Hollow Knight Silksong Act 2 Checklist

After you defeat Last Judge and reach the Citadel, the game opens wide. Act 2 is larger, more flexible, and filled with new areas, bosses, and abilities that push Hornet to her limits. A Hollow Knight Silksong Act 2 checklist keeps the progression clear, so you don’t miss any key fights or upgrades before the credits roll.

Act 2 Abilities

These are the progression skills tied directly to Act 2:

• Clawline (Underworks → The Cauldron)

• Faydown Cloak (Mount Fay, optional but highly recommended)

With these two, you can clear every mandatory section of the Citadel.

Act 2 Key Items

• White Key (Songclave)

• Sacred Cylinder (Whispering Vaults, used for Vaultkeeper’s Melody)

Both are needed to unlock deeper Citadel paths and the melodies.

Act 2 Bosses

Mandatory encounters you must complete to finish Act 2:

• Cogwork Dancers (Choral Chambers)

• Trobbio (The Stage, Whispering Vaults)

• High Halls Gauntlet (Conductor’s Melody)

• Lace (The Cradle, penultimate boss)

• Grand Mother Silk (final boss, credits roll)

Act 2 Melodies

You need all three pieces of the Threefold Melody to progress:

• Architect’s Melody (Cogwork Core puzzle)

• Vaultkeeper’s Melody (Sacred Cylinder → Cardinius)

• Conductor’s Melody (High Halls gauntlet → Conductor Ballador)

Once all three are learned, return to the Ancient Statues in Cogwork Core.

Act 2 Areas

Major zones you will explore during Act 2:

• Grand Gate

• Underworks

• Choral Chambers

• Songclave (hub town)

• Cogwork Core

• Whispering Vaults

• Mount Fay (optional for Faydown Cloak)

• High Halls

• The Cradle (final path)

Act 2 Quests and Shops

• Unlock Songclave as the Citadel hub (Wishwall + traders)

• Meet Vaultkeeper Cardinius (teaches Vaultkeeper’s Melody)

• Find Shakra again for new maps (Mount Fay, High Halls)

• Pinmaster Plinney upgrades continue in Bellhart if you return

Act 2 Upgrades and Collectibles

• Needle upgrades progress further with Plinney

• More Mask Shards and Spool Fragments are available in new zones

• Tools expand through Songclave traders and Twelfth Architect in the Citadel

These are optional for credits but essential for survival in High Halls and The Cradle.

Final Blurb

The Hollow Knight Silksong Act 2 checklist cuts through the Citadel’s maze. Unlock Clawline, clear the melodies, and prepare for Lace and Grand Mother Silk. Once you complete the Threefold Melody and defeat the final boss, you’ll reach the credits — though Pharloom still holds secrets beyond Act 2.

FAQ

Where does Act 2 start in Silksong?

Act 2 begins after defeating Last Judge and entering the Citadel.

What abilities do you get in Act 2?

Clawline is mandatory, and Faydown Cloak is optional but very helpful.

What is the goal of Act 2?

You must gather the Threefold Melody — Architect’s, Vaultkeeper’s, and Conductor’s — to ascend the Citadel.

Who is the final boss of Act 2?

Grand Mother Silk is the last boss of Act 2 and unlocks the credits.

Is Faydown Cloak required for Act 2?

No, but it makes traversal and combat much easier, especially in High Halls.

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