Collectible

All Mask Shards in Hollow Knight: Silksong

Complete guide to all 20 Mask Shards - essential health upgrades for surviving Pharloom's challenges

15 min read Act 3 Spoilers
Health Collectibles Upgrades

Act 3 Spoilers Warning

This guide contains information about some Mask Shards that are only available during Act 3 of the game. These sections are clearly marked with "Act 3 only" labels.

Mask Shards in Hollow Knight: Silksong

What are Mask Shards?

Mask Shards are essential collectibles in Hollow Knight: Silksong that increase your maximum health. You need four Mask Shards to gain one additional health pip, making them crucial for surviving the challenging encounters throughout Pharloom.

There are 20 Mask Shards total in the game, allowing you to gain 5 additional health pips beyond your starting health. Some are purchased from vendors, others are hidden in secret areas, and several require completing difficult platforming challenges or boss battles.

Note: If you want to upgrade Hornet's silk energy, you need Spool Fragments instead.

Quick Navigation

Act 3 Exclusive (17-20)

Early Game Mask Shards (1-6)

Mask Shard #1 in Bone Bottom

1. Bone Bottom - Vendor Purchase

Cost: 300 Rosaries

This will likely be the first Mask Shard you encounter in the campaign. It's being sold by a vendor in Bone Bottom for 300 Rosaries. Simply farm some enemies and wallop objects with beads until you've amassed enough of this currency.

Tip: This is usually the first upgrade players get. Prioritize this early for extra survivability.

Mask Shard #2 approach Mask Shard #2 location

2. Mosshome/Wormways - Hidden Behind Wall

Requirements: Swift Step ability (recommended)

This Mask Shard is located in the Wormways zone. To reach it, you have to take the upper-left exit in Mosshome just past the shrine. Once there, you'll see a large chasm that you need to cross.

How to Get There:

  1. 1. Cross the chasm: Use pogo maneuver on flying enemies OR get Swift Step ability first
  2. 2. Defeat the giant beetle miniboss: It spits acid from the ceiling - run underneath and use platforms as cover
  3. 3. Find the destructible wall: Below the locked door that requires a Simple Key
  4. 4. Smash the wall: Strike it with your weapon to reveal the Mask Shard

Note: There's also an elevator here that takes you back and forth between this spot and the Bone Bottom settlement.

Mask Shard #3 in Far Fields

3. Far Fields - Drifter's Cloak Required

Requirements: Drifter's Cloak (from Seamstress)

This Hollow Knight: Silksong Mask Shard can be found in Far Fields. You need to obtain the Drifter's Cloak from the Seamstress by giving her Spine Cores. This grants Hornet the ability to float in mid-air and use wind currents.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. 1. Get the Drifter's Cloak from the Seamstress (requires Spine Cores)
  2. 2. From the Seamstress' hut, float to the very top of the room
  3. 3. Destroy the explosive magma ledges to create more wind currents
  4. 4. Take the top-left exit and reach the corner
  5. 5. Blow up the magma deposit to reveal the Mask Shard
Mask Shard #4 in Shellwood

4. Shellwood - Challenging Platforming

Difficulty: High platforming challenge

Getting this particular Mask Shard can be quite a challenge in and of itself. This requires mastering the pogo maneuver to navigate dangerous flower platforms.

Detailed Walkthrough:

  1. 1. Upon arriving at Shellwood, take the top-left exit in the first room
  2. 2. Ride the elevator down in the second chamber
  3. 3. Go to the lower-left exit to encounter Shakra the map vendor
  4. 4. In the vertical chamber, you'll see white flowers and a Lost Flea
  5. 5. Use the "pogo maneuver" (downward slash while airborne) to bounce off flowers
  6. 6. Avoid the spikes until you're almost at the top of the chamber
  7. 7. Take the exit to the right - horizontal room with more flowers and ceiling/floor spikes
  8. 8. Successfully navigate this hazardous terrain to reach the Mask Shard

Mastery Tip: Practice the pogo maneuver extensively here as it's required for several other Mask Shards and general progression.

Mask Shard #5 in Deep Docks

5. Deep Docks/The Marrow - Gauntlet Battle

Requirements: Cling Grip ability (wall climb/wall jump)

To get this Mask Shard, you must have the Cling Grip ability—i.e. wall climb/wall jump—which comes from the Shellwood region. Once you've unlocked it, return to The Marrow and take the lower-right exit that leads to Deep Docks.

Requirements and Steps:

  1. 1. Prerequisite: Obtain Cling Grip ability from Shellwood region
  2. 2. Return to The Marrow area
  3. 3. Take the lower-right exit that leads to Deep Docks
  4. 4. Cling onto the rock formation and hop on the ledges
  5. 5. Complete the gauntlet battle to claim the Mask Shard
Mask Shard #6 Grand Hunt reward

6. Bellhart/Far Fields - Grand Hunt Bounty

Requirements: Complete Bellhart curse cleansing + Grand Hunt access

This Hollow Knight: Silksong Mask Shard actually comes from a Grand Hunt bounty. This requires completing several story progression steps first.

Grand Hunt: Savage Beastfly Guide:

  1. 1. Complete the main quest to cleanse the curse in the Bellhart settlement
  2. 2. Keep progressing/exploring until you unlock the Grand Hunt: Savage Beastfly bounty
  3. 3. Accept the bounty at the Bellhart board
  4. 4. Return to where you faced the Fourth Chorus boss earlier in the campaign
  5. 5. Fight the enhanced Savage Beastfly with these differences:
    • • Enemy mobs now spit fireballs
    • • You're fighting on destructible floors
    • • Savage Beastfly's downward ram attacks break the ground
  6. 6. Defeat the Savage Beastfly and pick up the Horn Fragment
  7. 7. Return to the Bellhart bounty board to complete the quest

Mid-Late Game Mask Shards (7-16)

Mask Shard #7 challenging gauntlet

7. Far Fields - Extreme Challenge

Requirements: Clawline Grappling Hook, Faydown Cloak (recommended)

This is one of the hardest Mask Shards to obtain, especially if you dislike gauntlet battles and platforming. It's located in a mini-dungeon that tests all your abilities.

Extreme Challenge Walkthrough:

  1. 1. Prerequisites: Clawline Grappling Hook (required), Faydown Cloak/Double Jump (helpful)
  2. 2. Go to the top section of the corridor to the right of the Seamstress NPC
  3. 3. Enter the mini-dungeon and hit the magma ores to blow up ground and walls
  4. 4. Make your way to the very bottom of the pit
  5. 5. Gauntlet Battle: Face four waves of flying enemies
  6. 6. Challenge: Platforms disappear periodically - use grapple/wall cling
  7. 7. Escape Sequence: After defeating enemies, lava starts to rise
  8. 8. Rush to the top: Speed platforming section back to entrance
  9. 9. Final reward: Wind current forms at entrance to reach hidden nook above

Warning: This is considered one of the hardest challenges in the entire game. Practice your grappling and wall-climbing before attempting.

Mask Shard #8 in Citadel

8. The Citadel - Choral Chambers/Cogwork Core

Requirements: Access to Citadel, Cogwork Dancers boss defeated

You need to put in a bit of effort if you want to acquire this Hollow Knight: Silksong Mask Shard. It requires navigating the complex Citadel structure and defeating a major boss.

Citadel Navigation Guide:

  1. 1. Make your way to the Citadel
  2. 2. Reach the upper corridors of the Choral Chambers section (Songclave/First Shrine area)
  3. 3. Head to the central tower known as Cogwork Core
  4. 4. Boss Fight: Clear the Cogwork Dancers boss fight
  5. 5. After the boss, drop down and keep left
  6. 6. The mid-left exit leads to a gauntlet room
  7. 7. Gauntlet Challenge: Eliminate enemies while floors keep collapsing
  8. 8. Take the top-left path afterward
  9. 9. Find the nook in Choral Chambers that contains the Mask Shard
Mask Shard #9 in Songclave

9. The Citadel - Choral Chambers/Songclave

Cost: 750 Rosaries | Vendor: Jubilana

You can purchase this Mask Shard from a merchant named Jubilana in Songclave - Choral Chambers. It costs 750 Rosaries, but there are several prerequisites to unlock this vendor.

Unlocking Jubilana Vendor:

  1. 1. Reach Songclave/First Shrine and ring the bell
  2. 2. Talk to the Caretaker NPC who mentions pilgrims arriving soon
  3. 3. Fast travel to another region and/or defeat the Cogwork Dancers
  4. 4. Return to Songclave - a bulletin board should appear
  5. 5. Accept the "Wandering Merchant" wish/side quest
  6. 6. Locate Jubilana in a small room at the left side of western Choral Chambers tower
  7. 7. Kill the enemies in the room to make the NPC appear
  8. 8. Return to Songclave - Jubilana should now be available for trade
Mask Shard #10 in Whispering Vaults

10. The Citadel - Whispering Vaults

Requirements: Wall jumping ability

This Mask Shard comes from Whispering Vaults. It's cleverly hidden behind a secret mechanism that requires observation and timing to discover.

Hidden Mechanism Guide:

  1. 1. Navigate to the lower-right section of Whispering Vaults sub-zone
  2. 2. Find the short corridor that appears almost empty
  3. 3. Secret: Strike the ceiling to reveal a hidden trapdoor
  4. 4. Use wall-jump to reach the revealed area
  5. 5. Hit the large block that becomes accessible
  6. 6. Return to the top to claim your Mask Shard prize

Discovery Tip: Many areas in Silksong have hidden mechanisms. Always test striking ceilings and walls in suspicious empty areas.

Mask Shard #11 in Mount Fay

11. Mount Fay

Requirements: Faydown Cloak/Double Jump ability

This Hollow Knight: Silksong Mask Shard is easy enough to find, as it's in the lower-left corner of Mount Fay. Unfortunately, there are a couple of significant challenges to overcome.

Mount Fay Challenges:

  • 1. Harsh Environment: Mount Fay has freezing temperatures that are inhospitable
  • 2. Major Prerequisite: You need the Faydown Cloak/Double Jump ability
  • 3. Difficulty: Obtaining the double jump is considered the toughest platforming challenge in the entire game
  • 4. Location: Once you have the ability, the shard is in the lower-left corner of Mount Fay

Note: Consider this a late-game upgrade. Focus on getting the Faydown Cloak first, then return for this shard.

Mask Shard #12 in Weavenest Atla

12. Weavenest Atla

Requirements: Needolin ability, Faydown Cloak/Double Jump

You can pick up this upgrade by gaining access to the Weavenest Atla region. This requires both specific abilities and completing certain story progression elements.

Weavenest Atla Access & Collection:

  1. 1. Unlock Access: Use the Needolin ability from the Bellhart boss to open the cocoon door in Moss Grotto
  2. 2. Prerequisite: Obtain the Faydown Cloak/Double Jump ability
  3. 3. Use the teleporter to go down to the bottommost floor
  4. 4. Double jump and wall climb to reach the middle section
  5. 5. Make a right and pick up the Rune Harp quest item
  6. 6. Go to the bottom-right corner of the room that has the Rune Harp
  7. 7. Hidden Passage: Smack the wall to reveal a hidden passageway
  8. 8. Use your double jump and grapple to cross the gap and avoid the lava flows
Mask Shard #13 in Blasted Steps

13. Blasted Steps

Requirements: Clawline Grappling Hook + Faydown Cloak/Double Jump

You need both the Clawline Grappling Hook and Faydown Cloak/Double Jump for this Hollow Knight: Silksong Mask Shard. This is an advanced platforming challenge.

Advanced Platforming Sequence:

  1. 1. From Shellwood, keep going left until you arrive at the bottommost corridor of Blasted Sands
  2. 2. At the far-left part of the area, look for a ledge above you
  3. 3. Complex Movement: Stand on the raised section and sprint/dash
  4. 4. Perform a long jump and throw out your Grappling Hook
  5. 5. Mid-air Double Jump: As Hornet moves forward, perform your Double Jump to reach the ledge
  6. 6. Continued Platforming: Combination of jumps, grapples, and wall clings
  7. 7. Make your way to the room at the top to claim the Mask Shard

Mastery Required: This challenge tests your ability to chain multiple movement abilities seamlessly.

Mask Shard #14 in Bilewater

14. Bilewater

Difficulty: Brutal survival platforming

This Mask Shard health upgrade is extremely frustrating due to the brutal platforming and survival mechanics. It's located just above the room where you encounter Shakra the map vendor.

Bilewater Survival Challenge:

  • Location: Section above Shakra's room in Bilewater
  • Enemy Threat: Slubberlug enemies that jump from murky water
  • Slubberlug Attacks: They gobble you up and dunk you into fetid pools
  • Water Hazard: The water is filled with maggots
  • Maggot Effect: They drain your silk gradually
  • Recovery: You need to heal up or rest on a bench to get rid of them

Survival Tip: Bring plenty of healing items and be prepared for multiple attempts. This is one of the most punishing platforming sections.

Mask Shard #15 in The Slab

15. The Slab

Requirements: Key of Apostate from Putrefied Ducts

This Mask Shard comes from The Slab, the prison area that you visit to reach Mount Fay. The main shaft has a door at the top that's locked and requires a special key.

The Slab Prison Challenge:

  1. 1. Get the Key: Obtain the Key of Apostate from the bottom-left corner of Putrefied Ducts region
  2. 2. Return to The Slab and locate the locked door at the top of the main shaft
  3. 3. Use the Key of Apostate to unlock the door
  4. 4. Platforming Chambers: Navigate through chambers with difficult platforming sections
  5. 5. Spinning Wheel Challenge: "Ride" the spinning spiked wheel using pogo maneuver
  6. 6. Use the pogo technique to reach the top of the room and claim the Mask Shard

Technique Focus: Master the timing for pogo-ing on the spinning spiked wheel - it's crucial for reaching the top.

Mask Shard #16 in Wisp Thicket

16. Wisp Thicket

Requirements: Wall climbing, grappling abilities

The Wisp Thicket sub-zone is connected to Greymoor via the upper-left exit past the area with spikes and balloons. This area tests your platforming skills with various environmental hazards.

Wisp Thicket Navigation:

  1. 1. Access: From Greymoor, take the upper-left exit past spikes and balloons area
  2. 2. Head to the far-right part of the Wisp Thicket sub-zone
  3. 3. Trap Corridor: Navigate through corridor with floor and ceiling traps
  4. 4. Enemy Hazard: Avoid flame-spewing enemies
  5. 5. Reach the end and hop on the ledges
  6. 6. Maggot Pool: Cross the maggot pool carefully
  7. 7. Final Climb: Wall-climb/grapple to get to the nook at the top

Act 3 Exclusive Mask Shards (17-20)

Warning: These Mask Shards are only available during Act 3, unlocked after completing the Silk and Soul quest and defeating the "final boss."

Mask Shard #17 in Mount Fay Act 3

17. Mount Fay (Act 3 Only)

Requirements: Silksoar ability (Act 3 super jump)

Several Mask Shards in Hollow Knight: Silksong can only be obtained during the game's third act. This particular one requires the powerful Silksoar ability.

Silksoar Super Jump Challenge:

  1. 1. Progression: Progress further into Act 3 until you acquire the Silksoar ability
  2. 2. Silksoar Power: This is the game's version of the super jump
  3. 3. Return to the specific area of Mount Fay shown in the guide image
  4. 4. Super Jump Ascent: Use your super jump to boost through the shaft
  5. 5. Brightvein Access: Enter the small area called Brightvein
  6. 6. Final Platforming: Navigate another challenging platforming section
  7. 7. Ultimate Challenge: Pogo, wall-climb, and grapple your way to the very top
Mask Shard #18 from racing

18. Far Fields - Fastest in Pharloom (Act 3 Only)

Requirements: Defeat Sprintmaster Swift in all three races

To receive this Hollow Knight: Silksong Mask Shard, you must defeat Sprintmaster Swift in all three races. This is an extremely challenging speed-based trial.

Racing Championship Guide:

  1. 1. Access Requirement: This area in Far Fields can only be unlocked during The Old Hearts main quest in Act 3
  2. 2. Speed Equipment: Sprintmaster Swift is ridiculously fast - equip the Silkspeed Anklets
  3. 3. Anklets Location: Find Silkspeed Anklets in Weavenest Cindril (lower-right corner of Far Fields)
  4. 4. Race Reset: If your opponent gets too far ahead, hold the Needolin button to restart the race
  5. 5. Race Rewards:
    • • Race 1 Win: Rosary Necklace
    • • Race 2 Win: Beast Shard
    • • Race 3 Win: Mask Shard (your goal)
  6. 6. Final Victory: Only after winning the third race does Sprintmaster Swift offer the Mask Shard

Pro Tip: Practice the race routes and don't be afraid to restart if you fall behind early. Consistency is key to victory.

Mask Shards #19 and #20 from Bellhart Act 3 bounties

19 & 20. Bellhart (Act 3 Only)

Requirements: Act 3 bounty board quests

The final two Mask Shards come from the bounty board in Bellhart during the closing chapter of the game. These quests become available as you progress through Act 3.

Final Bounty Quests:

Mask Shard #19 - Dark Hearts Quest:
  • • Trigger: Appears after talking to Snail Shamans in Moss Grotto
  • • Objective: Destroy Void Masses throughout Pharloom
  • • Target Description: Objects and enemies covered in black goop
  • • Location: Stuck on walls with whipping tendrils
  • • Goal: Destroy 12 Void Masses total
  • • Reward: Mask Shard upon completion
Mask Shard #20 - Hidden Hunter Quest:
  • • Trigger: Appears during The Old Hearts quest (after defeating Far Fields target)
  • • Quest Type: Grand Hunt boss battle
  • • Target: Gurr the Outcast
  • • Location: Rightmost section of Far Fields
  • • Challenge: Track down and eliminate this powerful boss
  • • Reward: Final Mask Shard

Achievement: Completing both these quests gives you the final two Mask Shards and maximum possible health in Silksong!

Complete Ability Requirements Summary

Many Mask Shards require specific abilities to reach. Here's the complete breakdown:

Essential Early Abilities

  • Swift Step (dash/air dash)
  • Cling Grip (wall climb)
  • Drifter's Cloak (float/wind currents)
  • Pogo Maneuver (downward slash bounce)

Advanced Mid-Game Abilities

  • Clawline Grappling Hook
  • Faydown Cloak (double jump)
  • Needolin (cocoon doors)
  • Key of Apostate

Act 3 Exclusive Abilities

  • Silksoar (super jump)
  • Silkspeed Anklets
  • Old Hearts quest access
  • Act 3 bounty board

Vendor Purchases Summary

Mask Shard #1 - Bone Bottom

Cost: 300 Rosaries

Early game vendor - usually first purchase

Mask Shard #9 - Songclave

Cost: 750 Rosaries

Requires unlocking Jubilana merchant quest

Total Cost: 1,050 Rosaries for both vendor Mask Shards

Expert Tips and Strategies

Collection Strategy

Progressive Collection: Don't worry about collecting all Mask Shards immediately. Many require abilities you'll unlock later in the game.

  • • Focus on early accessible ones first (1-6)
  • • Return to harder areas as you gain new abilities
  • • Save Act 3 shards for the endgame

Platforming Mastery

Essential Techniques: Master these movement techniques for multiple Mask Shards:

  • • Pogo Maneuver: Downward slash while airborne to bounce off enemies/objects
  • • Grapple Combos: Chain grappling hook with jumps and wall climbs
  • • Wind Current Navigation: Use Drifter's Cloak effectively with environmental currents

Resource Management

Currency Planning: Save up Rosaries for the vendor Mask Shards:

  • • Early priority: 300 Rosaries for Bone Bottom vendor
  • • Mid-game goal: 750 Rosaries for Songclave vendor
  • • Farm efficiently by breaking objects and defeating enemies

Act 3 Preparation

Endgame Focus: The final 4 Mask Shards require Act 3 progression:

  • • Complete the Silk and Soul quest first
  • • Unlock all advanced movement abilities
  • • Be prepared for the most challenging content

Conclusion

Finding all 20 Mask Shards in Hollow Knight: Silksong is essential for maximizing Hornet's survivability throughout Pharloom. With 5 additional health pips beyond your starting health, you'll be significantly better equipped to handle the game's toughest challenges, from brutal boss battles to treacherous platforming sections and the ultimate Act 3 trials.

Remember that this is a progressive journey - start with the early accessible shards, master the essential movement techniques, and gradually work your way up to the most challenging late-game content. The vendor purchases provide reliable early upgrades, while the platforming challenges test your mastery of Hornet's full moveset.

The Act 3 exclusive shards represent the pinnacle of Silksong's difficulty, requiring not just mechanical skill but also completion of major story elements. Consider this guide your complete roadmap to achieving maximum health and conquering every challenge Pharloom has to offer.

With all 20 Mask Shards collected, you'll have maximum health to conquer every challenge in Pharloom!

Guide accurate as of September 2025 based on community research and extensive testing

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