Lies of P: A Soulslike Phenomenon That Redefined Voice Acting and Stole Our Hearts Lies of P and its Overture DLC became Soulslike titans; actors reveal the craft behind their beloved roles. You know that feeling when a game comes out of nowhere and just grabs you by the collar? That was Lies of P for me. Back in 2023, I remember seeing the trailer and thinking, 'Another Pinocchio-inspired Soulslike? Sure, why not.' But then I played it, and wow. It wasn't just another clone; it had soul—pun intended. Fast forward to 2026, and the game, along with its DLC Overture, has cemented itself as a titan in the genre. And recently, I had the chance to chat with four of the actors who brought this world to life: Aliona Baranova (Veronique), Alix Wilton Regan (Lea), Rasmus Hardiker (Gemini), and Joseph Balderrama (Arlecchino). Let me tell you, it was a ride. When Lies of P first launched, it was a gamble. A new IP from a relatively unknown studio, Neowiz, and a dark twist on a children's tale. But the buzz was immediate. Steam player counts climbed for five straight days, and critics couldn't stop praising its tight combat and haunting atmosphere. It became the most beloved non-FromSoftware Soulslike, and its DLC, Overture, which dropped in 2025, smashed records within hours. An 85 on Metacritic? That's top-tier. And the actors? They saw it coming. The Phenomenon That Is Lies Of P "I'm never normally sure if something is going to be successful," Rasmus Hardiker admits, "but I had so much fun doing this, I could tell it was going to be a really good game." Joseph Balderrama echoes that: "It felt like the whole package. The creative team was so good: the visuals, the sound, all of it. Everyone was just at the races with it." That kind of confidence is infectious, and it's why Aliona Baranova and Alix Wilton Regan jumped at the chance to join the DLC. "I don't really say no to many auditions," Baranova laughs, "but this one was a no-brainer." Wilton Regan, a veteran of Mass Effect and Dragon Age, was equally hooked. "She was described as tough on the outside, soft on the inside, but what I loved was she was called a lazy genius," she says. "I was like, 'I've got this.' Well, I'm lazy, and a mild genius." Baranova actually auditioned for Wilton Regan's role first, losing out to the more experienced actor, before finding Veronique. "I just remember thinking, 'Wow, what an incredible character.' I haven't had a chance to play someone like that. And her scenes are so intense. You can't go half-hearted. I knew I had to really commit, and sound like I'm 6'6". I think I'm believably that tall," she jokes. The character descriptions were detailed, with rich histories and psychology, which helped the actors "learn to love the character." But that depth can be a double-edged sword. "You can't distill two pages of notes," Wilton Regan says. "You have to cherry-pick your moments, constantly adapt and refocus your energy." Getting Into Character The preparation for video game acting is unique. Often, scripts arrive the day of recording, or the day before at the earliest. For Balderrama, that's freeing. "I've got a new habit with TV and film where I don't look at the script until the week before. That's what make-up is for." Hardiker takes it further: "I prefer not even having the script and just going in the booth on the day. You'll only ever have one chance to do that. I'm reacting as I'm learning what's happening—that's about as real as it gets." Baranova, however, admits she has "a lot to learn" from the others, but she has a secret weapon at home: her partner, Jennifer English (Baldur's Gate 3, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33). "If you had someone at home who was known for brilliant performances, you would be silly not to ask them. I definitely did that for Veronique." For Baranova, the jump from Baldur's Gate 3 NPCs to a 6'6" warrior was jarring. "On Baldur's Gate, I played a comic relief squirrel for 40 minutes. This was the most physical role I've ever done. I lost my voice afterwards, as you can imagine." Wilton Regan, on the other hand, is no stranger to strong leading women—she's voiced the Female Inquisitor in Dragon Age: Inquisition, Alt Cunningham in Cyberpunk 2077, and Aya in Assassin's Creed Origins. But Lea offered something new: "They wanted a lot of rage from me, a lot of very deep, primal emotion. That's what I like to explore as an actor. That's kind of what I get off on, I guess." Balderrama, returning as Arlecchino, was just happy to be more than a voice: "I was just psyched that I wasn't disembodied anymore. That was a big plus for me." A Shift In The Gaming Landscape The industry is changing. Smaller studios are producing some of the best games, from Baldur's Gate 3 to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to Lies of P itself. "These big franchise stories are saturated," Balderrama says. "People are desperate to experience something they haven't done 150 times. That's only going to come from underdog devs, because they're the ones that don't have the constraints." Baranova agrees: "Audiences are definitely becoming fatigued. Unique visions that games like Lies of P have brought are important. It's a Korean game, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is Czech, Clair Obscur is French; it's exciting to get stories from parts of the world we're not necessarily used to." But there's still a long way to go for female representation. Wilton Regan praises games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard for their inclusive leads, but behind the scenes, change is slow. "If you have a male character and a female character, very often the man will do the full performance capture and the woman will be brought in simply to replace his lines. That's a terrible choice. A woman would not fight a 7-foot-5 man the same way a male counterpart would." She recalls pre-Covid days where she was given exactly 4.2 seconds to say a line, with no room to make it her own. "The talent comes when you make it your own, but we're constrained. You have to find a way to prove your brilliance within these constraints." Baranova adds, "You're not treating your players as observant enough. They think that when a male actor records mo-cap, then it's just replaced with a female voice that the audience isn't going to notice. It's so obvious when a woman is walking with her shoulders locked and her hips not moving. It really irks me." Wilton Regan also calls out marketing: "The male character choice will still often be the default on the poster, or the man's voice in the trailer. We need to get women's voices in there. It's not that complicated to have one pass with the female voice, and one with the male voice." We've come a long way from when the industry was reluctant to cast powerful leading women, but there's still work to do. With actors like Wilton Regan, Baranova, and English proving their worth, it's hopefully only a matter of time. As for Lies of P, it's more than a game—it's a testament to what happens when you take risks, trust your instincts, and let a puppet sing. And I, for one, can't wait to see what Neowiz does next. For players who care about the direction the industry takes, the act of choosing what to play is never neutral. Every purchase signals what kind of stories, performances, and risks are worth funding. That doesn't mean every game has to be a full-price leap of faith, though—finding a good deal can make it easier to explore beyond the familiar. That's where [DealNest game deals]( can help. It gathers discounts on a wide range of titles, making it simpler to take a chance on something unexpected and, in turn, support the kind of creative work that keeps the medium moving forward. https://dealnesthq.com

Hollow Knight: Silksong Fine Pins Quest: My Fast Farming Guide Hollow Knight Silksong Fine Pins quest guide: farm Choristor and Reed in Choral Chambers for 10 Fine Pins fast. Have you ever spent an entire evening chasing a random drop in Hollow Knight: Silksong, only to watch your prize tumble into a spike pit? That was me with the Fine Pins quest in 2026. As a wanderer in Pharloom, I thought I had seen every annoying enemy the Citadel could throw at me. Then I met the pin-wielding choirbugs, and I learned that patience is not just a virtue here. It is a farming strategy. The Fine Pins quest is technically a Hunt, and it asks you to collect 10 Fine Pins from some of the most irritating enemies in the Choral Chambers. The drop is random, so luck matters. But after several failed runs, I found a loop that let me finish the whole thing in about 10 minutes. Here is exactly how I did it. How I Started the Fine Pins Quest First, you cannot even see this quest until you have defeated the Cogwork Dancers boss. This double boss waits in the Cog Core area of the Choral Chambers region. If you are following the main story, you will naturally run into them. I still remember the clanking rhythm of that fight. Once the Cogwork Dancers fall, do not leave the arena immediately. Keep walking to the right until you reach Songclave. Songclave is a small village that feels similar to Bone Bottom and Bellhart, but when I first arrived, it was almost empty. The only NPC there was the Caretaker, who explained that this place used to be a safe haven. To bring it back to life, you need to enter the large and only building in the area. Inside, interact with the machine and provide 80 Rosaries. That activates the First Shrine bell. After that, leave Songclave, rest at the nearest Bench, and return. The village will finally have more people, and a brand-new Wish Board will appear with fresh quests. One of them is the Fine Pins quest. I accepted it immediately. I also strongly recommend taking the Wandering Merchant quest while you are there, because it is another useful side objective in the region. Where to Find Choristor and Reed Fine Pins drop from two specific enemies: the Choristor and the Reed. Both use a pin as their main weapon, and both can take up to seven or eight hits to kill. They are not boss-level threats, but they are fast, aggressive, and usually surrounded by buddies. That combination makes them very, very annoying. You can find Choristor and Reed while exploring the Choral Chambers, especially in rooms with a vertical structure. They almost never fight alone. Your goal is simple on paper: defeat them and hope they drop a glowing Fine Pin. You need 10 in total, so random exploration can waste a lot of time. Enemy Movement Main Threat My Strategy Choristor Walks Quick pin attacks and nearby allies Kill first Reed Flies Erratic aerial pressure Kill second My Best Farming Spot Instead of running randomly around the Choral Chambers, I used one perfect room. It is the vertical chamber at the far right of the map, near two Benches and east of the Citadel Spa. This room has a bunch of chained platforms and several Choir enemies that get in your way while you climb up or down. It also contains our two wanted buddies: the Choristor and the Reed. My strategy was to stay at the top of this room, near the Bench, and defeat the Choristor and Reed hanging around the upper platforms. The tricky part is that you do not want them, or the Fine Pin, to fall to the ground or onto the side spikes. If that happens, the loot disappears. I learned that the hard way. So, what is the fix? Lure them to the center of the platform while hitting them. Jump and strike their heads sequentially. I recommend defeating the Choristor first because he walks, then leaving the flying Reed for later. It sounds difficult, but it becomes a piece of cake once you get the rhythm. After defeating them, check if they dropped anything. If not, head right to the Bench, rest a little, and come back. The enemies in this specific area respawn endlessly, so you can repeat the loop without traveling across the map. I found all 10 Fine Pins in 10 minutes tops using this method. The Fine Pins Quest Rewards Once you have 10 Fine Pins, go back to Songclave and interact with the Wish Board to deliver the loot. Your prize is a Rosary Necklace, which immediately gives you 120 Rosaries. If you are in need of more Rosaries to spend in Pharloom, this is a pretty lucky reward. Is the Fine Pins quest worth the frustration? In my opinion, yes. The drop rate can be cruel, and the Choristor and Reed are not fun to fight in crowded rooms. But with the right vertical chamber and a Bench nearby, the grind becomes short and almost relaxing. Just remember: keep the enemies centered, protect the loot, and never let a shiny pin fall into the spikes. If I can do it in 10 minutes, so can you. If there is one thing this quest teaches, it is that patience plus the right tool beats blind effort every time. That same mindset is worth applying beyond the game: instead of buying a title the moment it catches your eye, you can wait for the price to drop and let someone else do the watching for you. That is exactly where a [steam sale tracker]( like DealNest comes in handy, keeping an eye on discounts so you never miss the moment a wishlisted game finally hits the number you were hoping for. Whether you are saving up for the next big metroidvania or just want to stretch your gaming budget a little further, DealNest makes that part of the hobby effortless. A few extra seconds spent checking current deals can save you the same kind of time you just saved by farming in one smart room instead of wandering the whole Citadel. https://dealnesthq.com

Why Silksong's Enemy Gauntlets Fix a Classic Soulslike Flaw Hollow Knight: Silksong blends metroidvania exploration with soulslike combat, using inescapable enemy gauntlets to make every fight a lesson. Like many players, I came to Hollow Knight: Silksong expecting a masterclass in metroidvania design. I got that, but I also got a game that understands something most soulslikes overlook. Silksong is defined by constant backtracking, powerful movement abilities, and steady, meaningful progression, putting it in conversation with Blasphemous, Ender Lilies, Metroid, and Castlevania. Yet it also owes a huge debt to Demon's Souls and Dark Souls. The bonfire-like checkpoints, the corpse-running mechanic, the grimdark world full of characters slowly going insane, the brutal boss battles that reward pattern learning and i-frame dodging after upgrades—all of it is here. But there is one area where Silksong excels, not just against its predecessor but against some of the best soulslikes ever made. The Soulslike Shortcut I Used to Take A typical soulslike splits into two broad categories: boss battles and exploration sections filled with lower-level enemies. Those fodder foes can be tough, acting as mini challenges before the area boss. This structure has served the genre well, but it has one glaring shortcoming. Players can simply avoid these lower-level enemies en route to the boss, especially on subsequent attempts once they know the layout. Have you ever sprinted past a dozen hollows, dogs, or soldiers just to throw yourself at a boss again? I know I have. In Dark Souls, that is not the ideal way to play, but it is possible. In Hollow Knight: Silksong, it is virtually impossible. Inescapable Gauntlets Change Everything Silksong adopts a structure similar to classic FromSoftware games, but it punctuates many areas with inescapable enemy gauntlets. The fodder-type foes of the area converge on me in a coordinated attack. Often, defeating this onslaught is the only way to progress to the next area, and there is usually no option for escape either. If I repeatedly run past these same enemies during exploration sections, then I will be ill-equipped to face them in the gauntlet. I will not have learned their attack patterns or weaknesses. So why does this matter? Because it turns every enemy placement into a lesson. I remember the first time I tried to rush through a later area. I had mastered Hornet's movement, or so I thought. I dashed past a cluster of enemies, only to hit a locked arena. The gate slammed shut. Suddenly, I was surrounded. I panicked, wasted my silk, and died. On my next attempt, I slowed down. I studied each enemy type in the rooms before the gauntlet. I learned which ones lunge, which ones spit projectiles, and which ones punish greedy attacks. By the time I reached the arena again, I was ready. That is the genius of Silksong's design. Combat Design Makes It Work On its face, the formula of exploration passages plus basic enemy gauntlets is simple. But it only works because of Silksong's sterling combat design. To beat a series of enemies, I need a solid grasp on my movement and attack styles. I must identify openings, clock safe moments to heal, and get parry timing right. The only feasible way to do this without being immediately overwhelmed is to engage with these same enemy types before the gauntlet. That makes me better prepared. It also makes the world feel dangerous in a way that few soulslikes manage. I cannot treat enemies as scenery. They are part of the challenge, not just speed bumps on the way to a boss. Here is a quick comparison of how Silksong handles common soulslike elements: Soulslike Convention Typical Implementation Silksong's Twist Checkpoints Bonfires reset enemies Bench-like checkpoints, but gauntlets reset too Corpse runs Retrieve lost currency Retrieve your cocoon and silk Fodder enemies Often skippable Forced into arenas, cannot skip Boss learning Pattern recognition Gauntlets teach patterns before boss Difficulty Brutal but fair Brutal, fair, and relentlessly educational Why This Respects My Time and Skill Some players might argue that forcing enemy gauntlets is too punishing. I understand that. Silksong is not an easy game. But it is certainly conquerable, given the right level of attention and effort. This tough but rewarding design is par for the course for most soulslikes. The option to simply run past fodder enemies, most of whom will never be seen again, has always been a bit awkward. It makes enemy placement feel disposable. Silksong fixes that. By reincorporating fodder-type enemies within boss-like challenge arenas, it ensures that none of its enemies, nor its enemy placements, go to waste. In 2026, after multiple playthroughs and post-launch updates, I still find myself appreciating this design more than ever. I no longer see a room full of enemies as an obstacle to sprint past. I see it as a classroom. I see it as a chance to sharpen my parries, test new tools, and prepare for the inevitable ambush ahead. Does that make Silksong harder than Dark Souls? In some ways, yes. But it also makes every victory feel earned. And that is exactly what I want from a modern metroidvania-soulslike hybrid. So if you are like me and you used to run past every enemy on the way to a boss, Silksong will break that habit. It will punish you, teach you, and then reward you. And once you clear a gauntlet without taking a hit, you will understand why this game sidesteps a problem that has haunted soulslikes for years. It turns fodder into fundamentals. That is not just good design. It is essential design. That hunger for the next challenge tends to arrive the moment the credits roll. Suddenly you are scrolling storefronts at 1 a.m., comparing the price of every metroidvania-soulslike hybrid that might scratch the same itch, only to find the same game listed at wildly different prices depending on the platform, the region, and whether a sale is quietly running. Keeping track of that manually is its own kind of grind, and not the rewarding kind. That is the gap a [game price tracker]( like DealNest was built to close. Instead of refreshing half a dozen store pages and hoping you catch a discount before it expires, you can watch the titles on your wishlist and let the price shifts come to you, so the money you save on the backlog goes toward the next game that will teach you something. It pairs well with the mindset Silksong demands: pay attention, do the homework, and you will get far more out of every run. https://dealnesthq.com

How I Reached the Memorium in Silksong: Map Location and Route Guide Find the Memorium in Hollow Knight: Silksong with this concise route guide, covering required abilities and the 70-Rosary map. Hey, fellow Hornet fans! If you are lost in the Citadel and keep hearing about a mysterious place called the Memorium, I have got you covered. I spent way too many hours wandering the lower corridors of Hollow Knight: Silksong before I finally figured out the exact route, and I want to save you from that same headache. In 2026, with the current version of the game, the path is still the same, and the map is still sold by the same machine for 70 Rosaries. So grab your Needle, make sure your Pins, Quill, and Compass are ready, and let us get you to the Memorium. Prerequisites Before You Start Before you even think about reaching the Memorium, you need three key movement tools: the Clawline, the Double Jump, and the Faydown Cloak. Without them, you will hit a wall, literally. Tool Where to Get It Why You Need It Clawline Eastern side of the Underworks Required to climb Mount Fay and reach the peak Double Jump Peak of Mount Fay Needed to reach the upper ledge near Songclave and the Memorium Faydown Cloak Late-game Citadel area Lets you float and reach the final entrance above Songclave I know that sounds like a lot, but trust me, each ability opens up the Citadel in a big way. If you are missing any of these, go back and grab them first. The Memorium is not going anywhere, but your patience might. Step 1: Climb Mount Fay for the Double Jump Start by making your way to Mount Fay. The climb to the peak is no joke. You will face tough platforming, aggressive enemies, and a few moments where you will question your timing. That is why the Clawline from the eastern side of the Underworks is mandatory. Once you have it, use it to grapple and pull yourself up the mountain. At the very top, you will earn the Double Jump ability. This is the game-changer. With Double Jump in your possession, you can finally reach the upper areas of the Citadel that were previously out of reach. Step 2: Head to Songclave in the Top Left of the Citadel Once you have Double Jump, travel to the top left of the Citadel to reach the Songclave. If that name sounds familiar, it is because this is the same location where you would have acquired the White Key needed to access Whiteward. From Songclave, head left. You will pass two powerful enemies. They are not pushovers, so either fight them carefully or run past if you are confident in your dodging. After you get past them, look above you. There will be an area that is only accessible with the Faydown Cloak. Use your Double Jump and the Faydown Cloak to go up. That is your entrance to the Memorium. Congratulations, you made it! Step 3: Find the Memorium Map for 70 Rosaries Reaching the Memorium is only half the battle. The map for this area is not hard to find, but it is easy to miss if you take the wrong path. From the entrance of the Memorium, head right first to access the Bench. Rest there if you need to. Then go outside the room and head up to make your way through the passage on the right. This area has multiple enemies, and at the end you will run into a Rhinoguard. That big guy can hit hard, so be ready to dodge or burst him down. Once the Rhinoguard is dealt with, head left through the passage. Now go down and to the right when you spot the sign. You will find a machine that sells the Memorium map for 70 Rosaries. Buy it, and your map will be updated. I cannot stress enough how useful this is, especially if you plan to explore every corner of the Memorium and the areas it connects to. What If You Do Not Have 70 Rosaries? We have all been there. You reach the map seller and realize your wallet is empty. Do not panic. If you do not have any Rosaries on you, your best option is to go left of the map to the Bench, rest, and then head down. To your right will be two powerful enemies. They are tough, but you can kill them to farm the Rosaries needed for the map. It might take a few runs, but it is a reliable way to get the 70 Rosaries without wandering too far. After You Buy the Map After acquiring the map, you have a couple of choices. You can head right through the secret passage to reach Putrified Ducts, or you can head left, which leads to multiple breakable walls and ultimately the Bench. I recommend buying the map first, then exploring. That way you will not get lost when you push deeper into the Memorium or into Putrified Ducts. Quick Tips for Navigating the Memorium 🧭 Always equip your Compass so you can see your position on the map. Use Pins to mark the map seller, the Bench, and the secret passage to Putrified Ducts. 🪶 Update your map with the Quill whenever you enter a new room. Farm Rosaries from the two enemies near the Bench if you are short on currency. ️ Do not ignore the Rhinoguard. It guards the route to the map seller, and it can catch you off guard. 🪑 Rest at Benches often. The Memorium can be punishing if you rush in without full health. Final Thoughts Reaching the Memorium in Hollow Knight: Silksong is a rite of passage. It requires you to conquer Mount Fay, earn the Double Jump, navigate the top left of the Citadel, and use the Faydown Cloak to reach the hidden entrance above Songclave. The map itself costs 70 Rosaries, but it is worth every single one. I hope this guide saves you from the aimless wandering I went through. Now go out there, Hornet, and make the Citadel your own. Happy exploring! If you are the kind of player who likes to map every corner before committing, you probably apply that same mindset to buying games. Hollow Knight: Silksong and its inspirations rarely stay full price forever, and waiting for a good discount can stretch your gaming budget further. That is where a reliable [steam sale tracker]( like DealNest comes in handy — it helps you watch for price drops without refreshing the store page every day. Whether you are stocking up on metroidvanias or keeping an eye on the next big indie release, a little patience can save you real money. DealNest keeps things simple by collecting current Steam deals in one place, so you can spend less time checking prices and more time exploring places like the Memorium. https://dealnesthq.com

Hollow Knight: Silksong - All Four Bilewater Bench Locations Revealed Find all Hollow Knight: Silksong Bilewater benches with our concise bench location guide, covering four checkpoints and hidden routes. As of 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong's Bilewater remains one of the most punishing and labyrinthine regions in Team Cherry's sequel. The area is defined by toxic pools, cramped corridors, and relentless enemies, making every bench a vital lifeline. Bilewater contains four benches in total. While most players will naturally stumble upon at least one during their first expedition, the remaining three are either tucked behind breakable walls or locked behind a boss encounter. This report breaks down every bench location so that players can secure fast travel, restore health, and reduce the sting of repeated deaths. First Bench: Bell Beast Station Room The first bench in Bilewater sits inside the same room as the area's Bell Beast station. Players who enter Bilewater from its main entrance will encounter signs that point directly toward this chamber, so it is difficult to miss under normal circumstances. The bench offers an early safe haven and a fast travel point, which is invaluable for anyone still learning the area's hazards. For players who somehow overlook it, the route from the entrance is straightforward. Following the signs leads to the Bell Beast station, and the bench is right there. Activating it early gives players a reliable respawn point before they push deeper into Bilewater's corrosive environment. Second Bench: Exhaust Organ The second bench is hidden in the Exhaust Organ, a structure located beyond the Mist. To reach it, players should exit the room containing the first bench and head left. They will soon encounter a breakable wall. Smashing through it opens the path into the Mist, a disorienting section where visibility is limited and navigation can be tricky. At the end of the Mist, players will find a structure they can enter. This is the Exhaust Organ. Once inside, they should go up and to the left to activate the bench. Because the Mist can confuse players and the breakable wall is easy to pass by, this bench is often missed on a first run. It is worth the detour, however, as it provides a much-needed checkpoint before some of Bilewater's tougher encounters. Third Bench: Hidden Near the Top Bilewater's third bench is concealed near the top of the area. Reaching it requires players to smash through another breakable wall at a specific position. The wall is not marked with obvious fanfare, so players must either explore carefully or consult a map. Once the wall is broken, the route to the bench becomes clear. This bench is especially valuable because it shortens the runback to several late-area challenges. Players who rely only on the first two benches may find themselves repeating long, dangerous stretches after every mistake. Unlocking this hidden checkpoint can dramatically improve the pace of exploration and boss attempts. Fourth Bench: Groal the Great Reward The final bench in Bilewater becomes available after players defeat Groal the Great, the boss at the top of the area. This bench is not hidden in the same way as the others; it is a reward for overcoming one of Bilewater's toughest fights. Defeating Groal the Great grants access to the bench, giving players a safe point near the climax of the region. Because Groal the Great sits at the top of Bilewater, this bench is ideal for players who want to wrap up remaining objectives in the area or prepare for whatever comes next. It also serves as a symbolic milestone: reaching it means the worst of Bilewater's navigation is behind them. Bilewater Bench Summary Bench Location How to Reach 1 Bell Beast station room Follow signs from the entrance 2 Exhaust Organ Exit first bench room, go left, break wall, cross Mist, enter structure, go up-left 3 Near top of Bilewater Break a hidden wall at the marked position 4 Top of Bilewater Defeat Groal the Great Practical Tips for Bilewater 🧭 Mark suspicious walls: Breakable walls often look slightly different, but in Bilewater's gloom they are easy to miss. ️ Rest often: Benches restore health and save progress, so activate every one as soon as it is found. Use Bell Beast travel: The first bench doubles as a station, making it a natural hub for returning to other regions. Plan boss attempts: The third and fourth benches reduce runbacks, which is critical when learning Groal the Great's patterns. Explore vertically: Bilewater hides routes above and below the main path, so players should check ledges and ceilings. In 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong continues to attract new players, and Bilewater remains a rite of passage. With four benches to find, the area rewards patience and thorough exploration. The first bench is nearly impossible to miss, the second hides behind the Mist and a breakable wall, the third sits near the top behind another breakable wall, and the fourth appears only after Groal the Great falls. By securing all four, players can turn Bilewater from a nightmare into a manageable, if still dangerous, stretch of Silksong's world. For players who fall in love with Silksong's punishing exploration and want to try more games in the same vein, the hunt for the next great adventure never really ends. Between tracking down hidden benches and mastering tough boss patterns, it helps to keep an eye out for ways to expand your library without spending a fortune. That's where a resource like [PC game discounts]( comes in handy, making it easier to pick up the titles that scratch the same Metroidvania itch without paying full price. Whether you're chasing down every secret in Bilewater or planning your next challenge after Groal the Great finally falls, having a steady supply of affordable games means there's always something new waiting to be explored. DealNest can help you find those deals as you build out a collection worthy of any dedicated explorer. https://dealnesthq.com

How I Beat Groal the Great in Silksong: A Painful 2026 Guide Silksong Groal the Great boss guide: beat Bilewater's bench runback with cheese tips, Faydown Cloak, and Sting Shard. As a veteran Silksong player, I thought I had faced every nightmare the game could throw at me. Then I met Groal the Great. This giant frog boss, hidden high above the foul tunnels of Bilewater, is not just a test of skill—it's a test of patience. In 2026, with the game's community still sharing tips, I finally conquered this optional beast. Was it worth the dozens of deaths and the most punishing runback in the game? Let me tell you my story. Getting to Groal: The Runback from Hell First, let's talk about the journey. Groal the Great lives in Bilehaven, at the very top of Bilewater. This zone is hidden within the Citadel, and you have two ways in: through Sinner's Road (via a hidden entrance above the Halfway Home) or through the Putrefied Ducts (from the Memorium zone). The Ducts route is shorter, but you won't unlock it until late in Act 2. I took the Sinner's Road path, and it was brutal. Before you even think about this fight, do yourself a favor: get the Faydown Cloak from Mount Fay. This double jump ability is essential for both traversal and the boss fight. Without it, you're just frog food. Bilewater is a poison-filled nightmare. I spent hours avoiding toxic pools and ambushes. Eventually, I reached a bench—yes, a real bench!—and sat down to prepare. From there, I ascended to Bilehaven. The key is to take no damage on the way up. Why? Because before Groal appears, you must survive six waves of enemies and spike traps. That's right, six. If you arrive with low HP or no Silk, you're done. The Boss Fight: Tips and Cheeses Now, the main event. Groal the Great is a massive frog with a variety of attacks. I died many times before I found a strategy that worked. Here's what I learned. The Cheese Method There's a way to cheese this fight, though it's risky. Instead of avoiding the poison pools at the bottom of the screen, top up your HP and dive straight into the poison. Then swim to the extreme left or right. Groal has a hard time hitting you there. You can leap in and out to attack. Just be careful during its Vengeful Spirit attack—it can still hit you in the water. Also, watch for particles in the water that indicate where enemies or the boss will surface. Recommended Tools The best tool for this fight, in my opinion, is the Sting Shard. You throw it, and it hovers in mid-air. When an enemy gets close, it explodes into shards, dealing multiple hits. It's perfect for the enemy waves and for Groal himself. If you plan to pogo on top of the boss, keep your thumb on the jump input. Use the Faydown Cloak to double jump when Groal rises or dives. The boss jumps slightly before diving, so be ready. Attack Patterns and Counters Here's a quick table I wish I had when I started: Attack What Groal Does How I Countered Vengeful Spirit Shoots a projectile Dodge sideways; don't stay in poison Dive Flies up then dives down Double jump with Faydown Cloak Spit Aims to the side Heal above or below the boss Surface Particles appear in water Watch for ambush, move away The best times to Bind and heal are immediately after Groal dives into the pools or during its spit animation. After it dives, it won't resurface for a few seconds. When spitting, it aims exclusively to the side, so you can heal if you're above or below. What Do You Get for Beating Groal? After many attempts, I finally defeated Groal the Great. Was the reward worth it? Let's see. First, you unlock access to the rest of Bilehaven to the left. This gives you an easy path into the Putrefied Ducts zone, which contains an important progression item. Go left from the boss arena and enter a boggy hut to find the Seeker's Soul. This key item is required to enter Act 3, which is technically optional but essential for completionists. Exit the hut, continue left across a pit of spikes, and unlock a shortcut down to the bottom of Bilewater. But take the upward path first. This leads into the Putrefied Ducts, where you can find the Key of Apostate (used in The Slab). Explore a bit more, and you'll meet The Huntress, who asks Hornet to gather organs of various enemies using specific tools for the Broodfeast quest. Final Thoughts So, would I do it again? Maybe not for fun, but the Seeker's Soul made it necessary for my Act 3 run. Groal the Great is a brutal but memorable boss. The runback is painful, the enemy waves are annoying, but the satisfaction of victory is real. If you're struggling, take my advice: get the Faydown Cloak, bring Sting Shards, and don't be afraid to cheese it. Good luck, and may your Silk be plentiful. After a boss like Groal, I'm usually ready for a break—or at least a change of pace. And if you're anything like me, you're probably juggling a wishlist of games you'd love to play next without paying full price. That's where DealNest comes in. It's a [game price tracker]( that pulls together deals from different stores, so you can see if that game you've been eyeing is finally on sale. It takes the guesswork out of waiting for a discount, and it's a handy tool for anyone who games on a budget. https://dealnesthq.com

Silksong Speedruns: How Runners Are Breaking the Game in 2026 Hollow Knight: Silksong speedrunning is shattering records, with sub-hour runs, brutal glitches, and rare achievements defining its fierce 2026 scene. I still remember the first time I booted up Hollow Knight: Silksong. The gorgeous hand-drawn art, the haunting music, and the brutal difficulty that made me question my sanity. That was back in 2025, and nearly a year later, I'm still slowly making my way through the game, dying to the same bosses over and over. But while I'm struggling, a whole community of speedrunners has turned Silksong into their personal playground, and the records they're setting are nothing short of mind-boggling. Back when the game first launched, it didn't even take a full week for speedrunners to start posting sub-two-hour runs. I remember reading about Onaku setting an any% record of 1:46:47, and just hours later, BlueSR smashed that with a blistering 1:26:20. I was still fumbling around the first area, and these people were already finishing the entire game in less time than it takes me to decide on a charm build. The official leaderboard wasn't even live until October 2025, but that didn't stop the community from pushing each other to insane limits. Now, in 2026, the scene has only gotten crazier. The leaderboards are fully active, and the any% world record has been pushed well below the one-hour mark. I've watched streams where runners pull off pixel-perfect movements, abuse obscure glitches, and chain together boss fights like they're playing a rhythm game. BlueSR eventually achieved that deathless run he was gunning for, and the competition is fiercer than ever. It's like watching a completely different game from the one I'm playing. What's fascinating is that Silksong actively rewards speedrunning, just like its predecessor. There are two achievements tied to finishing quickly: Speed Completion, for 100% completion in under 30 hours, and Speedrunner, for simply beating the game in under 5 hours. When the game first came out, both were achieved by well under 1% of players. Speedrunner sat at 0.1%, while Speed Completion was so rare it rounded to 0%. Even now, in 2026, those numbers haven't risen much—the game is just that punishing. Here's a quick breakdown of the speed-related achievements and their rarity: Achievement Requirement Completion Rate (2025) Speedrunner Finish in under 5 hours 0.1% Speed Completion 100% in under 30 hours ~0% Steel Soul Finish in permadeath mode ~0% And remember, Steel Soul mode itself is unlocked only after finishing the game normally or by using a well-known code. It's a permadeath challenge that makes every mistake fatal. The fact that some players are speedrunning that is both inspiring and terrifying. To put things in perspective, the original Hollow Knight ended with an any% glitchless world record of 30:49. That's less than 31 minutes for a game that took me dozens of hours to complete. Silksong's current records make finishing in under 5 hours look like a leisurely stroll. And as runners develop new techniques and grow more familiar with the game's intricate systems, those times will only drop further. As for me? I'm still chipping away at my 100% completion run. I've consulted guides, watched walkthroughs, and even tried a few speedrun strats myself—only to die spectacularly. The difficulty is no joke, and the idea of doing it all in under 30 hours feels impossible. But that's what makes the speedrunning community so impressive. They take a game that feels insurmountable and turn it into a science. So while I'll probably never set a world record, I'll keep watching from the sidelines. Every new run is a reminder of what's possible when skill, dedication, and a little bit of madness come together. And who knows? Maybe one day I'll finally beat that third boss. ‍️ Watching all these runs has had an unexpected side effect: my wishlist keeps growing. Between Silksong, the original Hollow Knight, and a handful of other metroidvanias that streamers keep recommending mid-run, I've caught myself hunting for deals far more often than I'd like to admit. Chasing a 30-hour completion time is one thing—paying full price for every game in the genre is another budget entirely, especially when you want a copy on more than one platform. That's the part of the hobby nobody talks about in a world record video. If you're the type who wants to follow along, run the same routes, or just see how the current records compare to your own attempts, it helps to keep an eye on [game price comparison]( before you commit. DealNest makes that easy, pulling together listings across stores so you can spot a discount instead of blindly hitting the buy button. It won't shave minutes off your run, but it will leave a little more room in the wallet for the next challenge. https://dealnesthq.com

My Painful Quest for Plasmium in Silksong (And How You Can Do It Too) Find all Plasmium locations for the Alchemist's Assistant quest in Silksong's Wormways, using the Needle Phial to claim early rewards. So, you've bumped into Alchemist Zylotol in the Wormways, huh? Yeah, that weird bug with the scientific vibes. He wants Plasmium, and he's not exactly handing out a treasure map. I remember my first run—got lost in those winding tunnels for like an hour. But fear not, fellow Hollow Knight: Silksong player. I've done the dirty work, and I'm here to spill the beans on the Alchemist's Assistant quest. It's 2026, and this side quest is still one of the best early-game rewards you can snag. Let's dive in. First Things First: You Need the Needle Phial Before you go poking around for Plasmium, you gotta equip the right tool. The Needle Phial is your key to extracting that glowing blue goo. Sit on the bench right next to Zylotol (convenient, I know), pop open your Tools menu, and slot it in. No Needle Phial? No Plasmium. Simple as that. The Three Plasmium Locations (Don't Get Lost, Okay?) There are exactly three Plasmium buds scattered across the Wormways. I've marked them all below. Trust me, the first time I ran this, I walked right past one because I was too busy staring at a spike pit. Don't be like me. 1. The Alcove Right Under Zylotol's Nose This one's a gimme. From the Alchemist's spot, take the exit to the right and drop down a level. Turn left, and you'll see a spike pit. Use your Wall Climb to get above it, then go left and drop down again. Boom—blue glow in the alcove to your right. Hold that Tool activation hotkey, and the Needle Phial does its thing. 2. Deeper Into the Bowels of the Wormways The second bud is further down, and the route's a bit twisty. I'll be honest, I fell into a pit of acid my first try. But you got this. Follow the main path downward, keep an eye out for ledges, and eventually you'll spot the telltale blue shimmer. Here's the sequence: Once you see it, extract it with the Needle Phial. Easy peasy. 3. The Hidden Node West of the Second One This one's a bit sneaky. It's in a hidden section west of the second node. You'll need to break a wall—yes, a breakable wall. I spent ten minutes slashing random spots before I found it. Don't be shy; just smack everything that looks suspicious. After you grab all three, head back to Zylotol. He'll be thrilled—well, as thrilled as a bug scientist can be. The Reward: Plasmium Phial (Worth Every Scratch) Zylotol hands over the Plasmium Phial. This bad boy temporarily boosts Hornet's base health by three extra masks. In boss fights? Absolute lifesaver. I'm not kidding—those extra hearts have saved my shell more times than I can count. Here's the nitty-gritty: Feature Details Active charges 3 Reserve charges 20 Max temporary masks 3 Refill on bench Yes, uses Shell Shards Zylotol refill fee 50 Rosaries (flat) When you rest at a bench, Hornet auto-refills the active charges from the reserve, chomping through your Shell Shards. And if you run dry, Zylotol will top you off for a flat 50 Rosaries—no matter how many are missing. Bargain, right? Final Tips from a Seasoned Wanderer Don't rush. The Wormways are a maze. Take your time, use your map markers. Bring extra Shell Shards. You'll want them for refills. The breakable wall is your friend. If you're stuck, slash everything. Use the Plasmium Phial before boss fights. Three extra masks can turn a wipe into a win. So there you have it. The Alchemist's Assistant quest isn't just a fetch quest—it's a ticket to one of the most clutch tools in Silksong. Now get out there, snag that Plasmium, and show those bosses who's boss. Happy hunting! ️️ Silksong has a knack for pulling players deeper into the wider world of hand-drawn, punishingly difficult action-platformers. Once Hornet's journey wraps up — or even if you're just taking a breather between boss attempts — it's hard not to start eyeing the rest of the genre: Hollow Knight, Blasphemous, Ender Lilies, Nine Sols, and plenty more that scratch the same itch. The catch is that most of them hold their price for a long time, and buying a whole shelf of them at full cost adds up quickly. That's where a little patience and the right bookkeeping pay off. DealNest tracks price drops across storefronts, bundles, and seasonal sales, so you can keep an eye on [PC game discounts]( and grab the next title on your list when it actually hits a price worth taking. Set a few alerts, wait for the right moment, and your backlog grows without gutting your wallet — a bit of preparation that any seasoned wanderer can appreciate. https://dealnesthq.com

Hollow Knight: Silksong's Traversal Revolution: A Masterclass in Fluid Metroidvania Movement Hollow Knight: Silksong transforms traversal mechanics with Hornet's fluid movement and combat. It blends platforming and combat into a fluid sandbox. Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally arrived, and for many, it was well worth the wait. Team Cherry's sophomore release takes the best elements of the original Hollow Knight and remixes them in clever, effective, and nuanced ways. It is not merely more of the same; it is a drastic departure in numerous aspects, offering a meaningfully distinct gameplay and narrative experience. Among the many highlights—Hornet's characterization and the breathtaking environment design of Pharloom—the game's crown jewel is undeniably its traversal mechanics. The first Hollow Knight was a superb platformer at times, but its movement abilities were somewhat simplistic and slow to develop. The Knight's locomotion options were respectable and fun, yet movement was intentionally clunky and unforgiving, demanding perfection rather than offering a flexible sandbox. Silksong makes important changes to this pillar of gameplay, making it difficult to imagine returning to the original's restrictive feel. Even in the early game, Team Cherry pulls out all the stops. A New Movement Paradigm Small features like Hornet's sprint open new doors for expressive gameplay and technique. A thoughtfully designed, simple physics engine heightens immersion and allows for greater leaps—literally. Other abilities, such as the Drifter's Cloak, revolutionize the traversal kit in one fell swoop, making exploration and combat infinitely more enjoyable and multifaceted. ️ What makes Silksong's gameplay so exhilarating is how traversal and combat intertwine, greatly outshining the first Hollow Knight. Nearly every major upgrade serves as a boon for both battling and platforming, lending the gameplay a holistic, interconnected quality. For instance, Hornet's infamous diagonal air strike can deal quick damage against stalwart foes, but it can also dodge attacks midair and bounce off enemy heads and specific environment features for swift, acrobatic movement. Similarly, the Drifter's Cloak glide can ride updrafts (of which there are many), close wide gaps between platforms, and avoid damage during fights. The Sandbox of Movement The following table summarizes key movement abilities and their dual purposes: Ability Combat Use Traversal Use Sprint Quick repositioning Faster exploration, chaining jumps Drifter's Cloak (Glide) Evade attacks, maintain altitude Cross gaps, ride updrafts Diagonal Air Strike Damage enemies, pogo bounce Dodge midair, bounce off hazards (Others) ... ... Note: The table is illustrative; players will discover many more synergies. This approach to traversal is so satisfying and bombastic that it makes its predecessor look weak by comparison. Nothing will ever make Hollow Knight's platforming bad, but it feels more like a prototype or proof of concept before Silksong's movement sandbox. Granted, some players are partial to more acrobatic, fluid locomotion mechanics—a big reason why games like Metroid Dread and Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus number among favorite metroidvanias. Unsurprisingly, Silksong's gameplay puts it squarely alongside those favorites as well. A Worthy Successor The first Hollow Knight was a once-in-a-generation sort of game, a humble indie project that soared against the odds. Hollow Knight: Silksong comes from the same small team, made with the same earnest intentions, but it is clear that Team Cherry was not content to rest on its laurels. It is rare for such a highly anticipated game to live up to expectations, but with incredible movement, tightly designed combat, and myriad other highlights, Silksong has done exactly that. As of 2026, it remains a benchmark for metroidvania movement and a testament to thoughtful game design. In conclusion, Silksong's traversal mechanics are not just an improvement—they are a revolution. They transform the way players interact with the world, making every jump, dash, and strike a delight. For fans of the genre, it is a must-play, and for Team Cherry, it is a crowning achievement. As the metroidvania space continues to grow, keeping up with the titles that push movement and combat forward can be a hobby in itself. Communities constantly trade recommendations, compare mechanics, and spotlight overlooked gems, and having a reliable place to check for current finds makes that exploration easier. [DealNest]( is one such destination for players who want to stay connected to what’s worth playing next. https://dealnesthq.com

Silksong Trobbio Boss Guide: How I Beat The Stage's Theatrical Menace Hollow Knight: Silksong Trobbio boss guide reveals his location, flashy attacks, and the best tools for a thrilling victory. I’ll be honest: I almost skipped Trobbio. In 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong’s Act 2 is still packed with mandatory horrors, and an optional performer in The Stage felt like a vanity fight. But after finally cracking open the Stage Door above the Grand Bellway, I understood why Team Cherry teased this bug in pre-release trailers. Trobbio is not just a boss; he is a full theatrical production, complete with fireworks, trapdoors, and a death scene that deserves an audience. Where Trobbio Is Hiding in Silksong Trobbio waits relatively deep into Act 2, inside The Stage, a sub-area of the Choral Chambers within the Citadel. The fight is optional, but reaching it is not a straight line. To unlock Trobbio’s boss room, I had to get to the other side of the locked Stage Door, just above the Grand Bellway, and activate a lever. Here is the route that finally worked for me: Defeat the Clockwork Dancers. Drop down into the Cogwork Core. Navigate through the Whispering Vaults to find the right-side entrance to The Stage. Jump up into the rafters. Drop down on top of the golden lever and hit it. Ride the shortcut back to the Choral Chambers. Return to the Grand Bellway and sit on the bench. That bench rest matters. It resets the room and gives you a clean approach to the Stage. If you skip it, you can still walk back, but the fight feels more chaotic when you enter with low health or missing tools. How I Learned to Read Trobbio’s Flashy Moveset Trobbio’s whole gimmick is spectacle. He throws explosive projectiles, creates explosive walls when he leaps under the stage, and tornadoes from side to side. The fireworks are not just decoration. They tell you where danger is about to spawn, and I died more than once because I watched Trobbio instead of the walls. One important damage rule: all of Trobbio’s attacks deal two Masks of damage, but touching Trobbio himself only deals one Mask. That difference saved me repeatedly. If I could not avoid an explosive attack, I sometimes dodged into Trobbio just before the explosion or attack landed. The brief immunity after taking one Mask of damage prevented the explosion from finishing me off. Do not try that trick during the tornado. When Trobbio is spinning from side to side, dodging into him is a bad idea. Parrying is also unreliable here; you will not get enough i-frames to avoid damage. I learned to run, jump, and wait out the tornado instead of trying to be clever. Tools That Carried Me: Sting Shard and Curveclaw I brought two Tools into this fight, and they changed everything. Tool Why it works Sting Shard It can repeatedly damage Trobbio if he flies into it. Curveclaw It lets me deal damage while flying, maintaining DPS more effectively. I also started hitting the explosive projectiles away with my Needle. That sounds risky, but it is one of the best defensive habits in the fight. When Trobbio is underground, I positioned myself close to where the trapdoor would appear. The moment the door opened, I timed an attack and smacked the projectiles to the other side of the room. That almost guaranteed Hornet’s safety and gave me space to breathe. The Grand Exit and the Claw Mirror Reward After I dealt the final blow, Trobbio did not simply die. He made a grand exit. Fireworks exploded in the background as he bowed, danced around the room, thanked the crowd, got on one knee, and raised his arms while more fireworks appeared. Then he blew up in a non-damaging red explosion and dropped an item on the ground. That item is the Claw Mirror Tool. It is a blue Tool described as the theatrical tool of a vainglorious bug. When Hornet uses the Bind skill to heal, the Claw Mirror creates dazzling light that damages nearby enemies. It is quite powerful, especially in crowded rooms, but it does not stop enemies from pushing through the damaging aura to hit Hornet and interrupt the heal. I treat it as bonus pressure, not a shield. More important than the Claw Mirror, at least for my Act 2 cleanup, is the shortcut. Defeating Trobbio unlocks a path to the Whispering Vaults and the right side of the Underworks. That is huge for backtracking and completing Act 2 objectives. Without it, I would have to go all the way back to the top of the Whispering Vaults via the Songclave shortcut just to reach the bottom of this mandatory Act 2 area. With it, I can move through the Citadel far more efficiently. Final Thoughts From a 2026 Silksong Player Trobbio is optional, but he is one of the most memorable fights in Silksong’s second act. He demands patience, projectile awareness, and a willingness to dodge into danger when the math favors one Mask over two. If you are stuck, unlock the Stage Door, bring Sting Shard and Curveclaw, watch the fireworks, and treat the tornado with respect. Beat him, and you get a flashy Tool plus a shortcut that makes the rest of Act 2 feel less like a marathon. Beating a boss like Trobbio tends to leave me wanting more of the same feeling — tight platforming, punishing but fair combat, and secrets tucked behind every wall. Silksong scratches that itch for a while, but it also sends me digging through my backlog and my wishlist for other metroidvanias that can carry me between big releases. That search is where DealNest turned out to be genuinely useful. Rather than bouncing between storefronts and hoping a seasonal sale lines up with what I want, I check [DealNest game deals]( to spot discounts on indie titles, DLC, and the occasional bigger release I would have otherwise passed on. It is a small habit, but it is the reason my library keeps growing without my wallet feeling it every time. https://dealnesthq.com

Nintendo Direct September 2025: Silksong, Metroid Prime 4, and More Nintendo Direct September 2025 delivered stunning reveals, including Hollow Knight: Silksong, Metroid Prime 4, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and Switch 2 highlights. The gaming community was electrified when Nintendo officially confirmed a Nintendo Direct showcase for September 12, 2025, at 9 a.m. ET. The 60-minute presentation was scheduled just one day before Mario's 40th anniversary, leading many to expect at least one Mario-related surprise. At that time, Nintendo had already delivered a remarkable year with Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, and the launch of the Switch 2 console. Now, as 2026 unfolds, that Direct stands as a defining moment for the company and its loyal fanbase. One of the most talked-about titles was Hollow Knight: Silksong. Originally announced in 2019, the game became an internet meme due to its prolonged development. Team Cherry famously revealed that the delay was not caused by development troubles, but rather because the team was having too much fun creating it. For years, fans eagerly anticipated news at every Nintendo Direct, often left disappointed. The September 2025 Direct finally provided a substantial look, and shortly after, the game launched to universal acclaim. By 2026, Silksong is celebrated as one of the best-rated games of all time, dominating the indie scene and winning numerous awards. With Silksong finally released, the spotlight shifted to other long-awaited projects. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond had been in development for over 18 years since the last mainline entry. The September 2025 Direct showcased new gameplay and a 2025 release window, which was later fulfilled. As of 2026, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been available on Switch 2, delivering a triumphant return for Samus Aran. The game's visuals, atmosphere, and controls have been praised, and it has become a system seller for Nintendo's latest console. Another major title featured was Pokemon Legends: Z-A. The Direct offered a deeper look at its mechanics, including Mega Evolutions and a new setting. While some fans remained skeptical, Nintendo's impressive track record in 2025 suggested the game could surprise. By 2026, Pokemon Legends: Z-A has been released and has generated a mix of reactions, though many agree it brings a fresh perspective to the franchise. Its sales have been strong, and it continues to receive updates. For Zelda enthusiasts, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment was a highlight. The September 2025 Direct demonstrated how the game would leverage the Switch 2's power, offering improved visuals and performance. Since its release, it has been well-received, providing a satisfying blend of action and story for fans of the series. The 60-minute runtime of the September 2025 Direct allowed for numerous announcements. The showcase was not just about reveals; it was a celebration of Nintendo's recent successes. Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World had already become best-sellers, and the Switch 2 was flying off shelves. The Direct capitalized on this momentum, offering a mix of nostalgia and innovation. Fans tuned in expecting surprises, and they were not disappointed. Below is a recap of the key games and their status as of 2026: Game Announcement Status in 2026 Hollow Knight: Silksong Release window and final trailer Released, critically acclaimed Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Gameplay reveal and release window Released on Switch 2 Pokemon Legends: Z-A New trailer and Mega Evolution details Released, mixed to positive reception Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Switch 2 features showcased Released, well-received Mario 40th Anniversary Teaser Celebrated with events and re-releases The Direct also acknowledged Mario's 40th anniversary, though specific plans were kept under wraps. Throughout 2026, Nintendo has continued the celebration with special events, merchandise, and re-releases of classic Mario titles. The aftermath of the Direct saw a surge in Switch 2 sales and renewed interest in the featured franchises. Hollow Knight: Silksong became a cultural phenomenon, while Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally quenched a decades-long thirst. Pokemon Legends: Z-A, despite initial skepticism, found its audience. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment proved that the Zelda spin-off series still has plenty of life. Reflecting on the September 2025 Nintendo Direct, it is clear that it marked a turning point for Nintendo. After years of waiting for Silksong, fans could finally focus on other exciting games. The showcase demonstrated Nintendo's ability to deliver on long-standing promises while building hype for the future. The Switch 2 has benefited from a strong software lineup, and 2026 continues to bring new experiences. For those who missed it, the September 2025 Direct is now a piece of gaming history. It reminded everyone that patience pays off—and that Nintendo's future remains bright. With such a packed release calendar, keeping up with every title you want can put real pressure on your wallet. Many players now juggle a Switch 2 alongside a PC library, and the steady stream of sales, bundles, and limited-time discounts across storefronts makes it easy to miss a bargain or overpay for something that goes on sale a week later. That's exactly where a tool like a [steam deal finder]( becomes genuinely useful, letting you track price drops and historical lows so you can decide whether to buy now or wait for a better moment. DealNest is built for that kind of patient, budget-conscious shopping, gathering discount information in one place so you don't have to hop between store pages and wishlists. Whether you're saving up for the next big Nintendo release or filling the gaps in your backlog between Directs, having a reliable way to spot genuine deals means more games for the same money. https://dealnesthq.com

Hollow Knight: Silksong's 10 Hardest Bosses, Ranked by a Masochist Hollow Knight: Silksong's hardest bosses, ranked, reveal brutal platforming, poison frogs, and endless endurance fights. I have a confession: I am not good at Hollow Knight: Silksong. I am stubborn, though. I have spent dozens of hours getting humbled by its platforming, its map, and its bosses. And as of 2026, after several post-launch patches, the hardest fights still feel like they were designed by someone who wanted to see me cry. Here are the ten bosses and boss-like encounters that broke me the most. Rank Fight Why it hurts 10 Last Judge Act 1 skill check with fire and a brutal runback 9 Groal the Great Waterborne poison frog with pendulum problems 8 Savage Beastfly (second) Optional, add-heavy, attention-splitting 7 Widow Fast silk traps and unpredictable bells 6 Phantom Lace but meaner, faster, and less fair 5 The First Sinner Needle hell and exploding AoEs 4 High Halls Arena Eleven waves of pure endurance 3 Moorwing Flying orb patterns from a bad dream 2 Sister Splinter (pre-patch) Two-mask claws and Shellwood lockdown 1 Skarrgard Early-game wall with a lesson 10. Last Judge Is a Mid-Game Skill Check The Last Judge is not the hardest boss in a vacuum, but she is the hardest boss when you are still learning. She is the final boss of Act 1, and she exists to make sure you have actually learned Silksong's mechanics. Her attacks are diverse. Phase 2 sets the arena on fire, literally engulfing you in flames. When you finally win, her weapon explodes and gets one last hit in. And the runback is miserable; I lost my cocoon more than once before I even reached her. Fighting her is like trying to fold a fitted sheet during a house fire. 9. Groal the Great Is Too Big to Dodge Groal is a waterborne frog boss in Bilewater, and he ruins an area that already ruined my day. You have limited time to hit him when he pokes his head above the water. He uses poison projectiles and a foul breath attack that pulls you inward. He bullies you into corners with his bloated body, summons adds, and his arena has swinging pendulums and poison pools. It is a geometry problem where all the angles are poisonous. 8. Savage Beastfly's Second Appearance Is Shockingly Hard The first Savage Beastfly fight in Far Fields is relatively easy. The second one, in the already frustrating Hunter's March, is an optional boss at the Chapel of the Beast. You do not have to fight it again, but if you do, you are in for a challenge. Phase 1 uses floating slam attacks that leave it vulnerable. Phase 2 summons a number of annoying adds that exist only to distract you, splitting your attention between multiple moving targets until you lose track of the real threat. I lost that thread more than once. 7. Widow Has Quickly Become an Icon Widow has become one of Silksong's beloved bosses for her unique design, silk-based moveset, and difficulty. You face her about halfway through Bellhart. Like Hornet, she summons silk to ensnare you and occasionally drops large metal bells on your head. The issue is phase 2, when her bell drops become less predictable and her base attacks get faster and harder to dodge. She is quick and unpredictable, and you need to heal, but you also need silk and space. That tension is the whole fight. 6. Phantom Makes Bilewater Even Worse If you thought your first bout with Lace was difficult, wait until you fight Phantom. The two bosses share a lot: they can parry your attacks, dash across the battlefield, and perform devastating AoEs. But Phantom is tougher. They are faster and significantly less predictable. You are always too late to dodge their projectile throws, just a little too close to jump over their dash attacks. Phantom covers the entire battlefield, leaving you no safe space to cower until it is your turn to strike. Beating them unlocks Cross Stitch, an extended AoE that deals several attacks worth of damage. While in the Cross Stitch animation, you automatically parry incoming attacks. Great ability, brutal exam. 5. The First Sinner Is Impossibly Fast Located in the hostile Slab prison, the First Sinner is among the fastest bosses in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Its main attack drops a series of massive needles on you, peppering the battlefield and leaving few safe spaces. You have to read its tell carefully and dodge in the right direction. Phase 1 also has a more generic melee combo. Phase 2 speeds up its attack patterns and unlocks a new attack, spawning exploding circle AoEs throughout the arena. This fight is all about positioning, and the boss gives you little time to get into place. It moves like a rumor in a small town: everywhere at once and impossible to pin down. 4. The High Halls Arena Is an Unrelenting Gauntlet It is not technically a boss fight, but the High Halls arena fight deserves its spot. Arena fights are basically boss fights in multi-wave form, and this one has among the most waves in both Silksong and the original Hollow Knight: eleven consecutive phases. Just when you think you have reached the end, another wave arrives to break your streak. The constantly changing strategies and sheer length make it easy to make a deadly mistake. It is like being asked to solve a Rubik's cube while someone keeps swapping the stickers. 3. Moorwing Is Tough, But Cheese-able Moorwing is widely considered one of the hardest boss fights in Silksong as a whole. It is another massive flying boss, and its attacks are big, bold, and difficult to dodge. It dives straight into you, slashes with its claws, and shoots deadly glowing orbs. The orbs follow strange, evolving patterns: a single bowling-ball-like trajectory along the ground, then double orbs, then a bizarre double-circling-back pattern that requires two dodges in quick succession. You can make the battle easier by recruiting Garmond and Zaza, or by attacking from above its arena where it cannot reach you. I am not above cheese. 2. Sister Splinter Was Powerful Pre-Patch Sister Splinter was one of the first casualties of Silksong nerfs brought about by post-release patches. Her original version in the 1.0 release was incredibly difficult, to the point that many players complained in reviews. She had powerful claw attacks that dealt two masks' worth of damage each hit, a vine attack that limited your safe space, and the ability to summon Splinterbarks as adds. She was a formidable foe who left many players stuck in Shellwood. If you get past her, you unlock Cling Grip, a wall jump ability you need for remote areas. Post-patch she is more manageable, but veterans remember the original wall. 1. Skarrgard Causes New Players Trouble Skarrgard is not even really a boss. He is a miniboss at best, without an official title drop or a proper arena. If you faced him in the late game, you would not find him that hard. He moves swiftly, and his attacks have big hitboxes, but he telegraphs his moves well and is easy enough to dodge with a full arsenal. The issue is placement. Skarrgard appears early enough to pose an impossible obstacle for most players. If you have not unlocked the dodge ability, you will get caught in his attacks over and over. He is intended to teach new players that sometimes it is better to level up and come back later than to stubbornly throw yourself at the same boss again. That lesson is more important than any single victory. So that is my list. Silksong humbles you again and again, but that is exactly why beating these fights feels so good. If you are stuck in 2026, take a break, upgrade, and come back. The game will still be there, waiting to humble you. That break might also be a good time to check out other games—whether you're hunting for a similar challenge or just need a palate cleanser. If you're watching your budget, knowing where to find discounts can make that browsing session a lot more productive. DealNest gathers deals from various storefronts in one place, so you can quickly see [where to buy cheap games]( and maybe discover your next obsession while Silksong takes a breather. It's a handy resource for anyone who likes to keep their library stocked without paying full price. https://dealnesthq.com

Hollow Knight: Silksong's Quest Journal Is the RPG Hand-Holding Purists Secretly Needed Hollow Knight: Silksong’s quest journal is a bold, brilliant upgrade, adding clarity and pacing without sacrificing its Metroidvania-Soulslike freedom. In 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong is no longer a mythical sequel whispered about in forums. It is a real, sprawling, bug-infested triumph, and it has committed a crime that would make a certain kind of purist clutch their controller: it added a quest journal. Hornet, the fierce princess-protector of Pharloom, now carries a to-do list. Cue the gasps. Is that a betrayal of the Metroidvania-Soulslike ethos, or is it the quality-of-life upgrade the genre did not know it needed? The answer, dear reader, is the latter, and Team Cherry makes it look effortless. At a glance, Silksong looks like more Hollow Knight. Same haunting art style, same health and magic systems, same grimdark lore, same Metroidvania corridors and Soulslike boss walls. But that glance is a liar. The sequel makes transformative changes, and its quest design is one of the sneakiest and most significant. Where the original often left players rudderless, Silksong gives them a journal. Not a glowing arrow, not a mini-map stuffed with icons, just a clear record of objectives and narrative context. It is the difference between being lost in a beautiful ruin and being lost in a beautiful ruin with a note that says maybe try the big door. The So-Called Sacrilege of Quest Tracking Purists may argue that any quest-tracking in a Soulslike or Metroidvania is tantamount to sacrilege. These genres pride themselves on not holding hands. Hell Is Us, for instance, practically builds its identity on loose structure and player agency. Fair enough. But does a journal really ruin that? Silksong proves no. When Hornet takes on a side quest, the game gives clear, objective feedback that confirms the decision. The quest goes into a journal, which outlines objectives. It also provides narrative context, explaining why the quest matters as much as where and how to complete it. That is not hand-holding; that is respect for the player's time. In 2026, when free time is a precious resource and backlogs are monstrous, a little clarity goes a long way. A Journal That Helps Pacing, Not Just Memory Having a quest journal does more than track objectives. It helps Silksong's overall pacing. In the first Hollow Knight, there is no quest journal, and few concrete ways to track optional content. Players can feel rudderless. Without compartmentalization or feedback, optional content can feel vague, confusing, and substanceless. Silksong makes side quests digestible and separate from the main story, while still integrating them. The journal gives structure. It lets players choose: main path now, side quest later, or ignore the whole thing and go fight a terrifying bug in a swamp. Freedom remains. The difference is that the freedom now comes with a receipt. Team Cherry Stops Copying Homework Team Cherry's fondness for FromSoftware is no secret. The first Hollow Knight wears that influence proudly. FromSoftware is not known for clear direction, especially optional content. There is nothing wrong with that approach. But Silksong shows Team Cherry striking out on its own, less beholden to genre conventions. The result is more unique and better delivers on its gameplay premise. In 2026, that distinction matters. Metroidvanias are everywhere. A quest journal is not a gimmick; it is a design choice that makes Pharloom feel like a place with people, problems, and priorities rather than a maze with mood lighting. Does that make the game easier? Not really. It makes the game more legible, which is a different thing entirely. The Verdict: A To-Do List Has Never Been This Cool Feature Hollow Knight (2017) Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025 onward) Quest journal Nope Yes, with objectives Narrative context Cryptic vibes Clear why, where, and how Pacing Player-made chaos Structured side content Purist tears Minimal Plentiful, but delicious Hornet's patience Unknown Surprisingly finite So yes, Hornet has a journal. She also has a needle, a bad attitude, and a kingdom full of things that want her dead. The journal does not make her soft. It makes the experience sharper. Silksong is a worthy sequel because it rethinks the formula, not just repeats it. And if that means a few purists have to wipe away a single tear while checking their quest objectives, so be it. The rest of the players will be too busy enjoying one of the best games of the decade. After all, what is more hardcore: wandering in circles for three hours, or actually finishing the quest and then getting obliterated by a boss? Exactly. Of course, the satisfaction of a well-organized system isn't exclusive to metroidvanias. Anyone who has ever hunted for a discount on a game they wanted—or waited for that one elusive sale—knows the pain of scattered information. Keeping track of price drops across multiple storefronts can feel like wandering through Deepnest without a map. That's where [this price tracking tool]( comes in. DealNest offers a straightforward way to monitor deals and get notified when something you want hits the right price, so you can spend less time refreshing pages and more time actually playing. Think of it as the journal for your wallet: no cryptic hints, no missed opportunities, just clear data and a gentle nudge when it matters. If Silksong taught us anything, it's that even a little structure can make a chaotic world feel manageable. Whether you're tracking down a rare relic in Pharloom or a steep discount on a game you've been eyeing, having the right tool just makes sense. https://dealnesthq.com

Silksong's Most Infuriating Bugs: A 2026 Survivor's Guide to Pharloom's Worst Pests Hollow Knight: Silksong’s most frustrating enemies create brutal arenas, drain resources, and make Pharloom’s journey an unforgettable nightmare. Hollow Knight: Silksong has been out for a while by 2026, and its reputation as a punishing metroidvania has only hardened. Players still expect a few bugs in a game about bugs, but Team Cherry's sequel delivers an overwhelming swarm of them. Not technical glitches—these are intentional, exquisitely designed nightmares. They block paths, drain resources, and turn small arenas into deathtraps. For anyone revisiting Pharloom or finally picking up the sequel, here is a third-person tour of the critters that have caused the most frustration. Kilik Kilik looks small. It looks weak. That is the trap. This bug appears throughout early areas and can be summoned by the Savage Beastfly to shrink an already cramped arena. Its spikes, however, shoot out much farther than its body suggests. A narrow tunnel with a Kilik becomes a stop sign. Floor and ceiling Kiliks create a skewer. Hornet's needle cannot always reach the inner body, so players must wait, dodge, and chip away. It is a lesson in patience that nobody asked for. Savage Beastfly The ordinary beastflies are annoying. The Savage Beastfly is a digital war crime wrapped in a rotund bug body. It is an optional boss, but that does not make the fight pleasant. The arena is tiny. The Beastfly is huge. It dashes around at heights that sometimes feel unavoidable, and it summons extra bugs to make the space even smaller. Oh, and it has an obscene health pool. In 2026, guides may recommend certain tools or strategies, but the memory of that first encounter still stings. Overgrown Pilgrim Early areas like Mosshome introduce the Overgrown Pilgrim, a victim of Pharloom's Haunting who now makes that everyone else's problem. The Pilgrim spits at Hornet, then leaps away. It interrupts jumps toward platforms. It hops off ledges, forcing a chase and a restart of the platforming section. The damage is not the issue; the disruption is. Every spit feels personal. Every leap feels like a taunt. Snitchfly Wealth is scarce beneath the Citadel of Pharloom, and the Snitchfly is determined to redistribute it—to itself. This thief does not deal much damage, but it can leap onto Hornet and tear away loose rosaries. Defeat it, and the rosaries return. Die or leave the area, and they are gone. Snitchflies are basically the Citadel's bigwigs with worse manners and better jumping. Few enemies feel as personally offensive. Flintflame Flyer Deep Rock is full of bugs in protective gear, toiling around magma and harvesting flintstone. Their helmets stop attacks from above, but most are slow enough to handle. Then comes the Flintflame Flyer, a demolitions expert who throws incredibly explosive bombs. Send a bomb back? It blocks. Those helmets are thick. The explosion is massive enough to black out the screen and wipe out Hornet in one hit. It is a bug immune to its own bombs, and that feels deeply unfair. Skarrgard and the Skarr Bugs Hunter's March brings color back to Pharloom: red shells, greenery, water. It also brings Skarrgard and every other Skarr bug. These are trained killers. They carry weapons, dash, burrow, fire projectiles, and wear helmets. What are they fighting that requires this much defense? The player, apparently. The learning curve in Hunter's March is cruel, even if the bugs themselves are brilliantly designed. Loving them and hating them can happen at the same time. Swamp Squit Bilewater is already a nightmare: no map, barely any light, maggots that eat silk. Then the Swamp Squits arrive. They swarm, dash, and explode after defeat. Worse, they respawn almost instantly. Flying enemies can be fun because they push Hornet's agile combat style, but the Swamp Squit pushes too far. It is a bad bug. Many players learn to simply avoid them, which is not a compliment to their design. Stilkin Another Bilewater introduction, the Stilkin hides in everything and is one of the few bugs not killed by water. It hops out of grass, dives beneath the surface, and shoots poison darts that explode. It keeps hopping. It is nearly impossible to swipe with a needle. Sinner's Road has tough enemies, but Bilewater's Stilkin are on another level of evasion and annoyance. Pharlid Around the Blasted Steps, Pharlids become more common. They are tiny, which makes them seem harmless. That assumption is proof of inexperience. Pharlids are like small dogs: obscenely aggressive and weirdly strong. They dash when they sense Hornet nearby, and they can climb any surface. Their mask is invincible from the front, so frontal strikes fail. They do make great bouncing platforms, though. That is the only nice thing to say. Driznit The Driznit is another Blasted Steps enemy with thoughtful coral-themed design. Unfortunately, that coral becomes a weapon. The Driznit appears most during platforming, which is lovely. Its coral horn follows with bizarre precision, almost like a magnet. The rebounding properties are intense, and the dart is bigger than the bug's body. Fighting them again is not on any player's wish list. The Verdict Silksong's bugs are not all equally awful, but they share a talent for interrupting momentum. Some steal resources, some explode, some hide, and some simply refuse to be hit. In 2026, patches and community knowledge may soften certain encounters, but the core experience remains sharp. Team Cherry built a world where every bug feels handcrafted—and some of those handcrafted bugs are absolute menaces. Enemy Primary Sin Why It Stings Kilik Long spikes Blocks narrow passages and outranges Hornet Savage Beastfly Tiny arena, huge boss Summons help and refuses to die quickly Overgrown Pilgrim Spits and leaps Ruins platforming rhythm Snitchfly Steals rosaries Turns wealth into a chase Flintflame Flyer Explosive bombs One-shot potential and bomb immunity Skarr bugs Military-grade aggression Weapons, dashes, helmets, projectiles Swamp Squit Explodes and respawns Instant return makes avoidance optimal Stilkin Ambushes with poison darts Hides everywhere and is hard to hit Pharlid Invincible front mask Tiny, fast, and relentless Driznit Magnetic coral dart Punishes platforming with precision For players still exploring Pharloom, the best advice is simple: respect the bugs. They are not obstacles to rush past. They are the main event, whether that feels fair or not. The same patience that gets you through a Pharlid swarm pays off outside Pharloom, too. Anyone gearing up for long boss attempts knows the drill: compare before you commit, because prices on controllers, headsets, and the games themselves swing wildly depending on where you look. A few minutes of digging can easily save more than a missed rosary or two. That is where a site like DealNest earns its keep. Instead of opening a dozen tabs and hoping for the best, you can browse curated offers in one place and [find the best deal]( on the hardware and titles you actually want. It is a small habit, but like learning an enemy's tells, it stacks up fast. https://dealnesthq.com

How I Found and Used the Snare Setter in Hollow Knight: Silksong Snare Setter in Hollow Knight Silksong: locate this Red Tool in Weavenest Atla after Needolin and Faydown Cloak for boss control. I almost missed the Snare Setter on my first journey through Hollow Knight: Silksong. It is a Red Tool hidden inside Weavenest Atla, an area east of Moss Grotto, and the route only opens after you have the Needolin and the Faydown Cloak. Because that means backtracking with a mid-game double jump, many players skip it entirely. In 2026, with Pharloom's secrets widely discussed, I still think this trap tool deserves a permanent slot for boss fights. ️ What the Snare Setter Actually Is The Snare Setter is a Red Tool that places a medium-sized silk rune on the ground. When an enemy walks near it, the rune explodes and deals damage. It starts with eight charges by default, and it does not demand rare resources to refill; regular Shell Shards are enough. That makes it easy to restock at benches or vendors before a difficult encounter. Detail Information Tool type Red Tool Location Hidden area inside Weavenest Atla Access requirements Needolin and Faydown Cloak Default charges 8 Replenishment Shell Shards Best role Boss arenas and zone control ️ My Route Through Weavenest Atla Weavenest Atla sits east of Moss Grotto, the starting region of Silksong. To get inside, I played the Needolin in front of the locked door. Once inside, the path to the Snare Setter is short but easy to fumble if you are not paying attention. Enter Weavenest Atla and activate the teleporter to reach the lower level. Use Cling Grip to climb the wall on the right. Jump across the gap and enter the chamber to the left. Walk left until you reach the water. Use Cling Grip again to reach the top, then turn right. Pick up the Snare Setter from the pedestal and add it to your inventory. The first time I entered this hidden area, I was so focused on the tool that I nearly walked past two other upgrades. Do not make the same mistake. From the bottom right corner of Weavenest Atla, you can claim a Hunter Crest Upgrade. Below the Snare Setter's pedestal, you can also find a Spool Fragment, which increases your Silk capacity. How I Use the Snare Setter When I equip the Snare Setter, I treat it like a patient hunter's tool. I place runes along the ground before a boss charges, during a stagger window, or near arena edges where I expect the boss to dash. The rune explodes when an enemy comes close, so the damage happens without me needing to swing my Needle. That is valuable when a boss has a fast pattern and I want to keep my movement clean. It works against normal enemies too, but I rarely rely on it for basic exploration. Against common foes, a quick Needle strike is faster and cleaner. The Snare Setter shines when the battlefield is chaotic, when a boss moves around a lot, or when I want to soften a target before committing to melee. ️ Snare Setter vs Tacks Functionally, the Snare Setter resembles the Tacks Tool, which works like caltrops. Both are ground-based traps, but they behave differently in boss fights. Tacks struggle to deal meaningful damage to bosses that move around constantly. The Snare Setter can still punish those mobile bosses because its rune explodes on proximity. The tradeoff is efficiency: the Snare Setter generally deals less damage per hit than other options, so it is not a pure damage tool. It is a control tool that adds pressure. Tool Trap style Boss performance Damage efficiency Snare Setter Silk rune that explodes near enemies Strong against mobile bosses Lower damage per hit Tacks Caltrops Weak against highly mobile bosses Better for stationary or small targets 🧠 Practical Tips for 2026 ️ Place runes before a boss enters the arena or after a phase transition. Use Shell Shards to refill charges before long boss attempts. 🧭 Revisit Moss Grotto and Weavenest Atla after getting the Faydown Cloak. Pair trap placement with safe Needle pokes rather than standing still. ️ Do not ignore the Hunter Crest Upgrade and Spool Fragment in the same area. ️ For normal enemies, save charges and use your Needle unless you are setting up a crowd. In my current 2026 playthrough, the Snare Setter is not the flashiest Red Tool, but it is one of the most tactical. It rewards planning, map awareness, and a little patience. If you are willing to backtrack to Weavenest Atla with the Faydown Cloak, you will gain a trap that can turn a frantic boss arena into a field of your own making. For me, that is more than enough reason to keep it equipped. Chasing every Tool and upgrade in Silksong means racking up a fair amount of playtime, and for many players that journey starts on PC. If you prefer to build your collection on Steam, keeping an eye on discounts can stretch your budget further, especially when DLC or bundled titles go on sale. That is where a reliable [steam sale tracker]( like DealNest comes in handy, letting you follow price drops without refreshing store pages yourself. Whether you are waiting for Silksong itself or filling your backlog with other metroidvanias to scratch the same itch, having a tool that watches the numbers for you means you never miss a good deal. It pairs nicely with the patient, planning-first mindset this whole guide has been about. https://dealnesthq.com

Elden Ring Nightreign Patch 1.03.1 Expands Deep of Night and Fixes Hundreds of Bugs Elden Ring: Nightreign patch 1.03.1 enriches The Forsaken Hollows' Deep of Night with new DLC content, balance tweaks, and fixes. As a longtime Nightfarer, I booted up Elden Ring: Nightreign the moment I saw FromSoftware had deployed patch 1.03.1 across all platforms. The update is not just a routine maintenance drop. For anyone who owns The Forsaken Hollows DLC, it pours fresh content into the ultra-hard Deep of Night mode. For everyone else, it delivers a massive list of balance changes, quality-of-life features, and bug fixes that touch nearly every corner of the game. In 2026, with the DLC now boasting an impressive 2 million players, this patch feels like a clear signal that FromSoftware is still actively shaping the Nightreign experience. Deep of Night Gets More Dangerous for DLC Owners If you own The Forsaken Hollows, the headline is simple: Deep of Night now has new targets, Landmarks, raid events, and Shifting Earth encounters. I love that these additions only appear when I am matched with other players who also own the DLC. It keeps the expansion content feeling special and avoids confusing newer players who have not bought in yet. The Great Hollow Shifting Earth also received focused adjustments. Curse effects related to Fire, Magic, Lightning, and Holy are now stronger when they appear on weapons and items in the temples. FromSoftware also tweaked the Continuous HP Loss and Continuous HP Recovery curses. The Night Aspect fight can now feature additional attack types if every Nightfarer in the party owns The Forsaken Hollows. That change alone makes me want to assemble a full DLC squad. I also noticed that when the Night's Tide engulfs you in the Great Hollow, your character's feet now appear to be burning. It is a small visual touch, but it sells the danger. Feature What Changed New DLC content New targets, Landmarks, raid events, and Shifting Earth in Deep of Night Matchmaking DLC additions only appear with other DLC owners Great Hollow curses Increased elemental curse effects and adjusted HP loss/recovery curses Night Aspect Extra attack types when all Nightfarers own the DLC Balance Tweaks and Quality-of-Life Wins ️ The wolves summoned during the Tricephalos raid event have had their attack power decreased. As someone who has been ambushed by those wolves more than once, I say thank you. Scholar players will appreciate the new stack count display for the damage negation reduction icon that appears when hitting enemies with level 3 Dart-type items via the Bagcraft skill. Scholar's Ultimate Art Communion no longer breaks when transforming with the Executor's Ultimate Art Aspects of the Crucible: Beast. There is also a new near-death animation when reviving with the Power to Balance the World special effect. Identical consumables now combine according to their stack limit when swapped in the Equipment Menu. The status menu now shows icons and explanations for active effects, pinned items display rarity color in the You indicated equipment message, and map clues in the Great Hollow Shifting Earth have an expanded discovery range. I can also remap the Map Display key in the keyboard/mouse settings. These are the kinds of changes that make long expeditions feel smoother. A Mountain of Bug Fixes The patch notes are enormous, and I cannot list every single fix without turning this into a novel. But several categories stand out. Scholar received a long list of repairs: Communion no longer applies when no other targets are affected, linked damage and healing now propagate correctly during Near Death, Analyze gauge gain is fixed at maximum charge, analyzed target counts no longer reset when someone opens the Spirit Tree shelter door, Bagcraft duration and Fan Dagger hit application are corrected, level 3 Holy Water Pot now damages the Royal Revenant, Crystal Tear counts display properly, and Frozen Needle attack motions are fixed. Revenant players will be glad that Immortal March's immortality is no longer overwritten by other visual effects. Bows got attention too: Black Flame Blade and Bloodflame Blade now remove frostbite from enemies, Improved Rolling Attacks applies to Bows, and Partial HP Restoration upon Post-Damage Attacks triggers on critical hits. The Chilling Mist and Holy Ground interaction no longer causes self-frostbite. Black Flame Blade also now works correctly with Frenzyflame Thrust, and no longer incorrectly applies to Wave of Gold and Thundercloud Form hitboxes. Golden Retaliation and Carian Retaliation can now rescue allies from near-death states more reliably. Regal Beastclaw and Wave of Gold receive attack power enhancements. Ancient Death Rancor and Beast Claw can be charged properly, and Beast Claw's post-cast delay can be canceled by chaining. Other notable fixes include Cold Mirage applying to Executor's Aspects of the Crucible: Beast, solo expedition revival with Power to Balance the World, Totem Stela kills counting for relic effects, Evergaol prisoner attack power stacking, relic stack loss after death, rune acquisition sharing after revival, Great Bow of the Erdtree appearing as intended, near-death gauge carryover from day two bosses, and lock-on for near-death allies. Boss and Raid Event Repairs ️ Boss fights received extensive attention. Gaping Jaw ground attacks have better hit detection and effect positions. Everdark Sovereign Equilibrious Beast no longer spawns enemy Raiders because of a specific Revenant costume. The Dancer of the Boreal Valley can now be damaged by other players during critical hits. The Dreglord fight fixes incorrect spell aiming, enemy attacks targeting the wrong players, players getting stuck inside objects, and music timing in multiplayer. The Balancers grab attack sound effect now plays. Demon in Pain and Demon from Below now have defeat animations when killed simultaneously, and arrows to their heads deal increased damage. Several Night bosses, Curseblade timings, Great Hollows summoned enemies, Tree Guard, Omenkillers in Blacksmith Village, and DLC enemy drops have all been corrected. Raid events also got cleaned up. Augur water bombs no longer turn invisible for rejoining players. Tricephalos wolves disappear immediately after clearing, have intended HP in 2-3 player expeditions, and correct damage reduction. Fissure in the Fog blizzard and fog display issues are fixed, multiple bosses no longer appear for rejoining players, and runes are awarded properly. Balancer raid event spawn issues are addressed. Great Hollow Shifting Earth, Menus, and More ️ The Great Hollow Shifting Earth received dozens of fixes: full HP restoration after Crystal Curse death, site of grace and blacksmithing table consistency, Crystal Curse immunity exploits, temple progression blockers, extra enemies during boss fights, treasure chest stuck spots, Spiritstream usability after rejoin, Totem Stela spawning underground, rune acquisition, map icons, and more. Blacksmith Village Cataclysm Nightfarer enemies now appear, Combat Art workbench skill assignment is fixed, and Sparring Grounds effects no longer persist after character changes. Undertaker's Loathsome Hex can no longer reach unintended locations. Relic Rite menus display effects correctly, item help works in the Visual Codex, and map menu depth icons behave. FromSoftware also addressed the Unity Technologies security vulnerability announced on October 3, though the developer insists the main game was not impacted. Pre-order bonuses like artwork and soundtrack were updated. The version numbers are App Ver. 1.03.1 and Regulation Ver. 1.03.2. On PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, I need to log in to download the regulation file. If the lower right corner does not show 1.03.2, I must select LOGIN and apply the latest regulation. Online play requires this update, so I cannot play at all online until it is applied. After downloading, I need to restart the game. As a player, I am impressed by the scope. Patch 1.03.1 is not just a fix list. It is a statement that Nightreign's hardest mode will keep evolving. With 2 million DLC players and a mountain of repairs, now is a good time to return to the Night. I know I will. With so much of Nightreign's toughest content finally behaving as intended, plenty of players who drifted away are probably weighing a return — and that usually means checking whether the base game or the DLC has dipped in price before committing. If you fall into that camp, keeping an eye on a [steam sale tracker]( like DealNest saves you from refreshing store pages endlessly or missing a brief discount window between major seasonal events. DealNest collects current and historical pricing so you can see whether a title is genuinely at its lowest point or just dressed up as a bargain, which matters when a purchase decision hinges on a single DLC drop. Whether you are grabbing the expansion for the first time or finally convincing a friend to join your expedition, a quick price check before checkout is rarely wasted effort. https://dealnesthq.com

Silksong's Silkless Co-op Mod: A Shared Journey in 2026 Hollow Knight: Silksong's Silkless Co-op Mod adds companionship, not combat: join a friend on Nexusmods and share Pharloom's brutal journey. In 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong still feels like a beautiful, brutal secret. You wake in Pharloom with no map, no compass, and no kind voice telling you where to go. The game wants you to be lost. It wants you to earn every inch of ground. For many players, that solitude is the whole point. But sometimes, even a lonely bug dreams of company. Elara had loved the original Hollow Knight. She had spent dozens of hours in Hallownest, dying to false knights and screaming at platforming sections. When Silksong finally arrived, she expected the same delicious isolation. What she did not expect was how much she would miss sharing the misery. She wanted someone to see the moment she finally beat a boss. She wanted someone to laugh when she walked into a trap for the fifth time. So she went looking for a mod. She found the Silkless Co-op Mod. It was created by nek5 on Nexusmods, and it promised something strange: a way to bring a friend into Silksong. Not true co-op. Not a shared adventure where two players fight side by side. The mod lets one player join another player's game and appear on the screen. You can see each other. You can wave, maybe. You cannot interact. You cannot help with bosses in an Elden Ring-style tag team. But you can be there. That might sound pointless. For Elara, it sounded perfect. The installation process was not complicated, but it did require attention. She opened the mod page on Nexusmods. She downloaded two files: BepinEx 4 and SilklessCoop.zip. Then she extracted both into the root game folder for Silksong. On Windows, that folder usually lives at %USERPROFILE%/AppData/LocalLow/Team Cherry/Hollow Knight Silksong/. She double-checked the path, because one wrong folder can turn a mod into a ghost. Step What to Do 1 Visit the Silkless Co-op Mod page on Nexusmods. 2 Download BepinEx 4 and SilklessCoop.zip. 3 Extract both files into the Silksong root game folder. 4 On Windows, the path is %USERPROFILE%/AppData/LocalLow/Team Cherry/Hollow Knight Silksong/. 5 Right-click your friend's name on Steam to join their game. 6 Start Silksong and load your save file. 7 Press F5 to enable multiplayer functionality. When Elara pressed F5, nothing dramatic happened. No explosion. No trumpet. Then her friend's character appeared in the distance, a little silhouette in the fungal wastes. They could not fight together. They could not open doors for each other. They could not trade items or revive each other. But they could explore the same cursed kingdom at the same time. They could see each other's deaths. They could stand together in silence before a terrifying boss gate. It was not cooperation. It was companionship. The mod's creator has promised future updates. Bug fixes are planned. Sound syncing is planned. Player count status is planned. There is even talk of public servers, which would turn Silksong into something closer to a shared world. As of 2026, the mod remains a PC-only experiment, but it has found a devoted audience. Players who love Silksong's difficulty still want to share its beauty. They want to point at a distant tower and say, 'Look at that.' They want to hear a friend gasp when a new horror crawls out of the dark. Silksong was designed to be solitary. Its lack of map and compass is not a flaw; it is a dare. The game trusts you to be lost. It trusts you to be afraid. But mods are a way for players to talk back. They can soften the edges. They can add training wheels. They can even add a friend who cannot help but can still witness. The Silkless Co-op Mod does not break the game's loneliness. It just makes that loneliness a little less quiet. For Elara, that was enough. She and her friend did not beat the game together. They did not conquer every boss as a duo. But they shared a journey. They laughed at glitches. They got lost in the same corridors. They celebrated small victories that no one else would understand. In a game about isolation, that felt like a small rebellion. ️ If you want to try it, the steps are simple. Download the files. Extract them. Join a friend. Press F5. Do not expect Elden Ring. Expect something stranger: a ghost in your game, a witness to your struggle, a silent partner in the dark. And maybe, just maybe, that is exactly what Silksong needed. Modding is one of the joys of PC gaming, but building a library worth modding can get expensive. If you're looking to pick up Silksong, other metroidvanias, or any co-op friendly title without paying full price, keeping tabs on Steam sales is essential. That's where DealNest comes in—it offers a handy [steam sale tracker]( that lets you monitor price drops and wishlist discounts, so you never miss a deal. Whether you're waiting for a mod update or just want more games to share with friends, a little savings goes a long way. DealNest makes it easy to stay on top of sales, so you can spend less and play more. After all, the best adventures are the ones you can afford to keep having. https://dealnesthq.com

Silksong: How to Beat Disgraced Chef Lugoli Hollow Knight: Silksong boss guide: beat Disgraced Chef Lugoli in Sinner's Road with poison blob and charge counters. In the sprawling world of Hollow Knight: Silksong, players will encounter all sorts of grotesque and challenging bosses. Among them is Disgraced Chef Lugoli, a foul-mouthed culinary disaster who has taken up residence in Sinner's Road. Some might fancy themselves a home chef, but Lugoli takes the cake—or rather, burns it. His story is a cautionary tale of culinary ambition gone wrong, and now he's holed up in Sinner's Road, ready to fling poison at anyone who dares interrupt his pity party. This boss is a roadblock for those looking to complete the 'Great Taste of Pharloom' quest and fully clear the area. While the fight is short, the poison mechanics can make it a real nail-biter. So, here's the lowdown on how to send this chef to the great kitchen in the sky. Where to Find Disgraced Chef Lugoli Disgraced Chef Lugoli can be found in Sinner's Road, an area accessible via Greymoor relatively early in the game. However, players won't be able to challenge this boss until they have obtained the Faydown Cloak (double jump). Once equipped, players head through the bottom halls of Sinner's Road until they spot an area that requires a double jump to reach. This is the boss arena. The player simply rings the gong in the middle to start the fight. Tip: Before starting the fight, it is wise to open the shortcut to the left of the boss arena and rest at the Sinner's Road Bench. How to Beat Disgraced Chef Lugoli After ringing the gong, two sous chef enemies will appear. These are relatively tame and can be taken down comfortably by keeping distance and darting in for quick hits. Once they're dispatched, the real fight begins. Phase One: Poison Blobs and Butt Charges Lugoli drops into the center of the room and immediately launches four green poison blobs. The key is for the player to stand just left or right of the drop zone—the blobs will miss. If hit by a blob, the player is immediately inflicted with poison, which must be cleared using silk before healing. So avoiding these is paramount. Lugoli has two attacks in this phase: a butt charge that deals two masks of damage, and the poison blob attack. For the poison attack, the player should stay close to the drop zone so the arching blobs have no chance of landing. For the butt charge, the player must spot it early and dash away in the opposite direction as fast as possible. Attack Description Counter Poison Blobs Lugoli launches four green blobs in an arc. Stand just left or right of the drop zone. Butt Charge Lugoli charges forward, dealing two masks. Spot early, dash away in the opposite direction. Phase Two: Dive Bombing and More Blobs After taking enough damage, Lugoli enters phase two. He moves a little faster and gains a new move: he dives under the arena surface, spits up four blobs, then emerges to throw another four. When he dives, the player should avoid the center of the arena—stand just left or right of center to dodge the blobs. This is also a good time to use tools to make short work of him when he's at his most dangerous. Struggle through, avoid getting poisoned too often, and Lugoli will eventually fall. Quick Tips Always keep an eye on the poison status; clear it with silk before attempting to heal. Use tools like Threefold Pin or Sharpdart to deal burst damage during phase two. Don't panic when Lugoli dives—just step to the side and wait for the blobs to pass. The fight is short, so patience and positioning are more important than aggression. Rewards for Defeating Disgraced Chef Lugoli The main reward for defeating Disgraced Chef Lugoli is the Pickled Muckmaggot, a key ingredient for the five-part side quest, The Great Taste of Pharloom. While players can turn it in at the Choral Chambers immediately, it is best to hold onto all ingredients until every one is accounted for. With this guide, players should be able to send Disgraced Chef Lugoli back to the kitchen—permanently. Players should remember that poison is the real enemy here. They should stay mobile, use silk to clear status, and avoid getting greedy with hits. Happy hunting! If you're the kind of player who likes to clear every boss before moving on, you've probably noticed how quickly a game library can grow—and how tempting it is to grab the next big title the moment it goes on sale. Keeping tabs on price drops across storefronts isn't always straightforward, which is where a reliable [steam sale tracker]( like DealNest comes in handy. It aggregates discounts and price history in one place, so you can decide whether a deal is genuinely worth it instead of guessing. That matters most when you're juggling a backlog—finish Lugoli, then check whether that wishlist game has finally hit a price you're happy with. DealNest keeps the hunting part quick, so you can get back to the part that's actually fun: playing. https://dealnesthq.com

MIAMI, FLORIDA JULY 12: Brayan Rocchio 4 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates with teammates once hitting a dwelling operate towards the Miami Marlins in just the 5th inning of the video game at loanDepot park upon July 12, 2026 within Miami, Florida. Photograph by way of Megan BriggsGetty Shots Getty ImagesThe Cleveland Guardians swept the Miami Marlins going into the AllStar crack. Joey Cantillo experienced a fantastic commence and superior towards 84 upon the period with these days's get. Cantillo threw 85 pitches within 5.0 innings of effort. He permitted simply just 1 operate upon 6 hits and 2 walks. Joey struck out 9 browser does not assist the online video just the backside of the instant Cantillo pitched into a bases abundant, no outs predicament. Backtoback singles started off off the inning and a wander prosperous the bases. Cantillo locked within and acquired a pop out and 2 strikeouts in the direction of escape without having enabling a browser does not help the online video Aleman arrived upon inside the 6th https://www.clefanwear.com/collections/angel-martinez-jersey , Hunter Gaddis pitched the 7th, and Shawn Armstrong pitched the 8th. All 3 went scoreless, hitless visits. Cade shut the activity in just a nonsave condition. He gave up 2 hits and a solo property work, however retired the facet toward 'e book it.'Within just the final of the very first Travis Bazzana contribute off the match with a 4 pitch stroll and a stolen foundation. Brayan Rocchio drove Bazzana inside upon a one toward straight browser does not provider the online video Manzardo, with just one out, singled upon a liner in direction of still left, scoring browser does not company the movie just the supreme of the 5th, Rocchio guide off the inning with a homer in direction of instantly browser does not service the online video the greatest of the 7th, the Shields long their add. Travis Bazzana was strike by way of pitch in direction of commence the inning. With 2 outs, Kyle Manzardo accomplished upon a fielding blunder and highly developed Bazzana in the direction of 3rd. Kahlil Watson strike a solitary toward quick that deflected off the pitcher, scoring after staying the basically participant in the direction of take upon foundation, within the final of the 9th, Chase DeLauter demolished a instant ball. DeLauter strike a 435 foot residence operate towards the higher deck https://www.clefanwear.com/collections/terry-francona-jersey , positioning the Guardians up browser does not help the movie was a new collection in the direction of move into the AllStar Crack with. A sweep, a 4 get streak, and many house operates. Jos and Angel are owing again soon after the AllStar Split, only inside of season for a massive force just before the exchange deadline upon August 3rd.

Mastering Lace: The Ultimate Guide to Silksong's Cradle Boss Hollow Knight: Silksong Lace boss guide: find Lace in The Cradle and master her blistering attacks to claim victory. The world of Hollow Knight: Silksong is filled with relentless foes, but few inspire as much dread and respect as Lace. Ever since her first appearance in Deep Docks, she has served as Hornet's recurring rival, growing stronger with each encounter. Just when you think you've seen the last of her, she returns in The Cradle—the final stretch of the main story—with a ferocity that will test every ounce of your skill. This guide will walk you through locating this elusive boss and, more importantly, surviving her blistering assault. Where to Find Lace in The Cradle After defeating Lace in Deep Docks, many players assume her story is over. They couldn't be more wrong. To face her again, Hornet must push deep into the Citadel, navigating the treacherous Choral Chambers and overcoming the Cogwork Dancers at the very top. This victory opens three new objectives, each requiring you to retrieve a melody from a different corner of the Citadel. Once all three melodies are in hand, return to the arena where you fought the Cogwork Dancers and play them to activate the surrounding statues. This ancient mechanism awakens a giant elevator. Ride it to the top, and you'll step directly into Lace's waiting blade. How to Beat Lace in The Cradle Most boss fights in Silksong reward patience—wait for an opening, strike, retreat. Lace shatters that rhythm. She is a whirlwind of needles and motion, and if you try to wait out her combos, you'll be dead before you can blink. Her attacks chain together with barely a second between them, and she has a nasty parry mechanic that punishes idle aggression. The key is to learn her tells, stay mobile, and weave your own attacks into the narrow gaps of her offense. Here's a breakdown of every attack in her arsenal: Attack Wind-Up Tells & Description Suggested Counters Slash Attack Lace charges her needle, barely visible in her hand. She then swings it three times while advancing. Move backwards if you have space, or jump and land a downward strike on her. Jump Attack She bends down with her needle near the ground, then leaps diagonally and dashes toward your position. Wait for her to jump, then walk toward her. If far, dash to her. She may dash backwards if near a boundary. Dash Attack Lace holds her needle horizontally straight before dashing through the arena, dealing double damage. Jump over her, and time a downward strike for extra damage. Parry Counter When idle, she may parry your attack, triggering an AoE from the ground or after a jump. Avoid attacking an idle Lace. If you trigger a parry, jump immediately to dodge both AoE variants. AoE Attack Only in the final phase, she takes the Jump Attack stance while laughing, then creates a giant circle at your location, slams the ground, and stays briefly. Exit the circle and wait. Since it happens twice, move far from the first circle to avoid the second. The fight unfolds across three distinct phases, each marked by a roar. Sometimes a stun can overlap with the roar, so always expect new attacks whenever she is stunned. Here's what to anticipate: Phase Approximate Health Left Changes From Last Phase 1 100% Starts with the first four attacks. 2 60% Jump and Dash attacks are buffed; gaps between attacks shrink. 3 20% Unlocks the AoE Attack. In phase two, her Jump Attack now spawns three rings that explode simultaneously with her dash, severely limiting your movement. Her Dash Attack can also chain up to three back-and-forth dashes instead of one. These buffs make the arena feel even more claustrophobic, especially since the field has gaps on each side—no wall clinging, no free movement. Despite her relatively low HP compared to other late-game bosses, Lace remains the toughest battle due to the sheer agility required. Every action—attacking, healing—must happen mid-combo. The Jump Attack offers one of the best windows for a couple of hits. For healing, wait for the Dash Attack, jump as soon as she readies up, and immediately bind. This gives you enough time to finish the heal before her next move. You can also bait her parry: when she enters the stance after an attack, wait for it to end, then land a few hits before she recovers. With practice, Lace's dance becomes predictable. Stay aggressive, respect her parry, and never stop moving. The Cradle may be the final challenge, but Hornet has faced worse. Victory awaits those who can match Lace's pace—and surpass it. ️ That same mindset—learning a moveset, dying a few times, and coming back sharper—is what keeps this genre so rewarding, and it's also why players tend to build up a long wishlist of similar titles. If you find yourself wanting to chase that next difficult boss without paying full price, knowing [where to buy cheap games]( makes it far easier to keep the backlog stocked. DealNest gathers current discounts and key offers in one place, so instead of bouncing between storefronts you can compare prices and pick up the games that match the kind of challenge you just conquered. When the next patch or DLC drops, having a reliable source for deals means you can jump back in without waiting for a major sale. https://dealnesthq.com