I wish I'd paid more attention to map details. Getting to Memorium itself isn't hard—you can either take the Ventrica (if you've unlocked that fast-travel point) or go the scenic route: exit Songclave from the top-left, float to the greenish biome above the Cogwork Dancers arena using your trusty Faydown Cloak. Yes, the same one that never seems to work when a boss is charging at you, but here it's mandatory. Once you're in Memorium, I highly recommend finding the bench at the bottom first. Save your game. Save your sanity. You'll need both.

Now, the hunt begins. From the bench, head left and immediately look up. You'll spot some shiny merchant wares glinting like little beacons of consumerism. This is the trail Jubilana left behind, probably while muttering about profit margins. You can try to follow the breadcrumb trail of silk-threaded debris, but honestly, the path is less a trail and more a cruel joke. I spent ten minutes bouncing between identical-looking ledges before giving up and checking a more direct route.



Here's the trick that saved my evening: return to that bench and go all the way to the right. If you haven't unlocked that path yet, you might need to clear some earlier barriers, but trust me, it's worth it. You'll eventually find yourself in a small, unassuming room on the right side of Memorium. It looks empty. It feels like a dead end. But Silksong devs are masters of hiding things just out of sight. Direct your gaze upward and to the right, and you'll notice a tiny section of wall jutting out from the silk—almost like the architecture is winking at you.



A double jump will let you grab onto that outcrop like a desperate gecko. From there, it's a straightforward (but tense) shimmy to the right through a hidden passage. I kept expecting the wall to crumble, but no—just more silk and the distant sound of my heart pounding. Eventually, you drop into an open arena. And it's go-time. A crowd of mobs rushes you, and poor Jubilana is cowering in a corner with her trinkets scattered like confetti. Defeat them, free her, and suddenly you've completed the wish. She'll return to her shop with new stock, and you've also just discovered a secret biome nook you might have never seen otherwise. Win-win!

Looking back, The Lost Merchant wish is a masterclass in Silksong's design. It nudges you into an area you probably rushed through before, then rewards your curiosity with an expanded shop and a glimpse of hidden depths. Sure, I lost an hour, a bit of my pride, and nearly a controller to a frustrating failed jump, but what's a Metroidvania without a little suffering?

If you're playing in 2026 like me, you've probably already moved on to the latest expansions, but revisiting this little side quest reminded me why I fell in love with Hornet's adventure in the first place. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to see what else I missed—probably a whole kingdom hidden behind a single breakable leaf. 🌿✨

As you continue exploring the fascinating corners of Silksong, keep in mind that the game is not just about the thrill of discovery but also about maximizing your in-game resources. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer, finding the right trinkets and upgrades can enhance your experience significantly. In fact, understanding where to invest your in-game currency can mirror real-world shopping strategies, where finding the best deal on essential items saves both time and effort.

For those times when you're looking to extend your adventure beyond the screen and dive into real-world bargains, websites like DealNest are invaluable. They offer a comprehensive platform to find the best deal on various products, ensuring that you get more value for your money. Whether it's tech, gaming accessories, or everyday essentials, DealNest helps you navigate the vast marketplace with ease, much like how you navigate the intricate pathways in Silksong. Embrace the adventure both in-game and in life, and make every discovery count! 🌍💸

I still remember the mix of wonder and exhaustion I felt when the credits rolled on my first Hollow Knight: Silksong playthrough. After 78 hours, I stared at my 96% completion screen with a strange brew of pride and relief. I’d clawed my way through thorny new kingdoms, died embarrassingly often to a certain brooding arachnid, and spent what felt like an eternity just trying to pogo off a chain of bellflies without plummeting into a pit of thorns. So when I learned that someone had polished off the entire main story in less time than it takes me to watch a single season of a TV show, my brain nearly short-circuited.



The speedrunner in question is Nebula, a name that has rapidly become synonymous with breaking Silksong’s boundaries. Back in late 2025, Nebula managed an Any% completion in a mind-melting 58 minutes and 52 seconds. I’ll let that sink in: fifty-eight minutes, fifty-two seconds. By the time I’ve brewed a cup of tea and settled into my chair, Nebula has already toppled the final boss and waved goodbye to the kingdom of Pharloom. That’s a far cry from the typical main-story duration of around 26 hours recorded on HowLongToBeat, and it makes even many speedruns from the original Hollow Knight look leisurely.

Nebula’s run isn’t just about raw button-pressing speed — it’s a carefully choreographed dance that dismantles every obstacle with surgical precision. Early on, before Hornet unlocks her more fluid movement tools, Nebula leans heavily on the pogo technique, repeatedly bouncing off enemies and environmental objects to maintain momentum and shave off precious frames. Watching him traverse the Moss Grotto and the Gilded City, I kept noticing how each hop seemed to steal an inch of progress, adding up to entire seconds saved over a full run. It’s the sort of optimization that makes you reevaluate every casual jump you’ve ever taken.

Then come the boss fights, and this is where my jaw genuinely dropped. The Widow, a shimmering nightmare that took me roughly twenty attempts and a carefully stacked combination of Pollip Pouch, Cogfly, and Tacks, falls in a clean 50 seconds under Nebula’s blade. Even more absurdly, the first encounter with Lace — a duel I considered a rite-of-passage wall — ends in a crisp 30 seconds, without a single Tool equipped. No gadgets, no crutches, just flawless pattern recognition and a relentless offense. I watched that segment four times in a row, still unable to reconcile the video with my own memory of frantically dashing into Lace’s needle-storm.

The route that enabled this sub-hour miracle leans on what’s known as the Mist path, but Nebula has already publicly stated intentions to switch to the Last Judge route for future attempts. According to their own breakdown, the Last Judge approach can be up to 40 seconds faster than an average Mist run — though it demands a set of devilishly difficult skips that would shatter the nerves of most players. To even consider swapping strategies after achieving such a historic milestone shows a hunger for perfection that defines the top tier of the speedrunning community.

Here’s a quick comparison to put the time difference into perspective:

Playstyle
Approximate Time

Typical first playthrough (main story)
~26 hours

My completionist-ish save
78 hours (96%)

Nebula’s Any% Mist route
58 minutes 52 seconds

Projected Last Judge route
Potentially sub-58 minutes

It’s wild to think that we’re already staring down the barrel of a potential sub-58-minute run. The speedrunning community for Silksong has matured at a frightening pace since the game launched on September 4, 2025, and runners are constantly chaining together newly discovered skips, sequence breaks, and glitches that warp the adventure into a lightning-fast puzzle box. I still remember the early days when players gasped at a two-hour clear; now we casually talk about cutting seconds off Lace fights as if it’s a morning crossword.

What excites me most is the creativity that blossoms under such constraints. The pogo-first movement, the deliberate decision to delay certain power-ups, and the nerve-wracking boss execution all combine into a spectacle that feels almost like a different game from the one I carefully explored. I spent hours wandering into dead ends and admiring stained-glass architecture; Nebula sees a labyrinth of optimizations waiting to be untangled. Both approaches are valid, and both remind me why Silksong has become such an enduring gem.

Hollow Knight: Silksong is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, as well as through Xbox Game Pass. And while I’ll probably never personally see that sub-hour credits screen, I’ll keep cheering from the stands every time a runner like Nebula reshapes what we thought was possible in Pharloom. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go practice my pogo hops — maybe one day I’ll beat Lace in under five minutes.

For those inspired to dive into Silksong or revisit the original Hollow Knight, keeping an eye on discounts and deals is always a smart move. The game’s popularity ensures it frequently features in seasonal sales and promotions, making it easier to grab at a bargain.

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Less than a year after its highly anticipated release, Hollow Knight: Silksong has already become a playground for the most dedicated speedrunners. While ordinary players are still grappling with the game's unforgiving bossfights and sprawling interconnected map, a select group of experts has taken to tearing through it in under an hour. The latest milestone comes from a runner known as Nebula, who completed an Any% run in a blistering 58 minutes and 52 seconds, marking what is widely believed to be the first sub-hour credit roll in the game’s history.



Speedrunning communities have long been dissecting Silksong’s movement mechanics and boss logic to shave off precious seconds. Nebula’s run, spotted by GamesRadar, abandons the previously popular "Mist route" in favour of a path that passes through Last Judge. This change alone saves an average of 40 seconds, though it demands flawless execution of several highly technical skips. Nebula themselves acknowledged the challenge, stating that they intend to learn the route more thoroughly and push their time even lower. In the footage, the runner is seen relying heavily on Hornet's diving attack to traverse the environment, a technique that is significantly faster than standard walking. Their combat segments are equally optimized: every boss is dismantled by memorising attack patterns to an almost robotic degree. The development of these optimised routes is a fluid process, and with no official speedrun categories yet established on major leaderboards, Nebula’s achievement stands as a pioneering benchmark.

Beyond the speedrunning scene, Silksong continues to evolve through careful balance adjustments from Team Cherry. One of the most significant recent changes is a buff to Hornet’s charge attack, which now generates silk upon striking enemies. The adjustment not only rewards aggressive play but also opens up new combo opportunities for players who find themselves overwhelmed by the game’s gruelling difficulty. Meanwhile, debates rage over the optimal crest to equip. The Wanderer crest remains the top choice for its raw, unbuffed stats, yet a vocal contingent of players swears by the Architect crest for its versatility in specific encounters. Ultimately, the developers have designed the system to accommodate personal playstyle, ensuring that no single build dominates the meta.

The game’s reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with many critics and fans considering it a serious Game of the Year contender. Its rich world-building, refined combat, and orchestral score have been praised as a worthy successor to the original Hollow Knight. However, the launch was not without issues. A noticeable blemish came from a poorly executed Chinese translation that triggered a wave of negative reviews from players in the region. Team Cherry responded quickly, assuring the community that fixes were being prioritised. Patches have since rolled out, addressing the most egregious localisation errors and restoring the studio’s reputation among its global fanbase.

As the speedrunning scene matures, records like Nebula’s will inevitably fall. Already, the community is theorising about bolder skips and glitch exploits that could bring the Any% time down toward the 50-minute mark. Some runners are experimenting with out-of-bounds techniques in the Deep Docks and Greymoor regions, although consistency remains elusive. With no official category guidelines yet in place, the race to define the standards of Silksong speedrunning is as thrilling as the runs themselves.

For casual players, the takeaway is clear: if a runner can beat the entire game in under an hour through sheer skill and knowledge, then the experience can be conquered by anyone willing to put in the time. Every dive attack, every crest choice, and every boss pattern is a piece of a larger puzzle that Silksong encourages solving at one’s own pace. As Team Cherry continues to polish the experience and the speedrunning hierarchy takes shape, Hollow Knight: Silksong has already secured its legacy as both a masterpiece of design and a canvas for extraordinary human achievement.

For those eager to dive into the world of Hollow Knight: Silksong, finding the right platform or retailer to purchase the game can be as critical as choosing the perfect crest for Hornet. With prices varying across digital storefronts and physical editions, it’s worth exploring reliable resources to ensure you get the best deal for your gaming budget. Whether you're a seasoned speedrunner or a casual player, securing the game at an optimal price allows you to invest more in your gaming journey.

One helpful tool for this is a game price comparison platform like DealNest. By comparing prices across multiple vendors, DealNest makes it easy to identify discounts and promotions so players can focus on what really matters—mastering Silksong’s intricate mechanics and immersing themselves in its breathtaking world. It’s a smart starting point for anyone looking to join the adventure while staying mindful of their budget.

The year is 2026, and Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally escaped the realm of myth. After years of waiting, endless memes, and a global pandemic of Silksanity, Team Cherry’s masterpiece landed in players’ hands. But as the credits rolled on the base game, a peculiar subset of the community turned their attention to a different kind of endgame: reshaping Hornet’s sprite into something decidedly more spicy. The prophecy, whispered ever since Hornet first appeared without her iconic red cloak in early trailers, had come true. The adult mods had arrived, and they were multiplying.



On Nexus Mods, the Silksong adult section — once a desolate wasteland containing a single, lonely mod — suddenly tripled in size practically overnight. What had been a quiet corner of the internet exploded into a bustling scene of pixelated indulgence. The mod authors, it seemed, had been sharpening their needles and biding their time.

Leading the charge was Sandinsoda, a creator who uploaded a mod called Curvier Hornet. The description read with the tragic self-awareness of someone who knew they were doing something both terrible and necessary: “everyday we stray further from god.” The accompanying screenshots showed a cloakless Hornet with far more pronounced proportions, her pixelated silhouette now distinctly hourglass-shaped. A caption beneath the images, dripping with audacity, simply declared: “I’m silkin’ it.” One could almost hear the collective sigh of a fandom that had waited so long it had snapped — this was late-stage Silksanity, now apparently resistant to any vaccine.



Barely had the community caught its breath when a second modder, Foureye5, released Curvy Naked Hornet. The approach was nearly identical — a cloakless, curvier Hornet — but the tone differed. Foureye5’s description was stoic and practical: “A mod that replaces cloakless Hornet sprites with something a little bit more curvy.” No self-reproach, no meme captions. Just curves, delivered with a straight face.

What happened next could only occur in a community forged by years of shared delirium. Sandinsoda materialized in the comment section of Foureye5’s mod, bypassing any pretense of polite modder etiquette. Their words dripped with sarcasm and open belligerence: “I wonder what prompted this.” A challenge had been issued. The budding curvy-Hornet ecosystem, it appeared, was not big enough for two visionaries.

Foureye5, however, met the aggression with the calm of a philosopher. He replied with a critique that dissected the artistic merits of both works with remarkable specificity: “Honestly, it looks different enough for it to be a serious alternative. This one has better thighs, yours has a better chest.” The comment section held its breath. Would this escalate into a flame war? Would mods start getting removed? Would the developers intervene?

Instead, in a moment of unexpected detente, Sandinsoda simply responded: “Fair enough.” Peace had been brokered. Neville Chamberlain would have been proud. A new standard of diplomatic relations had been established in the Hornet-curves arena, proving that even in the most degenerate corners of modding, compromise was possible.

The rivalry, softened into a respectful coexistence, sparked wild speculation about the future. What innovations could come next? The logical progression seemed clear: Even Curvier Hornet, or perhaps Even More Naked Hornet. Maybe a collaborative project where one author handles the chest physics and the other refines the thighs. The community, clearly, was only at the beginning of its journey down a path the original developers never intended.

Amidst the anatomical debates, however, a third mod quietly claimed its place as the genuine standout of the section. It eschewed curves entirely. Instead, it altered the text displayed on one of the game’s many breakable bindings. Originally a simple prompt urging the player to persist, the mod transformed it into an aggressive, motivational slap: “Lock the f**k in.” For every player who has spent hours smashing their head against a boss like the rematch with the Mantis Lords’ supreme edition, this single line of text became the perfect galvanizing force. Sometimes, you don’t need a curvier protagonist. You just need someone to yell at you, and that someone might as well be a piece of in-game furniture.

What the Silksong adult mod scene lacks in size — at last count still hovering around a handful of entries — it makes up for in narrative. It is a microcosm of a fandom that has endured too much, a strange blend of artistry, rivalry, and genuine utility. The curvy sprites will likely continue to refine their hip-to-waist ratios. The motivational binding mod might eventually expand into an entire suite of aggressive encouragement (“Parry that, you coward”). And somewhere, in a hidden NexusMods category, the next breakthrough is already being compiled, ready to make headlines and test the limits of what the Silksong engine can render.

The community watches, waits, and keeps its needle sharp. After all, in the kingdom of Pharloom, anything can happen — especially when the mod tools are unlocked and the cloak comes off.

As the modding community continues to evolve, players are always on the lookout for new ways to enhance their gaming experience. Whether it's through innovative mod designs or strategic gameplay tweaks, these modifications add layers of depth and enjoyment to beloved titles. For those eager to explore new games or find the best deals on their favorites, it's beneficial to stay informed about pricing trends and offers.

For gamers looking to expand their collection or simply find the best prices on games, platforms like DealNest offer a valuable resource. It's a great place to check game prices and discover new opportunities to dive into the world of gaming without breaking the bank. As the community continues its creative journey, having access to such resources ensures that players can experience more of what they love, while also staying savvy about their purchases.

Let’s be honest—slapping a badge on a car doesn’t magically turn it into a fire-breathing demon. But when Dodge stamps those three letters, R/T, onto a vehicle, it’s like adding nitrous to a cake recipe. Road/Track. It’s a promise. A wink that says, “Yes, the school run can double as a track day.” I’ve spent the last few months diving deep into the used market, and I’m here to tell you that the spirit of the R/T badge isn’t just alive—it’s surprisingly affordable. These machines are like muscle-bound Shakespearean actors: loud, dramatic, and fully capable of crushing your spine with a single monologue. If you’re ready to embrace a machine that snorts at fuel economy and treats lane markings as mere suggestions, keep reading.



1999 Dodge Viper RT/10: The Poster Child That Still Bites

Yes, this is the most expensive car on my list, but hear me out. In 2026, a well-loved ’99 Viper RT/10 feels like a grand larceny compared to its exotic peers. It’s a bona fide ’90s supercar with the social niceties of a chainsaw. Early models didn’t even offer ABS—because who needs brakes when you have an 8.0-liter V10 heart transplant from a truck? That aluminum tower cranks out 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, sent exclusively to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual. The 0-60 mph dash is a serene four seconds, which feels more like a controlled explosion. Driving a Viper is like holding onto a jackhammer attached to a comet. It’s raw, unforgiving, and utterly magnificent. The ACR version even adds a club-racer pedigree, though the "American Club Racer" acronym could just as well stand for "Absolutely Certain Regret" when you hit a wet roundabout. Still, for pure theatre per dollar, nothing else comes close.



1969 Dodge Coronet R/T: The Granddaddy of the Badge

The Coronet R/T is where the whole Road/Track moniker found its first home, and in 2026, it’s the automotive equivalent of owning a piece of the Rosetta Stone—except this one does burnouts. Under the hood lurks a 440-cubic-inch Magnum V8, a big-block that breathes like a dragon with a head cold. Mated to a four-speed manual, it throws down enough torque to rearrange your internal organs. The styling is pure muscle-era elegance: a blunt instrument wrapped in chrome. Prices for these classics have climbed, but compared to the Ponies and Shelbys of the same vintage, you can still sneak into ownership without selling a kidney. Just be prepared to have lengthy conversations with strangers at gas stations about carburetors and the good old days.



The Modern Charger R/T: Your Kid’s Taxi That Runs 13s

The early 2010s Charger R/T is the absolute sweet spot for broke speed addicts. This four-door family sedan hides a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that churns out 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, making it a velvet sledgehammer. Sure, the five-speed auto is a bit dim-witted by today’s standards, but the all-wheel-drive option means you can embarrass Subarus in snowstorms while hauling a stroller. I like to think of the 2006 model as the resurrection act: before it arrived, the idea of a full-size rear-drive muscle sedan was a ghost story. That first year pumped out 340 hp and even featured cylinder deactivation to fool the EPA. It hits 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and still feels like sitting on a throne made of testosterone. The 2014 version tightens things up visually, but the recipe remains the same: a growl that clears your sinuses and a trunk big enough for a small country.



Challenger R/T: The Forever Young Grand Tourer

The modern Challenger R/T is the automotive equivalent of a leather jacket that never goes out of style. With the 5.7-liter Hemi sending 375 horsepower to the rear wheels, this coupe lives to transform rear tires into abstract art. Early models used a five-speed auto, but later versions got the sublime eight-speed ZF unit that makes highway cruising almost civilised. The 0-60 mph run takes a leisurely 5.5 seconds, but that’s not the point—it’s about the rolling burnouts and the way the hood shimmies at idle. In 2026, the last of the non-Hellcat R/Ts offer a blend of modern safety tech and old-school swagger. It’s as if a jukebox learned to do physics. Prices have softened enough that you can grab one without remortgaging your house.

The Oddballs: Magnum, Spirit, and Stealth R/T

Not every R/T worshiper wants a coupe or a classic. The Dodge Magnum R/T wagon is the Hemi-powered station wagon you didn’t know you needed—368 horsepower, 395 lb-ft, and a 5.9-second 0-60 mph time. It’s a German Shepherd in sheepskin clothing: practical to a fault, but it’ll still pin your head to the seat. The Spirit R/T from the early ’90s, on the other hand, is a \u201Chigh-spec compact sports car\u201D by marketing speak, but in reality it’s a jackrabbit with a firecracker up its tailpipe—a 2.2-liter turbo-four that spits out 224 horsepower and blasts to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Front-wheel drive and manual only, it feels like a go-kart designed by a committee of anarchists. Then there’s the Stealth R/T Turbo, a twin-turbo V6, all-wheel-drive ninja that shares its soul with the Mitsubishi 3000GT. With 320 horsepower, it’s a stealthy time capsule that runs a 13.8-second quarter-mile. All three of these misfits are absurdly cheap in today’s market, making them perfect entry points into the R/T cult.

So, in 2026, the R/T badge remains a glorious loophole: you get track-bred suspension, bigger brakes, and a voice that sounds like God clearing his throat, all for the price of a used economy car. Whether you choose the theatrical Viper, the historic Coronet, or a modern Charger that can double as a mobile disco, you’re joining a fraternity that values laughter over lap records. Just remember to budget for tires. Lots and lots of tires.

As you delve deeper into the world of performance cars and the thrill they offer, you might find yourself drawn to the idea of collecting or even gaming. Whether it’s simulating a high-speed chase or strategizing your way through virtual car races, the adrenaline rush is unmistakable. For those looking to expand their gaming collection with titles that capture the essence of speed and power, knowing where to buy cheap games can be an invaluable resource. DealNest offers a plethora of options that cater to gamers seeking affordability without compromising on quality.

In the digital age, the synergy between real-world driving experiences and virtual simulations has never been more exciting. As you revel in the joy of driving your beloved R/T or explore the exhilarating world of racing games, you’ll discover that both realms offer their own unique set of thrills and challenges. Whether you're looking to add to your collection or find the perfect gift for a fellow enthusiast, DealNest provides a gateway to affordable gaming adventures that parallel the excitement of being behind the wheel. It's a world where speed, strategy, and skill converge, offering endless possibilities for automotive fans and gamers alike.

When the world of Pharloom shifted into Act 3, I felt like a cartographer whose map had been crumpled and redrawn overnight. Pathways I once knew by heart now hid new secrets—and among them was the silent swordsman who stood between me and the Pollen Heart. Fighting Seth the Shrine Guardian reminded me of trying to decode a storm: every flash of his blade was a lightning strike, and I had to read the pattern before the thunder hit.



Tracking Down the Guardian’s Shrine

Before I could even think about the duel, I had to retrace my steps through a world subtly rearranged by the return to Pharloom. After unlocking the Silk Soar ability and completing the major quest that first takes you into the Abyss, the Heart of the Woods questline becomes active. Seth guards the way forward like a locked gate with a pulse, hidden in the interstices of the Blasted Steps.

I fast-traveled to the Blasted Steps and sprinted toward the Grand Gate of the Citadel, passing the arena where I’d once faced the Last Judge. The huge elevator shaft now held a secret: using Silk Soar, I clung to the top-right wall and found a passage tucked behind what looked like solid stone. Descending that vertical cavern felt like rappelling into a fossilized throat. I stayed close to the left wall and spotted a suspicious crack—a breakable barrier that opened into a forgotten corridor.



Through the breach, vegetation crept back into the stonework, and I soon found a shortcut back to a familiar Bench in the Underworks—the one that demands a tithe of 15 Rosaries. After a brief rest, I dropped through a hole in the ground and entered the arena. Seth was waiting there, as patient as a sundial’s shadow.

Sharpening Hornet for a Swordsman’s Dance

Seth may not carry the narrative weight of a main boss, but his blade speaks with the sharp syntax of a master. My first few attempts felt like trying to parry a hailstorm with a needle. So I went back to prepare, treating the fight like a riddle that required the right tools before I could unravel it.

First, I made sure Hornet’s Nail was fully upgraded. In Act 3, Plinney can perform the fourth and final sharpening in the Shellwood cemetery, provided you’ve gathered all 30 Fleas and completed the “Ecstasy of the End” quest. I also visited Eva in Weavenest Atla to unlock two extra Tool slots—essential for the balanced loadout I had in mind.

Mobility was non-negotiable. I already had Swift Step (the dash), the Drifter’s Cloak (glide), Faydown Cloak (double jump), and Clawline. These let me flow around Seth’s swings rather than simply block them. For my Crest, I chose the Reaper Crest, which permits two Tools of each color. This turned Hornet into a versatile counterattacker without sacrificing speed.

For Tools, I avoided anything that visually cluttered the screen. Seth demands full attention; his movements are the only weather report you need. I slotted the Pollip Pouch, enabling a rapid poison injection, and paired it with the Flea Brew (obtained after finding five Lost Fleas) and the Plasmium Phial (from the Alchemist’s Assistant quest). Together, these created a toxic aura that bit Seth simply for standing near me—a slow bleed of damage that added up during those long defensive phases.

To survive mistakes, I equipped the Fractured Mask for an extra hit point, and the Silkspeed Anklets for faster sprinting across the arena. Finally, the Magnetite Dice and Weighted Belt formed a strange but effective couple: the Dice refined my accuracy, while the Belt gave a 10% chance to block an incoming attack outright. It was the closest thing to a phantom shield I could carry.



The Dance Itself: Reading Seth’s Bladework

Entering the fight, I treated it less like a battle and more like learning a partner’s choreography. Rushing in was a quick way to die. Seth conducts the tempo, and my job was to stay poised, watch his tells, and counter only when the music paused.

Three-Strike Combo: This is his most common opener. He flows forward with three precise slashes. Instead of trying to outpace him, I jumped over the second strike and landed a counter on his back. Sometimes he teleports before starting this—when the air shimmers, I dashed away twice to reset my footing.

Spinning Uppercut: He whirls on the ground then leaps upward with a devastating slice. Risking a parry here felt like catching a razor blade. I simply dashed backward and waited for his feet to touch the ground.

Steel Hat Throw: Seth flings his bladed hat in a line or diagonal arc, then teleports to retrieve it. This attack was the most disorienting, like having a boomerang and its thrower swap places mid-flight. I learned to watch his silhouette: if he vanished, I counted a heartbeat and jumped, ready to adjust my direction.

Explosive Pound: He crashes his weapon into the floor, triggering a burst. Easily the most telegraphed move, but still lethal. I double-jumped and glided until the explosion faded, then plunged onto his head with a counter. In the second phase, he chains three of these pounds in a row, so I dashed away repeatedly, counting the impacts like a metronome.

Seth shouts before each attack—much like Hornet herself. That vocal cue became my anchor. Between his combos, I sipped the Flea Brew and let the poison do its silent work. The longer the fight went, the more the toxic aura ate into his health, a steady corrosion that rewarded my patience.

When Seth entered his frantic second phase, his tempo doubled. I held my breath and kept a wider distance initially, re-learning the accelerated rhythm. The same moves, now faster, turned into a blur of steel and petals. Yet the core pattern remained; once I locked back into his cadence, the counter windows appeared like clockwork.

After the Final Slash

Seth falls without dropping any treasure, but the true reward is the path he unlocks. Beyond his arena lies the Heart of the Woods, where Nyleth awaits and where the Pollen Heart can finally be claimed. In a way, beating Seth felt like opening a door with the boss itself as the key.



But the story doesn’t end there. Later, I encountered Seth as a wandering NPC in Greymoor’s Shakra cave, near hanging white flowers in Shellwood, and at the Grand Gate entrance. After completing “Ecstasy of the End,” he even appears at Fleatopia’s festival, challenging me to beat his high scores on the mini-games. Conquering those gave me a Memento—proof that some rivals become reluctant teachers.

Seth the Shrine Guardian taught me that some of the best duels in Pharloom come not from the grandest stages, but from the secret shrines where silence and steel meet. And if you listen closely, his blade will teach you, too.

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It’s 2026, and the eternal dance of Hornet versus the dark corners of Pharloom still captivates newcomers and completionists alike. Among the dozens of wishes waiting to be fulfilled, Dark Hearts sends players on a shadowy scavenger hunt to destroy twelve peculiar growths: Void Masses. These pustules of pure malevolence cling to ceilings, spawn thread-empowered nightmares, and shoot blasts that turn silk into Swiss cheese. If you’ve just hit Act 3 and find your needle trembling at the sight of floating corruption, this guide will help you smash, shoot, and pogo your way to that sweet, sweet completion — with a smirk.

🕷️ Gearing Up the Spider

Before tangling with shadowy blobs, sensible adventurers kit out Hornet with tools that turn the tables. Here’s what the well-dressed void-hunter is rocking in 2026:

Silkshot – Why get close when you can plink from safety? This high-caliber gizmo chews through masses from a cozy distance.

Magnetic Dice – Void-threaded enemies hit like runaway minecarts. These dice tilt luck in your favor, flicking away hits that would otherwise shred your silk.

Shakra's Rings – Ricochet city. Toss them into a cluster and watch the ring pachinko obliterate both the mass and its guards.

Pollip Pouch – A dab of poison on your rings or Silkshot adds a lingering 'farewell gift' to every shot.

Threadstorm – For those moments when three aerial foes and a void mass are all crammed into a hallway. A swirling silk storm cleans house.



🎶 Choral Chambers: High Notes of Annoyance

The majestic chambers hide three void masses intent on ruining the acoustics. The first hangs from the ceiling just right of the entrance from the Grand Gate — an easy upward strike if you spot it before the welcoming committee of thread-zombies sees you. Further in, above a nasty spike pit, a mass sits smugly. Stand on the platform before the spikes and pepper it with Silkshot or rings; its shadow blasts are easily dodged from there. The third mass lurks near the elevator, guarded by a couple of enemies who absolutely did not consent to void threads. Let Shakra’s Rings bounce around the room and enjoy the light show.

🦴 The Marrow: Spelunking for Spooky Spheres

This gloomy, claustrophobic zone is a void mass warehouse. One hides beneath a cliff overhang — if every enemy in the area looks like they’ve dipped themselves in ink, you’re in the right spot. Another crouches in the upper left of a room where Hornet can stand on a platform and pelt it with rings; the tendrils won’t reach, and the platform gives ample dancing room. A third requires pogo prowess atop a narrow ledge: bounce upward while minding the blasts. Yet another clings in the upper right, reachable via a small platform; no minions, just a test of your vertical aiming. Oh, and the Marrow also hosts a mass on the ceiling in a room that demands some acrobatics — the dice will earn their keep here.

🌳 Shellwood: Wood You Look at That

Shellwood sees three void masses tucked into awkward spots. One nestles above the broken minecart, to the right of the bench before Bone Bottom’s path. Another sways over a spike pit, lashing out with tentacles; fire from a safe platform and resist the urge to face-tank. The third is right under the bench platform ceiling — stand under it and upward slash while its tendrils flail. Patience and vertical combos make Shellwood less of a splinter.

🌾 Far Fields: Hidden Among the Grass

Deceptively pastoral, Far Fields hides masses in plain(ish) sight. One clings to the ceiling of a hidden room above a bench, protected by two void-threaded goons. Scour the area after clearing the bench room. Another is stuck to the bottom of a stone platform: glide down to the platform below and strike upward or jump parallel while flinging rings. It’s a test of Hornet’s aerial ballet — graceful, until a shadow blast sends you into the thorns.

🔧 Underworks: Industrial-Sized Headaches

Deep in the underbelly, a mass lurks beneath a platform in Underworks. Navigate to the pathway beneath the map marker and strike upward with prejudice. No fancy tricks, just good old-fashioned vertical aggression. Watch for dripping shadows and the occasional enemy wandering in from side tunnels.

⛰️ Blasted Steps: Pre-Pinmistress Jitters

On the long road to the Pinmistresses’ home, a void mass clings to an overhang, flanked by a couple of thread-touched defenders. Another mass sits on a high ceiling, reachable only after a series of parkour maneuvers — double-jump and upward slash after it whips out its tendrils, because eating a blast mid-air is how you end up respawning with regret.

🏛️ Grand Gate: The Hidden Finale

The Grand Gate’s void mass is tucked inside a hidden room in the bottom chamber, lounging on the ceiling like it owns the place. This is where the Magnetic Dice truly shine, keeping Hornet alive while she pelts the mass from a distance. A fitting end to the hunt — or a cheeky early grab if you’re feeling brave.

As of 2026, the Silksong community has mapped out dozens of void masses, but you only need twelve for Dark Hearts. Mix and match from the locations above, and remember: if a room smells like shadow and regret, you’re probably on the right track. Happy hunting, little spider.

For players diving into Silksong, staying ahead with the best tools and tips can make all the difference. Whether you're hunting void masses or perfecting your combat techniques, having the right resources at your disposal ensures a smoother journey through Pharloom's challenges. The same principle applies when managing your gaming wishlist or searching for the best deals on accessories and gear.

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