Silksong's Permanent Prison Softlock Discovered

Unraveling the Mystery of Silksong's Inescapable Jail

The Unforeseen Confinement

While Hollow Knight: Silksong is known for its intricate secrets and hidden pathways that aid players in their journey through Pharloom, some discoveries prove to be less beneficial. One such finding, brought to light by YouTuber Kilroy Was Here, details a series of specific actions that can lead to Hornet being permanently imprisoned, effectively halting game progression.

The Slab: A Familiar Yet Dangerous Location

Many players are acquainted with "The Slab," a penal area in the game where Hornet is taken after being apprehended by an adversary. This segment usually strips Hornet of her equipment, compelling players to rely on her basic combat and movement skills to break free. The game's design typically ensures that players only enter this area once they possess the necessary abilities for escape.

A Baffling Discovery

However, Kilroy's investigation revealed a method to reach The Slab without acquiring these crucial tools, condemning Hornet to an endless incarceration within the insect prison. As expressed in the video's description, this exploit is a peculiar achievement, demonstrating a novel way to end Hornet's adventure prematurely.

The Intricate Path to Imprisonment

The process of trapping Hornet involves a complex sequence of speedrunning maneuvers. These advanced techniques enable access to areas typically requiring Hornet's dash ability. Kilroy meticulously explains the steps, including acquiring enough rosaries for a key and strategically eliminating Hornet to utilize her remains for a 'pogo' jump, gathering silk for subsequent actions. This path often includes deliberately incurring damage to manipulate game mechanics.

Mastering Movement and Exploiting Mechanics

Further sophisticated movements are involved, such as specific jumps that trick the game's checkpoint system into placing Hornet on unreached platforms. Additionally, utilizing Hornet's healing skill to extend mid-air time to grab ledges is essential. Perhaps the most impressive trick is using her taunt to position an enemy, allowing a jump off them to bypass an entire section of the game.

The Ultimate Softlock: Freedom Denied

The ultimate objective of these exploits is to acquire the wall cling ability, which triggers the appearance of jailer enemies, all while avoiding the dash ability and bypassing the game's fast travel system. This unique combination ensures Hornet's entrapment in The Slab, necessitating a new game save to continue. Kilroy's initial assumption was that this represented the absolute end for Hornet in such a state, believing she couldn't even retrieve her lost items.

Close to Freedom, Yet Eternally Confined

Despite initial thoughts, Kilroy pressed on, exploring how far Hornet could progress within The Slab with minimal tools. It was discovered that she could retrieve her equipment, yet her ultimate escape remained impossible. The exit door is permanently sealed, and the Bellway system, a means of swift departure, remains inactive due to Kilroy's intentional act of leaving the Bell Beast trapped elsewhere. Kilroy poignantly remarks on this outcome as a particularly cruel "softlock," where freedom is tantalizingly close but ultimately unattainable. Kilroy's dedication extends beyond merely finding game-breaking exploits; they also uncovered a secret item in the final act by avoiding a core game mechanic, showcasing a profound understanding and passion for the game's hidden depths and challenging aspects.