The highly anticipated release of Hollow Knight: Silksong has the gaming world abuzz, promising another masterful journey into a meticulously crafted world. As players prepare to step into the nimble boots of Hornet, the thrill of exploration, combat, and unraveling deep lore is palpable. For many, a Metroidvania isn`t truly conquered until every secret is unearthed, every foe cataloged, and that coveted “100%” completion metric gleams triumphantly. But how does one even begin to quantify such an epic undertaking in a world as vast and enigmatic as Pharloom? Silksong, much like its predecessor, doesn`t just hand you the answers; it makes you earn the right to even ask the question.
The Whispers of a Hidden Metric
In an age where many games proudly display progress bars and achievement trackers from the outset, Hollow Knight: Silksong maintains a charmingly old-school mystique. The game understands that true immersion often comes from discovery, not from an instructional manual. This approach extends to its completion tracking. One might chuckle at the notion that after dozens of hours battling monstrous arachnids and navigating treacherous spires, the game still asks you to *work* just to see how much you`ve actually accomplished. It`s a subtle, almost ironic, nod to the dedicated player: if you truly wish to master Pharloom, you must first master yourself and the challenges it presents.
This commitment to veiled progression culminates in the existence of a very specific, late-game item: the Farsight. This isn`t just another trinket for Hornet`s inventory; it`s the key to understanding the full scope of your achievements, a beacon for the completionist`s soul.
Farsight: A Beacon in the Abyss
The Farsight is no early-game handout. Its acquisition is an event, a significant milestone reserved for those who have delved deep into Pharloom`s intricate narrative and honed Hornet`s formidable abilities. To even consider seeking it out, players must have navigated the campaign to a considerable extent, having passed through vibrant, dangerous lands and encountered ancient, cryptic denizens. This item demands patience, skill, and an unwavering commitment to exploration.
Its location is not merely hidden but actively guarded by the very structure of the world, deep within territories such as The Abyss, where the light struggles to reach and secrets lie entombed. This isn`t a simple fetch quest; it`s a pilgrimage into the heart of darkness, testing every traversal technique and combat reflex Hornet has acquired.
A Perilous Pilgrimage: Earning Your Revelation
The journey to claim the Farsight is a testament to the Metroidvania genre`s core philosophy: persistent exploration yields unparalleled rewards. Players will find themselves traversing the perilous Act 3 of the campaign, guided by mysterious entities and their fragmented lore, perhaps even seeking counsel from ancient Snail Shamans in the verdant Mosshome. The path will inevitably lead to the deepest reaches of Pharloom, where gravity itself seems to play tricks and enemies lurk in every shadow.
To acquire the Farsight, Hornet must master complex platforming sequences, often utilizing her signature pogoing off enemies and objects to cross impossible chasms. Reaching the hidden chamber of Weavenest Absolom requires not just brute force, but acute observation and the masterful application of every ability in Hornet`s repertoire. And once the Farsight is in hand, the trials are far from over. A harrowing journey back to the surface often awaits, ensuring that this crucial artifact is truly *earned* through sheer grit and survival.
The Bellhome Revelation: What the Farsight Unlocks
After navigating the perils of the deep and surviving the arduous return, the true power of the Farsight is finally unveiled not on some grand altar, but within the familiar, comforting confines of Hornet`s own bellhome in Bellhart. Interacting with the appropriate objects there, and with the Farsight selected, triggers a cutscene – a moment of introspection and revelation that shifts the player`s perspective on their journey.
Once activated, the Farsight transforms how players perceive their progress, offering a detailed breakdown across key metrics:
- Inventory: Reveals your overall game completion progress, a single, compelling percentage that quantifies your entire adventure.
- Crest: Provides an overview of all the tools and abilities Hornet has collected, showcasing your mastery over her arsenal.
- Journal: Details every enemy encountered and those whose entries have been fully completed, reflecting your comprehensive understanding of Pharloom`s fauna and formidable bosses.
These aren`t just numbers; they are a chronicle of dedication, a roadmap for what remains to be discovered, and a proud testament to every challenge overcome.
Beyond the Percentage: The True Spirit of Silksong
While the allure of a 100% completion badge is undeniable, the true magic of Hollow Knight: Silksong, and indeed the Metroidvania genre, lies not just in the final tally but in the journey itself. The Farsight serves as a wonderful, late-game reward for the persistent, a moment of clarity that quantifies an epic tale. Yet, the real treasure remains the countless moments of discovery, the adrenaline-pumping battles, and the quiet awe inspired by Pharloom`s breathtaking artistry.
For those anticipating Hornet`s next grand adventure, remember that the pursuit of perfection is deeply embedded in Silksong`s design. It`s a world that delights in hiding its secrets, demanding exploration and perseverance, and ultimately rewarding players not just with numbers, but with a profound sense of accomplishment. Prepare to delve deep, to fight fiercely, and to truly earn your place as a master of Pharloom.
Oliver Brampton 
Callum Darby