Silksong's Shiny Bits: Unearthing Every Craftmetal Chunk for the Best Tools (Whenever It Drops, Eh?)
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Dive deep into the hotly anticipated *Hollow Knight: Silksong* with this guide to finding all eight craftmetal locations, a crucial resource for upgrading Hornet's tools and unlocking powerful abilities. Jeff offers a witty, slightly chaotic tour through Pharloom's hidden nooks and crannies, preparing you for the adventure whenever it finally arrives.
Right, mate, so *Silksong*. Still not out, eh? It’s the gaming world’s equivalent of a perpetually brewing potion – we know it’s coming, we just don't know *when* it’ll finish bubbling. But that doesn’t stop us from dreaming, or better yet, meticulously planning our first run-through the moment Hornet graces our screens. And when it *does* finally drop, you’re gonna want some shiny bits, specifically this mysterious 'craftmetal' stuff. Trust me, it’s the kind of resource that feels like it fell out of a particularly potent spell, and you’ll need it for the really good toys.
See, in the grand tradition of any self-respecting Metroidvania, *Silksong* isn’t just about slashing baddies and platforming like a pro; it’s about collecting, crafting, and upgrading. And if you’re after those top-tier tools – the ones that make you feel like a proper digital wizard – craftmetal is going to be your best friend. It’s not just a nice-to-have; it’s a 'bloody hell, I *need* that' kind of resource for some of the more impactful upgrades, like the elusive Cogfly or the powerful tools from the Twelfth Architect.
Now, before we dive headfirst into the digital depths, a quick shout-out where it's due. This handy little treasure map was originally conjured up by the folks over at Polygon, specifically Josh Broadwell. So, a big thanks to them for their expert spelunking and early insights into Pharloom’s secrets. You can find their original guide and all the delightful details right here: [Original URL. We're just taking their wisdom and sprinkling a bit of Jeff's chaotic charm on top, because what's a treasure hunt without a good story, eh?
So, what are we looking for? Eight glorious chunks of craftmetal, tucked away in all sorts of nooks and crannies across a handful of regions. Some of these shiny bits will demand your absolute A-game and a few late-game abilities (like the Faydown Cloak – sounds like something out of a fairy tale, doesn’t it?), but plenty are nab-able without needing to be a master acrobatic wizard from the get-go. Just remember, strong tools, especially the ones from the Twelfth Architect in the Underworks, aren’t cheap – they’ll take craftmetal *and* a rosary bead fee. So, let’s get digging!
**1. Bone Bottom's Market Find** First up, a classic merchant encounter. You know the drill. Pebb, probably chilling out next to Bone Bottom’s Bellway station, ready to lighten your load of rosary beads. For a cool 60 beads, you can snag your first chunk of craftmetal. A fair price for not having to dodge a thousand spikes, I reckon. Sometimes, the easiest path to power is through a bit of good old-fashioned commerce, eh?
**2. The Marrow's Secret Passage** Ah, the old 'smash the glowing spot on the wall' trick. Team Cherry loves those, don't they? It's like they're whispering, 'What if you just... tried hitting that?' Once you reach a particular chamber in The Marrow (you’ll spot the red flowers and a glowing bit below them), give that glowing spot a good whack to open a hidden passageway. Follow it carefully – there’s a spike pit at the bottom, because of course there is – and your metal awaits. Just don't swan-dive into the pointy bits, eh?
**3. Deep Docks' Chest Surprise** This one sounds like a proper dungeon crawl. Enter Deep Docks via the lower Far Fields entrance. Instead of dropping down for that spool fragment (though if you’ve got the Faydown Cloak and Clawline, go for it!), head left. Smash the wooden supports under the platform to clear your path, and step into the next chamber. Inside? A glorious chest containing your craftmetal. But don't let your guard down; a flying enemy throwing explosives will follow you in. Because why have a nice peaceful treasure hunt when you can have a fiery skirmish, right?
**4. Blasted Steps' Underground Labyrinth** This chunk of craftmetal is hidden away in a subterranean tunnel system – a proper little maze. It’s accessible via a narrow shaft beneath the first bell in the last pogo challenge before you hit Last Judge. You’ll need the Drifter's Cloak to hover gracefully down, dodging sand and those pesky Sandcarver worms as you descend. Once you’re down, make your way to the left, and there it is. Sounds like a classic 'trust your instincts and explore everything' moment, which, let’s be honest, is half the fun of these games.
**5. Underworks' Unwelcomed Visitors** To get this one, you’ll need to have dealt with Trobbio (sounds like a name for a spell that’s gone a bit sideways, doesn't it?) and used the Whispering Vaults elevator to the Underworks, or found another path via Whiteward. Once you snag the metal, be ready for a fight: a few undercranks – those giant shelled baddies of the area – will pop up to say hello. This craftmetal is cleverly situated in the middle of a platforming gauntlet, so the ideal time to grab it is on your way to getting the Clawline, which is just in the room above. If you’re not up for repeating the Clawline room’s challenges, a little wizard's retreat to the main menu (save and exit) will plop you back at your last bench. Clever, eh?
**6. Songclave's Merchant Quest** This one’s a bit of a quest chain, mate, so buckle up. First, complete 'The Wandering Merchant' wish and find Jubilana. Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to donate 500 rosary beads to Songclave for the 'Strengthening Songclave' wish. Rest up, leave, and come back, and Jubilana will have vanished again. Accept 'The Lost Merchant' wish from the Songclave wish board, track her down in Memorium, and once she’s safely back in Songclave, she’ll finally sell you a hunk of craftmetal for 180 rosary beads. That’s a fair bit of effort for a bit of metal, but who are we to argue with merchant whims?
**7. Wisp Thicket's Acrobatic Ascent** Now, *this* one, mate, sounds like a proper late-game pilgrimage. You’ll need both the Clawline and Faydown Cloak to even *access* Wisp Thicket. Climb the tower next to the Halfway House, take the top left exit, and traverse a field of spikes. At the far end, use your Faydown Cloak to double-jump into a vertical passage, leading you into Wisp Thicket. Go right, cross more spikes, and unlock a bench – always a good idea. Then, return, go left into the next area, past a burning bug launching homing fireballs (feel free to just dash past, you’re on a mission!), and once you hit the water, deal with the wisp-spewing lanterns. Hop up, enter a secret top-left entrance, head right, and your craftmetal is at the far end. Sounds like a Tuesday for Hornet, really – just another delightful gauntlet of pain and discovery.
**8. Putrified Ducts' Poisonous Path** The road to this final chunk of craftmetal takes you in the opposite direction from the 'Broodfeast' quest. Enter the Putrified Ducts, drop down the shaft outside the Bellway station room, and then head right. You’re going to be crossing a proper hellscape of poison, those annoying ductsuckers that disappear into the floor, and plants that grab you with their tendrils. After all that delightful fun, the next chamber is surprisingly safer, even boasting clean water. This is where the flea caravan eventually sets up shop, but for now, it’s empty. Climb the wall at the far end, and there it is: your craftmetal node, tucked into a cozy little alcove.
So there you have it, mate – all eight spots for that elusive craftmetal. It’s a bit of a trek, certainly not a casual stroll through Pharloom, but then again, what good adventure ever is? Gathering these bits will set you up nicely for some serious power-ups, ensuring that when *Silksong* finally graces us with its presence, you’ll be ready to face whatever weird and wonderful challenges Team Cherry throws our way. Happy hunting, and may your cloaks be swift and your nails sharp!
Tags: Hollow Knight Silksong, Metroidvania, Gaming Guide, Exploration, Team Cherry
Original article: Polygon