A hidden route in Hollow Knight: Silksong allows players to stop Clawmaidens from appearing for the rest of the game.

The option shows up partway through the campaign and hinges on reaching a tucked-away path in the Citadel’s High Halls. Clawmaidens, which first appear around Act 2, are notable for stealing Hornet’s Silk to fire a powerful spear attack and for hitting hard, making them a frequent source of tension in Citadel traversal and combat. Finding and destroying a central Silk Nest removes them from Pharloom entirely.

Compatibility and requirements

This sequence becomes available in Act 2 and requires the double jump. The path is easy to miss even when you’re already moving through the Citadel.

Where to find the Silk Nest in High Halls

Head to High Halls, a subarea within the Citadel. On the lower level of the map, also referred to as the Forum, there’s a room that appears empty at first glance. It hides a movable cart and a thin stream of water leaking from the ceiling — lining these up is key to accessing the climb.

How to remove Clawmaidens in Silksong

  • Unlock the double jump.
  • In High Halls (the Forum), locate the seemingly empty room with a pushable cart.
  • Roll the cart directly under the ceiling leak.
  • Use the cart to gain height with a double jump and continue ascending the hidden route.
  • Find and destroy the Silk Nest at the top.

Impact on difficulty

Once the Silk Nest is destroyed, Clawmaidens stop spawning anywhere in Pharloom. With that enemy type removed, traversal in the surrounding Citadel segments stabilizes; the High Halls gauntlet in particular becomes less punishing, and nearby routes such as the Choral Chambers are less stressful to explore.

For players who have been saving Silk to manage tougher encounters, eliminating Clawmaidens can meaningfully smooth the game’s mid-act pacing without touching core progression.