Select Language:
Exploring in Hollow Knight: Silksong is one of the most rewarding parts of the game. But the Twisted Bud is actually more of a nuisance once you have it. You find it deep in Bilewater, beyond numerous traps and pools infested with Muckmaggots. It’s the only item in the game that you’ll probably regret collecting.
The Twisted Bud constantly makes a loud crying noise whenever you’re in a menu, and the sound gets louder the closer you get to your inventory. At first, it seems like there’s no way to stop the noise—you just have to ignore it temporarily. Luckily, there is a way to get rid of the incessant crying, but it involves a lengthy questline.
What Does the Twisted Bud Do?
Besides being disturbing to look at—the wriggling creature—it plays a role in several side quests. It’s even tied to one of Silksong’s alternate endings, which requires quite a bit of effort to unlock.
The first clues about the Twisted Bud come from Bellhart, where Pavo hints that your next destination is in Shellwood’s heart. He warns that no one who has gone that way has ever returned.
How to Get Rid of the Twisted Bud
Ignoring Pavo’s warning, you need to visit the same NPC who gave you the “Rite of the Pollip” quest in Act 1—Greyroot’s hut located in the top left of Shellwood’s middle chasm. When you talk to Greyroot, they’ll offer you the “Rite of Rebirth” quest, which is one of the shortest in the game.
Note: You must complete Greyroot’s “Rite of the Pollip” quest before unlocking this side quest.
After being tricked by Greyroot and becoming fully infected with the Twisted Bud, Hornet wakes up in a hidden part of The Marrow with a lower Silk bar, no tools, and no way to heal herself. You’ll get a new Crest to experiment with, but you’ll be at a disadvantage until you cure the curse.
How to Remove the Twisted Bug Curse
To cure Hornet, return to Bellhart and talk to Pavo again. He will direct you to locate the bug that can lift Hornet’s curse, which involves dashing across the map in your weakened state. Here’s what you need to do:
- Visit the Locked Bellhome in the top left corner of Greymoor.
- Accept the “Infestation Operation” quest from Yarnaby.
- Go to Crull & Benjin’s house in the top right enclave of Sinner’s Road.
- Buy Steel Spines for 260 Rosaries.
- Return to the Locked Bellhome in Greymoor.
- Speak to Yarnaby to remove the curse.
Once Yarnaby helps lift the curse, you’ll unlock the Witch Crest—an item you’ve used before when cursed. Upgraded, it can give you two Red Tool slots and three Blue Tool slots.
The Witch Crest has whip-like attacks that keep you invulnerable during a downslash and an AoE life-stealing charge, similar to the Beast Crest. It’s a versatile tool, especially when combined with Hornet’s universal Tool slots.
This cursed state is also needed to unlock one of Silksong’s exclusive endings. It’s a good idea to unlock an Ancestal Melody beforehand as a backup save point. After saving your progress, defeating the final boss above the Citadel with these restrictions will unlock the Twisted Child ending and earn you an achievement.
Add us on ChatGPT
Add us on Perplexity
