By David Smith The Twisted Bud in Hollow Knight: Silksong is super important, but it can be tricky to figure out how to use it. If you leave it sitting in your inventory, it’ll just be all whiny and annoying, so let’s dive into what it does and how you can use it effectively!
Getting the Twisted Bud unlocks a new crest or a unique ending called Twisted Child. To go for that ending, you’ll need to infect yourself with it, which comes with some serious restrictions on Hornet’s healing and tool use. But don’t worry—if you regret the decision, there’s a way to remove it. Think of it similar to getting infected in Elden Ring for a unique ending versus going back to normal.
Where to Find the Twisted Bud in Silksong
You can snag the Twisted Bud in a hidden chamber sealed off by roots in the northwest of Bilewater. Get there by taking Sinner’s Road or dropping down from the Whispering Vaults. Look for a hidden passage in the top right corner, jump over some cogs, and drop down a giant shaft into a worm pit.
Once you’re at the bottom, head right, drop down, and smash some vines to follow the crying sound until you find the Twisted Bud on a pedestal. If you missed it, don’t sweat it—you can still grab it in Act 3!
How to Use the Twisted Bud in Silksong
To use the Twisted Bud, you first have to complete the Rite of the Pollip quest for Greyroot in Shellwood. Deliver all six pollips, and you’ll unlock the Rite of Rebirth quest where Greyroot infests you with the bud. Here’s what you should know:
- It removes your crest, so you can’t equip tools.
- It restricts your silk usage for healing.
- You’ll have the Witch Crest moveset only.
But if you want to get rid of it, there’s a quest for that too! Here’s what you can do:
- Remove the Twisted Bud: This grants you the Witch Crest.
- Keep the Twisted Bud: Beat the last boss of Act 2 for the Twisted Child ending.
How to Remove the Twisted Bud in Silksong
Before starting the Rite of Rebirth, make sure you have 260 Rosaries ready, preferably as Rosary Strings. After Greyroot uses the root, you’ll wake up in the Chapel of the Witch and can venture to regions like The Marrow or back to Shellwood.
Next, navigate to Greymoor and find the tower near the Chapel of the Reaper. With your tools disabled, use landmarks you know to guide you to the nearby bellhome and knock on Yarnaby’s door.
Yarnaby will give you the Infestation Operation quest. Your next stop is Sinner’s Road to find Crull and Benjin for Steel Spines. From the Sinner’s Road bench, head across the shaft into a room with cages and worm pits, then climb to the top right corner.
Crull and Benjin will want 260 Rosaries, but if you’re in Act 3 and they’ve already perished, you can loot the items from them. Return to Yarnaby and she will remove the Twisted Bud for you, granting the Witch Crest.
Now, about the Witch Crest: it may seem tricky since it appears you can’t heal, but it has an offensive healing ability. Hit enemies to heal yourself when binding, which adds a unique twist to gameplay.
Happy gaming, and may your journey in Hollow Knight: Silksong be epic!