Hollow Knight: Silksong continues to unravel hidden layers of depth with every new discovery, and one of the most curious and surprisingly powerful mechanics players are experimenting with is the Taunt ability. At first glance, it feels like a simple flourish, a way for Hornet to challenge enemies or call out across the vast lands of Pharloom. But beneath its theatrical edge, the Taunt hides unexpected combat and gameplay advantages.
How to Taunt in Silksong?
Using the Taunt is simple once you get familiar with the controls:
- PC: Press V
- Controller (PlayStation/Xbox/Switch): Click the Right Stick (R3)
This command is labeled as Challenge in the key bindings. When activated, Hornet issues her bold cry—“Garama!”—that not only looks stylish but can also alter the flow of a fight.

What the Taunt Actually Does in Silksong?
Many players initially assumed the Taunt was only cosmetic, a cheeky way to roleplay or lure enemies. However, it has proven to be more than just showmanship. Here’s what makes it significant:
- Enemy Aggro Control: The Taunt pulls nearby enemies’ attention toward you, making it easier to reposition them into hazards like spikes or lava, or simply draw them closer for efficient strikes.
- Combat Buff: After Taunting, your next attack seems to hit harder. Enemies that usually take three hits may go down in just two. This damage boost fades after the first empowered strike.
- Built-in Hitbox: The Taunt itself has a surprising offensive quality. Some players report defeating smaller enemies outright just by using it, giving it a hidden edge as a situational attack.
- Utility Beyond Combat: The Taunt can also interact with the world—such as calling the Bell Beast for fast travel or startling NPCs into unique reactions.

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Advanced Interactions and Variations
What makes this mechanic fascinating is how it changes depending on your build:
- Crest Variations: Equipping certain crests alters Hornet’s Taunt animation and tone, sometimes making her appear angrier or more defiant.
- Quest Tools: Completing character questlines can unlock special Taunt variants. For example, one player noted that equipping Shakra’s Rings after finishing her questline grants a unique Taunt effect.
These details give the ability more depth than meets the eye, reinforcing Silksong’s tradition of layering mechanics with subtle bonuses.
Why is the Taunt more Useful than One Might Think?
For newcomers, the Taunt may simply feel like a fun trick. For veterans, it becomes another tactical tool in Hornet’s arsenal. Either way, it’s proof that Team Cherry has once again hidden delight and strategy in the smallest details of Pharloom.
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