When the credits first roll in Hollow Knight: Silksong, many players believe they’ve reached the end of Hornet’s journey. Yet beneath the surface lies an elusive continuation — Act 3 — a hidden chapter that reveals the game’s true ending. Unlocking it is not as straightforward as beating the final boss. Instead, it requires careful progression through key quests, moving allies across Pharloom, and fulfilling a set of conditions that are never explicitly spelled out.

This guide walks you through how to unlock Act 3 in Silksong, the requirements you need to meet, and how to complete the pivotal “Silk and Soul” quest that bridges Acts 2 and 3.

How to Unlock Act 3 in Silksong?

You don’t need a full 100% completion file, but Act 3 isn’t accessible until you’ve advanced certain threads in Pharloom’s story. While the exact formula can vary depending on your path, most players agree these are the core steps:

Core Requirements

Complete Wishboard Quests
Finish all wishes from the boards in Bone Bottom, Bellhart, and the First Shrine. Some hidden wishes tied to NPCs may also be necessary, so double-check with Sherma and other characters.
Move the Flea Caravan
Rescue over half of the scattered fleas and guide the caravan to its final stop at Pale Lake in the Putrified Ducts. In some cases, recruiting a large flea is also part of the trigger.
Acquire the Threefold Song
Collect melodies from the Vaultkeeper, Architect, and Conductor to complete the song needed for progression.
Progress Critical Story Quests
Defeat Groal the Great in Bilewater, climb the Grand Bellway elevator, and fight Lace’s second encounter at the Cradle. Many players report this as the final step that unlocks the Bellhart Wishboard entry for “Silk and Soul.”
Secure the Bellhart House
Speak with Pavo after finishing Bellhart’s quests. He will grant you the Bellhome key — a subtle but required milestone before Act 3 opens.

Screenshot showing the Wishboard in Bellhart with the quest "Silk and Soul" visible, given by the Caretaker of Songclave. The description reads: "Oi! I'm wishin' for that bothersome bellringer! That you readin' this? Then head up top beside the shrine. Might be we two should have a little chat..." The player has the option to 'Take' the quest. — Credit: Team Cherry

Once these conditions are met, the Wishboard in Bellhart should display the “Silk and Soul” quest, which sets you on the path to Act 3.

A professional-looking game review thumbnail for Hollow Knight: Silksong. The central image is a large, stylized render of Hornet with a sleek, modern design. The title "GAME REVIEW" is displayed prominently in a pixelated font, set against a blue background with digital design elements.

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The Silk and Soul Quest Walkthrough

This quest acts as the threshold between Acts 2 and 3. Once accepted, you’ll be tasked by the Caretaker at the First Shrine to gather four significant items.

Two map screenshots from Hollow Knight: Silksong showing the locations for the Maiden's Soul in Bone Bottom (at Ruined Chapel) and the Hermit's Soul in Bellhart (below The Marrow). These are two of the four required items for the "Silk and Soul" quest to unlock Act 3. — Credit: Team Cherry

Two map screenshots from Hollow Knight: Silksong showing the locations for the Seeker's Soul in Bilewater (at Putrified Ducts) and the Snake Setter in Weavenest Alta (near Moss Grotto). These are two of the four required items for the "Silk and Soul" quest to unlock Act 3. — Credit: Team Cherry

The Four Required Items

Maiden’s Soul
Found in Bone Bottom. Speak with the Chapel Maid on the western edge of the area. If absent, check Moss Grotto below.
Hermit’s Soul
Hidden under Bellhart Bellway. Drop to the lowest level, break through a secret wall, and head left to meet the Hermit.
Seeker’s Soul
Obtained immediately after defeating Groal the Great in Bilewater. Enter the hut just outside his arena to claim it.
Snare Setter
Located in Weavenest Alta, east of Moss Grotto. Use the Needolin to open the entrance, restore power to the elevator if needed, then climb into a hidden ceiling path above the plant-filled chamber. The Snare Setter rests on a chair at the top.

What Happens After Silk and Soul?

Once you deliver all four items to the Caretaker, the stage is set for the confrontation with Grandmother Silk. In this fight, victory alone is not enough — instead of binding her as usual, you must use your Needolin.

Hornet and the Caretaker character standing on a platform, with the Caretaker speaking the text: "The snare is set above, our power bound along its thread. To your sight it may seem a crude thing, but there's fair strength to it... enough to quell a god." This is a key dialogue moment related to the Silk and Soul quest in Silksong Act 3. — Credit: Team Cherry

Doing so alters the outcome of the ending. When you reload your save file afterward, Hornet awakens not in Pharloom’s past battlegrounds but at the dawn of Act 3 — the hidden chapter of Silksong.

Key Tips and Insights for Unlocking Act 3

Don’t leave any wishes unfulfilled on the boards; even minor ones can block Act 3.
Talk to NPCs more than once. Some quests (like Shakra’s cartography line) only appear after purchasing all maps or revisiting her locations.
Check for triggers after major boss fights. Several players reported that the Bellhart Wishboard only updated after defeating Lace or clearing the Cradle’s first area.
If the Silk and Soul quest doesn’t appear immediately, try reloading your save and returning to Bellhart or the Songclave. Sometimes progression events only trigger after resting.

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