What is Mount Fay?
Mount Fay is basically an entire region devoted to one single goal—climbing your way to the top of a freezing mountain. It's not like other areas in Silksong where you're exploring and fighting enemies. Nope, this is pure platforming hell (in the best way possible).
Located to the far west of The Citadel during Act 2, Mount Fay is one of the game's most elaborate and challenging platforming sections. The whole area is freezing cold, which means you'll be racing against time to reach the next safe spot before your health starts draining.
What makes Mount Fay special is that it's an endurance test. You'll use every movement ability you've unlocked up to this point—wall jumps, dashes, glides, and especially the Clawline grappling hook. If you're weak at platforming, this place will humble you real quick.
Key Characteristics
- • Vertical climbing challenge spanning multiple screens
- • Environmental cold damage mechanic
- • Three benches for checkpoints (two hidden)
- • Requires precise timing and movement skills
- • Accessed through The Slab via the Bellway station
Why You Should Climb Mount Fay
Let me be real with you—the Faydown Cloak is one of the most important abilities in the entire game. It's not optional if you want to progress through the later parts of Silksong.
The Faydown Cloak Rewards
Double Jump Ability
The main prize. You can now perform a second jump in mid-air, opening up tons of previously unreachable areas across Pharloom. This ability is essential for Act 3 progression.
Cold Immunity
Once you unlock the cloak, the cold no longer hurts you in Mount Fay. You can freely explore the mountain and grab any collectibles you missed on the way up.
What Double Jump Unlocks
- Act 3 Progression: You literally can't unlock Act 3 without the double jump. It's required.
- Hidden Areas: Tons of secret alcoves and shortcuts become accessible, including areas in Watcher's Spire and Deep Dross.
- Boss Fights: Many late-game bosses have vertical arenas that are way easier (or possible at all) with double jump.
- Quest Completion: Required for certain quests like the Great Taste of Pharloom.
- Combat Mobility: Dodge attacks mid-air and reposition during fights. Game-changer for aerial combat.
Trust me, the pain of climbing Mount Fay is 100% worth it for what you get at the top.
What You Need Before Attempting Mount Fay
Don't even think about attempting this climb if you're not properly prepared. Here's what you absolutely need:
Required Abilities
Clawline (Grappling Hook) - MANDATORY
You can't even start the Mount Fay climb without this. The Clawline lets you grapple to floating rings and flying enemies, which is essential for the entire route.
Where to get it: Found in The Cauldron on the left side of the Underworks. You can access this area two ways:
- • Beat Trobbio at The Stage in Choral Chambers, then go through The Whispering Vaults
- • Get the White Key from Songclave (top right of Citadel) and use it to unlock the elevator in Whiteward
Swift Step (Air Dash)
Technically you might be able to do it without this, but it'll be hell. The dash is super useful for reaching safe spots and crossing gaps quickly before the cold kills you.
Drifter's Cloak (Glide/Float)
The slowfall ability saves your ass when you need to carefully descend through spike sections or adjust your landing. Highly recommended.
Wall Jump
You should have this by default. Wall jumping is crucial for the entire climb.
Recommended Items
- Rosary Strings: Bring at least 2-3. You'll need currency to buy the map from Shakra (found early in the climb) and to unlock the first bench.
- Healing Charms/Items: The cold will chip away at your health. Having good healing options helps a lot.
- Full Health: Start the climb with max health. Don't be a hero going in half-dead.
Progression Requirements
You need to be in Act 2 of the game. Mount Fay is accessed through The Citadel region, specifically through The Slab area. Make sure you've progressed far enough in the story to have The Citadel unlocked.
How to Reach Mount Fay
Once you've got the Clawline and you're in Act 2, here's how to actually get to Mount Fay:
Step-by-Step Route
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1
Head to The Slab
The Slab is located in the middle-left section of The Citadel. Navigate through the Choral Chambers to reach this area.
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2
Find the Bellway Station
Inside The Slab, locate the Bellway station. This is a fast travel point that you should unlock if you haven't already.
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3
Exit Left from the Bellway
From the Bellway station, take the left exit. You'll see floating rings outside that you can grapple with your Clawline.
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4
Clawline Across the Gap
Use your Clawline to grapple across the series of floating rings. This will carry you over to the entrance of Mount Fay.
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5
Enter Mount Fay
Once you land on the snowy ledge to the left, you're officially in Mount Fay. The climb begins here.
Quick Tip
Make sure you rest at the bench in The Slab before heading to Mount Fay. Once you enter the mountain, benches are scarce and you'll want full health to start.
Understanding Cold Damage Mechanics
Alright, this is the mechanic that makes Mount Fay so brutal. The entire mountain is freezing cold, and Hornet will take damage over time if she's not near a heat source. Here's exactly how it works:
How the Cold Works
Damage Timing
- • You have about 15 seconds of grace time after leaving a safe spot
- • After 15 seconds, you lose your first health mask
- • From then on, you take damage every 3 seconds until you die or reach safety
- • The damage ramps up fast—you can't survive long once it starts
Safe Spots & Heat Sources
Safe spots are marked by glowing white lamps, fires, or bright Weavelights. When you're in range of these, several things happen:
- • The cold damage stops immediately
- • Your "cold timer" resets back to 15 seconds
- • Any cold buildup is cleared—you're back to full safety
- • You can stay here as long as you want to plan your next move
Icy Water
Some sections have icy lakes or pools. Falling into this water instantly damages you (even after getting the Faydown Cloak). Avoid at all costs—use Clawline to bounce off crystal bugs or cling to ceilings to cross.
Strategy for Managing the Cold
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Plan in Sprints: Treat each section as a sprint from one safe spot to the next. Don't try to rush through multiple sections at once.
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Backtrack if Needed: If you mess up a jump or get lost, retreat to the previous safe spot. It's way better to reset your timer than to keep going and die.
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Learn the Route: The first time through, take it slow at each safe spot. Look ahead and figure out where you need to go before you commit.
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Use Your Dash: The air dash is your friend for covering distance quickly. Don't waste time with slow jumps when you're racing the clock.
Important Note
Don't panic when the cold damage starts ticking. You still have time to reach the next safe spot. Panicking leads to mistakes, which leads to death. Stay calm and execute your platforming.
The Complete Climbing Route
Alright, here's the full route from bottom to top. This is gonna be long, so buckle up. I'm breaking it down into major sections with the key platforming challenges for each.
Section 1: The First Cave
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1.
Start by using your Clawline to zip across the first pit using the two floating rings. Sprint left into the cave entrance.
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Inside the cave, you'll find Shakra at a safe spot with a warm flame. Buy the Mount Fay map from her before moving on. It helps a ton.
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To the left of Shakra, take a running leap above the icy water and climb up the small platforms. Then double back to the right on a landing above Shakra where there are ancient Weavelights (another safe spot).
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Exit the cave going right.
Section 2: First Outdoor Climb
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Outside, take a running leap to a wall on the right and climb up the crumbling platforms. These platforms collapse quickly, so keep moving.
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Once you reach a stable platform, look for a floating creature (Driflin) to the right. Clawline off it to reach a ring higher up, then wall-jump up the left wall.
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Keep climbing up quickly to reach another heated safe spot above.
Pro Tip: Driflin Respawns
Don't worry if you miss a Clawline jump off a flying bug. They respawn after a few seconds. Just retreat to the last safe spot and try again.
Section 3: Spike Descent
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Continue wall-climbing up the left wall, then slowfall to the right over the spikes and downwards.
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Hug the left wall as you descend to find another heated spot on the wall. This one's easy to miss if you drift too far right.
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From the safe wall spot, jump right and upwards to a landing. Look right for flying bugs—Clawline across them to a platform on the right, then back to the left to gain height.
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Reach the large ledge with another warm spot leading into a cave.
Section 4: Crystal Bug Cave
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Inside the cave tunnel, strike the threads to get some Silk back for healing if needed. Stop at the edge of a huge drop.
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Carefully fall down while avoiding the crystal bugs and their explosions. Use slowfall and keep to the left to find a ledge with a heat source.
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Watch out for a Weavenest enemy that shoots blasts. Move past it to the far left wall and strike the wall repeatedly to open up a secret pathway.
Section 5: First Icy Lake
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This room has a large icy lake you DO NOT want to fall into. Use your Clawline to bounce off the crystal bugs until you find a ring above you.
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Clawline to the bug on the left, use the height to reach the ring, then climb up to the ledge above to warm up.
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Dash left and slowfall down until you see a large rock in the ceiling. Cling to one side of it until it falls down, creating a platform.
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Use the rock platform to Clawline to the ring on the left and reach another safe spot. Repeat this process to reach the door on the far left side of the lake.
Section 6: First Bench (Important!)
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You'll enter a heated room. The way forward is up, but DON'T GO UP YET.
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Go left, drop down outside, and attack the wall below to tunnel back to where a bench is. This is your first checkpoint—use it!
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After resting, head back up to the heated room to continue climbing.
Section 7: Broken Cable Cars
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From the bench room, head upwards to a large area with a broken cable car slope. Rest by the torch on the left before starting.
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Climb onto the first car, then Clawline to a flying bug on the right and up onto the second car.
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Use the ring and two flying bugs to reach the third car. Keep moving right and upward to the fourth car. Move fast here.
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As soon as you reach the fourth car, jump left onto a wall with a heat spot. Rest here.
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Wall-jump straight up around spikes, then dash and Clawline over to the far right wall. Slowly slide down, then slowfall right while Clawlining flying bugs until you reach a large plateau.
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Ignore the bugs and cable cars above. Dash right to find a heated spot by a cave entrance.
Section 8: Second Icy Pit
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In the cave, carefully drop and slowfall down the icy pit. Look for a wall space you can slide down at the end to hit a heated spot.
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Jump right and Clawline across crystal bugs until you reach a crumbling wall section. Bounce off it to zip between more bugs—going left, right, then up to an icy wall. Bounce off that to reach a high ledge.
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This section is tricky. Practice the Clawline rhythm: bug → wall → bug → wall → up. It takes a few tries to get the timing right.
Section 9: Second Large Lake
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Another long lake section. Keep bouncing off crystal bugs to stay out of the water. Cling to jutting ceilings so platforms fall down below.
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When you reach the far side, stock up on Silk from the threads if you need healing.
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Dash right and you'll be above the giant pit you fell down earlier. Jump right to a high pathway that goes over the earlier area.
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Break the rocks as you exit to create a shortcut (useful if you fall later).
Section 10: Second Bench Location
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Outside again, dash right and jump to Clawline off a flying bug. Zip up through a series of rings going right.
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Clawline between two more bugs to reach a ring upward back to the left. Wall-jump up to a landing above.
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On this plateau, it looks like a dead-end, but attack the wall to the left where debris is piled up. This opens a hidden area with a bench. Save here!
Section 11: Final Climb to the Peak
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At the bench cave mouth, wall-jump off the wall above to reach a ring with Clawline. Alternate between wall-jumping and Clawline grapples to gain height.
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Wall-jump up to a heated spot, then jump right and slowfall over spikes. As you fall, quickly Clawline right to a flying bug.
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Zip across small crumbling platforms to reach the top left wall. Wall-jump upwards and grab Silk from flowers if needed.
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Keep jumping left over gaps to hit the far left wall where another heated spot is.
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Wall-jump up and Clawline into flying bugs above. Wall-jump off floating crumbling walls on the right to double back.
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Repeat this until you can wall-jump up a narrow opening to a heated spot and a place to jump upwards.
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You're almost there! Wall-jump up and out of a shaft, then slowfall down and left over spikes to reach a large air vent.
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Ride the air vent all the way to the top! You made it!
Congratulations! You've reached the summit of Mount Fay!
Bench & Checkpoint Locations
Mount Fay has three benches total, but only one is obvious. The other two are hidden behind breakable walls. Here's where to find all of them:
Bench 1: Entry Bench (Paid)
Location: About 1/3 of the way up the mountain, after crossing the first icy lake. When you enter a heated room and the path goes up, DON'T go up. Instead, go left and drop down outside. Attack the wall below to reveal a hidden passage that loops back to a bench.
Note: This bench costs Rosary Strings to unlock (around 200-300). Worth it for the checkpoint.
Bench 2: Mid-Mountain Bench (Hidden)
Location: About 2/3 of the way up, after the second large lake section. You'll reach a plateau that looks like a dead-end. Attack the left wall where debris is piled up to reveal a hidden heated cave with a bench.
Note: This one is free to use. Definitely rest here before attempting the final climb.
Bench 3: Summit Bench (Post-Faydown)
Location: At the very top of Mount Fay, near the tuning fork where you claim the Faydown Cloak. This bench becomes available after you get the double jump.
Note: Useful for exploring the mountain after you've unlocked cold immunity.
Pro Strategy
If you're struggling, prioritize finding and unlocking the first two benches. They divide the climb into manageable sections. Don't try to do the whole thing in one go—that's just asking for frustration.
Claiming the Faydown Cloak at the Summit
After all that climbing, you've finally reached the top of Mount Fay. Here's what happens when you claim your reward:
The Ritual
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At the summit, you'll see a giant tuning fork. This is the Fay Shrine.
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Approach the tuning fork and you'll get a prompt to play your Needolin (the musical instrument Hornet carries).
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A cutscene will play. A huge, majestic bird creature will swoop down from above. Don't worry—it's friendly.
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The bird will bestow the Faydown Cloak upon Hornet, granting her the double jump ability and protection from the cold.
What Changes After Getting the Faydown Cloak
Immediate Benefits
- • Double jump is active immediately
- • Cold damage stops completely (except icy water)
- • You can freely explore Mount Fay
- • Safe to hunt for any missed collectibles
World Opens Up
- • Previously unreachable areas become accessible
- • New shortcuts and paths available
- • Boss fights become significantly easier
- • Act 3 progression unlocks
How to Use Double Jump
Using the double jump is simple:
- While in the air (after your first jump), press the jump button again to perform a second jump
- You can combo it with dash and glide for extended air time
- Works with wall-jumps too—you can wall-jump, then double jump for extra height
- Can still Clawline after using double jump, so chaining movement is super smooth
You've unlocked one of the most important abilities in Silksong!
The game truly opens up from here. Enjoy exploring with your new freedom of movement.
Pro Tips & Strategies
Here's some hard-earned wisdom from someone who died way too many times on this mountain:
Movement Optimization
- • Chain your movements: Don't stop between actions. Jump → dash → Clawline → jump in one fluid motion.
- • Use momentum: A running jump covers way more distance than a standing jump. Build speed before leaping.
- • Clawline cancels: You can cancel slowfall into Clawline, which is faster than waiting to naturally fall.
- • Wall-slide control: Tap towards the wall to slow your slide. Hold away to slide faster.
Route Learning
- • Scout before sprinting: At each safe spot, look ahead and identify your next target before the timer starts.
- • Mark visual cues: Remember landmarks—"the spike above the ring" or "the bug near the crumbling platform."
- • Practice sections: If you're stuck on one part, intentionally die and practice just that section until it's muscle memory.
- • Buy the map: Seriously, get it from Shakra. It helps way more than you'd think.
Health Management
- • Heal at benches: Don't waste silk healing mid-climb if you're close to a bench.
- • Collect Silk threads: There are threads scattered throughout—strike them for free healing resource.
- • Tank a hit if needed: Sometimes it's better to take cold damage and keep moving than to retreat and lose progress.
- • Healing charms: Equip charms that boost healing efficiency or give you more health.
Technical Tips
- • Clawline priority: Clawline auto-targets the nearest grappable object. Position yourself carefully.
- • Crystal bug timing: Wait a split second after they spawn before Clawlining—they need to stabilize first.
- • Falling rocks: For the ceiling rocks, cling to the side, not directly underneath, or they'll knock you off.
- • Crumbling platforms: You have about 2 seconds on crumbling platforms. Don't hesitate.
Controls Reminder
Make sure you're comfortable with these controls before starting:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't be like me. Learn from these mistakes so you don't have to make them yourself:
Going Too Fast Too Soon
Yeah, there's a timer, but rushing leads to mistakes. Take your time at safe spots to plan your route. The 15-second timer is more forgiving than you think.
→ Solution: Breathe. Plan. Execute. Don't panic-jump.
Missing the Hidden Benches
Both of the mid-climb benches are behind breakable walls. If you don't know to look for them, you'll miss them and have a way harder time.
→ Solution: Attack suspicious-looking walls when you see them. If there's debris piled up, hit it.
Not Buying the Map
Shakra sells the Mount Fay map near the beginning. It's cheap and super helpful for orienting yourself. Don't skip it because you're saving currency.
→ Solution: Bring Rosary Strings. Buy the map. Thank me later.
Forgetting to Look Down
Some safe spots are below you, not above. When you're descending through the spike sections or down shafts, look for wall-mounted heat sources.
→ Solution: Pan your camera down during descents. Safe spots aren't always where you expect.
Fighting the Enemies
You don't have time to fight. The flying bugs and crystal enemies are obstacles to navigate around or use as platforms. Don't waste time trying to kill them.
→ Solution: Grapple and go. Only attack if something is directly blocking your path.
Attempting With Low Health
Starting a section with less than full health is asking to die. The cold damage adds up fast, and you need that buffer.
→ Solution: Rest at every bench. Heal to full before leaving safe spots. Health is your most valuable resource here.
Attempting Before You're Ready
If you don't have the Clawline or you're still shaky on basic platforming, Mount Fay will destroy you. There's no shame in coming back later.
→ Solution: Make sure you've got all the required abilities and you're comfortable with advanced platforming before starting.
What Changes After Getting the Faydown Cloak
So you've got the double jump. Now what? Here's everything that changes and what you should do next:
Immediate Changes
- Mount Fay becomes safe: The cold no longer damages you (except icy water). Feel free to explore and grab any collectibles you missed.
- Movement feels different: You'll need to get used to having the extra jump. Practice incorporating it into your movement flow.
- Secret areas appear: Tons of previously unreachable ledges and platforms are now accessible throughout Pharloom.
What to Do Next
Priority: Progress the Story
The double jump is required to unlock Act 3. Head back to The Citadel and follow the main story objectives. New areas will open up now that you can reach higher platforms.
Backtrack for Collectibles
Remember all those high ledges you couldn't reach before? Time to revisit old areas:
- • Mask Shards in hard-to-reach spots
- • Hidden Mementos and collectibles
- • Secret alcoves in Watcher's Spire and Deep Dross
- • Alternative paths and shortcuts
Complete Side Quests
Several quests require double jump to complete:
- • Great Taste of Pharloom (finding all fleas)
- • Various NPC questlines
- • Hidden boss fights
Tackle Late-Game Bosses
Many late-game bosses have vertical arenas or aerial attacks that are way easier to handle with double jump. If you were struggling with certain bosses before, revisit them now.
Combat Applications
Don't sleep on how useful double jump is in combat:
- Aerial dodging: Jump over attacks, then double jump to reposition mid-air. Super useful for ground-based boss attacks.
- Extended air time: Stay above enemies longer for aerial combos and downward strikes.
- Quick escapes: Get out of danger zones fast by double jumping away from telegraphed attacks.
- Combo potential: Combine with dash, glide, and Clawline for crazy movement options during boss fights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the Faydown Cloak in Act 1?
Technically yes, but it's insanely hard. Some speedrunners and platforming gods have managed to reach Mount Fay early through advanced techniques, but for normal players, you need Act 2 progression and the Clawline. Don't torture yourself trying to get it early.
Is Mount Fay required to beat the game?
Yes. The Faydown Cloak double jump is mandatory for unlocking Act 3 and progressing the main story. You can't skip it.
How long does it take to climb Mount Fay?
Your first time through, expect 1-2 hours of attempts and deaths while learning the route. Once you know the way, a clean run takes about 15-20 minutes from bottom to top. Speedrunners can do it in under 10 minutes.
What happens if I fall during the climb?
If you die, you respawn at the last bench you rested at. This is why finding and unlocking the hidden benches is so important—they save you from having to redo huge sections. Your progress in terms of shortcuts (broken walls) stays permanent even if you die.
Can I come back to Mount Fay later?
Absolutely. After getting the Faydown Cloak, you can freely explore Mount Fay without worrying about cold damage. Come back to hunt for collectibles, complete side quests, or just enjoy the view from the summit.
Are there any collectibles I should grab on the way up?
There are some collectibles scattered throughout, but honestly, focus on reaching the top first. Once you have the Faydown Cloak and cold immunity, you can come back and explore safely. Don't stress about grabbing everything on your first climb—survival is hard enough.
What's the easiest route up Mount Fay?
There's pretty much only one main route. The path is linear with some slight variations in platforming sequences, but you can't skip major sections. Follow the route outlined in this guide—it's the standard path that most players use.
Do any charms help with Mount Fay?
Charms that increase your health, improve healing efficiency, or give you extra mobility are helpful. Some players also swear by charms that reduce fall damage. Experiment with your charm loadout to find what works for your playstyle.
Is there a Lost Flea in Mount Fay?
Yes! There's one Lost Flea hidden in Mount Fay, tied to the Faydown Cloak acquisition. You'll encounter it as part of reaching the summit.
Wrapping Up
Mount Fay is brutal, no doubt about it. It's one of Silksong's toughest challenges, and it'll test every platforming skill you've developed up to this point. But man, when you finally reach that summit and claim the Faydown Cloak, it feels incredible.
The double jump isn't just a cool ability—it fundamentally changes how you play the game. Suddenly, areas that felt impossible become accessible. Boss fights that kicked your ass become manageable. The entire world opens up in ways you didn't realize were possible.
Yeah, you're gonna die a bunch of times learning the route. Yeah, the cold damage mechanic is stressful. But trust me, stick with it. Take breaks if you need to. Learn the sections one at a time. Use those benches. And remember—every death is teaching you something about the route.
Once you've conquered Mount Fay, you'll have one of Silksong's most satisfying accomplishments under your belt. Plus, you know, the whole Act 3 progression thing. So get out there and climb that freezing mountain. The Faydown Cloak is waiting for you at the top.
Good luck on your climb! You got this.
Guide last updated September 2025