At the end of Act 2 in Hollow Knight: Silksong, players finally come face to face with the Grand Mother Silk, the towering weaver whose threads hold the Citadel together. After defeating Lace in The Cradle and unlocking a short side path with a bench and elevator, the real test begins. How should a player prepare for one of Pharloom's most punishing duels? The answer lies in careful crest selection, a well-stocked tool pouch, and a clear understanding of the boss's two distinct phases.

Crest Suggestions

Two crests stand out for this fight. The Architect's Crest lets Hornet make full use of traps and Shakra's Rings, though it disables special silk abilities. That trade-off can be worth it for players who enjoy controlling space. The Reaper's Crest, by contrast, slows movement while increasing the weight of every attack. It rewards patience and planning: a well-timed heavy hit can stagger the boss more quickly than a flurry of light strikes. Which crest suits the fight better? That depends on whether the player prefers area control or burst damage.

Tool Suggestions

Phase 1: Cross-Silk and Weaving Pins

Phase one introduces the majority of the Grand Mother Silk's attacks. The most dangerous is the cross-silk attack that sweeps across the screen. Players should double jump and glide over the threads, but only after the threads flash. Jumping too early can leave Hornet tangled in the silk, and if that happens, the boss will grab her and deliver a nearly deadly finisher. The timing question is simple: do not jump until the flash.

Large weaving pins also appear. They rotate in the air before either embedding into the ground or flying horizontally across the arena. The direction is telegraphed by the way the pins turn, and they launch once the boss lowers her hand. Players should find the gaps quickly and use a swift step or midair grapple to avoid horizontal pins. Ground-embedded pins deal no further damage and can be stepped through safely. Stagger the boss twice to move into Phase 2.

Phase 2: Falling Rocks and Claw Lunges

When the Grand Mother Silk falls off screen, it can feel like victory, but that relief is premature. Rocks soon fall from the sky, and the boss reappears angrier than before. Dust on either end of the arena signals incoming boulders, so players must watch both edges while dodging. The boss also gains a lunge claw attack: a small sound and a flick of her hand precede a fast dive at Hornet's last position. Jump and glide over the boss, while keeping an eye on falling boulders.

Falling pins glow again, but this time they can be used as platforms. Once a pin is embedded in the ground, it deals no further damage, so pogoing off it can help avoid the boss's slash lunge. Stagger the Grand Mother Silk two final times to open the Bind prompt. Binding the boss ends the fight and triggers a cutscene: the Citadel falls but is held by white silk threads, indicating that Hornet has become the new Grand Mother Silk and continues the silken curse across Pharloom. The fight also unlocks Steel Soul mode, Silksong's hardcore setting with no rebirths and permanent death.

Extended Ending Requirements

For players chasing the second ending, preparation starts long before the boss fight. The requirements are extensive: complete all available wish board side quests, awaken the Second Sentinel, move the Flea Caravan to the lake area in the Putrified Ducts by finding at least 22 fleas, finish Shakra's wish, and finish the Wish for the Shamans. Only then can the alternative route be attempted.

Before defeating the Grand Mother Silk once more, the player must speak to the Shaman hiding on the left to affirm the second ending. The boss fight follows the same steps, but this time the player uses the Needolin instead of Bind. As the battle closes, threads ensnare the Grand Mother Silk. When she grabs Hornet to drag her down, Lace appears and rescues her before falling alongside the boss. The Citadel begins to crumble, but black threads take over instead of white, hinting at a darker outcome. This ending unlocks Act 3, tasking players with saving all of Pharloom from their own misguided help. Both endings grant achievements: Weaver Queen and Snared Silk.

Could a simple tool choice or a poorly timed jump change the fate of Pharloom? In the Grand Mother Silk's arena, every second matters. With these strategies, players can face the weaver queen with confidence and decide which thread of fate to pull.

Mastering the Grand Mother Silk is the kind of milestone that lingers long after the screen fades to black. Whether players are chasing the extended ending or gearing up for the permanent-death challenge of Steel Soul mode, each victory sets the stage for another run through Pharloom's twisted corridors. The sense of accomplishment is real, and the desire to replay — or share — the experience only grows.

For those ready to dive back in, perhaps on a different platform or with a fresh save file, it pays to plan ahead. Comparing storefront offers before buying can save a few coins for the next adventure, so take a moment to check game prices and make the most of every run.