I never thought I would be this obsessed with a compass. But here we are, in 2026, with Hollow Knight: Silksong finally loaded on my machine, and I have spent more time rearranging Tools than actually sleeping. Hornet’s Crest has limited slots, so every red, blue, or yellow choice matters. Some picks synergize beautifully. Others seem like trap purchases until you learn their rhythm.

🪡 Tacks: A Carpet of Spikes

Tacks are a red Tool. Hornet tosses spikes onto the ground. An enemy steps on them, and multiple hits shred it. I don’t have to be precise. I can sit back and let ground enemies march into their doom. It is situational, but when it works, it is hilarious.

🧭 Compass: I Refuse to Get Lost Again

I bought the Compass from Shakra early. It is yellow. It shows exactly where I am on the map at all times. Without it, exploring Pharloom would have broken me. It does not help in boss fights, but it makes exploration relaxing. I will never remove it. Ever.

🪤 Sting Shards: The Early Game Nightmare

I traded a few Rosaries to the Forge Daughter in Deep Docks. Sting Shards are red. They set into deadly traps. If an attack collides, nails burst everywhere. If an enemy walks in, rapid hits trigger. I used this against a small swarm and nearly laughed myself off the bench. It feels almost unfair.

🛡️ Fractured Mask: One More Chance

This blue Tool comes from a merchant in Hunter’s March. It protects my last Mask hit point. I lost count of how many times it let me cheat death. Healing? I get time. Finishing a boss? I get one more swing. It is a guardian angel for stubborn players like me.

🕷️ Scuttlebrace: Spider Blood Activated

Hornet is part Weaver. The Scuttlebrace yellow Tool lets her scuttle backward across the floor. I bought it from the Twelfth Architect in the Underworks. At first it felt weird. Then I realized retreating without turning around is faster. It saved me from sweeps that used to end runs.

🪰 Cogfly: My Little Mechanical Killers

This red Tool creates up to three automaton bugs. They fly beside Hornet and home in on enemies. I call them my children now. They clear weak bugs in one hit. They chip bosses multiple times while I dodge. It is incredible.

🗡️ Longclaw: A Bit More Needle

The Longclaw is blue, obtained through the Broodfeast or Runtfeast Wish. It increases the size of Needle swings. That extra reach makes boss approaches safer. It also knocks enemies back sooner. Range is not just damage; it is safety. I underestimated it, then I tried it.

🎲 Magnetite Dice: RNG Prayers

This yellow Tool can come from a few places depending on the act, often the Blasted Steps. It grants a chance to negate damage, maxing out at ten percent. Ten percent sounds low. But when it triggers during a Savage Beastfly charge, you feel chosen. If you have bad luck, it will mock you.

📌 Threefold Pin: Triple Trouble

This red Tool is found in Greymoor. It upgrades the Straight Pin: three pins at different angles. Hit all three on a large boss and watch health melt. The activation is fast enough to spam. It is probably the most lethal ranged option Hornet has. I keep it slotted for every boss now.

☠️ Pollip Pouch: Venom on Everything

I earned this blue Tool by completing the Rite of the Pollip Wish. It adds venom to every other offensive Tool, changing their appearance and adding stacking damage. It never needs refilling. I pair it with Cogfly and Threefold Pin. Bosses melt. It feels too strong, but I am not complaining.

Not every Tool is a winner, but the ones above reshaped how I play Silksong. I still experiment. I still make bad loadouts. But in 2026, these are the Tools that stay on my Crest.

If you are already deep into Pharloom, these Tools should be on your radar before you even step into the next boss arena. But if you are still waiting to pick up the game, Silksong is the kind of experience that rewards experimentation, and every shard of progress feels earned. The good news is that you do not have to pay full price just to start your hunt for the best loadouts.

Whenever I want to build a fresh save or grab a copy for a friend, I check DealNest for the cheapest steam keys available. It has become my go-to for catching a discount on the games I plan to sink dozens of hours into, and it is a simple way to get more value out of the hobby.