Introduction: Why Silksong Mask Shard Locations Matter for Every Player
Are you struggling to survive the relentless challenges of Hollow Knight: Silksong? One of the most crucial upgrades for Hornet’s journey is increasing her health—and that means tracking down every single mask shard. With 20 mask shards hidden across the vast world of Pharloom, collecting them all is essential for anyone aiming for 100% completion or simply wanting to stand a chance against Silksong’s toughest bosses. This ultimate Silksong mask shard locations guide covers every spot, from Bone Bottom to Mount Fay, with maps, requirements, and pro tips for each. Bookmark this page to ensure you never miss a shard and can maximize Hornet’s health for the adventure ahead.
What Are Mask Shards?
Mask shards are collectible items in Silksong that directly upgrade Hornet’s maximum health. For every four mask shards you collect, you gain one additional mask, boosting your survivability in combat. There are 20 mask shards in total, allowing you to double Hornet’s starting health from 5 masks to a maximum of 10. While the system is similar to the original Hollow Knight, Silksong introduces new twists—some shards are locked behind late-game abilities or Act 3 progression, and others require clever platforming or puzzle-solving.
| Feature | Mask Shards in Silksong | Hollow Knight Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Total Pieces | 20 (5 sets) | 16 (4 sets) |
| Benefit | +1 mask per 4 shards | +1 mask per 4 |
| Requirements | Cloaks, Grapples, Act progression | Nail upgrades, spells |
| Locations | 10 zones + Act 3 | Forgotten Crossroads etc. |
| Pro Tip: Prioritize early mask shards to make tough boss fights and platforming sections much more manageable. |
Ability Requirements Overview
Before you can collect every mask shard, you’ll need to unlock certain abilities and progress through the story. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
- Drifter’s Cloak (Seamstress quest completion)
- Grappling Hook (found in Far Fields)
- Clawline (mid-game)
- Faydown Cloak (late-game, Mount Fay)
- Cling Grip (late-game)
- Act 3 access for four late-game shards
Make sure to upgrade your abilities as soon as possible to avoid backtracking and to access all silksong mask shard locations efficiently.
All Silksong Mask Shard Locations
Bone Bottom (Shards 1-2)
Shard #1: Bone Bottom Shop
- Location: Purchase from the main shop in Bone Bottom for 300 Rosaries.
- Requirements: None; available as soon as you reach the shop.
- Tips: This is the easiest mask shard to obtain and a great early boost to your health.
Image: Silksong Mask Shard #1 Bone Bottom location map (alt=”Silksong Mask Shard #1 Bone Bottom location map”)
Shard #2: Wormways Exit
- Location: After activating the shrine, exit through the Wormways and cross the chasm using the elevator.
- Requirements: Elevator access.
- Tips: Look for a hidden alcove on the right side of the chasm.
Far Fields (Shards 3-6, 17)
Shard #3: Near Seamstress
- Location: Close to the Seamstress NPC, accessible after obtaining the Drifter’s Cloak.
- Requirements: Drifter’s Cloak.
- Tips: Use the cloak to dash through spikes and reach the shard.
Shard #4: Grappling Hook Spot
- Location: On a high ledge in Far Fields, only reachable with the Grappling Hook.
- Requirements: Grappling Hook.
- Tips: Look for grapple points above the windmill.
Shard #5: Act 3 Hidden Path
- Location: Behind a breakable wall, only accessible after Act 3 begins.
- Requirements: Act 3 progression.
- Tips: Listen for the faint humming sound that signals a hidden room.
Shard #17: Far Fields Secret
- Location: In a cave beneath the main field, accessed via a hidden tunnel.
- Requirements: Clawline.
- Tips: Use the Clawline to swing across the pit.
Shellwood & Bellhart (Shards 6-7, 18-19)
Shard #6: Thorn Path End
- Location: At the end of a thorny platforming section in Shellwood.
- Requirements: Drifter’s Cloak.
- Tips: Time your dashes carefully to avoid damage.
Shard #7: Bellhart Act 3 Cluster
- Location: In Bellhart, near a cluster of 12 Rosaries, accessible during Act 3.
- Requirements: Act 3 progression.
- Tips: Use the map to locate the cluster and break the wall behind it.
Shard #18: Bellhart Upper Canopy
- Location: On a high branch, requires Cling Grip.
- Requirements: Cling Grip.
- Tips: Climb carefully; falling means a long backtrack.
Shard #19: Shellwood Hidden Alcove
- Location: Behind a waterfall in Shellwood.
- Requirements: Faydown Cloak.
- Tips: Use the cloak to phase through the waterfall.
Mount Fay & Other High Zones (Shards 13-14, 20)
Shard #13: Western Bench
- Location: Break the wall near the western bench in Mount Fay, then climb the Faydown Cloak pillar.
- Requirements: Faydown Cloak.
- Tips: Look for cracks in the wall as a clue.
Shard #14: Weavenest Alta Floating Platforms
- Location: On a series of floating platforms in Weavenest Alta.
- Requirements: Clawline.
- Tips: Swing quickly between platforms to avoid falling enemies.
Shard #20: Mount Fay Summit
- Location: At the very top of Mount Fay, after a challenging climb.
- Requirements: Faydown Cloak, Cling Grip.
- Tips: Save at the nearby bench before attempting the ascent.
Late-Game Zones (Deep Docks to Bilewater)
Shard #8: Deep Docks Dive
- Location: In a submerged chamber in Deep Docks.
- Requirements: Grappling Hook.
- Tips: Dive down and look for a glowing alcove.
Shard #11: Whispering Vaults Vines
- Location: Hidden among thick vines in the Whispering Vaults.
- Requirements: Clawline.
- Tips: Use the Clawline to swing through the vines.
Shard #16: Bilewater Pit
- Location: At the bottom of a toxic pit in Bilewater.
- Requirements: Faydown Cloak.
- Tips: Use the cloak to avoid poison damage.
Shard #9: Blasted Steps
- Location: On a crumbling ledge in the Blasted Steps.
- Requirements: Drifter’s Cloak.
- Tips: Move quickly before the ledge collapses.
Interactive map links and video walkthroughs are recommended for visual learners. Warning: Some shards are missable if you don’t revisit zones after gaining new abilities.
Tips for Efficient Shard Hunting
- Zone Order: Start in Bone Bottom, move to Far Fields, then sweep Act 3 zones for late-game shards.
- Use Benches: Save often to minimize backtracking after tough platforming sections.
- Farm Rosaries: Collect Rosaries early to afford shop shards and upgrades.
- Upgrade Cloaks: Prioritize ability upgrades to access more silksong mask shard locations.
- Video Walkthrough: For visual guidance, check out the embedded video (timestamp 00:32 for Shard #1).
Silksong Mask Shard Locations FAQs
How many Silksong mask shards are there?
There are 20 mask shards in Silksong, allowing Hornet to double her starting health from 5 to 10 masks.
Can I miss any mask shards?
No, all mask shards are revisit-able after you unlock the required abilities. You can always backtrack to collect missed shards.
What’s the best early mask shard?
The Bone Bottom shop shard is the easiest and most accessible early in the game.
What are the Act 3 requirements for late-game shards?
You’ll need to progress the main story to Act 3 and unlock abilities like Clawline, Faydown Cloak, and Cling Grip to access the final four shards.
Are there any mask shard farming tricks?
Farm Rosaries and upgrade your abilities early to make collecting mask shards faster and easier.
Do I need every ability to get all mask shards?
Yes, some shards require late-game abilities, so plan to revisit earlier zones once you’re fully upgraded.
Key Takeaways
- There are 20 silksong mask shard locations, each crucial for maximizing Hornet’s health.
- Abilities like Drifter’s Cloak, Grappling Hook, and Clawline are required for full completion.
- Early mask shards make boss fights and exploration much easier.
- All shards are accessible post-abilities, so nothing is permanently missable.
- Bookmark this guide and use maps and video walkthroughs for 100% completion.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Mastering all silksong mask shard locations is the key to making Hornet unbreakable in Hollow Knight: Silksong. With this guide, you’ll be able to find every shard, maximize your health, and take on the game’s toughest challenges. Which mask shard gave you the most trouble? Share your experience in the comments and subscribe for more Silksong guides and tips!
